We have recently returned from our annual trip to
Australia. Our three teams played the State Teams of Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales. The record was 22 wins and 18 loss.

The Australians have greatly improved with their
pitching and fielding and overall game strategy.

The players are self disciplined, very competitive and responsive to their coaches instructions. Our coaches and the Australian coaches are former pro players.

Our American players now realize what professional baseball and college baseball will be in their future.

The MVP of this Goodwill Series was the Blue Team LHP and centerfielder - Anthony Gose,16 year old from Bellflower HS in California. His hitting and steller defense; 6.6 speed in the 60 yard and 91 MPH from the mound was outstanding.

Previous Goodwill Series players; Bobby Jenks *White Sox], Mike Pelfrey [Mets], Jereme Bondeman [Tigers], Aaron Hill [Blue Jays] and Adam LaRoche [Braves] all displayed similar talent in our Australia Goodwill Series.

MLB scouts viewed our games in Adelaide, Sydney and Perth. The opportunity to visit with Pat Kelly, former NY Yankee and now Seattle Mariners scout was a personal "highlight".

Our web site has daily game reports. reports.<www.goodwillseries.org>

Bob Williams

Bob,

Pat Kelly was doing professional coverage with the Braves this past summmer??? Did he leave Braves and take on a position with Mariners now? He was a good player and really good Manager/Coach. Can't believe the Braves let that one get away.

Sounds like your LHP Gose is a good one. Glad to hear things are working out for you and your son. Well, take care Bob. peace, Shep

Hello Shep:

Pat Kelly is the International Scout for the Mariners. He lives with his family in Adelaide, South Australia on the beach.

One day during our journey to the Olympic Training Center in Sydney, Pat gave a clinic to the New South Wales infielders. This was a most informative discussion on infield play.

I recall his telling the Aussie infielders to field ground balls with their left ear. This sets a balanced throwing position to 1b.

Today's American shortstops, because of the "showcase" philosophy have a bad habit of fielding all ground balls backhand.

Bob

Great to have you back in the State's Bob.
That's a very good suggestion on playing the SS position.
I tried it myself but I'm starting to get Califlowered left ear
right now so I stopped. LOL

I do understand what your saying, Get in position and charge the ball. EH