The Pinch Hitter

01/09/2026

As a member of the West Coburg Redbacks Softball Club I'm a little biased on recommending this club. The Redbacks have an incredible foundation culture which has built an amazing club.

The Redbacks has a place for everyone, whether you be new to the game or played for years and looking to return, or just wanting to be around a positive vibe and find your people.

Don't take my word for it though, come down to Open Day and witness it yourself!

🥎🕷️ READY, SET… PLAY BALL! 🕷️🥎

The Redbacks are kicking off the 2026/27 summer season, and you’re invited to join the fun!

Come along for an afternoon filled with:

🔥 A FREE BBQ
🥎 Social softball games and activities
👋 Catch-ups with your Redbacks friends
🤝 The chance to meet new people and discover your new favourite sport!

Bring your friends, bring your family and get ready for a fun-filled afternoon at the park. Whether you’re a returning Redback or completely new to softball, everyone is welcome!

📅 Saturday 5 September 2026
⏰ From 1:00pm
📍 Keilor Park Recreation Reserve

We’re expecting a fantastic turnout, so please RSVP as soon as possible to help us cater for everyone. LINK IN BIO

The more, the merrier—share this post and bring the whole crew! ❤️🖤🤍

24/08/2026

It is with great pleasure that we can announce that Justin Zelones has been selected to join an advisory board for the future of Softball and Baseball in Victorian schools.

This collaborative project between Softball Victoria, School Sports Victoria and Baseball Victoria will reshape the future of interschool diamond sport competition with the goal being to provide students with a great experience leading to increased participation and reinforce a vital connection between schools and clubs.

This project directly aligns with The Pinch Hitter's mission. We can't wait to play ball!

20/08/2026

KP adding back another vital piece of the softball pathway, this time for women and girls. Great opportunity to be part of this exciting phase in KP history

Hoping to make KP history again 🤞🏼

Join our Women’s State League Team 🔗
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGzHDjZ6RYH6pUEhx_ymH_A6MbG4JhtIRiCCtjTCEr04c7VA/viewform?usp=send_form

10/08/2026

In Term 3 The Pinch Hitter was engaged by St Joseph's Primary to deliver a Softball Sporting Schools Program to 50 Year 5/6 students on the very spot shown in the photo. The students took on the challenge of engaging with a new sport and had a great time doing so while being well-supported by their PE teacher Mr Smith.

Sporting Schools provides a fantastic opportunity for students to access sports delivered by experienced coaches they may not otherwise have access to.
The Pinch Hitter specialises in delivering Tee-Ball and Softball Sporting Schools Programs to schools.

Why Tee-Ball/Softball? 🥎
Tee-Ball/Softball provides students with:
📍 inclusion in a team sport where everyone gets to bat and everyone gets to field, not just the most athletic students
📍 developing physical literacy through movement, striking, catching, throwing, teamwork and strategy
📍 the opportunity to be introduced to a new sport where they may find their place to shine and seek to connect with the sport in their local communities
📍 fundamental skill development and game sense to compliment your in-school/interschool/gala day Tee-Ball/Softball program

Contact The Pinch Hitter to help with your Term 4 Sporting Schools grant today!

03/08/2026

In Term 3 The Pinch Hitter was engaged by Albanvale Primary School to deliver a Tee-Ball Sporting Schools Program to 100 Year 5/6 students. The students took on the challenge of engaging with a new sport and had a great time doing so while being well-supported by their PE teacher Mr Suarez.

Sporting Schools provides a fantastic opportunity for students to access sports delivered by experienced coaches they may not otherwise have access to.
The Pinch Hitter specialises in delivering Tee-Ball and Softball Sporting Schools Programs to schools.

Why Tee-Ball/Softball? 🥎
Tee-Ball/Softball provides students with:
📍 inclusion in a team sport where everyone gets to bat and everyone gets to field, not just the most athletic students
📍 developing physical literacy through movement, striking, catching, throwing, teamwork and strategy
📍 the opportunity to be introduced to a new sport where they may find their place to shine and seek to connect with the sport in their local communities
📍 fundamental skill development and game sense to compliment your in-school/interschool/gala day Tee-Ball/Softball program

Contact The Pinch Hitter to help with your Term 4 Sporting Schools grant today!

