WANDERERS Baseball Club isn’t just a sporting team for Tony Malycha, but a family.
The stalwart of the Sunraysia Baseball League brought up game number 400 last week in the green and gold after first picking up a bat and glove in 1995.
What started as a social outlet for Malycha became a sport he grew to love.
“It really started off as just a social thing, but the skill level and smarts involved in the game is something I really enjoy,” he said.
“We often say we’re not athletes, we’re baseballers, because it is a thinking game – to this day I’m still learning more and more.
“There are many people at the club who I regard as family who have helped me out of some dark moments in my life for which I’m extremely thankful.”
Malycha was still in school when he first joined Wanderers, and spent a couple of seasons playing under-18s, B Grade and A Grade on the same day.
“I really solidified myself into the B Grade team and in recent years have continued playing C Grade,” he said.
“Pretty much all my career I’ve played pitcher and shortstop, but recently I’ve played at catcher too.
“I really enjoy playing there because you’re always in the game and you can control what’s happening.”
Among multiple B Grade premierships, Malycha said his greatest highlight was playing alongside his eldest son Jackson.
“That was special and something I won’t forget,” he said.
“He kind of followed my footsteps into playing the sport and he’s worked his way up to now playing in A Grade.
“It was only a pretty small window we had together but it was great.”
As for what’s left, it’s mostly remaining active and social, but there is one thing Malycha is yet to tick off.
“I’ve never put one over the fence,” he laughed.
“It’s pretty unlikely that will happen now but I have ran the bases on infield hits for a home run which I’m pretty proud of.”
