By Lance Jenkinson
Newport Rams have unveiled their new coach with Justin Charles stepping into the role for the 2019-20 Baseball Victoria summer league season.
Charles, 48, will bring a wealth of sporting experience to the role, having been a former minor league baseballer in the US, a national leaguer with the Melbourne Monarchs and an AFL footballer with Footscray and Richmond in a career spanning 90 games.
The former Werribee Giants coach has been involved with Newport as a player for the past two seasons. Charles will move into the role vacated by David Asp.
Rams president Ben Portelli is delighted to have Charles on board in a bigger capacity.
“I’m extremely excited that someone of Justin’s pedigree and sheer enthusiasm will lead our playing group into the next phase of their careers,” Portelli said.
Charles is ecstatic to be handed the opportunity to steer Newport.
“It is a deep honour and privilege to be handed the responsibility of taking the reins at Newport Baseball Club,” Charles said. “An absolute dream come true.
“I cannot wait to get started.”
Charles expects to have a smooth transition into the coaching role.
There have been rock solid foundations left by outgoing coach Asp.
“I look forward to continuing on the superb work of David Asp,” Charles said.
“With the incredible depth of talent from top to bottom and the physical resources we are blessed with, we’ll be looking to consolidate our position in division 1 and build from there.
“Don’t expect massive changes as I feel David has presided over a fantastic base.”
