OUR BASEBALL COACHES

CLUB & A GRADE

COACH

OWEN GODENZI

Baseball found me 35 years ago when other sports didn’t click, and it gave me a sense of belonging I’ve carried ever since. Now, I’m stepping into the 2026 Club Coach role to ensure the next generation feels that same magic. My goal is simple: skill development, a lot of growth, and even more smiles. We’re teaching the "big" stuff including respect, accountability, and teamwork, while making sure every player loves the game as much as I do.

ASSISTANT A GRADE &

B GRADE HEAD COACH

DAMIEN FRENCH

The first time I ever went to a baseball game I would have been a week old. Rangers since day dot for me 22 years ago. I didn’t get a great opportunity as a junior to play as I just missed the original junior comp. But had chances to play with Bendigo & Sunraysia at state champs. For me now, coaching is a way I can help grow the next chapter of juniors to give back to the club that’s given me so much. To be back as a club coach to assist with B Grade Black this year to help our next generation of Rangers family come through and help pass knowledge on. One of my favourite quotes from the Captain Derek Jeter is "There may be people that have more talent than you, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do." I hope that our team can get something out of this. Something to push not only our team but our club to the next level.

B GRADE

ASSISTANT COACH

BRENDAN FRENCH

I started playing baseball in 2001 and have played around 350 games, but before baseball I played T-Ball and softball. Part of the reason I play baseball is to play with friends, but I also regularly go on trips, such as playing at the Masters in Ballarat for the Cods and going to watch the Voodoos play at the Pacific Masters on the Gold Coast. I think part of the drive to coach is winning games and grand finals as a coach with friends.

ASSISTANT A GRADE,

B GRADE & U15 HEAD COACH

NATHAN POOL

I started playing baseball as a 9 year old for Saints Baseball Club in the under 17s competition on. I played juniors through to the age of 16 and started playing A grade as a 16 year old. In 1997, I pitched the winning grand final at 18 for Saints and the following year, 7 of those A grade players retired, fast forwarding my development as a senior player. In the year 2000, the Rangers were formed and we started a new chapter of baseball in Wangaratta, between the Saints and the Dodgers merging, the club obtained some experienced players and a whole lot of youth, we were able to concentrate on juniors and that’s where my coaching started. I have always had a coaching role, whether it be juniors or seniors but I have to admit, since we got juniors back to the club in 2019, I have definitely developed more of a spring in my step towards junior development. The kids we have had and that are coming through the system are exciting and the future is bright. I am looking forward to the day I can sit back and watch the late game !

ASSISTANT B GRADE

COACH

HEATH FRENCH

I’ve been with Rangers as long as I can remember, growing up with the game. From being one of the few Juniors in the league to playing my first senior game at age 14, Before the rebuild of the Junior competition. The 2026 season is going to be a new challenge being an assistant coach for one of the B grade teams, I’m looking forward to this new opportunity and hopefully be able to keep my name in the A grade lineup cards aswell.

B GRADE

ASSISTANT COACH

STEVE PERUZZO

I started coaching B grade with Mick Wyatt in 2018. I also played my final year in A grade game that year, along the way, there have been many highs and lows, winning the 2015 A grade premiership being a stand out, along with recent back-to-back premierships in B grade in 2023 and 2024. I also won a C Grade premiership in 2017 to complete the A, B, and C of premierships in each grade, which I will remember fondly. The biggest highlight would have to be my teammates, the friendships with the opposition teams, and the lifelong friendships I have formed. Being a committee member has allowed me to contribute to the workings of the club, and I find great enjoyment in seeing our vision come to life. The 2025 season will see me combine with Kelsey Burder, a great mate and excellent club leader, and we will see if Rangers B grade Orange can secure a third straight Premiership.

C GRADE

HEAD COACH

MATT SANDERS

I began playing baseball at age 14 with the Saints Baseball Club, initially as an alternative to cricket during the winter months. In 2000, I joined the inaugural Rangers A grade team and contributed to their first A grade premiership victory in 2004. Following a period away from the sport after 2006, I returned to the Rangers in 2023 when my son Darcy started participating in baseball. In 2024, I served as assistant coach for the Rangers under-15 side, which achieved premiership honours that season. Additionally, I resumed playing and was part of the B Grade premiership team in 2024. I am committed to supporting players, both young and old in developing their skills and becoming well-rounded individuals both on and off the field.

