Community built on baseball

By Naomi Selvaratnam
FOR 25-year-old James Kinsella, baseball is a recent passion that developed from a spur-of-the-moment decision to join the Pakenham Pumas Baseball Club.
“I had never really been that interested in baseball when I was younger,” James said.
“I just decided five years ago to sign up with the Pakenham Pumas to see what it was like, and I loved it.”
With no experience in baseball, aside from playing the odd game in high school, James initially played in the outer field during matches for the club, working his way up to becoming a pitcher and catcher for his team within a year. James believes that his development as a player is something that anyone can achieve.
“I think that as long as you’re determined to keep improving as a player, and are able to keep a cool head during matches, anyone really can play baseball,” James said.
“We have players of all ages getting involved; it doesn’t matter how much you know about baseball or how fit you are, what is most important is that you’re able to stay calm under pressure and just focus on the game.”
Since joining the club, James has never looked back, and is now a catcher on the senior team. In his spare time, James coaches a junior team. James said the favourite part of baseball was the strong sense of community at the club.
“I love the social aspect of being on the baseball team,” James said.
“It’s not just about playing a sport, you’re making friends and developing a really positive, encouraging atmosphere that anyone can get involved in. We all just support each other and try to give it our best shot.”
“Winning is great, but the best part about playing baseball is that you’re doing something you love with your mates and just getting to go out there and give it a go.”
James described his proudest moment in his baseball career as his team winning the State Baseball Grand Final earlier this year.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so nervous,” he laughed.
“But once you get out on the field and start playing, all the fears just disappear and you get wrapped up in the game. I think that’s one of the things I like most about baseball, you forget everything; all that matters is enjoying the experience.”
James is excited to continue to develop his skills as a baseball player in coming years, and hopes to continue to encourage younger players to get involved with the sport.
“I want to keep on working on being a better catcher, and hopefully get through to the finals next year as well,” James said.
“Seeing how quickly the junior team has grown over the past few years has been great; now some of our younger players are progressing into the senior team and it’s fantastic to have been there from the start to see that growth in our club.”
“We’re a very family-oriented club, and it feels great to be in a really positive team that supports each other, I’m excited to keep playing.”