In its second season the club grew to four teams and the Under 8s coached by Darren Moss won the club’s first premiership. The club has since been involved with the Active After Schools Community (AASC), providing baseball basics to Outside Hours School Care Centres at Newtown Primary, Erskineville Public, Glenmore Road Public, Rozelle Primary and others.
The Red Sox organised a School Against School Gala between Newtown and Glenmore Road schools and a friendly match between Rozelle Primary and another baseball club, and the Sydney Blue Sox, NSW’s only professional team, gave all the players a free game pass to the upcoming Australian League Series. For their efforts, the Red Sox and founder Gary Fishburn were awarded Certificates of Appreciation by the Australian Sports Commission.
Gary stepped down from the president’s role, which was taken up by a young Indigenous man, Dominic Zahra, and the club continues to flourish. Gary has since been appointed the Executive Director of the RHBL Hawks, the league in which the Red Sox plays. The league extends from Sydney to Berowra, the Coast to Parramatta.
Gary says the role is rewarding and challenging, and he is currently working with Autism Spectrum, starting a senior social weekly league for adults called Hawkball and a winter junior T-Ball league.
Next season, in response to demand, Gary is forming another club in the area – the St Peters Pirates. He will start with one team of 5 and 6 year olds (the RazSkulls), offering a transition from playground to sports field league with lots of fun and games, and little competition.
Petersham, which celebrates 113 years in 2013, is also looking to establish junior teams if appropriate resources can be found (contact murphy015@yahoo.com.au).
This season the Red Sox has had to limit its recruitment efforts due to available funds and resources. The Red Sox boasts more than 60 per cent Indigenous players but some kids are still missing out. Anybody who can help with sponsorship or volunteering (particularly drivers) would be very welcomed. Please contact Dominic Zahra on 0425 209 179.
