Canberra Cavalry

Last updated

Canberra Cavalry
Canberra Cavalry logo (2019).png
Information
League Australian Baseball League
Location Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Ballpark MIT Ballpark
Founded2010(14 years ago) (2010)
Nickname(s)Cavs
League championships1 (2012–13)
Division championships1 (2012–13)
Asia series championships1 (2013)
Colours  Orange
  Black
  White
Playoff berths7
Retired numbers41
OwnershipInfielder Pty Ltd
Manager Flag of Australia (converted).svg Keith Ward
General Manager Flag of Australia (converted).svg Sunny Singh
Chief Executive Officer Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brendon Major
Website Canberracavalry.com.au
Uniforms
Canberra Cavalry uniform.png

The Canberra Cavalry (nicknamed Cavs) is a professional baseball team from Canberra, ACT, Australia. Established in 2010, the team is a founding member of the Australian Baseball League (ABL). The Cavs home ground is Narrabundah Ballpark, known as MIT Ballpark for sponsorship reasons. The Cavalry are one-time Claxton Shield Champions and one-time Asian Champions.

Contents

History

Canberra Cavalry baseball team, with the Championship Claxton Shield for 2012-13 Canberra Cavalry - Claxton Shield 2013.JPG
Canberra Cavalry baseball team, with the Championship Claxton Shield for 2012–13
2013 Asia Series champions banner 2013 Asia Series champions banner.jpg
2013 Asia Series champions banner
The Cavalry first primary logo used first eight seasons between 2010/11 - 2018/19 Canberra cavalry.png
The Cavalry first primary logo used first eight seasons between 2010/11 – 2018/19
Special anniversary logo used on jersey sleeve patches to celebrate the Cavalry's 10 years of operation during the 2019-20 season Canberra Cavalry 10 year logo.png
Special anniversary logo used on jersey sleeve patches to celebrate the Cavalry's 10 years of operation during the 2019–20 season

Bid and establishment

In 2009, Major League Baseball (MLB) invited Canberra to bid for the sixth and final licence to join the inaugural season of the reformed Australian Baseball League (ABL). The bid, named "Let's do it Canberra", was organised by ACT Baseball Association Commissioner Theo Vassalakis and was tasked with meeting the entry criteria of securing the needed sponsorship, community membership and facility upgrades by September 2009. This included three-year sponsorship deals worth $100,000 per annum, 5,000 $20 memberships and ACT Government funding to upgrade the Narrabundah Ballpark to AA standard. In November 2009, Canberra's bid was successful and the ABL in conjunction with the MLB made the announcement of the decision to grant an ABL licence to the successful bidding team. [1] [2]

The team was subsequently founded in 2010 as the Canberra Cavalry. The team entered the reformed Australian Baseball League (ABL) as sixth and final founding member, following the establishment of five other teams from capital cities around Australia. [3]

Originally the team was going to be named the Canberra Colts, but a legal dispute with Canberra-based Super Rugby team, ACT Brumbies, resulted in the team changing their plans and choosing Cavalry instead. The Brumbies local rugby union premier division is named the Colts, with all teams competing in the division adopting the moniker at the end of their club names. [4]

First season (2010–11)

The Cavalry started putting their front and back office staff in 2010 in the lead up to the ABL regular season starting in November 2010. Tony Fraser was appointed the team's founding general manager (GM) with Megan Salic joining as assistant general manager. [5] On 8 September 2010, the Cavs announced former MLB and Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Steve Schrenk would be the team's inaugural head coach. Schrenk arrived in Canberra from New Jersey with over two decades of playing and coaching experience behind him. [6] [7]

On 7 November 2010, Canberra lost its first ever ABL game away in Sydney against the Sydney Blue Sox. At Blacktown Olympic Park, the game was the inaugural ABL game with ABL Operations Manager, Ben Foster, and young Australian baseballer, Louis Verdon, arriving on the pitch by helicopter to open the game by passing on the ball Foster caught off the final pitch of the original ABL in February 1999. Verdon then delivered the first ceremonial pitch of the new ABL. Steven Kent impressed for Canberra but the visitors lost the game 0–1. [8]

The Cavalry won their first ABL game on 18 November 2010 at home in Narrabundah. In front of 1,300 fans, Korean import, Kyu-Hyun Moon inspired Canberra to a 5–2 victory over the Melbourne Aces with a left field home run, the first ever home run at the new Narrabundah Ballpark. [9]

The Cavs missed out on the play-offs in their first season despite having a very good defensive record. Their offense however was not as impressive, ranking sixth in runs scored. Dutch born shortstop Didi Gregorius, was named ABL Golden Glove winner for the inaugural ABL season. Didi, who attracted 43 votes, beat Perth catcher Allan de San Miguel (39 votes) and Adelaide's Stefan Welch (38 votes) to the award. [10]

Australian and Asian champions

In 2012–13, the Cavs claimed the ultimate titles on offer to Australian baseball teams. They finished the regular season in top spot in the league standings, clinching the minor premiership and qualifying for the playoffs. [11] Canberra was selected as the home venue for the best of three Championship series, which would be broadcast in 40 countries worldwide and a possible audience for 40 million people. [12] Canberra defeated the Perth Heat in the Championship series to claim the ABL Championship and lift the historic Claxton Shield. [13] The Cavs won the series 2–0 with a 6–4 first game win followed by Michael Wells scoring the final home run to secure a 7–6 game two victory. [14] Aaron Sloan was named series MVP. [15] This was a turnaround for a team that finished last in the regular ABL season in 2011–12. A fun fact, during the 2012–13 season, fan action caused the team to change the shirt number of player Marcus Knecht. He was originally wearing shirt number 51 but fans requested he should wear the number 4, in allusion to the game Connect Four; and, this became his catch-cry.

