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Baseball WA is a nonprofit origination the controls all baseball played in Western Australia. Along with the ABF franchise Barbagallo Perth HEAT baseball is back on the rise in Western Australia. Since baseball is the American Past Time Baseball WA has close ties with the American community of Western Australia.
Currently there is 22 Barbagallo Perth HEAT players that have played in America in a College System or Professional Baseball. There is also 25 West Australian’s currently playing College Baseball. As baseball continues to grow we look forward to building a deeper relationship with the West Australian Americans.
During the State League (highest level of club) Season you can find more than 30 American Imports playing club baseball in Western. The State League coaches count on their American contacts to provide their club with American Players. This is great for the sport of baseball as it helps grow and provide a level of coaching that is need to keep the game strong.
The clubs that bring out American Imports allow their American players to participate in a exhibition game vs the Barbagallo Perth HEAT. This is a great event as it enables the fan of Western Australia the opportunity to see a high standard of baseball. This game is also great as it introduces the American players to one another so they can help each get acquainted for their stay in Perth.
Currently Baseball WA employs 4 full time American employees. This enables Baseball WA to have knowledge outside of the Australian market and knowledge from professional baseball.
Steve Fish
Steve Fish is a former professional baseball player and coach from the USA. He spent 5 seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and was also their minor league player of the year in 1998. Following his professional career, Steve played two stints for the Wanneroo Giants in 2003 and 2008 where he was named Baseball WA’s fairest and best both years. Steve is currently the coach of the Wanneroo Baseball Club who has won the State League championship in 2008/09 season. Currently Steve is the Go for 2 and 5 High Performance Director for Baseball WA.
Shane Tonkin
Shane has pitched in three different continents of the world. Shane was a member of the Australian national team from 1991-2001. Shane was also a member of the Australian team that played in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Shane was also a member of the Perth HEAT from 1989- 1999. After the fall of the ABL Shane went on to play for Taipei Suns of the Taiwan Major League for two years 1999-2001. After a Taiwan Shane went on to play in Italy (2001-2004). Shane has also been involved in developing the game; Shane has been a coach at WAIS and the Under 18’s national team. Shane is currently the General Manager of the Barbagallo Perth HEAT and is commencing his 5th season with Baseball WA.
Geoff Hooker
Geoff is the current Managing Director of Baseball WA. Geoff has a strong presence in the baseball community. Geoff has been involved in the game for over 20 years.In Geoff’s early years he was part of various state teams and went on to play College Baseball in Oregon. After his days in college Geoff returned home and played for various clubs throughout his career. Geoff’s family started Fielder’s Choice. Fielder’s Choice is a baseball, softball and tee ball specialist. Currently Fielder’s Choice is the largest baseball, softball and tee ball shop in Australia. Through Geoff’s savvy business techniques he has resurrected the game back to elite standards. Geoff is one of the great personalities that head Baseball WA.
Travis Kalin
Travis is a new addition to the Baseball WA and Perth HEAT family. Travis played 5 seasons of professional baseball for the Minnesota Twins. Travis was also a college infield coach for Rollins College for 2 years. Travis is the current Marketing Manager of Baseball WA and Barbagallo Perth HEAT. Travis’ first stint in Australia was in 2005 when he played for the Gosnells Baseball Club. Currently Travis plays for the Swan Districts Baseball Club. Last year Travis was named to the State League All- Star Team. Travis is engaged to a lovely Australian girl and plans on staying in Perth for awhile.
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