Far North Coast Baseball Association

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}} {{Infobox Sports league | title = Far North Coast Baseball Association | current_season = | last_season = | logo = | pixels = 150px | caption = | Formerly = | sport = Baseball | founded = {{start date and age|13 May 1937}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Baseball Draw |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/9647651? |website=The Northern Star and Trove |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=15 June 1938}}</ref><ref>Clark, p.70.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=Floods to finals in FNC baseballs 80th year |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/floods-to-finals-in-fnc-baseballs-80th-year/3247217/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=25 October 2017}}</ref> | fame = | motto = | teams = Six | country = Australia | venue = Albert Park, Lismore | champion = Workers | most_champs = | website = {{url|http://fnc.baseball.com.au/}} | singles = | ceo = | Commissioner = Craig Scheibel<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fncbaseball.com.au/fncba-board-of-management/ |title=FNCBA Board of Management |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2023 |access-date= 10 February 2024|quote=}}</ref> | TV = | related_comps = | Founder = Laurie Thew<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Humble pitch in 1937 leads to city's love affair with baseball |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/humble-pitch-in-1937-leads-to-citys-love-affair-wi/2924575/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=23 July 2019 |language=en |date=9 February 2016}}</ref> }}

The '''Far North Coast Baseball Association''' ('''FNCBA''') is the organising body for baseball on the Far North Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

==History== In 1937, Laurie Thew, an aspiring right-handed pitcher from Sydney moved to Lismore and began efforts to establish baseball in the city. On 11 May 1937 a public notice was published in The Northern Star inviting interest in the formation of a 'Baseball Club', with the initial meeting taking place on Thursday 13 May 1937.<ref>{{cite web |title= BASEBALL CLUB? Meeting Convened |url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/94634075?searchTerm=baseball%20lismore%20%22capitol%20cafe%22&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=31 July 2019 |language=en |date=11 May 1937}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= TO-DAY |url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/94634595?searchTerm=baseball%20lismore%20%22capitol%20cafe%22&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=31 July 2019 |language=en |date=13 May 1937}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Baseball Club Formed in Lismore |url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/94634736?searchTerm=baseball%20lismore%20thew&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=31 July 2019 |language=en |date=14 May 1937}}</ref> Soon there were enough players for two teams and within weeks challenges were issued and representative games against Queensland based teams were being held.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Humble pitch in 1937 leads to city's love affair with baseball |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/humble-pitch-in-1937-leads-to-citys-love-affair-wi/2924575/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=9 February 2016}}</ref> The first representative baseball game ever held in Lismore took place on Saturday 31 July 1937, Queensland vs Lismore, with the visitors winning 7-1 on the back of some brilliant pitching.<ref>{{cite web |title= TO-DAY: Baseball, Queensland vs Lismore, Recreation Ground, 1:45pm |url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/94698785?searchTerm=%22northern%20star%22%20%20baseball%20lismore&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=31 July 2019 |language=en |date=31 July 1937}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= BRILLIANT PITCHING WON GAME - Baseball Was Popular |url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/94698838/9848623 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=31 July 2019 |language=en |date=2 August 1937}}</ref> The advent of World War II led to a hiatus and it was not until 1947 when Thew again proved the catalyst - calling a meeting to re-establish the league.<ref>{{cite web |title= TO-DAY: BASEBALL REVIVAL PLANNED |url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/99151994?searchTerm=baseball%20%22laurie%20thew%22&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=1 August 2019 |language=en |date=11 March 1947}}</ref> Thew is now recognised as the “Father of Baseball” on the Far North Coast.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Humble pitch in 1937 leads to city's love affair with baseball |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/humble-pitch-in-1937-leads-to-citys-love-affair-wi/2924575/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=9 February 2016}}</ref>

Initially the FNCBA played on cricket grounds during the winter and as the league grew this caused pressure on the city to find a dedicated space for the sport. Since 1965 FNCBA has used dedicated fields at the Albert Park sporting complex in Lismore, with the main diamond now known as Baxter Field.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=Floods to finals in FNC baseballs 80th year |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/floods-to-finals-in-fnc-baseballs-80th-year/3247217/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=25 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Baxter dies |url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-northern-star/20140811/281582353782151 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=11 August 2014}}</ref>

From 1952, the FNCBA was affiliated with Baseball Queensland,<ref>Clark, p.70.</ref> but in August 2018 they moved to the NSW Country Baseball Association, under the banner of Baseball NSW.<ref>{{cite web |title=CEO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – FAR NORTH COAST |url=https://www.baseballqueensland.com.au/ceo-acknowledgement-far-north-coast/ |website=Baseball Queensland |date=10 August 2018 |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |user=BaseballNSW |number=1036507732369539072 |date = 3 September 2018 |title=Far North Coast Baseball Association Affiliating with Baseball New South Wales }}</ref>

