BENJAMIN SCOTT
After missing the playoffs for the first three years of the Australian Baseball League, the Brisbane Bandits are hoping this is the year they can finally break through.
This year will see the Bandits make a new home at a fully refurbished Holloway Field in Newmarket.
After playing out of the RNA, a venue not ideal for baseball, the team now has a baseball specific stadium, something Bandits Marketing Manager Tom West believes is great for the fans.
“I think the RNA was always a temporary solution, anytime we can play at a proper stadium is great and playing at a boutique stadium like Holloway Field is ideal,” he said.
“It will provide a better experience and atmosphere for the fans.”
To go along with their new stadium the Bandits also have a new general manager and assistant general manager in Jay Klein and Shea Maple.
Both of them have been brought over from the US and bring with them a vast knowledge of baseball operations.
On the field Brisbane have a number of new overseas players brought in to bolster the existing squad which narrowly missed out on the playoffs last year.
“Our squad will include four players affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays organisation as well as a Tampa Bay hitting coach,” Mr West said.
“We also have at least five independent ball players from overseas who are trying to make the team and will feature in the 2013/2014 season.
“The Bandits have been very close and unlucky to miss out on the finals but I think it’s our year to make it and maybe go all the way.”
The Bandits open their season with a home series against the Adelaide Bite at Holloway Field starting Friday November 1 through Sunday.