Perth Heat seraching for third straight title

as posted here

THE Barbagallo Perth Heat will be seeking a third consecutive Claxton Shield championship when the 2010 Claxton Shield season begins in November.

As a new national league edges closer, the Claxton Shield schedule has once again been expanded, with each of the five teams playing 24 regular season games, up from last season’s 16.

The Heat won 12 of their 16 games last season, before defeating the New South Wales Patriots two games to one in the Championship Series.

Former Heat pitcher and Baseball WA Events Manager Shane Tonkin has been promoted to the new position of Barbagallo Perth Heat General Manager and is looking forward to what promises to be an exciting summer of baseball action.

“The Barbagallo Perth Heat have an incredible opportunity to win three consecutive national championships for the first time in franchise history," he said.

"All the local-based players have been working hard with their respective clubs, and our US based players have returned ready to play following their 142-game Minor League seasons.

"Both on and off the field, the Barbagallo Perth HEAT staff and players are very much looking forward to another successful season.”

The Heat’s roster has remained largely intact from last season, with Canberra-based outfielder Nick Kimpton returning to the side and looking to replicate the form that won him last season’s Helms Award, for the competition’s Most Valuable Player.

Also returning is infielder and Morley local Luke Hughes, who is aiming for a spot on the Minnesota Twins roster for the opening of the 2010 Major League Baseball season.

The Heat's season begins this Thursday, when they take on South Australia in Kalgoorlie, before returning to Perth for games on Friday and Saturday at Baseball Park, Thornlie.


as posted here