OUR BASEBALL COACHES

CLUB COACH

OWEN GODENZI

It’s easy to give back to a sport that has given me so much. I play baseball because of the lifelong friendships I’ve built over 35 years in the game. As a junior, the more mainstream sports just didn’t quite click for me—but baseball did. It gave this small kid a chance to have multiple turns at bat and out in the field, and more importantly, it made me feel like part of a team. That sense of belonging is something I’ll never forget, and it’s something I want to pass on. One of the most rewarding parts of coaching is seeing the incredible talent coming through our junior competition. I love being able to help guide and develop these young athletes—not only in their sporting journey but also as future community leaders. Baseball teaches so much more than just skills on the field; it teaches resilience, teamwork, respect, and accountability. My goal as Club Coach in 2025 is to create an environment where every player has the opportunity to grow, challenge themselves, and enjoy their season. I’m committed to ensuring every individual feels supported, improves their skills, and leaves each game with a smile on their face—proud to be part of this amazing baseball club.

A GRADE & U15 ORANGE

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 !

A GRADE & U15 BLACK

HEAD COACH

BEN CAMPBELL

I started playing at a ripe age of 6 years old and have been in love with the game ever since. I have played competitive baseball since I was 9 years old even playing up in age groups just to get a few more games in. I was given the opportunity to come to the Rangers last year and I enjoyed the season and I look forward to the years ahead at the club. I have been coaching for the last 5 years, coaching at both state and club levels. I love coaching as I get to see the improvement in players from the start to the end of the season and have been fortunate to have been coached by many great people that I can use their lessons to teach those under me.

A GRADE & U12 BLACK

ASSISTANT COACH

AARON PARKER

Aaron Parker's baseball journey began at the age of 8, and now has been at the club for 25 years. Aaron has been representing Wangaratta from a young age in rep and still continues to do so. His extensive playing experience has given him a deep understanding of the game, which he now shares with his club and team mates. Beyond Aaron’s playing career, he is a family man and a butcher. Aaron's goal is to instil a love for the game in young baseballers helping them develop into confident and capable players. 2025 is a big year for Aaron not only coaching A grade but also being an assistant coach for his step son Patrick in under 12s, Aaron is looking forward to the coming years when his son Nelson starts playing for the club as well.

B GRADE ORANGE

HEAD 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.

B GRADE ORANGE ASSISTANT COACH

KELSEY BURDER

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.

B GRADE BLACK

HEAD COACH

SEAN WARFE

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?

B GRADE BLACK

ASSISTANT 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.

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 ORANGE

ASSISTANT COACH

MEI SATO

I started playing baseball when I was 8 years old because my brothers were playing. For my experience, I played baseball for 6 years and played softball for 3 years. I have learned many so much while I have been playing baseball. It wasn’t just how to play baseball, I’ve also learned how to play team sports, being grateful for many things and my attitude towards the game. I choose to become a coach for Under 15s Orange to encourage players to have a great time and great experience like I had when I was their age. I think some people will watch my games so I will do my best as a player to be a role model for the Under 15s.

UNDER 15 BLACK

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 12 ORANGE

HEAD COACH

CHRIS TRACY

I’m Christopher Tracy, 53 years old, married with 2 children and living in 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 BLACK

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!

UNDER 12 BLACK

ASSISTANT COACH

DAN WELLS

Daniel Wells is the dedicated coach of the Under 12 Black baseball team. Originally a cricketer, Daniel first played baseball as an off-season sport, with cricket remaining his main passion. In 2018, he returned to baseball after taking his children, Josh and Tia, to a “come and try” day at Tuggerah Park. Since then, he has played both B and A grade baseball and coached for the past four years. Alongside baseball, Daniel brings a wealth of coaching experience from cricket, including leading a junior team on an international tour to Argentina. His laid-back and calm approach makes him a favourite among players and parents alike.