Alfredton Eagles mark 50 years of hits and memories

FROM humble beginnings to decades of passion, commitment and community spirit, Alfredton Baseball Club has celebrated its fiftieth anniversary.

A major milestone for one of Ballarat’s proudest grassroots sporting clubs, the 24 May festivities at Prince of Wales Park were highlighted by the announcement of the Eagles’ much-anticipated 50th Anniversary All-Star Team.

The tone for a big night, which included a tribute to the club’s life members, was set by wins by all four of Alfredton’s men’s teams and its trailblazing women’s team.

The club was founded in 1975 at the kitchen table of Trevor and Jenny Pigdon’s home in Alfredton.

With his former team – the Druids – winding down and the suburb rapidly growing, Trevor saw a chance to start afresh.

A conversation with Gary Greville and neighbour Alan Sewell quickly turned into action.

That same night, they grabbed gear from Ballarat High by torchlight and held the first training session soon after.

Jenny Pigdon – a teacher at Alfredton Primary School – helped recruit players, and the club soon joined a weeknight comp at Sebastopol Tech before entering its first senior team in the 1975 winter season.

Early team members included Trevor Pigdon, Barry Trezise, Elvin Judge, the Middlin brothers, Pat Willey and Dave Sargant.

Facilities were modest—dugouts that resembled chicken sheds, 44-gallon drums for warmth, and refreshments served from a big blue esky borrowed from the Market Hotel—but the club was rich in spirit.

Working bees were regular, and infrastructure improvements were built by hand, with key contributions from Wayne Brown, Peter Whykes, Greg Quayle, Craig Spielvogel, Peter Oates, Glen Lloyd, Darryl Collins, Josh Patton, and Eric Hill.

Fast forward 50 years, anniversary event coordinator and founder Benn Pigdon said the club proudly boasted some of the best baseball facilities in regional Victoria.

“This includes impressive, member-funded clubrooms where spectators can enjoy the game in warmth and comfort behind glass, and four fully enclosed indoor batting tunnels that support year-round development,” he said.

“Every upgrade has been designed, funded, and built by the club’s own members—a testament to Alfredton’s hands-on, community-driven spirit.”

An outstanding track record of success is highlighted by 17 senior and 17 junior premierships.

The club also boasts a strong representative history, with many players going on to represent Ballarat and Victorian provincial teams.

A modern turning point for the club, according to Benn Pigdon, came in 2020 with the launch of the Girls at Bat program, led by Marion Butler and supported by coach Rick Trezise.

“It sparked the creation of Alfredton’s first women’s team and culminated in a historic women’s premiership in the 2024-25 summer season,” he said.

“The initiative transformed the club, boosting inclusivity and energy across all teams.”

Behind the scenes, Alfredton’s long-term stability has been driven by two key leaders – Mr Quayle, who has served as club president since 1991, and Mr Oates, who has held the treasurer role since 1988 and added the role of secretary in 2005.

Fittingly both were named in the All-Star team for their deeds on the field.

“Their decades of dedication have guided the club through periods of growth, challenge, and transformation,” Benn Pigdon said.

“Fifty years on, Alfredton Baseball Club remains a shining example of what passion, people, and perseverance can build.

“This celebration was a tribute to every player, volunteer, and character who’s shaped its legacy.”

The Eagles 50th Anniversary All-Star Team comprises Craig Spielvogel (pitcher), Wayne Brown (catcher), Peter Oates (first base), Greg Quayle (second base), Rick Trezise (third base), Dan Hamilton (short stop/relief pitcher), Nathan Yates (left field/relief pitcher), David Sargent (centre field), Glen Lloyd (right field), Scott Burns, Greg Henderson, Peter Spielvogel (bull pen), Stuart Middlin (utility), Trevor Pigdon (team manager), Rick Trezise (head coach), and Barry Trezise and Max Henderson (assistant coaches).