Melbourne Aces have locked in one of their all time greats as it embarks on the start of a new era.
The Aces announced that games record holder Darryl George would be returning to the club which he has called home since 2011.
George, a third baseman and prolific hitter, has played 392 games for the club and holds a club record 44 home runs. He also has the most career hits for the club, 373.
George said re-signing for the Melbourne Aces was a no brainer.
“This is my club; I have been playing here since 2011 and just could not think about playing anywhere else,” he said.
“Clubs have tried to poach me over the years, and I am flattered they have asked the question, but leaving Melbourne to play ball just never seemed right.”
Aces general manager Justin Huber says the Aces would never be the same without George, the first player re-signing that had been announced by the club.
“He is the heart and soul of this team, when he comes out to bat, he gets the loudest cheer, when he makes a play, the crowd react in a way that they are in awe,” he said.
“Whenever our coaching staff have picked a team, Darryl George is always one of the first put up on the whiteboard.
“Darryl George is an integral part of the Melbourne Aces. It is great to see that it will remain the same.”
The Aces will play in the KBO Fall League in October this season with matches at Melbourne Ballpark throughout November to February.
The club pulled out of the Australian Baseball League citing a number of issues.
The Aces said in April that after years of discussions with the ABL regarding unresolved concerns, they had made the difficult decision to withdraw from the league.
Huber said there would be a few more Melbourne Aces fan favourites signing on for this season.
“As the summer gets closer, we will be naming a lot more of the Melbourne Aces players we know the fans want to see.”
George said it would be a different summer in the new competition but it was something that he was looking forward to.
“The opportunity of playing games in Korean Stadiums in front of Korean crowds is so exciting. “The Koreans are so into their baseball, and I hope we can win a few of them over with our style of attacking baseball.
“And to know I will be doing it again with a Melbourne Aces Jersey on makes me happy.”
