Saints Set To Play Ball In Premier League

City of Port Phillip
St Kilda Baseball Club will return to the Victorian Summer Baseball League's (VSBL) Premier League for the first time in 62 years following the Club's State League premiership in March.

The Saints' Firsts team triumphed over Ormond-Glen Huntly, winning 2-0 in the best-of-three grand final series cementing the team's promotion to Victoria's highest baseball division.

St Kilda will now aim to capture its first Premier League premiership since 1953.

St Kilda Baseball Club President Matthew Turnbull spoke to Divercity to share what the big win meant for the club and its former players.

"We had a great show of support from some of our life members who came down to cheer on the team," he said.

"One of the life members burst into tears he was that happy. And these are guys who are in their 70s, 80s and almost 90s who wanted to show their support."

Picture: Jonathon Momsen

The Saints enjoyed a successful summer season with multiple teams making the finals in their respective divisions. This consistency was rewarded as St Kilda was named as State League Club Champion, an award that recognises the combined success of all teams competing for the Club.

"At the end of the day it's a reflection on the Club as a whole and what we have achieved. It's the cherry on top after taking out the State League premiership and earning the promotion," Turnbull said.

Founded in 1879, St Kilda Baseball Club has a rich history, including being recognised as Australia's oldest baseball club. The team was one of the founding clubs of the Victorian Baseball League which formed in 1890.

"The club was formed initially to play against the American navy when they would arrive by ship and dock in Melbourne," Turnbull said.

"People would see the Americans playing baseball and join in until our Club was formed to be the main team to play against the navy."

Turnbull said the Club is proud of its history but also has a keen eye on a promising future.

"We have all of our premiership flags displayed in our clubhouse and they all hang from the walls," he said.

"We have quite a few flags from the minor divisions but at the end of the day we want that top Premier League flag.

"Baseball may not be the biggest sport, but we've got a proud history. It's an exciting time for the Club and we can't wait to see where we go."

St Kilda Baseball Club is based in Albert Park and features men's, women's and junior teams welcoming players of all abilities and ages.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.