By winning the championship, the Cavalry qualified for the 2013 Asia Series, where they would face the best teams from across Asia, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. The Cavs went into the Asia Series as underdogs with the Canberra outfit's wage bill of $47,000 for their roster tiny compared to some of their rivals, the Golden Eagles for example spending $23.5 million on their roster. [16]

On the road to the Asian Series final, Canberra won two of three games. They defeated EDA Rhinos 2–0 and lost to Rakuten Golden Eagles 6–3 in the group stage to finish second in their group before defeating Korean team Samsung Lions 9–5 in the semi-finals to qualify for the Asia Series final. It was the first time an Australian team had won a game at the Asia Series and the first time an Australian team had qualified for the final. [16]

In the final, held on 20 November 2013 in Taichung, Taiwan, the Cavs played Taiwanese team Uni-Lions in a one-game winner takes all final. Canberra won the coin toss and was designated the 'home' team. The Cavalry started the game well, leading 2–0 at the end of the first innings. The Lion responded and took a 4–2 lead. The Cavs pulled one back in the fourth innings before a seventh innings blitz saw Canberra score five runs and take a commanding 8–4 lead. The free scoring continued in the eighth innings with the Cavalry scoring a further six runs, including a loaded bases home run, hit by American catcher Jack Murphy. The Cavs pitcher Sean Wesley Toler then sealed the 14–4 victory by pitching out the Lions at the top of the ninth to end the game. [17] The Canberra Cavalry were crowned Asian Champions, with Jack Murphy named most valuable player. [18] The title netted the ABL $500,000 in prize money. It would be reinvested in the league, not just the Cavalry. [19]

2014 to 2021

In 2013–14, the Cavalry looked to go back-to-back and secure a second consecutive Claxton Shield and ABL Championship title. The Cavs finished the regular season in third place in the league standings and qualified for the preliminary final against rivals Sydney Blue Sox. Canberra lost the first game against Sydney in the best of three preliminary final, but fought back and defeated the Blue Sox in the remaining two games to claim the series win. [20] There was a controversial umpire call in the second game that gave the Cavalry the victory and a shot at the series win. Keon Broxton, Sydney outfielder, went 'berserk' when he was called out attempting to run to home base. [21]

Canberra come up against Perth Heat once more in the ABL Championship final series. However, unlike the previous season, Perth took the lead in the series, Canberra levelled before Perth won game three and took out the series and were crowned champions. The Cavs left one win short of their goal for the season. [22] [23]

Between 2014–15 and 2017–18, Canberra made the playoffs twice. In 2015–16, the Cavs finished second in the league standings to qualify for the preliminary finals. The Cavalry had the best attack in the league that season, averaging 5.71 runs per game across the 56-game season, however they had the league worst pitching statistics. [24] In the preliminary final, Canberra came up against Adelaide Bite at home at MIT Ballpark, after ABL operations manager, Ben Foster, locked in the Canberra venue early for the series regardless of league positioning. A decision made due to the proximity of Australia Day and a desire to get ticket sales moving before then. [25] The series went to three games, with the Canberrans forcing a deciding game, with a close 3–2 win, after losing the first game 6–4. The Cavs could not contain the Bite in the third crucial game however, and lost 9–2, in what was a comfortable win for Adelaide in the end. [26]

In In 2017–18, on the way to the Cavalry finishing third in the league standings to again qualify for the preliminary finals, 10 Cavs players were called up to the ABL All Stars game. [27] Canberra faced Perth Heat in the preliminary final series and in a familiar manner the Cavs lost the opening game, 6–3 and won the second game, 6–3, to force a third game decider. Unlike in 2016, the Cavs won game three in Perth, 3–1, to win the series and advance to their third ever ABL Championship series. [28] In the Championship series, the Cavalry played the Brisbane Bandits, with the first game played in Canberra and the second and third games played in Brisbane at Holloway Field. [28] Canberra was looking for its second Claxton Shield, while the Bandits were looking to become the first team in ABL history to go threepeat and win the championship for the third season in a row. Canberra won at home in game one and then headed north to Brisbane where the Bandits drew the series level and forced a deciding game. Tempers flared in the third game as a tightly contested game saw the Cavalry come up short and lose 4–2, granting Brisbane their historic threepeat ABL title win. [29] [30]

In 2018, the Cavs retired their first jersey number ahead of the opening game of the 2018–19 season. Long time ABL pitcher, Brian Grening, would not be convinced to keep going and retired from playing duties. To mark this occasion, the Cavalry retired his number 41 jersey at Narrabundah Ballpark ahead of then opening home series against the Brisbane Bandits. Grening's number was the first number retirement in Cavs history. [31] The cavalry also decided to celebrate the 998 people and businesses that donated $20 to the 'Let's Do It, Canberra!' bid in 2009 that led to the Cavalry creation in 2010 by inviting all 998 to the opening game of the season for a Campaign Pledge Reunion. Each of the 998 people and businesses were given free double passes to the game as well as an exclusive commemorative game day program, and took to the field before the game for a campaign reunion photo. [32]

In July 2018 the Cavalry management announced they had signed a strategic partnership agreement with Japanese baseball team Yokohama BayStars. The agreement would cover on and off-field aspects of Cavs operations and provide an opportunity pathway for Australian and Japanese players and staff to experience both organisations. The agreement took 12 months to be finalised from first concept. [33] [34]

Canberra also celebrated its history in baseball in 2018, with a throwback night held at Narrabundah in a home series against Auckland Tuatara. The event marked 25 years since the ACT arrived on the national baseball scene and saw the Cavalry play in a throwback Canberra Bushrangers white kit with black pinstripes, teal trim and black caps. The Bushrangers competed in the old Australian Baseball League between 1993 and 1995. A dozen Bushranger alumni attended the event and were presented to the crowd, including current Cavalry manager, Keith Ward, and coach, Michael Wells. [35]

