Tara Murray
A refreshed Stuart Clayton is ready to lead the Sunshine Eagles again in Baseball Victoria summer league.
The long-time Eagles coach stepped down as coach of the Eagles last season, but wasn’t far from the club.
So when Cameron Deeble stood down as coach, Clayton was approached to take back on the role which he said yes to.
“I’ve come back again,” Clayton said. “Last year was a bit hard to coach with work commitments.
“I was always open to coming back. Cam has started a family and I don’t think he was 100 per cent able to do it.
“I was told that he was standing down and if I wanted to do it again.”
Clayton still attended training last year and played in the club’s lower grades.
The Eagles are coming off a tough season, where they finished in 11th spot with seven wins from 20 games.
Deeble in his outgoing message to supporters on social media said that last season presented a valuable opportunity for the growth and development of the young players.
“With a focus on playing our youth, we witnessed their remarkable ability to step up and contribute to the team’s efforts. Their enthusiasm and determination were truly commendable, and their performances on the field provided promising signs for the future of the Sunshine Baseball Club,” he said.
Clayton agreed and said the young players would only be better for the experience.
“We had a couple who were 14, 15, 16 who were getting opportunities,” he said.
“They were holding their own and doing a great job. This year they will be a little bit stronger and forge ahead a bit more.”
Clayton said they would welcome some players back to the club next season that would strengthen them.
Jamie Young is returning from college and will re-join his brothers at the club. Clayton said Jeremy Young would be back after a season in Europe for next season, but wasn’t 100 per cent sure whether he would again play with the Melbourne Aces.
The is also currently talking to an import, who Clayton said would be really good for them if they can get them across the line.
While in a normal year, the Eagles would be dropping to division 2 after the poor finish but a change in structure means changes to how the competition will be structured.
“We’re staying in division 1,” Clayton said.
“They are restructuring it and bringing four teams up from division 2. Once every team has played each other twice, it will be split into two divisions, premier and division 1.
“We want to be in that top division.”
