BASEBALL season throws out its first pitch this weekend with the Pakenham Pumas set to make a big impact on A1 Grade in the Dandenong Baseball Association.
With star import pitcher Cam Ross ready to take the mound for the first time as a Puma, the side continues to go from strength to strength.
There haven’t been any omissions from the side that won last season’s B1 premiership with an 11-5 victory over the Dandenong Angels.
Pumas coach Travis Hough said the task of heading up a division will be a big hurdle, but the club knows it needs to be in the top flight to continue to grow and develop.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge,” Hough said. “We’re as geared up about it as we can be.
“It will be a massive step for the club but it’s where the club needs to be to attract juniors and other players from the area.”
With the pitching duo of Ross and Pumas’ lynch pin Ricky Wheeler set to lead the attack, Pakenham is in the strongest position with its roster since its inception.
“We’ll be as competitive as we can be. We’ve got essentially the same group from last year and Cam,” Hough said. “Ricky had a fantastic summer, don’t think he’s played a full summer and hit the ball well for years.
“I’d imagine Stew Brunton is going to step up a bit – always up for a challenge and will revel in the task of pitching and throwing in A Grade games and Shaun Fahy is always a rock at shortstop.”
Pakenham gets no early respite in the top grade, facing last year’s premiers Cheltenham – who’ve won the competition five years in a row.
The Pumas are away this weekend before returning home for their season opener at Toomuc Reserve against Dingley.
