Creating a destination for baseball in Geelong

BATTER up, South Barwon.

Council’s pitch for a world-class baseball facility is ready for Victorian government partnership.

In February, I wrote about baseball, and I’m back in the dugout to advocate for an investment that would be a game-changer for our region.

Once again, I’m calling on all candidates for the state seat of South Barwon to champion major league improvements to the Geelong Baseball Centre.

We’re seeking funding in the ballpark of $16 million for pavilion, surface, lighting and change room upgrades.

The baseball centre is one of several hallmark regional infrastructure projects we’re seeking state commitment on – alongside tennis and soccer facilities in Armstrong Creek, a safe cycling link from Geelong to Torquay, and upgrades to the Barwon River loop trail.

Straight off the bat, local sports lovers might ask: why baseball?

Well, beyond the obvious boost to grassroots, we have a real opportunity to become a global destination for international teams seeking a home base for off-season camps and exhibition matches.

Around 65 million people play baseball across 140 countries – it’s one of the most widely played sports on the planet.

Proudly, Geelong is already on the map. Our baseball precinct is one of only two complexes in Australia with four or more diamonds, and we’ve already proven ourselves as a preferred home base for premier teams.

But right now, the facilities don’t match the potential.

The pavilion is ageing, the change rooms aren’t up to scratch, one of our synthetic fields has reached end of life, and lighting limitations mean we’re losing playing time. We can do so much better.

Our request includes more than $10 million for Diamond 1 pavilion upgrades with modern amenities, female-friendly change rooms, covered seating, new sports lighting and dugout upgrades.

We’re also asking for $3.5 million to replace the Diamond 3 synthetic surface and add lighting for year-round play, and $2.6 million for proper change facilities serving Diamonds 3 and 4.

The high-profile endorsement of our city speaks for itself.

The Chiba Lotte Marines from Japan’s Pacific League have trained here. So have the Doosan Bears from the Korean Baseball Organisation.

Most recently, South Korean club KT Wiz spent six weeks here in partnership with the Melbourne Aces and our local clubs, the Geelong Baycats and East Belmont Saints.

The visit included an international game attracting 500 fans, community day activation and enhanced global broadcast distribution reaching more than 60,000 viewers.

The overall economic benefit was estimated at $1.68 million.

The best facilities would mean more of this – more training camps, top-tier games and tournaments and the tourism and hospitality bookings that comes with it.

Let’s not strike out on this chance.

Council has done the groundwork. We’ve already invested $800,000 in surface and drainage improvements and a Facility Development Plan is underway.

All we need now is for the Victorian government to step up to the plate.

I urge South Barwon candidates to take baseball seriously and help us knock this priority project out of the park.

Cr Andrew Katos

Deakin ward,

City of Greater Geelong