Canada’s loss is Toowoomba’s gain as Rangers add Vanderneut to team

BASEBALL: Had things gone to plan, Phil Vanderneut would currently be plying his trade in Canada.

Phil Vanderneut is getting ready for his first A-grade outing of the season this weekend. Picture: Kevin Farmer

As we’ve learnt this year, certainty is just a word in the dictionary, and the star player has made a highly-anticipated return to the Rangers.

Vanderneut was able to blow the cobwebs out at Commonwealth Oval in a division five outing last week, which has him primed for an A-grade comeback on Sunday.

He said there is a disappointment of not being able to travel and play, however he is relishing the chance to be back with old mates once again.

“I had plans this year to go to Canada and play a season there,” Vanderneut said.

“Some of the imports that we’ve had over the years have been based there, and it was lined up through (former import) Dustin Asham.

“I’ve had the opportunity for years, but business has got in the road. This year was a perfect chance.

“COVID put a hold on that though, and now I get the chance to get a few games under my belt here, and it’s like I never left.”

Vanderneut has enjoyed a rich history with the Rangers, including playing his part in Toowoomba’s 2015 Pacific League title.

It continued a long association with the club, dating back to his primary school years.

“I first played here when I was 11 or 12, and only gave it up about five years ago because of my business,” he said.

“My brother Brent and I played T-ball for the Raiders. When that shut down, we all decided to come over to the Rangers.

“A few Brisbane clubs have tried to get me down there, but I’m a one club man.”

Vanderneut’s loyalty stems from the support the club has shown him over the years, including helping to get him to America for junior baseball’s most prestigious event.

“The Rangers have done a lot for me. Years ago they did a lot of fundraising to help me go overseas and play in the Little League World Series,” he said.

“It was definitely an eye opener, from playing in front of a few families in Toowoomba to a few thousand in America.

“They’ve helped out my family a lot, and I want to show that loyalty back.

“I signed with the Toronto Blue Jays at 18, but an elbow injury saw the contract voided. But all these opportunities arose from playing here.”

In a side brimming with experience, Vanderneut said he is embracing the opportunity to be able to help out the young group coming through the ranks.

“I’ve had a lot of training and some great coaching, so I hope I can teach the young fellas a few things,” he said.

“There’s an excellent vibe coming back. Everyone is rallying around each other and has a spring in their step.”

The Rangers take on the All Stars in a clash between division four’s only two unbeaten sides.

B-grade can make it five wins on the trot when travelling to Redcliffe, with C-grade looking to achieve the same feat at Commonwealth Oval against Ipswich from 9.30am on Sunday.

Originally published as Canada’s loss is Toowoomba’s gain as Rangers add Vanderneut to team