On 3 July 2019, ahead of the new 2019–20 ABL season, the Cavalry announced a major brand redesign at MIT Ballpark that encompassed new logos, uniforms and merchandise to mark the team's ten-year anniversary. [36]

Canberra's primary logo would remain a horse head but would become a grey horse with orange mane, rather than the original brown horse with black mane. The secondary logo would be updated from an interlocking 'CC' typography into interlocking stylised horseshoes positioned sideways to keep the 'CC' effect. [36]

The new home uniforms would become primarily white with orange accents and feature 'CAVALRY' script on the front with away uniforms predominantly orange with black accents and feature 'CAVS' script on the front. A third uniform was also introduced that is predominantly black with orange accents and featured 'The Capital' script on the front. Home and away uniforms would feature grey pants and either black or grey socks. The new hats included a black, orange, and white colored panel hat with the primary horse logo on the front and an all orange hat with a single sideways horseshoe from the secondary logo. [36]

In October 2019, the Cavalry and MLB team Houston Astros signed an official affiliate partner agreement that would see Astros pay to send players to Canberra each season of the agreement. The length of the agreement was not released publicly. [37]

Also in 2019, the Cavs submitted a bid in July to become part of the new Australian Baseball League women's league. [38] On 24 October 2019, it was announced the Canberra Cavalry was successful in their bid to join the new women's league and was granted one of four licences, alongside Adelaide Giants, Baseball Victoria and the Brisbane Bandits. [39]

2022 to present

Ahead of the 2022 season, it was revealed the Cavs had signed a new overseas partnership agreement with MLB team Toronto Blue Jays. The agreement would see two players from Toronto join the Cavalry for the 2022–23 ABL season. [40] The successful partnership with Yokohama BayStars was renewed, after being suspended during the COVID-19 affected period. Two Japanese pitches would be sent to the Cavalry for the 2022–23 ABL season, off-field support and community engagement would be resumed, including school visits, coaching clinics and a dedicated Japanese themed night at MIT Ballpark. [41]

Season-by-season records

Canberra Cavalry Season-by-Season Record
SeasonRegular seasonPlayoffsManager
RecordWin %FinishResultWCSFEFPFCHAMP
2010–11 12–24.3336th Flag of the United States.svg Steve Schrenk
2011–12 20–25.4446th Flag of the United States.svg Steve Schrenk
2012–13 27–19.5871stChampionsWon Flag of the United States.svg Steve Schrenk, Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael Collins
2013–14 22–24.4783rdRunners-upWonLost Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael Collins
2014–15 22–24.4784th Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael Collins
2015–16 31–25.5542ndPreliminary FinalLost Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael Collins
2016–17 20–20.5004th Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael Collins
2017–18 24–15.6153rdRunners-upWonLost Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael Collins
2018–19 23–17.5753rd NDSemi FinalWonLost Flag of Australia (converted).svg Keith Ward
2019–20 17–17.5002nd NDSemi FinalWonLost Flag of Australia (converted).svg Keith Ward
2020–21 11–14.4404th3rdWonLostWonPremature end Flag of Australia (converted).svg Keith Ward
2021–22 ABL season cancelled due to COVID-19
2022–23 18–190.4863rd ND Flag of Australia (converted).svg Keith Ward
2023-24 12–27.3085th Flag of Australia (converted).svg Keith Ward
Totals259–1700.60412–13 Playoff Record
3 Championship series, 1 ABL Championship

Championships

Gold medal icon.svgChampions (1): 2012–13
Silver medal icon.svg Runners-Up (2): 2013–14, 2017–18
Gold medal icon.svgPremiers (1): 2012–13
Silver medal icon.svg Runners-Up (2): 2015–16, 2019–20
Gold medal icon.svgChampions (1): 2013

Players

Current roster

Team roster for the 2020–21 Australian Baseball League season. [42]

Active RosterCoaching staff
Pitchers

Right-handed pitchers

Left-handed pitchers

  •  8 Flag of the United States.svg Frank Gailey
  • 23 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Steven Kent
  • -- Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jack Lee
  • -- Flag of Australia (converted).svg Travis McDonald
Catchers

Infielders

  • -- Flag of Australia (converted).svg Travis Bazzana
  • -- Flag of Australia (converted).svg Dermott Fritsch
  • -- Flag of Australia (converted).svg Josh Fritsch
  • -- Flag of Germany.svg Donald Lutz
  • -- Flag of Australia (converted).svg Boss Moanaroa
  •  4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Cam Warner

Outfielders

Coaches

  • 12 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Lee Mills
  • -- Flag of the United States.svg Taylor Jockers



Injury icon.svg  : 7-day disabled list

17 December 2020

Alumni in the big leagues

Players who have played at least one game for the Cavalry who play, or have played at least one game, for a Major League Baseball (MLB) team in North America or a Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) team in Japan:

