Australian fastball talent strives to play against the best in the U.S.

February 12, 2013

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Written by Bob Otto on February 8th, 2013

Josh Wagner, 19, making the play at second base is one of the up and coming
young stars of Australian fastball. Contributed photo

“I want to play against the best players in the world and better my game to increase my chances of making the next Australian men’s national team,” – Jacob Rooke

Queensland, Australia – The United States has a reputation as the “land of opportunity” for foreign fastpitch softball players. New Zealand, Canada, South America, Europe, and Australia’s finest have found their way stateside – including the likes of Michael White (NZ), Mark Sorenson (NZ), Darren Zack (CA), Freddie Terkelson (Denmark), Adam Folkard (AUS)…

And the list could go on.

Now eager to join these heralded stars are 24-year-old Jacob Rooke and Josh Wagner, 19, of Queensland, Australia. Both players, says coach Jim Grego of Brisbane, have the talent to help an American ball club.

“In my opinion, these two guys are the best up and coming infielders in the country,” he said. “In time, they will make a lot of noise in the senior ranks.”

Fastball skills? That they have.

Rooke is fast on the base paths, swings the bat from both sides of the plate and, “has a brilliant glove, always making the play you think might sneak through,” Grego said.

As for Wagner, he’s always looking to take the extra base and he’s aggressive at the plate, says Grego, adding: “For his age, Josh is one of the most patient and productive hitters in Australia. He has the ability to make the hard infield play look easy, and he will be a force with more exposure to the international game.”

One of Wagner’s biggest thrills came at the 2012 International Softball Federation Junior Men’s (age 19-under) World Championship when he went long ball.

“My most memorable moment was when I hit a two-run home run against New Zealand,” he said. Wagner’s home run was the difference as Australia pulled out a 2-1 victory against their down-under rivals.

But Rooke has a special memory too: Stroking a clean hit off arguably the best pitcher in the game.

“I got my first safe hit in the 2006 (Australian) Open Men’s Nationals when I was 17,” he said. “It was a single up the middle against Adam Folkard.”

Jacob Rooke swings the bat well from the left and right sides of the
plate. Contributed photo.

Rooke has a long fastball resume. He’s played for Queensland in the junior men and men’s sides for several years. And he’s performed for his country in the ISF Junior Men’s World Championship, helping the Aussies claim their third consecutive title in 2005.

Playing for his country rates high on his to-do list.

“I want to play against the best players in the world and better my game to increase my chances of making the next Australian men’s national team,” he said.

And reaching that goal starts in earnest in 2013. He hopes to be playing in the U.S. Hopes to be facing top pitching. Getting more experience. Playing in top tournaments. Playing on the biggest stage in U.S. fastball – the International Softball Congress World Tournament.

And Wagner shares those same goals.

“I want to play softball at the highest level all year round,” Wagner said. “Playing in the ISC World Tournament and in as many tournaments as I can is a goal that I want to fulfill.”

Grego has conflicting thoughts. While he hates losing such talent, he knows that playing in the U.S. will improve their games. Much like it did his own when he played for the Central Iowa Express and Aurora (Ill) Dolan and Murphy.

“I really hate to see them go,” Grego said. “But they need to play in that environment. Whoever gets them won’t be disappointed.”

For U.S. teams interested in learning more about Rooke and Wagner for the upcoming season, please contact Jim Grego by email: james.grego@ksb.com.au.

Kind Regards

 

Jim