20/07/2026

The Mission of The Pinch Hitter is to grow participation in Tee-Ball and Softball in Victoria, but WHY is this important?

The biggest predictor of mental wellbeing in adults resides in positive childhood experiences. Positive childhood experiences include:

🥎Feeling like you can talk to your family about your feelings
🥎Feeling like you have a role in community traditions
🥎Feeling like you’re an active participant in your school group
🥎Feeling like you have friends that care about you
🥎Feeling like someone in your home keeps you safe
🥎Having two non-parental adults take a genuine interest in you.

Community sport can play a vital role in creating these positive childhood experiences. By linking families to sports communities (ideally Softball!) we can open opportunities for families to talk, be involved in traditions, make friends and find adults beyond their immediate family who care.

If you’re a coach, parent or volunteer your influence is bigger than you think.

Photo courtesy of

14/07/2026

A fantastic program supported by great coaches and committee.

This is perfect for anyone who enjoys playing Tee-Ball or Softball in school and wants to improve their fundamental skills, knowledge of the game and most importantly have a great time doing it. Registrations can be made here https://www.softballvic.org.au/events/363067

Keilor Park also encourages teachers running Tee-Ball and Softball programs in schools who want to grow their confidence in delivering the in-school program to be part of the fun as assistant coaches. If this is you, please email [email protected]

🥎 Junior Development Program is back! 🥎

Keilor Park Softball Association is excited to launch our 6-week Junior Development Program for boys and girls aged 7–15.

Whether your child is brand new to softball or looking to build confidence and develop their skills, this program is all about learning, playing, growing and having fun in a supportive environment.

📍 Keilor Park Softball Association
📅 Saturdays | 25 July – 29 August
⏰ 2:00pm – 4:00pm
💰 $90 per participant
🎒 Participant pack included
👫 Bring a sibling or friends for a group discount available

Spots are limited, so don’t miss out!

Register now via the link below ⬇️

🔗https://www.softballvic.org.au/events/363067

KPDSA SoftballFamily

22/06/2026

Incredible honour to be appointed and entrusted with this critical role in these talented boys journey. I look forward to the challenges and growth along the way.

💙VICTORIA U16 BOYS STATE TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 💙

🥎Softball Victoria is pleased to announce that Justin Zelones will lead our U16 Boys State Team on the road to the 2027 National Championships in Blacktown, NSW.

Justin will be supported by Debbie Robinson as Assistant Coach, while Matt Bedwell and Jye Robinson join the program as Specialist Coaches. Together, this experienced coaching group brings a strong combination of playing, coaching and athlete development expertise and is committed to creating an environment where Victorian athletes can learn, grow and perform at their best.

📍 National Championships
Blacktown, NSW
18–23 January 2027

📅 Trial Dates
Saturday 4 July
Saturday 11 July

⏰ 2:00pm – 5:00pm

📍 Keilor Park & District Softball Association

Don't miss your opportunity to represent Victoria on the national stage. Nominate here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/d25UkT6T9G

We look forward to seeing this group lead our U16 Boys throughout the 2026–27 campaign.

18/05/2026

Sporting Schools provides a fantastic opportunity for students to access sports delivered by experienced coaches they may not otherwise have access to.

The Pinch Hitter specialises in delivering Tee-Ball and Softball Sporting Schools Programs to schools.

Why Tee-Ball/Softball? 🥎
Tee-Ball/Softball provides students with:
📍 inclusion in a team sport where everyone gets to bat and everyone gets to field, not just the most athletic students
📍 developing physical literacy through movement, striking, catching, throwing, teamwork and strategy
📍 the opportunity to be introduced to a new sport where they may find their place to shine and seek to connect with the sport in their local communities
📍 fundamental skill development and game sense to compliment your in-school/interschool/gala day Tee-Ball/Softball program

Contact The Pinch Hitter to help with your Sporting Schools grant today!

Term 3, 2026 Sporting Schools grants are now OPEN! 🎉

Schools can log in to the portal now to apply for funding to deliver quality sport programs and get students active this term.

Share or tag your local schools so they don’t miss out on this opportunity: https://www.ausport.gov.au/schools