Canberra Cavalry Big League Players
Player nameSeason with CavsMLB or NPB team(s)
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Didi Gregorius 2010–11 Reds, Diamondbacks, Yankees, Phillies
Flag of Germany.svg Donald Lutz 2010–11, 2020–21 Cincinnati Reds
Flag of the United States.svg Kevin Kiermaier 2011–12 Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays
Flag of the United States.svg John Holdzkom 2012–13 Pittsburgh Pirates
Flag of the United States.svg Jon Berti 2013–14 Toronto Blue Jays, Miami Marlins
Flag of the United States.svg Anthony Alford 2014–15 Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates
Flag of the United States.svg Mitch Walding 2014–15 Philadelphia Phillies
Flag of the United States.svg Aaron Thompson 2015–16 Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins
Flag of the United States.svg Ryan Kalish 2017–18 Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs
Flag of the United States.svg Tayler Saucedo 2017–18 Toronto Blue Jays
Flag of Japan.svg Shota Imanaga 2018–19 Yokohama DeNA Bay Stars, Chicago Cubs
Flag of Japan.svg Yuki Kuniyoshi 2018–19 Yokohama DeNA Bay Stars
Flag of Japan.svg Tomoya Mikami 2018–19 Yokohama DeNA Bay Stars
Flag of the United States.svg Madison Younginer 2018–19 Atlanta Braves
Flag of the United States.svg J. J. Hoover 2019–20 Reds, Diamondbacks, Brewers
Flag of the United States.svg Gavin Cecchini 2019–20 New York Mets
Flag of the United States.svg Akeel Morris 2019–20 Mets, Braves, Angels
Flag of Japan.svg Shingo Hirata 2019–20 Yokohama DeNA Bay Stars
Flag of Japan.svg Takamasa Kasai 2019–20 Yokohama DeNA Bay Stars
Flag of Japan.svg Shinichi Onuki 2019–20 Yokohama DeNA Bay Stars
Flag of Japan.svg Kosuke Sakaguchi 2019–20 Yokohama DeNA Bay Stars
Flag of the United States.svg Shawn Morimando 2020–21 Cleveland Indians, Miami Marlins

Franchise records

These are the franchise records for the Canberra Cavalry through the end of the 2020/21 season.

Single season records

Offensive

Hits
RecordHolderYears
67‡Brian Burgamy2011–12
63Jason Leblejijian2015–16
62David Harris2015–16
Doubles
RecordHolderYears
19†Jason Leblejijian2015–16
18Jay Baum2017–18
17Casey Frawley2012–13
Triples
RecordHolderYears
5†Casey Frawley2013–14
4Buddy Reed2017–18
4Ryan Stovall2012–13
Home Runs
RecordHolderYears
15Adam Buschini2012–13
12Brian Burgamy2011–12
12David Kandilas2017–18
12Zach Wilson2018–19
Runs Batted In
RecordHolderYears
50†Adam Buschini2012–13
44David Kandilas2017–18
44Jason Leblejijian2015–16
Stolen Bases
RecordHolderYears
31Jon Berti2013–14
16Jake MacKenzie2022–23
13Scott Kelly2016–17
13Cory Acton2023–24
Walks
RecordHolderYears
34Brian Burgamy2011–12
30Jon Berti2013–14
30Kyle Perkins2017–18
30Bryan Pounds2015–16

† ABL Single Season Record
‡ Tied with Riley Unroe (2015/16) for ABL Single Season Record

Pitching

Wins
RecordHolderYears
7Steve Kent2017–18
6Tim Atherton2014–15
6Brian Grening2015–16
6Steve Kent2015–16
Strikeouts
RecordHolderYears
83Brian Grening2015–16
79Steve Kent2015–16
76Steve Kent2018–19
Saves
RecordHolderYears
11Sean Toler2012–13
11Sean Toler2013–14
10Michael Click2015–16

Career records

Offensive

Games Played
RecordHolderYears
278Robbie Perkins2012–21
184Kyle Perkins2010–14, 2016–20
164Jack Murphy2012–16
Hits
RecordHolderYears
248Robbie Perkins2012–21
180Jack Murphy2012–16
166David Kandilas2016–21
Doubles
RecordHolderYears
45Robbie Perkins2012–21
37Jeremy Barnes2012–16
37Jack Murphy2012–16
Triples
RecordHolderYears
5Casey Frawley2013–14
4Buddy Reed2017–18
4Ryan Stovall2012–13
Home Runs
RecordHolderYears
25Kyle Perkins2010–14, 2016–20
23Zach Wilson2018–21
22Robbie Perkins2012–21
Runs Batted In
RecordHolderYears
122Robbie Perkins2012–21
114Jack Murphy2012–16
100Boss Moanaroa2015–21
Stolen Bases
RecordHolderYears
31Jon Berti2013–14
14Mike Crouse2013–14, 2018–19
14David Kandilas2016–21
Walks
RecordHolderYears
97Robbie Perkins2012–21
73Kyle Perkins2010–14, 2016–20
72Jack Murphy2012–16

Pitching

Innings Pitched
RecordHolderYears
433.2Brian Grening2011–18
320Steve Kent2010–21
159Frank Gailey2017–21
Wins
RecordHolderYears
26Steve Kent2010–21
25Brian Grening2011–18
12Frank Gailey2017–21
Strikeouts
RecordHolderYears
376Brian Grening2011–18
355Steve Kent2010–21
158Frank Gailey2017–21
Saves
RecordHolderYears
22Sean Toler2012–15
20Steve Kent2010–21
15Michael Click2015–18

Staff

Coaching Department

Current coaching staff

Canberra Cavalry Coaches 2020–21
NameRole
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Keith WardManager
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Greg KentCoach
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Lee MillsCoach
Flag of the Bahamas.svg Chavez YoungCoach
Flag of the United States.svg Taylor JockersCoach

References: [43]

Managers

The Cavalry have had 3 managers in the team's history. The team's inaugural manager was former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher and Lakewood BlueClaws pitching coach, Steve Schrenk, who was appointed on 8 September 2010.

No.NameTerm
1 Flag of the United States.svg Steve Schrenk 2010–12
2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael Collins 2012–18
3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Keith Ward2018–24

References: [6] [7] [44] [45]

Club management

General Managers (GM)

The Cavalry have had 5 general managers in the team's history.

No.NameTerm
1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tony Fraser2010–11
2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Peter Bishell2011–13
3 Flag of the United States.svg Thom Carter2012–14
4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Donn McMichael2014–19
5 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Sunny Singh2019–Present

References: [46] [47] [48] [49]

Assistant General Managers (AGM)

The Cavalry have had 6 assistant general managers in the team's history.

