Big hitter … Sunshine’s Rohan Brasher in action against Preston on Sunday. 54873
By Michael Esposito
SUNSHINE’S new short-stop Rohan Brasher is the baseball club’s prized recruit this year, as the Eagles try to get back into Division One.
Brasher, 29, has come to the club via Cheltenham after a three-year hiatus.
Chock-full of ability, Brasher spent four years in the US college system, with two years at Vernon Junior College and two years at Lubbock Christian University, having represented Victoria and Australia at junior level.
His greatest achievement was making the All-American side as a third baseman – basically an All-Star team comprised of the best college players in the US.
“It was good going to school and getting to play baseball everyday, I loved it,” Brasher said.
Brasher then received a couple of offers to play Independent baseball, which is a form of professional baseball not affiliated with the Major League.
“I had a child so didn’t go through with it,” Brasher explained. After college I played in a league in Canada near Brunswick.”
Brasher came to Sunshine at the request of head coach Shaun Moore, who he’s known for a long time. “I grew up with Shaun Moore, so he knocked on my door one day and asked if I wanted to play.”
Brasher said the side had the ability to find a way back into the top division next year.
“It’s a tight-knight group of young kids who are pretty talented. I think we should have a good year, we’ve got a strong team, so I think it’s very possible. I’m open to imparting my knowledge and what I’ve learnt over the years to the younger kids.”
Sunshine has certainly got its season off to a positive start, and has had a sensational week on the diamond with a 13-1 win against Berwick City on Thursday, followed by a 5-1 defeat of Preston on Sunday. The Eagles sit fourth on the ladder with three wins and one loss.
Moore said Brasher would certainly boost Sunshine’s quest for a top-two finish.
“He’s already proven himself that he’s going to be a great player for us. He’s got great ability. He hasn’t played for three years but it won’t take him long to get back into the groove of things so he’s going to be fantastic actually. He’s got that ability where he can play anywhere.”
Brasher said he has been impressed with the development of baseball in Australia since moving back from the States.
“I think it’s definitely improved from last time I left for college in 1999, I think it’s improved a lot, with the young kids coming through now. They’re a lot more talented.”
