For the past three summers, South Morang’s Andrew Chesterton has spent a lot of time rolling his arm over.
On Saturdays he’d open the bowling for Mernda Cricket Club before backing it up on Sundays as a pitcher for Doncaster in Baseball Victoria’s summer competition.
“By the time Monday came my arm would be hurting” Chesterton recalls.
So he made the decision this season to focus on baseball.
And it has paid off in spades, with the 25-year-old having made it on to the Melbourne Aces’ roster.
“I thought I could get further with baseball. “I saw an ad on Facebook and they sent me a link to apply to come and try out.
“I gave it a crack and Tommy [Thompson, the coach] saw something in me.”
For Chesterton, being named in the Aces’ squad is a dream come true.
“It’s everything I could ask for,” he said. “There’s a little more training than I’m used to, but it’s more relaxed than I expected.”
Chesterton, who pitches left-handed, took up the sport because his father played it.
“My dad got me into it. He’s been playing baseball for 25 years,” he said.
“In my winter club I’m normally a starting pitcher.
“For Doncaster, I’ve been the relieving pitcher. Both roles work for me and I’m willing to play both for the Aces if they need me.”
He said his first aim was to try to get a game with the Aces as he hasn’t been in the squad for any of the matches so far.
Chesterton’s signing with the Aces has meant a change in his plans.
“Before I tried out for the Aces I had planned to go to the [United] States and go to open try- outs,” he said.
“I’ll see how this season goes with the Aces. I’d still like to go to the States and try out one day.”
As for his cricket mates: “The coach wasn’t happy to start with, but he and all my teammates are now.”
After their first eight matches, the Aces are on the bottom of the ladder with two wins and four losses.
Tara Murray