No.NameTerm
1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Megan Salic2010–11
2 Flag of the United States.svg Thom Carter2011–12
3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Anthony Cangelosi2013–14
4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Mac Laudenbach2015–16
5 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Sunny Singh2017–19
6 Flag of the United States.svg Frank Gailey2021–Present

References: [5] [50]

Home venue

The Cavalry's home venue where they play home games is Narrabundah Ballpark (known as MIT Ballpark for sponsorship reasons), located in the south-central Canberra suburb of Narrabundah, ACT, Australia. The venue is owned by the ACT Government and has a seating capacity of 2,250. The fans nicknamed the venue "The Fort", which the Cavalry management embraced before the naming rights were sold.

The ballpark received a major renovation upgrade in 2010 with a second stage of upgrades planned for 2017. [51] [52] In January 2018, the ACT Government funded a new $4.5 million upgrade of Narrabundah Ballpark. The purpose of the upgrade was to bring the ballpark up to a standard to attract international use and assist in Cavalry recruitment from Asian and North American affiliated clubs. The upgrade works would include Increasing ground capacity with new match day seating options and a refurbishment of the main grandstand. The building of a new annex for new bathroom, kitchen, bar and function room facilities, as well as space for the establishment of the Canberra Baseball Hall of Fame. The building of a new facility for club officials, scorers, broadcast crew and announcers. Plus, upgrades to the player locker rooms to provide additional space, individual lockers and phone charging points. The upgrade works would take nine months to be completed and be ready in time for the next ABL season. [53] In 2019, the Ballpark became the end-of-season training camp for South Korean baseball team SK Wyverns. [54] In 2020 the Ballpark was again upgraded, this time by CK Architecture on behalf of the ACT Government. The upgrades included building new dugout style seating, upgrades to the entire concourse, building a new clubhouse, bar and new 300 tired-spectator seats for the grandstand as well as improvements to the change rooms and training facilities. [55]

Narrabundah ballpark Canberra ACT AU.jpg
The Fort, 2010, view of the field from grandstand
2014-11-28 Narrabundah Ballpark.jpg
The Fort, 28 November 2014, view of the field from grandstand

Club identity

Ownership

Between 2010 and 2015, Major League Baseball and Baseball Australia owned the Canberra Cavalry, along with all other ABL teams. MLB owned a 75% stake, with Baseball Australian owning a 25% stake. Ahead of the 2016–17 season, the MLB ended its lucrative backing of the ABL and each of its teams. Baseball Australia then took full control of the ABL and each team. [56] [57] In 2016 and 2017, the Cavalry were solely owned by Baseball Australia, as BA looked to privatise and sell the ABL team licences. [56]

On 1 May 2018, ownership of the Canberra Cavalry was transferred to private ownership for the first time. Canberra duo Donn McMichael and Dan Amodio became the new owners. They fronted an ownership group of local community investors named Canberra Community Ownership Group. [58] In March 2019, the ownership team of the Canberra Cavalry acquired the Canberra ice hockey franchise team CBR Brave, with a view to creating Canberra's first multi-sport franchise with a single shared back-office creating efficiencies across both winter and summer seasons. [59] In December 2020 the ABL was called into resolve an ownership and management crisis at the Cavalry. [60] The Cavs subsequently called in administrators in early 2021 with the team in over $400,000 debt and in danger of being wound up. [61] [62]

On 26 April 2021, a new ownership team secured the ABL licence for the Canberra Cavalry and rescued the team from the brink after the collapse of the previous ownership with debts of more than $400,000. The new ownership entity that holds the licence is Infielder Pty Ltd. The company is a 50:50 joint venture between Canberran businessmen Brendan Major and Illya Mastoris. Both partners have been invested in ACT baseball for a number of years with Major's IT company, MIT Services, holding the naming rights to the Narrabundah Ballpark and sponsoring the Cavs for five years. Mastoris on the other hand ran the ballpark's food and beverage sales and corporate hospitality for six years. The new owners retained the services of general manager Sunny Singh, who worked under the old ownership team. [63]

Rivalries

The Canberra Cavalry have a strong rivalry with the Sydney Blue Sox that dates back to the beginning of the Australian Baseball League in 2010. [64] It is the longest rivalry in the league's history. The two teams met in the very first game of the modern league on 6 November 2010 and ever since then they have competed for the Hume Highway Cup. In January 2022, both teams agreed to rename their challenge cup to the Kent-Oxspring Cup, or KO Cup for short. The new name celebrates and recognizes two stalwart players for both teams, Steven Kent for Canberra and Chris Oxspring for Sydney. [65]

Community and charitable work

The Cavs over the years has conducted community engagement and support and raised money for community and charity organisations. Canberra Cavalry have regularly auctioned game-day memorabilia to raise money for different charitable causes including Legacy Australia, who supports family members of service people, the Canberra Hospital Trust, the Heart Foundation, Red Cross ACT, and The Global Poverty Walk's Matt Napier. Since 2014, Canberra Cavalry mascot, Sarge (Josh Williams) has been raising money for Lifeline. [66] In 2019 and 2021, Josh Williams raised $20,000 for Lifeline by completing the 10 km for $10k challenge. In full Sarge costume, Josh walked from Bentspoke Brewpub in Braddon to MIT Ballpark in Narrabundah on both occasions. [67] [68]

