pic of Sydney Blue Sox Michael Lysaught in training
THE Sydney Blue Sox have began preparations for the 2012-13 Australian Baseball League Season (ABL).
A squad of 40 Australian and international professional players have started spring training, a six-week intensive program at club headquarters at Blacktown International Sportspark, Rooty Hill.
Sydney's only ABL team will work under new manager Jason Pospishil, a current coach with the Minnesota Twins Major League Franchise.
The Penrith local will prepare the Blue Sox for a three-game exhibition series against Australia on October.
The series will serve as a warm-up for the 49-game ABL schedule. Pospishil said the September sessions are crucial.
"Spring training is where we will build the foundation for this year's season, so it is a really important aspect for the club's success," he said.
"We've got players who have been playing in the States, Holland, Belgium, China and all around Australia, so it's really critical to get the boys together here."
A famous baseball tradition, spring training is a comprehensive development and conditioning project, which has a dual focus of individual player and team progress.
"The entire roster will be working hard in the gym and on the field preparing themselves physically and mentally for the upcoming Australia Series and ABL season," he said.
The preseason workout will involve physical screening and testing, to design and integrate a strength and conditioning program for position and game specific skills.
The next element is baseball specific drills and practice, with a mix of offensive and defensive sessions, to give players as many repetitions on both sides of the ball.
The regular season concludes with a home series against Brisbane, January 24-27.
Details: 8006 1423 or visit sydneybluesox.com.au.