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VJ KING JR |
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PLAYER PROFILE
1998 VJ's introduction to Baseball begins at age seven, when he joins the Castle Hill U8 Pages (T-Ball) under Coach Bob Day . The 1998/1999 Team comprises Mitchell Hardie, Mitchell Day, Annaleise Bownds, Adam Brinnand, Jacob McCray, Mitchell Gillam, James Waddell, James (VJ) Hocking, Joshua Amos, Rhiannon Duddy, and Alec Redfearn (Team Manager: Samantha Redfearn). Coach Bob Day gives VJ the nick-name 'Lethal' - a name subsequently enshrined in the composition Lethal Blues.
Uniform#3 (Pages 1998) VJ plays in local Castle Hill Division 1 teams coached by Nigel Hern - a fearless, tough, competitive coach... despite his reputation for being an old 'pussycat'. Hern's "four years - four premierships", speaks for itself.
The 17 November 1999 edition of the Sydney Morning Herald carries a page 6 article headed "Young baseballers hit parents for a homer" - a story featuring a Robert Pearce colour photograph of VJ and fellow members of his Knights U10 team. The picture's underlying caption reads "Strike one . . . Victor James Hocking Jr lets loose with a pitch while members of the Castle Hill under-10s look on." [For trivia buffs, this is the first published photograph of VJ in baseball uniform.] Uniform#?? (Knights 1999)
In 2000, NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Head Baseball Coach, Andre Desjardins, and Pitching Coach, Barry Holland invite VJ to attend the U19 (Winter) training sessions. As a 9-year old Baseball 'rug-rat', his weekly work-outs with older players in a serious talent development program such as the NSWIS prove invaluable. Uniform#3 (Knights 2000).
In 2001, January, VJ serves as Official Batboy for NSW at the ABF-sponsored U19 National Championships at Baseball's premier venue, Blacktown Olympic Park. VJ continues to attend the NSWIS development program throughout the Winters of 2002 and 2003.
Uniform#19 (Knights 2001). VJ is selected to the U12 Hills State Cup Rep Team coached by Bruce Vigenser, assisted by Jim Bergan, Nigel Hern and Phil Leonard - and managed by John Pond, a veteran of 18 years managing the NSW Patriots. A genuine watershed year that helps VJ immensely. Uniform#2? (Knights 2002-2003)
Uniform#65 (State Cup 2002-2003). Selected to Castle Hill Knights U14 Division 1 Team coached by Peter Street assisted by Mick Ralston. Season Premiers 2003-2004 & Grand Final winners 2004 Uniform#29 (Knights 2003-2004).
Selected to the Hills District U14 State Cup representative team coached by Garry Hayes, assisted by Guy Vincent and Paul Jones, and managed by Raif Oymen. VJ's specialist position remains that of a 'pivot' or, infielder. Uniform#21 (State Cup 2003-2004).
SOFTBALL. October 2003, VJ plays in the 2003 NSWPSSA Boys Softball State Championships (Wagga Wagga) following his selection to the Sydney West Boys Softball Rep Team - coached and managed by Wendy Vigenser and Craig Morphett. Sydney West runs fifth; VJ is voted Sydney West's Best & Fairest Player by fellow team members; and, he is named by NSWPSSA selectors to the State Team contesting the Australian Championships at Blacktown Olympic Park Softball Complex in November 2003. Craig Morphett is named Coach and Colin Pegler the Manager. Uniform#15 (Sydney West 2003).
SOFTBALL. November 2003, VJ participates in the 2003 PSSA Australian Boys Softball Exchange - as a member of the New South Wales State Team. Team NSW become inaugural champions after a clean sweep of Team Victoria. Uniform #2 (Australian Championships 2003).
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To all of them he is indebted for the modest successes he has enjoyed since first putting on his XXXXXS baseball uniform in 1998. VJ wishes to publicly acknowledge, here, his appreciation for their respective, and several contributions.
VJ's
'Yeah-of-the-Year'
2002/2003 goes to the
Castle Hill Knights Canteen Kings ------- Glenn Loxley and Christine Loxley
"... absolutely the best sausage sandwich and Coke on the planet!" |
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