In 2015, for the first time in the 78-year history of the FNCBA, an all-women's team competed - the Ballina Sharkettes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Sharkettes break new ground in FNC baseball |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/sharkettes-giving-it-their-all/2721047/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=29 July 2015}}</ref>

Currently there are teams from clubs based in Ballina, Casino and several clubs (Easts, Marist Brothers, Norths and Workers) from Lismore. In the past there have also been clubs from Alstonville and Kyogle.<ref>{{cite web |title=FNC Baseball goes from strength to strength |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/fnc-baseball-goes-from-strength-to-strength/2979310/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=29 March 2016}}</ref>

The Association has produced numerous Australian (men's and women's) representatives including Barry Wappett, Barry Pratt, Harold Crozier, Geoff Mould,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=BASEBALL HISTORY: Mini series looks back at 40 legends |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/baseball-history-mini-series-looks-back-at-40-lege/3119464/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=6 December 2016}}</ref> Ray,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=Ray did it his way for 41 years in local baseball |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/ray-did-it-his-way-for-41-years-in-local-baseball/2875696/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=17 December 2015}}</ref> Mark and Mat Buckley,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=BASEBALL HISTORY: Region's leaders rise to glory |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/baseball-history-regions-leaders-rise-to-glory/3120448/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=8 December 2016}}</ref> Matt Gahan,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=BASEBALL HISTORY: Region's leaders rise to glory |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/baseball-history-regions-leaders-rise-to-glory/3120448/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=8 December 2016}}</ref> Peter Gahan,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=BASEBALL HISTORY: 15 more don green and gold |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/baseball-history-15-more-don-green-and-gold/3120036/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=9 February 2024 |language=en |date=7 December 2016}}</ref> Matt Gates,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=BASEBALL HISTORY: Region's leaders rise to glory |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/baseball-history-regions-leaders-rise-to-glory/3120448/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=8 December 2016}}</ref> Adrian Meagher,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=BASEBALL HISTORY: Region's leaders rise to glory |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/baseball-history-regions-leaders-rise-to-glory/3120448/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=8 December 2016}}</ref> Michael Nind,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=BASEBALL HISTORY: 15 more don green and gold |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/baseball-history-15-more-don-green-and-gold/3120036/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=7 December 2016}}</ref> Karina Connors<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title= Karina ready for Korea |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/karina-ready-for-korea/3071936/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=20 July 2019 |language=en |date=4 August 2016}}</ref> and James Linger.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title= BASEBALL HISTORY: Final part to the series about FNC legends |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/baseball-history-final-part-to-the-mini-series-abo/3121200/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=22 July 2019 |language=en |date=11 December 2016}}</ref>

Barry Wappett (1956, Melbourne), Michael Nind (1988, Seoul), Mat Buckley (2000, Sydney) and Adrian Meagher (2000, Sydney) represented Australia at the Olympics.

The area remains one of the strongest centres for Baseball in Australia.<ref>Clark, p.70.</ref>

==Clubs== {| class="wikitable" ! Team ! First played ! Grade(s) |- | Alstonville | 1990<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= FNC baseball goes from strength to strength |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/fnc-baseball-goes-from-strength-to-strength/2979310/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=6 August 2019 |language=en |date=29 March 2016}}</ref> | |- | Ballina Sharks | 1975<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= FNC baseball of today a far cry from its early days |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/fnc-baseball-of-today-a-far-cry-from-its-early-day/2964985/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=31 July 2019 |language=en |date=15 March 2016}}</ref> | Div 3 |- | Casino | | Div 3 |- |Easts Redbirds | 1948<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Humble pitch in 1937 leads to city's love affair with baseball |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/humble-pitch-in-1937-leads-to-citys-love-affair-wi/2924575/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=9 February 2016}}</ref> | Major League, Div 1, Div 2, Seniors, Juniors, Little League |- | Marist Brothers | 1948<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Humble pitch in 1937 leads to city's love affair with baseball |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/humble-pitch-in-1937-leads-to-citys-love-affair-wi/2924575/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=9 February 2016}}</ref> | Major League, Div 1, Juniors, Little League |- |Norths Bears |1948<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Humble pitch in 1937 leads to city's love affair with baseball |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/humble-pitch-in-1937-leads-to-citys-love-affair-wi/2924575/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=17 July 2019 |language=en |date=9 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Club to celebrate its 3 score years and 10 |url= https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-northern-star/20170804/282458529042940 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=31 July 2019 |language=en |date=4 August 2017}}</ref> |Major League, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Under 20s, Seniors, Juniors, Little League |- |Workers |1963<ref>{{cite web |title=Fifty years on the diamond |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/fifty-years-on-the-diamond-sports-lismore/1408596/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=19 July 2019 |language=en |date=7 June 2012}}</ref> |Major League, Div 1, Div 2, Div 3, Seniors, Juniors, Little League |}

