AT 39, Matt Ford is not baseball’s typical example of raw rookie talent.
And when he moved to Wentworth after six years of living in Mudgee, the great American pastime was the last thing on his mind – he wanted to play cricket, the sport he grew up with.
Sure enough, he played the back end of the season with the Coomealla Wentworth Cricket Club but given the short turn-around, he was left wanting more.
Baseball was a sport that had never been offered in areas that Ford, 39, had lived in the past and it was an unlikely interaction that led to him taking up the sport.
“I ended up buying a car off one of the club legends, Ben Arnold, and he mentioned in that process that he plays baseball for the Hawks and that I should come down and have a go,” Ford said.
“Usually, I play cricket during the summer everywhere but I moved here in December and I was looking for something to do during in the winter season.
“I’ve just loved it ever since, so I’m glad that he mentioned that he played for them and got me to come down.”
It was only fitting that car purchased from Arnold was a Ford.
“My brother bought a Holden not too long ago and he’s a bit of an outcast in the family now,” he said with a wry smile.
After his first season with the Hawks, Ford was one of three in Sunraysia Baseball League recognised as best rookie alongside two other youngsters, Ronan Scott (Saints) and Logan Baldock (Wanderers).
“The guys at the Hawks have been fantastic for me … they’ve gone out of their way to make me feel welcome, we have bonding sessions here after training as well so hat helps me fit in a lot better,” he said.
“Age is only a number for me I guess, I’m trying to wind the clock back so to be 39 and get rookie of the year, I wasn’t expecting it, it was humbling … I’m just glad to be having a bit of fun.”
Playing mostly at centre field, Ford has played A-grade and B-grade with the Hawks and undoubtedly helped the latter secure a place in this weekend’s grand final against Wanderers.
Ford mentioned the importance of club veteran and B-grade MVP Clinton Williams.
“Clinton has been around a while and definitely knows the ins and outs of the game, so if they tell you to do something, you don’t second guess it,” he said.
“The last couple of games we’ve strung together a bit of form, so it should be a good game.”
The B-grade game between Wanderers and Hawks will start at 11.30am on Saturday.
