Subject: Paul Maisey Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 13:40:53 +1100
From: "DiAnne Lilburn" <dianne.lilburn(at)softball.org.au> To: <fastball(at)pmihrm.com> Hi, Australian Open Men's player, Paul Maisey, announced his retirement at the recent Commonwealth Men's Championship and I was hoping that you would be able to post this article on your website. If you have any questions or would like some images, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, DiAnne Maisey Bows Out Mens softball came to a holt after one of softballs greatest and much loved players, Paul Maisey announced his retirement. The Victorians decision to retire from international circuit after 11 years and 136 caps came as a surprise to some, but for Maisey, Melbourne seemed like the most appropriate time. The Commonwealth Mens Championship seemed the perfect time for me to retire. It was an international tournament, in my home town, against the best in the world and it was in front of my family and friends whom have supported me throughout my career, said Maisey. Every time he stepped up to the plate, Maisey took his roles within the Australian Open Mens team, Aussie Steelers, very seriously which the team benefited from on many occasions. Playing for Australia has been a life changing experience and one worth all the hard work and dedication. I havent made a fortune, but have travelled the world experiencing softball in many different cultures. Representing your country is a great honour and one you will never forget, said Maisey. Throughout his career he has played in three World Championships (1996, 2000 and 2004), debuting for Australia in 1995 in New Zealand where he hit a home run to score the first ever run against New Zealand. I have had many great sporting moments which I can look back on like hitting my first ever home run at international level and also in 1996 where I hit back-to-back home runs against the Owen Sound Tyrement. It was off a lefty pitcher named Brad Underwood and we went on the win the game. I will miss this and the ultimate challenge and the chance to test myself against the best. Most of all I will miss my teammates, the friends I have won and lost with for so long, continued Masiey. Maiseys Mother was a big influence in his decision to take up the sport in 1983 when every weekend he would go and watch her play and coach at the local West Gippsland Softball Association. The Association decided to hold a primary boys competition in which he participated and he fell in love with the game and played ever since. Softball has been a huge part of his life and although he has retired from international level, Maisey will continue playing for Victoria who he currently captains. I will never retire from all levels of softball as I love the game too much. I have decided to keep representing Victoria, for as long as they will have me, as well as play in local competition for my club team the Metrans, continued Maisey. Maisey sees coaching as a direction he would like to take and his message to the aspiring players is that if you want it, work hard and experience all the softball you can. Become a student of the game and learn something from everyone you play with and against and use it to continue to improve your game and become the best softballer you can, concluded Maisey. Paul Maisey may have batted for Australia for the last time, but the legend of his fighting desire and his remarkable contribution to the sport will live on. DiAnne Lilburn National Communications Coordinator Softball Australia Suite 4, Ground Floor 38-40 Prospect Street Box Hill, Victoria 3128 T: +61 3 9890 8200 F: +61 3 9890 8295 M: +61 (0) 405 509 674 For more information visit www.softball.org.au _____________________________________________________________________________ Did you know that Australia is the world's number one softball nation? World number two - Open Women's team (Aussie Spirit), Silver Medallist (Athens, 2004), Bronze Medallists (Sydney 2000 and Atlanta 1996). World number one - Under 19 Men's team (Aussie Colts), three consecutive World Championship titles. World number three - Open Men's team (Aussie Steelers) and Under 19 Women's team (Aussie Pride). Als Fastball List *Email: fastball(at)pmihrm.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.AlsFastball.com/ NEWS: http://fastpitchwest.com/alsfastball
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