The story of the Middle Rock Mariners began in late 2016, when the idea was conceived to enter a new team into the local baseball Hastings competition. Over the following weeks the call was put out of their desire to field a team based in the Camden Haven area. The call was answered, and by early 2017, the new club held its first meeting. This meeting consisted of some experienced players, but the
majority had never played a game of baseball in their life. What they all had in common though, was that they wanted to be part of a positive and encouraging side that ‘just gave it a solid crack’. With this team spirit, along with some jerseys and equipment generously donated by a previous Camden Haven baseball club, the ‘Middle Rock Magpies’ were born.
‘The Magpies’ began training at the local Lake Cathie footy field 6 weeks before the start of the 2017 season. Through the patience and persistence of those who had played, those who knew next to nothing about baseball were able to learn and develop their skills. Setting the goal to win a game by half way through the season, ‘The Magpies’ very quickly surprised themselves, getting their first ‘W’ in only their second game. Throughout the remainder of the 2017 competition, the Magpies focused on further developing their skills and ensuring that positivity and encouragement was at the core of every game they played. This team mind-set was key in leading the Middle Rock Magpies to a grand final appearance in their inaugural season as a baseball club. After a local B-Grade grand final, that was like something out of a Hollywood movie, ‘The Magpies’ came out as 2017 B-Grade Premiers. This was an achievement that they couldn’t have even imagined 6 months early. Coming into the 2018 season, after a vote, the club made the difficult decision to change its name from ‘Magpies’ to the ‘Middle Rock Mariners’. A choice that was made to help run and maintain the small baseball located in the Camden Haven area. This year, ‘The Mariners’ are determined to play with that same passion and positivity that grew the love of baseball in many, players and fans.
