Launch of Perth Heat baseball team's 1997-98 season

24/10/97

Perth Heat's record in the Australian Baseball League was unequalled, Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore said tonight.

He was launching the Perth Heat's 1997-98 season at a function at His Majesty's Theatre.

He said that since its inception eight years ago, the Heat had won two titles, qualified for the play-offs seven times, had the best win-loss ratio in the league and had provided more All-Star representatives than any other club.

"That record is testimony to the planning and professionalism which has been part of the club both on and off the field over those eight years," Mr Moore said.

He said that the Heat's success had had a very beneficial impact on baseball in Australia in general and Western Australia in particular.

"Teeball is enormously popular with young children and now many of them are taking the step through to baseball," he said.

"One of the most pleasing aspects is the number of home-grown Western Australians who have been an integral part of the club's success.

"This is a powerful indicator of the development of baseball here and the impact the club has had on the sport.

"In that time, the talents of young Australian have been increasingly recognised by the major league clubs in the United States where Australia is now regarded as a source of top players."

Media contact: Hartley Joynt, Minister's office (08) 9321 1444