Here is a list of Gavin Burke’s achievements during his time at Wests and after he left Wests for Canada
-Started playing ? @ Heroes pk Toowong
-Father played for South’s (precursor to Wests)
-Co-ordinated and coached in the satellite T Ball league run at Kenmore HS
-Distinguished A grade career
-Instrumental in field construction at Chelmer, Sherwood Football Club & Dunlop Parkk
-Junior and Senior coach for multiple seasons
-Late 70’s, personally purchased/imported a Jugs pitching machine for club development
-Was on the club committee as our BBL representative attending meetings with the league for a number of years
-Personally purchased steel tube, sourced fish net and hired a pipe bender & welder to construct a ‘MLB style’ batting cage. First in Brisbane at the time and probably Australia
-In partnership with suppliers, kitted the seniors in white Puma spikes (definitely an innovative in Aus at the time)
-Designed and organised construction of multiple uniforms for all grades
-Contacted New Era in the US redesigning the old Washing Senators logo into our current W (btw ? Years before the Nationals were in existence) and had caps made and shipped.
-Contacted Wilson USA and had the pinstripe uniforms designed/made/shipped
-Made professional drawings of a multi field complex at Darra which formed part of the successful lease application for the lease of vacant property previously a dump site
-Created all three ‘bulldog’ logos in the clubs history including the current one while living in Canada
-Created the current ‘Bulldog script’ as seen on the modern day navy jerseys also done from a distance while living in Canada
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.
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Breaking News – Koala Fencing agrees to be a new Major Sponsor of Wests
very pleased to announce Koala Fencing Pty Ltd will become a new Major Sponsor for Wests Baseball
Commencing 1 September 2025; Koala Fencing has agreed to fence in under our new Amenities Block with their sensational white PVC fencing and gates
“Koala PVC Fencing is a professional supplier of premium PVC fencing products in Brisbane, proudly setting the standard for quality and service in the industry. With first-class product quality and exceptional customer care, we have established ourselves as a trusted leader in delivering durable, stylish fencing solutions for residential, commercial, and public spaces. Our mission is to provide high-quality fencing solutions that elevates your boundaries.”
Huge shout out to Committee Member – Bradley Matheson – for his untiring work in developing the Wests Team Stack App for internal Club communications
Wests Baseball now has their own smartphone app which is 100% FREE to join. It will keep you updated with all the latest news and events plus much more.
To get the full features of this app please go to the App Store or Google Play and download Stack Team App onto your mobile device, then follow these simple steps:
1. Sign-up to Stack Team App. You’ll be sent an e-mail to activate your account. 2. Log-in and search for Wests Baseball, then request to become a member.
The Committee of the Western Districts Baseball Club Inc. would like to welcome all new members registering with the Club this season.
We are looking forward to another great season of summer baseball – just hope the rain does not interfere as much this season!
Getting in early, we will need parents help over the course of the season to assist in
working in the canteen
Umpiring – we can teach you
Scoring – we can teach you
Team manager duties
Field maintenance
Important information
AGE GROUPS & FEES – The following table shows age groups and playing fees
Games and season
Games commence first weekend in October 2025
Season break for summer school holidays from Saturday, December 13 2025
Season recommences Saturday 31 January 2026
Game fixtures will be available late September 2025 – we will provide a link to GameDay fixtures using the GameDay App once the fixture is available
Please ensure you factor your child’s team making the finals which will continue after the season home and away games conclude
Club communications are encouraged to be put through the StackApp – see separate POST on website with details
Pre-season training and gradings
Pre-season training for junior teams – each Saturday 1pm – 3pm for Ages 7 – 13 and 3pm – 5pm – Ages 14 & 15
Coaches will advise each team when training will move from Saturdays to mid-week training
Mid – week training
Mid week training will be Tuesday/Thursdays – 4.30pm – 6.00pm for Little LeagueMajor & Minor (bottom fields) & Senior League 70& 80 (Top field)
Mid week training will be Mondays/Wednesdays – 4.30pm – 6.00pm for Senior League 90 (Top field)
Team Gradings
Gradings for all children – Saturday 30 August 2025
TIME:
Little LeagueMajor & Minor – 1pm – 3pm – Field 2
Senior League 70& 80 – 1pm – 3pm – Field 1
Senior League 90 – 3pm – 5pm – Field 1
8 – 11 year old players (as of 31 August 2025)
Bottom Field – 1pm – 3pm – Field 2
(depending on numbers – may split into two groups)
12 – 13 year old players
Top field – 1pm – 3pm Field 1
14 – 15 year old players
Top field – 3pm – 5pm Field 1
ON FIELD TESTING ACTIVITIES
Base running – H – 1; 1 – 3
Bat speed (radar gun)
Bat power – distance off tee
Fielding – infield ground balls
Fielding – outfield fly balls
Arm speed (radar gun)
After the on field testing; Coaches will form the teams and you will be notified as soon as possible. This process will take at least one week.
REMEMBER – each Age level competition has a new name and new rules.
UNIFORMS
Playing fees do not include provision of a baseball uniform. You will need to order your child’s baseball uniform through the Club on line shop through the Club website – https://westsbaseball.com.au/shop/
We provide all of the playing uniform components – playing jersey, white pants, cap, socks, belt, protective cup etc.
You can also visit our Uniform Shop in the Clubrooms which will be open each Saturday afternoon 1pm – 4pm during the pre-season period starting Saturday, 23 August 2025
BASEBALL EQUIPMENT
As part of the playing fee, the Club provides bats and batting helmets and catchers gear for each team. You will not need to purchase any of this equipment – over time players often prefer to buy their own but that is their choice.
The Club has a number of gloves that can be borrowed – however we would encourage all players to purchase their own glove ultimately.
ANY OTHER QUERIES
If you have any other query or concern please send an email to either
Under thevouchersheading, find the relevant voucher. You can search for a specific voucher by typing the child/young person’s name.
Select download on the right-hand side.
Open the voucher.
Hover your mouse over the pdf, right click and select print.
To email your voucher, right click, save as to your computer and then attach it to your email.
Step 2 – Give the activity provider your Play On! Sports Voucher
Present or email the voucher to the activity provider when you register your child. The voucher must be used before the expiry date.
If the provider sign-on day is before the vouchers are released, contact the provider and see if they will consider waiting until the vouchers are released.
