Where is the legendary Sydney Kings coach Bob Turner now?
He now heads the Sydney baseball team Sydney Blue Sox and is inviting Western Sydney residents to watch the exciting baseball game right in the middle of Western Sydney.
Bob Turner who brought the Sydney basketball team Sydney Kings to four National Basketball League (NBL) championship at one stage even own Sydney’s icon basketball team is now deep in the sports development and promotion of baseball.
He sits as chairman of the Bue Sox baseball team and the Blue Sox Baseball Stadium in Rooty Hill in what used to be Blacktown’s Olympic facilities precinct on Eastern Road, Rooty Hill.
Blue Sox Baseball Stadium hosts to many first grade baseball matches in New South Wales, foremost of which are baseball games under the Australian Baseball League.
A FILIPINO Day at the baseball takes place at Blacktown’s Blue Sox Stadium in the new year, reported sports journalist Jaime Pimentel in his web site www.Pinozinplay.com
Plans are to stage the Filipino community celebration on Sunday, January 24. The Blue Sox play a four-day series against Melbourne Aces from Thursday, January 21 to Sunday, January 24, 2016.
Blue Sox executive director Bob Turner has set aside one home game this season in recognition of the Filipino community’s support.
“Plans are underway to have Filipino food stalls, displays, and world-class hip-hop showcased by MAS Presents for the celebration,” said Pimentel.
The Filipino Baseball Day will also be a prelude to the Philippines’ participation in the 2015 World Baseball Qualifier scheduled for February 11-14, 2016 in Blacktown, at Blue Sox Stadium.
Mr Pimentel said, a newly formed local Filipino support group is planning a reception for the Philippine national baseball team’s arrival in Sydney, followed by some community activities for the players, and a fitting farewell – win or lose.
The group is calling on the Filipino community to throw its support behind the Blue Sox initiative to stage the Filipino Baseball Day.
In a message to the Filipino community, Turned said:“I know all too well the passion of the Filipino community when it comes to basketball. A game with the Sydney Kings at Mt Druitt or my team the Singapore Slingers playing the likes of PBA Champions like San Miguel were inspirational.
“We now have another American sport , baseball, paving the way in Australia through the ownership and influence of Major League Baseball (MLB).
“MLB has organised an official leg of the World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament from the 11th to the 14th of February (2016) and the Philippines are one of the four national teams to be invited to play at Blue Sox Stadium in Blacktown.
“To introduce the Filipino community to the game we are hosting a “Filipino Day” on Sunday, the 24th of January when the Sydney Blue Sox host the Melbourne Aces.
“Game time is 1pm, and we hope you can bring the entire family to experience baseball at its best.”