In 2020, the Cavs joined other major Canberra sporting organisations, Canberra Capitals, CBR Brave, Canberra United FC, Canberra Raiders, ACT Brumbies, Canberra Chill, ACT Meteors, Basketball ACT, Tennis ACT, Netball ACT, Capital Football and GWS Giants under the #WeAreOne banner to provide support for volunteers and those affected by the Bushfire crisis affecting the NSW South Coast, Monaro and Southern Inlands. The Cavalry auctioned off unique memorabilia to raise funds for the NSW Rural Fire Service as part of the campaign. [69] On 27 October 2020, The Cavs in conjunction with Village Building Co, launched a new fundraising initiative named the Village Building Cavalry Community Fund. The fund would raise money for local Canberra charities. The fund's first event was the Charity Super Bowl. The Cavs co-hosted the inaugural Charity Super Bowl with the Canberra Capitals to raise money for Lifeline Canberra and Menslink. Sixteen corporate teams gathered at Kingpin bowling alley in the Canberra Centre for the event. [70]

The Cavalry are supporters of the LGBTQ+ community and held the ABL's first ever pride night on 17 January 2020. With the theme of inclusiveness, the Cavs hoped to inspire the rest of the ABL and wider sporting community in Canberra to follow and adopt their initiative to support the LGBTQ+ community. The team hosted members and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community and wore special pride jerseys and caps that they later donated. [71]

The Cavs partnership with Yokohama BayStars involves community engagement events such as school visits around Canberra and coaching clinics involving the Japanese players and staff BayStars send over to the Cavs for the ABL season. [41]

Team song

In 2018, the Canberra Cavalry officially launched a team song titled "Go, Cavs, Go!" The song was released at ANU School of Music and features vocals by local artists Robbie Rosen and Kay Ansah. The song features an upbeat tune composed to perfectly complement the summer months. [72]

Go, Cavs, go!
Go, Cavs, go!
Hey, Canberra, what do you say?
The Cavs are gonna win today! (x2) [73]

Mascot

The Canberra Cavalry team mascot is a Yosemite Sam-type character named 'Sarge', with an Australian slouch hat, Cavalry-orange shirt, Auscam pants and brown Army boots. Since inception, Sarge has been played by Josh Williams, who has often raised money for Lifeline using the mascot and is a supporter of R U OK? day. [74] The team song, played after winning games, is "I Wanna Be in the Cavalry" by Corb Lund. In the 2014–15 season, Sarge got a 'quad' car and he can be found at Narrabundah Ballpark every home Cavalry game.

See also

Related Research Articles

The Australian Baseball League (ABL) was a baseball league, established in 1987 and disbanded in 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Perth Heat</span> Australian professional baseball team

The Perth Heat is a baseball team in the current Australian Baseball League and a founding member of the Australian Baseball League. It is the most successful team in ABL history, winning 15 Claxton Shields.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian Baseball League</span> Professional baseball league in Australia

The Australian Baseball League (ABL) is a professional baseball league in Australia. The league is governed by the Australian Baseball Federation (ABF). It uses the same name as a now-defunct competition held during the 1990s, and though it shares some history of the original league with the Claxton Shield awarded to winners of both competitions, it is considered to be a separate competition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sydney Blue Sox</span> Australian professional baseball team

The Sydney Blue Sox are a professional baseball team, and one of eight foundation teams in the re-formed Australian Baseball League (ABL). The team plays their home games at Blacktown International Sportspark (BISP), one of the two venues used for baseball at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, when it was known as Blacktown Olympic Park. The Blue Sox hosted the league's Opening Day for the inaugural season on 6 November 2010, when they played against the Canberra Cavalry, and won the game 1–0. The Blue Sox are the only team in the Australian Baseball League to implement sabermetrics as a way to run their team with volunteer statistician, Anthony Rescan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brisbane Bandits</span> Australian professional baseball team

The Brisbane Bandits are a professional baseball team in Brisbane, Queensland that plays in the Australian Baseball League and is one of the six founding teams of the league. From the 2010/11 season till the 2012/13 season their home ballpark was the Brisbane Exhibition Ground, the ground which the old Brisbane Bandits played at for the majority of their nine-year tenure. As of the start of the 2013/14 the Bandits home ground is Holloway Field in Newmarket.

The 2010–11 Australian Baseball League season was the inaugural Australian Baseball League (ABL) season, and was held from 6 November 2010 to 13 February 2011. It came 12 years after the old Australian Baseball League ceased and is the successor of the mostly amateur Claxton Shield competition that has been played since 1934. The season consisted of six teams competing in a 40-game schedule, followed by a three-round finals series to determine the ABL champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Narrabundah Ballpark</span> Baseball stadium near Canberra, Australia

Narrabundah Ballpark is a 2,250 capacity baseball complex in the south-central Canberra suburb of Narrabundah, ACT, Australia. It was redeveloped in 2010 for use by the Canberra Cavalry of the Australian Baseball League (ABL). The Australian Capital Territory Government funded the $1,400,000 upgrade.

The 2011–12 Australian Baseball League season is the second Australian Baseball League (ABL) season, and is being held from 4 November 2011 to 12 February 2012. The season was scheduled to start on 3 November with a single game between the Perth Heat and the Adelaide Bite at Baseball Park in Perth, but the game was postponed due to wet weather.

The 2011–12 Canberra Cavalry season will be the second season for the team. As was the case for the previous season, the Cavalry will compete in the Australian Baseball League (ABL) with the other five foundation teams, and will again play its home games at Narrabundah Ballpark.

The 2012–13 Australian Baseball League season was the third Australian Baseball League (ABL) season, and was held from 1 November 2012 to 9 February 2013. The season started with a game between the defending champions Perth Heat and the Adelaide Bite at Norwood Oval in Adelaide.

The 2012–13 Canberra Cavalry season will be the third season for the team. As was the case for the previous season, the Cavalry will compete in the Australian Baseball League (ABL) with the other five foundation teams, and will again play its home games at Narrabundah Ballpark.

Steven John Kent is an Australian professional baseball pitcher for the Canberra Cavalry of the Australian Baseball League.