C GRADE

HEAD COACH

PAUL MAIDEN

I’m a theatre technician by day, Husband and father to two boys Oscar and Isaac. I love water skiing and playing baseball! My wife Katie started our baseball journey after playing when she was younger with her brother Stephen for the Porepunkah Panthers. Fast forward 17 years we saw the come and try T-Ball day in 2019 and as they say the rest his history. Highlights so far has been winning the B grade cup my second year. Playing C grade pitching along side my son Oscar, and competing against my brother in law and childhood friends in B grade with my wife joining the fun in 2023. In our baseball off season I have been assistant coach for the women’s softball team and assistant coach for the under 14s Wodonga team along side legend Quinny. Cold Sundays in our house hold is a day filled with baseball, early starts and late finishes. But what makes it the most, is the life long friendships formed with those that are there to see you make the perfect play and there for you when it doesn’t go to plan.

C GRADE

ASSISTANT COACH

OSCAR MAIDEN

I've been playing baseball for six years and have had the opportunity to train under a wide range of coaches from across our league, each helping me grow as a player. My journey with baseball began in 2019 when my parents took me to a come-and-try day and I’ve been hooked ever since. Since then, I’ve proudly represented the North Eastern Border nearly every year, starting with the Under 14s. This year, I’m aiming to compete in the Under 18s. When I’m not on the field playing, I stay involved in the game by umpiring. Outside of baseball, I also enjoy playing softball during the summer and love spending time wakeboarding.

C GRADE

ASSISTANT COACH

IAN DINSDALE

Ian 'Dino' Dinsdale (70) the sporting legend, has been playing baseball since the age of 21 in 1976. Dino previously played with Tarrawingee after being scouted by the late Ray Lewis, before playing with the Wangaratta Saints for many years, which then became the Wangaratta Rangers in 2000. Dino is proudly a Life Member, and his career highlights include a long list of exciting Premierships wins across the decades, with 3 Best & Fairest trophies, and playing baseball alongside his 3 daughters who have also joined the Club.

UNDER 15

ASSISTANT COACH

MAKALYA POOL

Hi I’m KK, I’m one of the coaches for the Rangers Black Under 15s team for the 2025 season. Baseball has been a long time passion of mine, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step into a junior coaching role this year. Over the years, the sport has shaped who I am, not just as a player, but as a person. I’ve grown from hitting off a tee and playing first base with limited skills, to facing senior pitchers and finding my place behind the plate as a dedicated catcher. As this is my first year coaching, my main goals are to help the players enjoy the game, develop their skills, try out different positions, and most importantly, discover their own love for baseball. Looking forward to a great season ahead!

UNDER 15

ASSISTANT COACH

JOSH WELLS

Baseball’s been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it’s played a huge role in shaping how I approach the game and myself and the values i live by off the field. I’ve been fortunate to experience success at junior representative level, and I’m still playing now as a catcher and third baseman while continuing to push myself to improve. I’m really looking forward to being the assistant coach for the U15s this season. My main goal is to help players get better, build confidence, and actually enjoy being out there. I think the game’s at its best when players are learning, having fun, and backing each other. I want to be part of creating a positive environment where the kids look forward to training, work hard, and keep developing as both players and teammates.

UNDER 12

HEAD COACH

SEAN WARF

My Baseball journey began 30 years ago this year. Through my time, I’ve been a Ranger, a Dolphin, a Blue Jay, a Brave (twice), a Bear and even played overseas playing high-level Baseball in Canada as an Athletic and an Angel. I’ve taken on coaching from early on, starting with juniors back in the 90s and over the last 4 years have been coaching b grade, c grade and our recently formed Softball teams. In my 10 years with the Rangers, had 3 premierships in B grade, coaching back to back premierships in 2021-2022. After another couple of years in A grade, I’m happy to be back in B grade and leading the developmental squad this year to help grow the game of each of our players. Our team philosophy this year will be “leave better”… each game, each training session… what have you done to better yourself as a player and a person?

UNDER 12

ASSISTANT COACH

CHRIS TRACY

I’m Christopher Tracy from Beechworth. I am one of 3 boys born in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. My favourite team is a Baltimore Orioles and I saw Cal Ripken play his rookie year. I’ve been to hundreds of major-league baseball games in Baltimore, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Seattle. As a kid I didn’t love playing Baseball. In year 5 I was a terrible hitter, I never even swung, but in year 6 something clicked and I became the best hitter on the team. This is my second season playing with the Rangers and my first season coaching. I think every kid should have a go at playing team sport at some point, to learn you don’t have to be the best, just try your best.

UNDER 12

HEAD COACH

MIKAYLA JONKER

I have been with the Rangers since I was 5 as batgirl for the B grade team my dad played for. When I was 14 I started to play U15s and fell in love with the game. 4 years later and I am now playing B grade, A grade and coaching one of our amazing U12s team. I started coaching U12s last year as assistant coach and was amazed at how well the kids picked up the sport and what to do, seeing the kids improve week in week out kept me going, the energy and enthusiasm they brought on and off the field was unmatched. This year I am back coaching U12s as head coach and I look forward to seeing what the kids bring to the game and how much they will improve from day dot!