==Major League Champions== *2023: Workers<ref>{{cite AV media |people= Workers vs Brothers |title= Far North Coast Baseball Final 3 |language=en |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkZXlwb1Mgw |access-date=10 February 2024 |location= Baxter Field |publisher= Julian Sexton}}</ref> *2022: *2021: Marists (awarded minor premiers only, as finals called off due to COVID-19).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Richter |first1=Gracie |title=Far North Coast Baseball Season Called Off |url=https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2021/09/18/far-north-coast-baseball-season-called-off/?fbclid=IwAR2LCxUYWTn6ssLt-B-djcCR0xGOrJQDJTSPzbRvHxDKARhweD2iEYfOiZ0 |website=NBN News |accessdate=9 February 2024 |language=en |date=18 September 2021}}</ref> * 2020: Workers *2019: Norths<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clark |first1=Emily |title=Norths are premiers in baseball shock |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/norths-are-premiers-in-baseball-shock/3841083/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=19 October 2019 |language=en |date=28 September 2019}}</ref> *2018: Easts<ref>{{cite web |title=Brothers guard the baseball plate |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/brothers-guard-the-baseball-plate/3713385/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=20 July 2019 |language=en |date=28 April 2019}}</ref> *2017: Workers<ref>{{cite web |title=FNC Baseball awards for 2017 |url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-northern-star/20171025/282175061363303 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=22 July 2019 |language=en |date=25 October 2017}}</ref> *2016: Easts<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Baseball: Easts sweep to premiership |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/easts-sweep-to-premiership/3088378/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=6 August 2019 |language=en |date=12 September 2016}}</ref> *2015: Easts<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title= Baseball: Defending premiers take up where they left off |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/baseball-defending-premiers-take-up-where-they-lef/2984262/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=19 July 2019 |language=en |date=4 April 2016}}</ref> *2014: Norths<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title= Norths take major league baseball grand final |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/norths-top-in-runs-record/2386181/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=20 July 2019 |language=en |date=15 September 2014}}</ref> *2013: Marists<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Best chance for Workers against Easts with key player away |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/best-chance-for-workers/2770682/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=29 July 2019 |language=en |date=11 September 2015}}</ref> *2012: Easts<ref>{{cite web |title=It's 12 years of Glee |url=https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/its-12-years-of-glee-sports/1546368/ |website=Sunshine Coast Daily |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=17 September 2012 |archive-date=20 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720210938/https://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/its-12-years-of-glee-sports/1546368/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> *2011: Easts<ref>{{cite web |title=Fifty years on the diamond |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/fifty-years-on-the-diamond-sports-lismore/1408596/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=19 July 2019 |language=en |date=7 June 2012}}</ref> *2010: Easts *2009: Norths<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Best chance for Workers against Easts with key player away |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/best-chance-for-workers/2770682/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=29 July 2019 |language=en |date=11 September 2015}}</ref> *2008: Norths<ref>{{cite web |title=Norths end 15-year drought |url=https://www.echonews.com.au/news/23466-norths-end-15-year-drought/685379/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=19 July 2019 |language=en |date=11 August 2015 |archive-date=20 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720020722/https://www.echonews.com.au/news/23466-norths-end-15-year-drought/685379/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> *2007: Workers<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title= Baseball finals start tomorrow |url= https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-northern-star/20170907/282054802183552 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=7 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.workers.baseball.com.