The 2013–14 Australian Baseball League season was the fourth Australian Baseball League (ABL) season, and was held from 31 October 2013 to 8 February 2014. The season started with a game between the Melbourne Aces and the Canberra Cavalry at Narrabundah Ballpark in Canberra. The Perth Heat won their third title in four seasons defeating defending champions the Canberra Cavalry in the finals.

The 2014–15 Australian Baseball League season was the fifth Australian Baseball League (ABL) season. It was held from 30 October 2014 to 8 February 2015, with the Perth Heat winning their fourth title in five seasons, defeating the Adelaide Bite in the finals to defend their title.

The 2015–16 Australian Baseball League season was the sixth Australian Baseball League (ABL) season, held from 23 October 2015 to 6 February 2016.

The 2016–17 Australian Baseball League season was the seventh Australian Baseball League (ABL) season, and was held from 17 November 2016 to 11 February 2017.

The 2019–20 Australian Baseball League season was the tenth year Australian Baseball League (ABL) season. The season was held from 21 November 2019 to 9 February 2020. The Melbourne Aces won their first title after defeating the Adelaide Giants in the postseason.

The 2021–22 Australian Baseball League season was to be the twelfth season of the Australian Baseball League (ABL). The regular season was to be held from 18 November 2021 to 23 January 2022.

The 2022–23 Australian Baseball League season was the twelfth season of the Australian Baseball League (ABL). After the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2021–22 season and reduced the 2020–21 season to six teams, this season was the first in three years not to feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports. The regular season began on 10 November 2022 and concluded on 22 January 2023 with the Adelaide Giants winning the Claxton Shield over the Perth Heat. This season was the last season to feature Auckland Tuatara and Geelong-Korea, with both teams folding at the conclusion of the season.

The 2023–24 Australian Baseball League season is the thirteenth season of the Australian Baseball League (ABL), and began on 17 November 2023. Six teams will compete in the season, down from eight in the previous season, due to Auckland Tuatara being liquidated and Geelong-Korea's exit from the league.

