Batter up, Monash Baseball Club turns 50
Monash University 1972 Inter-Varsity Baseball team
The Monash University Baseball Club will celebrate its 50th anniversary at a gala dinner next weekend.
Club President Benedict Chiu said past and current players will come together to celebrate the club’s milestone.
“The night is all about celebrating the club's first 50 years, as well as reuniting team members both past and present,” Mr Chiu said.
“The opportunity to celebrate a significant milestone like this doesn't come very often and we didn't want to miss this opportunity to reflect on and celebrate our first 50 years, and look towards the next 50 years.
"We have a large number of former players coming for the reunion from interstate and overseas, which to me shows how much the club means to these members."
Mr Chiu said the evening was set to be a “phenomenal night”.
“Australian baseball legend Matt Sheldon-Collins will be giving a speech and we will be re-enacting the minutes of the club’s first meeting back in 1963 with our current players," he said.
"We plan to have a number of interviews onstage with past members, including Phil Bertrand and former first premiership coach, Alby Price, among others. We will also be making a large number of our archives from the last 50 years available for viewing and finally we also have some surprises up our sleeve,” he said.
A BBQ and ceremony will be held during the day at the club’s first and seconds doubleheader matches against Bundoora at the baseball diamond, with Alby Price throwing the first pitch.
“There will also be a ceremony introducing eight of the club’s first nine premiership players from 1972, as well as other old timers, who will hand out the team's gloves to respective players as they run onto the field,” Mr Chiu said.
Tickets can still be purchased from the Monash University Baseball website.