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=Display_Page&PageID=1729&OrgID=19513 |title=Premierships |access-date= 20 July 2019}}</ref> *2006: Easts<ref>{{cite web |title=FNC baseball goes it alone |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/apn-fnc-baseball-goes-it/14163/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=20 July 2019 |language=en |date=14 April 2017}}</ref> *2005: Easts<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spinks |first1=Steve |title= Ringing in the changes |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/apn-ringing-in-the/16967/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=31 December 2015}}</ref> *2004: Workers *2003: Marists<ref>{{cite web |last1=Egan |first1=Tony |title= Brothers have shot at baseball six pack |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/brothers-have-shot-at-baseball-six-pack/2017808/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=20 July 2019 |language=en |date=12 September 2013}}</ref> *2002: Marists<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Best chance for Workers against Easts with key player away |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/best-chance-for-workers/2770682/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=29 July 2019 |language=en |date=11 September 2015}}</ref> *2001: Workers *2000: Marists *1999: Workers *1998: Marists<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/marist.brothers.14 |title=Marist Brothers Baseball Club |website=Facebook |access-date= 20 July 2019}}</ref> *1997: Marists *1996: Workers *1995: Marists *1994: Marists *1993: Norths<ref>{{cite web |title= Masters Games reunites old team mates |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/masters-games-reunites-old-team-mates/2737025/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=19 July 2019 |language=en |date=11 August 2015}}</ref> *1992: Norths *1991: Marists *1990: *1989 Workers *1988: Marists *1987: Workers *1986: Marists *1985: Workers *1984: Marists *1983: Workers *1982: Marists *1981: Easts<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hallmann |first1=Geoff |title= Redbirds title worth wait for 1981 bat boy |url= https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/apn-redbirds-title-worth-wait-for-1981-bat/17728/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=29 July 2019 |language=en |date=6 September 2005}}</ref> *1980: Marists *1979: Marists *1978: Marists *1977: Marists *1976: Marists *1975: Marists *1974: Marists *1973: *1972: *1971/72: *1971: Marists *1970/71: Marists *1970: Marists *1969: *1968: *1967: *1966: Workers *1965: Workers *1964: Marists *1963: *1962: Marists *1961: *1960: *1959: *1958: Marists *1957: Marists *1956: Marists *1955: Marists *1954: Marists *1953: Marists *1952: A G Robertsons (AGRs)<ref>{{cite web |title=A.G.R.'s WIN TITLE |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/96524796/10169306 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=29 July 2019 |language=en |date=8 September 1952}}</ref> *1951: AGRs *1950: Souths<ref>{{cite web |title=100 Players for Baseball |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/96559368?browse=ndp%3Abrowse%2Ftitle%2FN%2Ftitle%2F81%2F1951%2F04%2F27%2Fpage%2F10179228%2Farticle%2F96559368 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=30 July 2019 |language=en |date=27 April 1951}}</ref> *1949: Souths<ref>{{cite web |title= SOUTHS COMPLETE BIG DOUBLE |url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/225705784/22267504 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=1 August 2019 |language=en |date=26 September 1949}}</ref> *1948: Cubs [Later became "Easts"]<ref>{{cite web |title= BASEBALL PREMIERS |url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/99039905?searchTerm=%22far%20north%20coast%20baseball%22%20%20premiers&searchLimits=l-title=81 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=30 July 2019 |language=en |date=29 September 1948}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title= Humble pitch in 1937 leads to city's love affair with baseball |url= https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/lismore/humble-pitch-in-1937-leads-to-citys-love-affair-with-baseball/news-story/9d2095dc670d3415bfd5b613154d24f7 |website=The Daily Telegraph |accessdate=10 February 2024 |language=en |date=9 February 2016}}</ref> *1947: *1946: No competition. *1945: No competition. *1944: No competition. *1943: No competition. *1942: No competition. *1941: *1940: Saxons<ref>{{cite web |title= Personal: Mr L. Winley |url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/98599022?searchTerm=baseball%20saxons%201940&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=1 August 2019 |language=en |date=29 August 1940}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Over 3000 at Sports Carnival: Baseball |url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/111591926?searchTerm=baseball%20%22far%20north%22%201940&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=1 August 2019 |language=en |date=6 May 1941}}</ref> *1939: Cubs<ref>{{cite web |title= Sport in the Country |url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/98244175?searchTerm=%22northern%20star%22%20%20baseball%20cubs&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc |website=The Sunday Mail (Brisbane) |accessdate=29 July 2019 |language=en |date=16 June 1940}}</ref> *1938: Giants<ref>{{cite web |title= BASEBALL: F.N. COAST COMP. |url= https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/94592087?searchTerm=baseball%20cubs%20giants%20%22far%20north%22&searchLimits=sortby=dateAsc |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=1 August 2019 |language=en |date=18 August 1938}}</ref> *1937:

