Penrith Baseball and Australian stars embrace honour

Penrith has attracted the Baseball stars this season with international players leaving their mark on the club.

Final of the U25 National Baseball Championships between NSW and WA. NSW's Guy Edmonds. (Stewart McLean)

Penrith Baseball and Sydney Blue Sox stars Travis McDonald, Guy Edmonds and Aaron Sookee have been selected for the Australian team to compete at the World Championships next month.

Both McDonald and Edmonds recently returned to Australia after playing in America, and were picked to play for the winning NSW team in the 2014 Baseball National Under-25 Championships.

Final of the U25 National Baseball Championships between NSW and WA. NSW's Guy Edmonds. (Stewart McLean)

Guy Edmonds playing for Penrith. (Virginia Young)

Edmonds, 21, said it was good to win the championships and get picked for Australia again.

“I was in the under-15s team and I’m also in the national men’s team, and played in March at the SCG,” he said.

“I play professionally over in the States with the Rangers, there’s a few big things up and coming so I’m excited to see how it plays out.

“I think the feeling with the senior team at the SCG was probably the best feeling I’ve had. Everyone would agree that playing for your country is more of an honour than signing a professional contract, it’s obviously a massive deal and a privilege but playing for your country is that next step.”

Mcdonald, 22, started playing Teeball when he was five, worked his way up to play four years of college baseball and just signed a professional contract with the Reds.

“Baseball is a good sport because you learn something new every day,” Mcdonald said.

“Preparation now will just be working with the Blue Sox, Penrith, keeping fit and trying to bring home a world championship from Taiwan.”

Penrith coach Shane Summerford said having this calibre of players had made a difference.

Rick Schwarz bats for Penrith in the 2014 State Baseball League. (Virginia Young)

“These guys have excelled and that has influenced us as a greater western area. We’ve started getting kids turn up to our training sessions, following us on away games and have recognised that Penrith are winning games,” he said.

PENRITH ON TOP

■ It is the first time in the club’s history that it is first on the ladder

■ Round 1 v Blacktown: Won both games 5-3 and 4-3

■ Round 2 v Ryde: Won both games 8-0 and 5-2

■ Round 3 v Baulkham Hills: Lost one 3-0 and drew one 0-all

■ Round 5 v Macarthur: Won game one 5-2, game two was a washout