Category: Club Milestones

350th game – Bruce Barnes

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While a sense of style and fashion may have passed this player by there is no doubt as to his loyalty to the Rebels. Congratulations Bruce on an amazing club and personal milestone.

Tribute courtesy of Andy Malthouse 

Who Am I?

I have been a huge contributor to the club for many years. I have been the secretary and have also managed a team or two.
I have a number of Sam Bats but are too afraid to use them so swing a Demarini. I am the owner of two mitts, one for infield and one for the outfield.

I love to buy cleats that have maroon and gold on them. I am the owner of some very horrible gold sweat bands and think it is fashionable to wear 3/4 playing pants. I have many MLB Guernsey’s but support last year’s runners-up.


I have hit 5 home runs in my many years at the Rebels. One of them a Grand Slam. I have provided the club with a number of historical highlights, although none is more impressive than what I achieved this year.
I can play all positions except for catching. I am a consistent performer and have come into my own over the past few years as a very talented pitcher. I am a very solid outfielder and play a pretty good shortstop as well.

This is my 25th year at the club, and in that time I have gathered 284 hits from 943 at-bats at an average of 301. Scored 257 times and hit in 216 others. I have hit 5 home runs, been walked 133 times and stolen 107 bases. I will return them when I retire. I usually play centerfield, pitch or shortstop.
I go by many nicknames but the most common is Gibbo.
I wear the number 22 and was voted in as a life member in 2012.
My name is……….

Bruce Barnes.

For those unaware, this week, Bruce will be playing in his 350th  game for the Rebels. He will be only the 3rd person in our club’s short history to achieve that goal. He had his first game for the club back in 1993 and was a premiership player in 1995, 1999, 2001 and 2006. He also went to America with the U16 Victorian team in 1995 as an assistant coach.

Since I have known Bruce, he has been one of my best friends and will be a mate for life. I love him as a brother. He is a great club man, always helping with umpiring when he can and an active member of the committee for who knows how long.
A lot of us have some very fond memories playing baseball with Bruce and I hope there are many more still to be had with this quirky, funny guy.

Congratulations Bruce on reaching 350 games. What a milestone and I wish you all the best on Saturday.

350th game – Alan Sutherland

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Tribute courtesy of Andrew Malthouse, photo Sharon Hall

Once in a blue moon, you are present when great things happen. It just so happens that we were lucky to be around to see one of those events happen this week.

After playing for the club for 28 years (since 1988), longer than anyone else, Alan Sutherland played his 350th game for the Rebels this weekend.

Alan first played for the Rebels as a young 16-year-old and somehow survived those early years to not only continue playing but to fall in love with this great sport. During those early years, only Alan could fully describe what it was like and I’m sure as a 16-year-old, the experiences would have been many and very much an eye opener.

As we all know, Alan has been critical to the club’s survival. Not only as a player, an administrator or as a coach, where he continues to coach at both Senior and Junior levels but more importantly as a father and a husband. All four of his kids have played for the club (2 of which still do) and his wife Paula has also put on the uniform once or twice.

He truly is living the dream of every dad being able to play with his son Charlie. Being able to watch him mature, watch him grow into what will one day be a great player and hopefully reach the highest of highs with respect to baseball. Hopefully, in a few years, he will also be able to enjoy playing with his daughter, Ebony. What a day that will be.

Many of us have had the pleasure to play alongside him for many years and although he is one of the most freakish players to have played for the club, one the best 1st basemen you will ever see, his determination, his drive, his professionalism, his personality and friendship are the reasons many of us see him as an inspirational person.  A true friend and why would you play anywhere else when you have people like him around.

He will be only the second player in the club’s history to reach 350 games. Has been the club’s President since 2012. Has been a Secretary, a Treasurer and the clubs coach. Is a Premiership coach, coaching our U15’s to a flag last year.

Still, thinks he can throw and steal bases like days gone by but I think that is more about trying to keep up with Charlie while he can.He is a true friend, an awesome club man and I personally hope he had a great 350th game.