==Huckleberry Medal (Major League MVP)== Beginning 1960, at the end of every season, the "Huckleberry Medal" has been awarded to the player deemed MVP in the FNCBA "Major League" competition. Past winners have been:

In addition to the list below, Peter Gahan (Marist Brothers) won the medal five times in the 1970s-1980s.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Robert |title=Gahan's career full of highlightst |url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-northern-star/20151112/281685433734487 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=13 November 2015}}</ref> *2020: Kodey Wilford (Brothers) *2019: Robbie Pruess (East Redbirds) *2018: Robbie Pruess (East Redbirds) *2017: Will Riley (Redbirds)<ref>{{cite web |title=FNC Baseball awards for 2017 |url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-northern-star/20171025/282175061363303 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=22 July 2019 |language=en |date=25 October 2017}}</ref> *2016: Robbie Pruess (East Redbirds) *2015: Michael Munro (Easts Redbirds)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hallmann |first1=Geoffrey |title=Redbirds Rule the Roost |url=https://www.questia.com/newspaper/1G1-428422583/redbirds-rule-the-roost |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=14 September 2015}}</ref> *2014: James Linger (Norths)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=Season Culminates in Gripping Grand Final |url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-382857068/season-culminates-in-gripping-grand-final |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=22 July 2019 |language=en |date=20 September 2014}}</ref> *2013: *2012: Troy Pruess (Workers)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Craig |first1=Mitchell |title=ROAD TO SUCCESS; He Can't Get to Training but Workers Pitcher Takes Top Award for Third Time |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/road-to-success/1570446/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=5 October 2012}}</ref> *2011: Mick McClelland (Workers) *2010: Robbie Pruess (Redbirds)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Attewell |first1=Paul |title=Pruess wins best and fairest award |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/robbie-pruess-baseball-best-fairest-award/647766/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=30 September 2010}}</ref> *2009: Paul Simes (Norths) *2008: Dallas Knapp (Workers) *2007: James Linger (Norths) *2006: Troy Pruess (Workers) *2005: Troy Pruess (Workers) *2004: Dallas Knapp (Workers) *2003: Matt Gahan (Marist Brothers) *2002: Paul Simes (Norths) *2001: Dallas Knapp (Workers) *2000: Chris Neven (Marist Brothers) *1999: Wayne Devlin (Workers) *1998: Matt Gahan (Marist Brothers) *1997: David Youngberry (Marist Brothers) *1996: David Youngberry (Marist Brothers) *1995: David Youngberry (Marist Brothers) *1994: Mark Buckley (Marist Brothers) *1993: Mark Buckley (Marist Brothers) *1992: Peter Buttrum (Norths) *1991: Alan Worgan (Workers) *1990: *1989: *1988: *1987: *1986: *1985: *1984: Alan Worgan (Workers)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.workers.baseball.com.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=Display_Page&PageID=1729&OrgID=19513 |title=Special Awards (Statistics) |access-date= 21 July 2019}}</ref> *1983: Stephen Devlin (Workers) *1982: Adrian Meagher (Workers)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=Pitcher's perfect comeback earns him Hall of Fame entries |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/pitchers-perfect-comeback-earns-him-hall-of-fame-e/2905347/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=20 January 2016}}</ref> *1981: *1980: *1979: *1978: *1977: Adrian Meagher (Workers) *1976: Bob McClelland (Workers)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=Bob McClelland helped make FNC baseball game great |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/baseball-in-bobs-blood/2849998/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=24 November 2015}}</ref> *1975: Michael Gahan Jnr (Marist Brothers)<ref>{{cite web |title=Baseball dynasty produces some diamonds |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/keeping-baseball-in-the-family/3114736/ |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=23 November 2016}}</ref> *1974: *1973: *1972: *1971: Michael Gahan Jnr (Marist Brothers) *1970: *1969: Maurice Gahan (Marist Brothers)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=Cricketer raises top baseballers |url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-northern-star/20161124/282050506663910 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=24 November 2016}}</ref> *1968: *1967: *1966: *1965: *1964: *1963: *1962: *1961: *1960: Reg Baxter (Norths)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Rob |title=Coin toss gave FNC baseball one of its legends |url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-northern-star/20161102/282114931130022 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=2 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Club to celebrate its 3 score years plus 10 |url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-northern-star/20170804/282458529042940 |website=The Northern Star |accessdate=21 July 2019 |language=en |date=4 August 2017}}</ref>

==See also== {{Portal|Baseball|New South Wales}} *Australian Baseball Federation *New South Wales Major League *New South Wales Patriots

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==Sources== *{{cite book|title=A History of Australian Baseball : Time and Game|first=Joe|last=Clark|year=2003|publisher=University of Nebraska Press| isbn=978-0803264403}}

==External links== *{{Official website|https://www.fncbaseball.com.au/}} *{{Facebook|FNCBaseball}}

{{Baseball in Australia}} {{Baseball in New South Wales}}

Category:Baseball in New South Wales New Category:Baseball leagues in Australia Category:1937 establishments in Australia Category:Sports organizations established in 1937 Category:Northern Rivers