Leading the Cavalries Charge

We’re getting closer and closer to the first ABL pitch on November 6^th. It’s been a long process getting franchises and the league established, but for the Canberra team things have happened in a flash. Being the last group entered into the competition, the team from the nations capital has had to work at double speed to get the operation up and running. These challenges and the perception that the Canberra franchise would be an also ran tickled the Defensive Specialists fancy and made it imperative that the General Manager, Tony Fraser sat down with the Defensive Specialist to answer a number of key questions.

Here’s what Tony had top say:

The Canberra franchise was the last team on board. What have been you’re biggest priorities this offseason in preparation for the inaugural ABL season?

Capitalising on the great work that was done during the “Let’s do it Canberra” project. A lot of people and companies pledged membership and sponsorship support at the time. Since then it’s been a matter of turning those pledges into reality. So far the response has been very strong in that regard. Our plan is to build on that and grow it further so that we can ensure we have a strong financial and supporter base in place.

There was a huge push by the Canberra baseball community to get a team in Canberra. What sort of crowd sizes are you expecting?

We have budgeted for 750 per game however, as I mentioned above, the response to our membership drive has been excellent so far, with more season ticket holders at this point in time than any other team except Sydney. I am confident we will average well in excess of our budgeted target, especially when people find out what an amazingly fun experience a Cavalry game will provide both on and off the field.

There has been talk that the new field in Canberra has the potential to be the best in Australia. How is the facility coming along and what features makes it the premier baseball field in the country?

Work at Narrabundah got underway last week and thanks to the financial support of the ACT Government will be revamped from a comparatively tired venue to a very spruced up one with new TV standard lighting also being installed. The layout of the ballpark makes it extremely fan friendly as all spectators will be able to position themselves very close to the action. Narrabundah also holds the advantage over other state team venues in that the vast majority of its support population live within a 20 minute drive of it. This year is phase one of what we expect will be an ongoing process over the next few years with plans for continued development and additional infrastructure.

What was the reasoning behind the choice of ‘Cavalry” as the team name?

The easiest way to answer this is to quote from the media release that went out on 5 August when the team name and logo were announced.

“The cavalry’s battle call is an integral part of baseball culture, and can be heard at ballparks around the world. The bugle signalling the charge has prompted support for the home team’s attack for as long as baseball has been played in front of crowds. The team moniker further reflects the ‘charge’ the Canberra community made to bring baseball to the capital. Local fans can lay claim to Canberra's inclusion as the sixth team into the League after a resoundingly successful “Lets Do It Canberra” campaign that saw nearly 5,000 baseball enthusiasts and sponsors pledge support”.

How far away are you from announcing a manager and coaching staff?

Steve Shrenk has just been announced as coach of the Canberra Cavalry for the 2010/2011 season. He is part of the Phillies organisation and is a sensational acquisition for the team with a great record as a player at Major and Minor League level and as a Coach in winning two championships since commencing his coaching career in 2002. He will be very ably supported by Brent Phelan, the ACT Academy of Sport coach will be the Assistant Coach.

Canberra’s baseball community is obviously one of the smallest in the country. How are you planning on filling out the roster?

Whilst the current baseball community in Canberra is relatively small in number compared with other parts of the country, it is extremely passionate and has already got right behind the Cavalry in terms of support and promotion. However, we are not simply going to be relying on it to fill the venue. We are targeting the broader Canberra community and believe we will be showcasing a team and overall on and off-field product in the National Capital that will attract a whole new legion of fans and new players. Season membership and individual ticket prices have been set at a level that is extremely family friendly. A family membership for 2 adults and 2 children covering all 20 home games costs just $350 if purchased before the early bird special expires on September 15. That works out at just $17.50 per game for the whole family to attend or less than $4.50 each! Season memberships can be purchased from the Cavalry website at www.canberracavalry.com.au

The baseball community in Canberra is set to grow significantly!

Have you managed to secure the biggest current names in Canberra baseball– Kimpton, Collins & Kent to be a part of the Canberra team?

These three players are definite and obvious targets of ours, however we won’t be in a position to name individual signings until the entire squad is finalised. This should be at the end of this month.

Are you able to give any indication where you will be drawing your professional players from and which MLB you will be affiliated with?

In general terms the players will include the best Canberra has to offer as well as what we expect to be a mix of other top Australian players, US, and Japanese players. You can expect an array of exceptionally exciting names and players of differing styles who Canberra will quickly take to heart!

It is widely assumed that the Cavalry will struggle to compete. Do you feel the team will be competitive or will it take time to be a contender?

I am extremely confident that the team representing the Cavalry this year will be more than simply competitive. We are not here just to make up the numbers.

What sort of publicity and promotional activities do you have lined up?

All will be revealed shortly but we have already gained the support in this regard of TV, radio and print as well as sponsor support in this regard. Things will pick up markedly once the team is announced and arrives in town

If the election is ever decided, will you have the Prime Minister to throw out the first pitch? Rumour has it Julia Gillard has a wicked slider and Tony Abbott throws like a girl.

There’s only one way to find out!

Tony, many thanks for providing an insight to the Canberra Cavalry franchise. Many within the baseball community are assuming the worst in terms of on field performance out of Canberra, so here’s hoping that the team can be as competitive on the yard as they seem prepared off it. With a new facility and the support of the local community the franchise should thrive and compete immediately.

The Defensive Specialist still hasn’t received his pale blue socks as part of the Sydney Blue Sox membership, but the good news is that on September 30^th, the Defensive Specialist gets to head out to the stadium and choose his seat. Ideally that seat would be in the dugout, but if that spot isn’t available the Defensive Specialist is willing to accept offers to be seat companions. Hit the inbox if you’re interested.