References

  1. "Let's Do It Canberra". letsdoitcanberra.com.au. Archived from the original on 5 May 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  2. "ABL Supporter Update". ACT Baseball Association. Archived from the original on 15 October 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  3. "'Let's do it Canberra' bid hits home run!". letsdoitcanberra.com.au. Archived from the original on 7 May 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  4. "The countdown is ON! Only 3 days to go!". ablbuzz.com.au. Archived from the original on 3 March 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  5. 1 2 "Meet the Cavalry". ACT Baseball. Archived from the original on 15 October 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  6. 1 2 "Former Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher to Serve as Canberra Cavalry Head Coach". Canberra Cavalry. Archived from the original on 20 September 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  7. 1 2 "Canberra Cavalry Coach is announced". ACT Baseball Association. Archived from the original on 15 October 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  8. "Cavalry Battled Hard But Lose ABL Opener 1–0". Canberra Cavalry. Archived from the original on 23 November 2010. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  9. Hindle, Mark. "Cavalry over the Moon with first win". Canberra Cavalry. Archived from the original on 6 March 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  10. "Didi Gregorius wins ABL's Golden Glove". Canberra Cavalry. Archived from the original on 4 March 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  11. Munoz, Jessica (27 January 2013). "First Place". Canberra Cavalry. Australian Baseball League. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 27 January 2013. Canberra finish regular season with win to capture regular season crown
  12. Tuxworth, Jon (28 January 2013). "Cavalry brings finals and exposure to Canberra". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  13. Coleman, Chris (15 February 2013). "AUDIO: Strike Zone: February 15". ABC News. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  14. "Canberra Cavalry win ABL championship". The Sydney Morning Herald. 9 February 2013. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  15. Berry, Yvette (13 February 2013). "Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2013 Week 02 Hansard (Wednesday, 13 February 2013) – Canberra Cavalry baseball team". Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  16. 1 2 Polkinghorne, David (20 November 2013). "Canberra Cavalry living the dream in Asia baseball final". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 23 November 2013. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  17. Polkinghorne, David (21 November 2013). "Canberra Cavalry wins Asia Series". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 7 March 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  18. Polkinghorne, David (21 November 2013). "Canberra Cavalry's Asia Series win driven by big team bromance". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 21 April 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  19. Polkinghorne, David (22 November 2013). "How the Canberra Cavalry defied the odds in Asia Series". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 22 March 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  20. "Canberra Cavalry loses first ABL final to Sydney Blue Sox". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  21. "Controversial call gives Canberra Cavalry crucial win against Sydney Blue Sox". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 31 March 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  22. "Perth Heat defeat Canberra Cavalry in ABL final game one". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 15 February 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  23. Gaskin, Lee (10 February 2014). "Perth too hot for Cavalry in baseball final series". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 12 April 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  24. Player, Xavier (29 January 2016). "Adelaide and Canberra to face off for spot in ABL Championship Series". SEN. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  25. Polkinghorne, David (23 January 2016). "Canberra Cavalry get chance to charge home in ABL prelim final". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  26. Player, Xavier (5 February 2016). "Preview of the ABLCS – Brisbane Bandits vs Adelaide Bite". SEN. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  27. Polkinghorne, David (14 December 2017). "10 Canberra Cavalry players picked for ABL All Stars game". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  28. 1 2 Roberts, Lachlan (6 February 2018). "Cavalry looking for vengeance against the Bandits in 2018 ABL Championship Series". RiotACT. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  29. Polkinghorne, David (10 February 2018). "Brisbane Bandits send ABL championship series against Canberra Cavalryman to decider". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  30. Polkinghorne, David (11 February 2018). "Brisbane Bandits beat Canberra Cavalry in fiery ABL decider for Claxton Shield threepeat". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  31. Tiernan, Eamonn (4 December 2018). "Canberra Cavalry retire Brian Grening's No.41 ahead of home opener". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  32. Roberts, Lachlan (11 October 2018). "Cavalry's first home game in new season to acknowledge founding community members". RiotACT. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  33. Roberts, Lachlan (18 July 2018). "Cavalry strikes partnership with Japanese baseball powerhouse Yokohama DeNa Baystars". RiotACT. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  34. Polkinghorne, David (28 January 2019). "Canberra Cavalry-Yokohama Baystars partnership a success: McMichael". The Age. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  35. Tiernan, Eamonn (26 December 2018). "Cavalry pay tribute to Canberra's past in Bushrangers pinstrips". The Age. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  36. 1 2 3 Tim Gavel (4 July 2019). "Keeping it simple: Canberra Cavalry rebrands to celebrate 10 years in the ABL". the-riotact.com. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  37. Roberts, Lachlan (21 October 2019). "Cavalry charges into new deal with Houston Astros". RiotACT. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  38. Roberts, Lachlan (11 July 2019). "Cavalry place bid for inaugural women's baseball team". RiotACT. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  39. Roberts, Lachlan (24 October 2019). "Canberra Cavalry to play in inaugural women's baseball league". RiotACT. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  40. Gavel, Tim (17 September 2022). "Canberra Cavalry set for welcome return at home". RiotACT. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  41. 1 2 Singh, Sunny (19 October 2022). "DeNA Yokohama BayStars Align with Canberra Cavalry for Season 2022/23". Canberra Cavalry. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  42. "Roster". Canberra Cavalry. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  43. "Coach". Canberra Cavalry. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  44. Roberts, Lachlan (8 September 2018). "Keith Ward to lead Cavalry charge as familiar faces with new roles join coaching ranks". RiotACT. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  45. "Keith Ward Named Cavalry Manager, Brian Grening Named Pitching Coach". Canberra Cavalry. Archived from the original on 21 October 2018. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  46. Dutton, Chris (25 March 2014). "Tony Fraser new Basketball ACT chief executive". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  47. "Cavalry Name General Manager to Lead Charge". Canberra Cavalry. Archived from the original on 4 June 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  48. "Canberra Cavalry chief executive Thom Carter going home to help mum battle breast cancer". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 8 June 2015. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  49. "The Canberra Elite Cavalry, and Baseball ACT welcome the appointment of Mr Donn McMichael". Canberra Cavalry. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  50. "Cavalry Play Host to Women's National Team". Australian Baseball League. Archived from the original on 7 February 2017. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  51. "An upgrade for Canberra's premier ballpark". act.gov.au. 30 May 2016. Archived from the original on 5 February 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
  52. Polkinghorne, David (28 May 2016). "ACT govt to give Narrabundah Ballpark $4.5m facelift in budget". The Canberra Times . Archived from the original on 5 February 2017. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
  53. Bushnell, Ian (9 January 2018). "Canberra Cavalry announces $5m redevelopment of Narrabundah ballpark". RiotACT. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  54. Roberts, Lachlan (30 October 2019). "Batter up! Redeveloped MIT Ballpark a new home for Korean baseball team". RiotACT. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  55. "Narrabundah Ballpark Upgrade". CK Architecture. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  56. 1 2 Gardiner, Gilbert (3 August 2016). "Australian Baseball League to go ahead in 2016, without financial support of Major League Baseball". Herald Sun.
  57. "Baseball Australia secures full ownership of the Australian Baseball League". ausleisure.com.au. 4 August 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  58. Roberts, Lachlan (1 May 2018). "Canberra Cavalry now a Canberra-owned baseball club as new owners revealed". RiotACT. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  59. Roberts, Lachlan (28 March 2019). "Cavalry acquire CBR Brave in landmark deal to build 'sports powerhouse'". RiotACT. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  60. Polkinghorne, David (5 December 2020). "Canberra Cavalry in crisis as ABL looks to solve rift". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  61. Senatore, Ezio (5 May 2021). "Meeting of Creditors to Decide Future of the Company and Report Providing Opinion" (PDF). Eddie Senatore. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  62. Bushnell, Ian (14 April 2021). "Struggling Cavalry in pitch to secure long-term future". RiotACT. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  63. Bushnell, Ian (26 April 2021). "Cavalry's new owners step up to plate and pledge fresh start for Canberra baseball". RiotACT. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  64. Polkinghorne, David (8 November 2013). "Perkins relishes Blue Sox rivalry". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  65. Coleman, Chris (14 January 2022). "Cavalry looking to land new KO in oldest Australian Baseball League rivalry". Canberra Cavalry. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  66. Polkinghorne, David (1 August 2014). "Canberra Cavalry mascot Sarge raising money for Lifeline to thank them for saving his life". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  67. Weaver, Michael (12 December 2019). "Sarge makes call to arms as Cavs pitch in for mental health". RiotACT. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  68. Weaver, Michael (18 January 2021). "Cavs' convoy grows for Sarge's walk to raise $10,000 for Lifeline". RiotACT. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  69. Giannini, Dominic (9 January 2020). "Canberra sporting codes band together for bushfire relief". RiotACT. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  70. Kelley, Sharon (27 October 2020). "Lifeline Canberra Cavs and Village Building Co join forces to raise funds for mental health". RiotACT. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  71. Gavel, Tim (10 January 2020). "The Canberra Cavalry lead the way in promoting diversity in sport". RiotACT. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  72. Unwin, Dominic (5 January 2018). ""Go Cavs Go!", Canberra Cavalry release new team song". RiotACT. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  73. "The Canberra Cavalry's new song" via YouTube.
  74. Weaver, Michael (30 August 2020). "Josh's illusions are no disappearing act". This is Canberra. Retrieved 5 October 2022.

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Canberra Cavalry at Wikimedia Commons