The Bluejays Softball club has celebrated its 30th birthday with a cocktail party.
The Bluejays was the brainchild of the late Helen Milics, who wanted to play social softball with a group of women around her age. According to Club Secretary, Kat Norris the Bluejays would not have existed if it wasn’t for Helen, may she rest in peace. The idea of starting this club was promoted through school newsletters and word of mouth and before long there were 16 players in the first season. Inaugural coach was Tony Bayliss, who was playing Men’s Softball and previously played baseball. Ms …said the first Bluejays meeting was held at Helen Milics house. “When they were thinking about a name for a club Helen’s husband Talley thought of the name Bluejays after recently coming back from Canada where he watched the Toronto Bluejays play,” said Ms Norris. “So the Bluejays Softball Club was born. “In the first season Bluejays made the grand final with an extremely close game against Redskins.” “Over the years Bluejays have won four 4 A Grade, 6 B Grade, 4 C Grade, 5 Under 16 and 5 under 14 Grand Finals. “We have had players and coaches go on and represent the Association, the State and the Country. The Bluejays have re-established a junior program and last season they entered a T-ball and junior team in the GDSA Competition. Local Member Mr Tony Piccolo said the club has a great atmosphere with many former players taking up administrative roles, and in some cases their daughters and granddaughters playing for the club. “It was great to meet and speak with some of the original members and hear their stories of the early days.”
At the celebrations a number of members were conferred with Life Membership to acknowledge and celebrate their service to the club. A highlight of the evening was a very poignant acknowledgment of members, and in particular, the founding members who have since passed away.