Sport
14 August, 2026
Maryborough family takes a swing at baseball
One year ago, Maryborough family Brandon Saunders, Taylar Bayne and Willow Saunders knew nothing about baseball. Now, they have been swept up with a severe case of baseball fever.
It all started through an unlikely source, as Brandon and Taylar’s daughter Willow asked if the sport was played in Australia while watching one of her favourite television shows.
“I watched Young Sheldon and I saw Missy Cooper play baseball and that got me into it,” Willow said.
One month later, a notice for the Central Vic Rangers Baseball Club in a school newsletter caught the local family's attention.
Established in 2021 and located at Elphinstone Recreation Reserve, the Rangers look to bridge the gap between Melbourne and Bendigo and promote baseball in the heart of the state.
Despite the family having no idea of the rules, Willow joined the Rangers for the 2026 season and has played for their under 13 team.
Brandon said the family’s first baseball season has been a tremendous experience.
“I love the sport. I think I’m going to play it next year,” he said.
“I love the idea of trying different sports. I did gridiron in Ballarat and that was very eye-opening.
“Especially in Maryborough, where it’s very football, netball and cricket orientated, I think it’s very important to have something different.
“It’s amazing how welcoming the club is, and they’re very patient, especially with the influx of kids they have had. I think last year they had two in under 13s and this year they’ve been able to fill a full team, which is great.
“They ask you to get involved and you quickly amalgamate into the family.”
While Willow’s under 13 team has enjoyed on-field success, qualifying for the Bendigo Baseball Association finals which start this weekend, Taylar said the off-field atmosphere at Central Vic Rangers has allowed the entire family to embrace Willow’s new hobby.
“I love the club. It’s such a beautiful place and they’re so welcoming and family-friendly,” she said.
“Willow’s always been a shy kid, but baseball has brought her out of her shell.”
Central Vic Rangers Baseball Club committee member Craig Sproat hopes Willow is the first of many Maryborough residents to give baseball a try.
“We saw baseball as another sport that’s different and runs through the winter on Sundays, which is different to football and netball, and is another opportunity for kids to excel,” he said.
“We’re not trying to compete with the bigger sports, but we’re a little niche sport for kids to have a very welcoming alternative.
“We’ve got members in Castlemaine, Newstead, Clunes, Maryborough and Kyneton, so it’s that whole broad area and we definitely want to branch out more to Maryborough.
“We are really, really proud of Willow. She’s made four runs this year and she’s had a couple of hits and it’s been really encouraging for all of our children.
“It’s really pleasing to see her achievements in her first year and how she’s grown both on and off the field as she’s made some really good friends.”
For more information on the Central Vic Rangers Baseball Club, or to potentially join, visit www.centralvicrangers.com.au or call Craig Sproat on 0428 216 632.