There was no need for the Newport Rams to undertake an exhaustive search for a new coach.
Rams president Ben Portelli had the right person in mind in club stalwart David Asp and only needed the right answer.
Asp did not take long to accept and a new era of Rams baseball was born.
“He was my No. 1,” Portelli said. “When Matt [Lawman] told us that he wasn’t going to continue, I already thought about asking Dave to consider the role.
“Dave and I caught up and had a discussion about what next year might look like and I asked him about a few things.
“If he decided that he wasn’t up to the role, then I would’ve gone to test the market, but there’s no point going to the market if you’ve already got the guy sitting there.”
Newport is an established division 1 club in the Baseball Victoria competition.
The Rams will be looking to go from a competitive and respected outfit to a contender in the coming seasons.
Asp has all the experience the Rams would desire in a coach.
One of the best players in the Rams history, Asp took out multiple club MVP awards and was a George Heron Trophy winner for best player in the league.
While Newport is considered the home club for Asp, he has been involved with a number of other clubs, including summer league rivals Essendon, Geelong and Williamstown, and played winter ball with Lara, Melbourne University and Watsonia.
“He’s got a well-rounded experience at other clubs,” Portelli said.
“We understand we’re not the only ones with good ideas, so he’s bringing all the best ideas from all the other clubs that he’s played at.
“He also understands our club and our people, which is really important, especially when you’re talking about a local sporting club.”
Asp’s enthusiasm for the game of baseball is what stands out.
“When it’s time to go, he goes, and he’s probably the most competitive person I’ve played with,” Portelli said.
“He’s extremely organised, he’s infectious, people follow him and he’s a natural leader, but he knows how to enjoy himself as well and doesn’t take life too seriously.
“He’s going to teach these guys how to prepare and how to mentally switch on and how to switch off when it’s the right time.”
Asp will continue as a player-coach.
The veteran pitcher still succeeds on the mound, even if he has lost a few kilometres on his fastball.
Lance Jenkinson
