AHOY THERE,

The 22/23 baseball season is just around the corner, and we’d like to extend a hearty welcome to our new and returning members, as well as our sponsors, volunteers, whānau and supporters.

This issue of Pirates Post includes everything you need to know about the season ahead.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Kia ora e te whānau, 

Welcome to the 22/23 baseball season! Once again there’s plenty for our Pirates to look forward to this summer. 

Over the last week we’ve seen our new Pirates signage up around Wellington city - thanks to the team at Lowe & Co, and Coach Josh for the design work. I’m delighted to share that many of our long-standing sponsors have pledged their support once again this year and pleased to be working closely with the team at Wellington City Council as they prepare our Diamonds for the season to begin in early Term 4.

Mostly, I'm excited to see registrations rolling in for our Development and Travel Leagues and looking forward to seeing plenty of kids having fun playing baseball with their friends. We are grateful to have talented coaches committed to guide our 13U and 16U teams, and an exciting new regional baseball tournament to aim for. 

Right now, it’s time for your Pirate to crack into their pre-season training. The single best thing they can do is get their shoulders ready to throw - we’ve included some great YouTube tutorials below.

See you at the diamond!

Noho ora mai,
Clayton 

KEY DATES

Check out our PIRATES CALENDAR for more dates and events.

DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE UPDATE

This season our Development League starts on Tuesday 19 October. It will run every Tuesday night (weather permitting) during Term 4, finishing on Tuesday 20 December. 

The League will be led by Craig le Quesne ~ our new Club Captain. And we'd like to say a huuuuuggge thank you to Scott Sullivan, our retiring Club Captain, for your Pirates hard work and aroha over the last three years. Thank you Scott!  

GET IN QUICK
There are still places available in both our Rookies and Majors teams! If you still haven’t signed up, register here - but get in quick.

UNIFORMS
Uniforms will be issued on Opening Day - Tuesday 19 Oct, from 5pm onwards at THE PIRATES LAIR, Ian Galloway Park. 

CANCELLATIONS
Development League cancellations due to wet weather or ground conditions will be announced on Facebook by 3pm on Tuesdays.

TRAVEL LEAGUE

The Travel League begins from Sunday 30 October, and Pirates will enter teams into the 13U and 16U competitions. The season runs through to Term 1 2023, and players will be eligible for selection in the regional teams to compete at the Baseball NZ National Baseball Festival in the April School Holidays (likely in Auckland).

We’re excited to have a seasoned coaching team to guide our young players again this year. 

13U COACHES - Joe McGarry and Regan Taouma
16U COACHES - Josh Broadway and Clayton Willocks

WEEKLY FORMAT

UNIFORMS
Coaches Joe and Josh will be in contact with details about uniform issue date and time.

DRAW
The draw is still being finalised. We'll share it on our website and social channels as soon as we can.

UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT

All new players joining our club receive a Pirates-branded cap, which they get to keep! Uniforms issued will include a playing shirt, pants and belt (these are to be returned at the end of the season). Travel League players will also be issued a Pirates Batting Jacket.

Players are expected to bring their own baseball glove. Our club has a few available to loan, but we do recommend each player has their own. Here's our guidance on where and what to buy.

PRE SEASON SHOULDER STRENGTH

Pre season is the time to build strength ready to throw a baseball. Throwing is one of the most important, and physically demanding, aspects of baseball and a strong shoulder is crucial for performance and health - now and into the future.

All it takes is 15 minutes a day - here are three great YouTube tutorials:

• Shoulder strength - weights 
• Shoulder strength - bands
• Throwing Programme

If your player wants to play competitive ball this summer, this training is strongly recommended. So, make a plan to spend 15 minutes a day and let’s get to work! Even better - plan to do it with a buddy 🏴‍☠ ⚾

A huge thanks to our supporters who have returned again this year!

It's thanks to them we can provide uniforms, playing gear and safety equipment for our young Pirates and keep it affordable to join our club. 

Please be a good sort and call them first if you're in need of a good or service they offer.

STAY IN THE KNOW

Visit our website for everything you need to know about the Pirates and our upcoming season.  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular news and updates.