A proud moment for the Sunshine Eagles was imminent.
It promised to be a career highlight for the Eagles’ fab five of playing coach Jared Van Hoon, Adam Irons, Jamie Young, Jeremy Young and Tayler Rowe – selected in the Western Monarchs all-star team.
Then came the dreaded weather forecast, with temperatures tipped to hit the 40s –extreme enough heat for Baseball Victoria to cancel the east versus west all-star outing.
That left the Eagles’ representatives and the rest of the team shattered.
“The fact that it wasn’t played and it’s not going to be played is really a downer,” Van Hoon said.
“I was trying to fight to get it re-scheduled and work with Baseball Victoria in terms of what we can do to make it happen, because I wanted our club, along with all the other clubs, to be represented.
“I know a lot of guys worked really hard to make the team and a lot of guys may not make another all-star game.
“The fact we couldn’t get the game in was pretty disappointing, but I know they’re trying to work on a better planning scenario for next season.”
Even though the game was cancelled, Sunshine should reflect fondly on what led to more than a third of the Monarchs’ playing roster and all of the Monarchs’ coaching staff – including head coach Van Hoon and assistant coaches Gavin Young, Marc McKenner and Stewart Clayton – being granted all-star honours.
It was recognition of what the Eagles had achieved before the break, topping the ladder most weeks before settling into second spot by Christmas.
“Having all those ’Shiners in the line up and on the coaching staff, it speaks to the work we put in for the first half of the season,” Van Hoon said.
“The club deserved to be recognised because it is one heck of a club.”
