[youtube jS6Qn_cTy1s 520]
The newly formed Australian Baseball League (ABL) had its officially media launch last week. The league, which is organized by Major League Baseball, the Australian Baseball Federation and the Australian Sports Commission, is scheduled to start with six teams on November 6th and will last until January. With the press conference the 35-man rosters of Adelaide Bite, Brisbane Bandits, Canberra Cavalry, Melbourne Aces, Perth Heat and Sydney Blue Box were announced.
There is going to be some European flavor in the southern hemisphere this winter. Especially Canberra Cavalry will be on focus, as they will have three players of the old continent on their team. Italian reliever Alessandro Maestri of the Chicago Cubs is strengthening the pitching staff, while Dutch shortstop Mariekson Gregorius and German first baseman/outfielder Donald Lutz, both of the Cincinnati Reds, are looking to provide some offense.
It doesn’t stop there, as several other players are well known around here. Adelaide will feature Ryan Murphy (Technika Brno in 2010), Tom Fiebig (Saarlouis Hornets), Wayne Ough (AVG Draci Brno), and Dushan Ruzic (Neptunus Rotterdam). Chris Mowday (RCH Media Monks in 2009) and Brad Dutton (Gauting Indians in 2009) will play for Brisbane. Adam Blackley (L&D Amsterdam in 2009), Matt Blackmore (Montpellier Barracudas in 2009) and Blake Cunningham (Technika Brno in 2009) are on the Melbourne roster. Perth features Mitchell Graham (Almere Magpies) and Clinton Balgera (Telemarket Rimini). Patrick Maat (HSV Stealers) is joining Major Leaguers Ryan Rowland-Smith (Seattle Mariners) and Trent Oeltjen (Los Angeles Dodgers) in Sydney.
Official Website Australian Baseball League
Mister-Baseball is going to keep an eye on the Australian Baseball League.