On a hot and sunny afternoon, a group of over 50 Wests Bulldogs Alumni members met at our Club and regailed over past glories. It was truly an honour to meet such legends from the past – champion club members, State and Australian players, international players and great blokes; the lot of them.
Many thanks to President – Andrew Kelly and Coordinator – Rod Heffernan – for getting this event going.
Particular thanks to cordon bleu chef – Andrew Kelly – for the catering for the evening with his special smoked pork and beef. The flavours and aroma were out of this world. Great tucker.
Many stories were told which shows our Club has a rich and valued history that we should be very proud of. Equally we should be very proud of this group of dedicated members who hold our Club is such high esteem.
Mark Danker and his wife Sarri; one of our star pitchers, travelled from Iowa USA to join the event. Mark regailed us with many and varied stories but the one that caught my ear was his story of pitching in the grand final series of three games – played over four days in which he pitched 9 innings in Game 1 and lost; John Zietek pitched Game 2 and won so then Mark Danker pitched ten innings four days later and won in the bottom of the 10th when a based load HPB scored the winning run – he pitched a total of 19 inings in four days – WOW!
Mark said he owes the Club a lot more than the Club owes him – I’m not so sure about that!
Glen Mahoney – one of our past Presidents – provided some hilarious commentary on what was done in the early days to get our fields at Darra started. But of course what is said in the room; stays in the room!
Never one to be shy when a microphone is present; evergreen Kenny McGuire spoke at length about the Club history.
Towards the end of the evening; President – Andrew Kelly – bestowed the honour of Life Membership to Gavin Burke. Gavin accepted this award to a standing ovation by all members present. Gavin now lives in Vancouver; Canada so it was very appropriate for the award to be presented to him in the company of his many peers.
Past Coach – Greg Wade – was good enough to give members present a great feeling for the varied and many things Gavin has done for the Club – as did the event Coordinator Rod Heffernan.
More details about Gavin in a later post.
Congratulations Gavin on a remarkable career here at Wests Baseball
Gavin Burke
The Wests Baseball Bulldogs Alumni is an active group for former players and supporters, with a public Facebook group for members to connect and share memories. They hold reunion events, like the one scheduled for November 22, 2025, which includes past players who were instrumental in the club’s history, such as those from the 1980s A-Grade championship teams.
Key activities and information
- Facebook Group: The primary way to connect is through the official Wests Bulldogs Alumni & Friends Facebook group.
- Reunions: The group organizes events for alumni to meet and reminisce. An upcoming event was planned for November 22, 2025, at the Wests Clubhouse.
- Legacy: The group celebrates the history of the club, including legendary players who helped develop the baseball fields and won multiple A-Grade premierships in the 1980s.
- International Members: The alumni group includes members who have traveled from different countries, such as Canada and the USA, for events.
- Event Details: Reunion events are often paid events, with details available on the Facebook group page or through the Instagram account.
Can anyone spot a young Kenny McGuire?
Rod Heffernan pitching
