Osaka’s finest raises GBA benchmark

THE Guild Lions [All-Stars] Baseball Club has an exciting new addition among its ranks as it hopes to be crowned the Geelong Baseball Women’s Champions in Season 2 come season’s end later this year.

Japanese-born player Kira Kuwamoto has taken the league by storm with her impressive ability on the mound, raising the standard of ability of the GBA’s women’s competition through her pitching ability.

Originally from the city of Osaka, Kuwamoto began playing baseball at the age of 10, but wouldn’t play her first official game of baseball until she graduated high school.

“Up until I was 18, I always trained within the boys team where I wasn’t allowed to participate in the official games,” she said.

“Also, I had a dream to play in the professional women’s baseball league, but unfortunately the league was unsuccessful, and it ended before I even got to try out for it.”

Kuwamoto said she got word about Australian Baseball League possibly forming a women’s league, so she made her way to Australia to continue chasing her dream.

“I realised that the national women’s competition is not happening yet before I travelled to Australia, but I still wanted to play baseball here, hence why I joined the GBA’s competition,” she said.

“The league allows all of us a chance to find new skills in ourselves. I have already met so many new teammates.

“Everyone is so positive and supportive. We are always cheering each other in the dugout and training, and we have lots of laughs.

“We may be a little loud, but I think it is great to destress from everyday stress. I believe they will be my forever friends.”

Kuwamoto said she would like to see more women join the competition, but says she find it very interesting and inclusive to be able to play at all different ages and levels together.

“We have the youngest player on the team just 13 years old, and one also in their sixties playing in the same competition,” she saidd.

“I have played baseball in Japan and the US, but it is so unique to Australia.”

Anyone keen to express interest in playing in the GBA Women’s Competition, which plays its games on Sundays each week, can email executive officer Tony McPherson at [email protected]