By JARROD POTTER
MANNING the pitcher’s mound for School Sports Victoria (SSV) will be one of local softball’s best young talents.
Brodie Manning, 12, from Narre Warren South, fell into the sport after finishing up an Auskick session at Sweeney Reserve for his beloved Magpies and spotting, out of the corner of his eye, a softball ‘come and try day’.
Once the Fleetwood Primary School student picked up a bat and a ball, he was hooked on the sport and has continued to improve in the eight years he has been playing.
His talents – both as a batter and a pitcher – earned him a place on the SSV boys 12-and-under softball team that will head to Queensland in November to contest the national title.
“I’ve been playing about eight years – since 2006,” Manning said.
“I like pitcher, first base and shortstop, but I like pitcher most because you get more attention.”
He was excited to make the SSV team – the first time he’s received a Victorian call-up – following a two-day trial which tested his batting and pitching skills.
Also a gun footballer, Manning finished in the top 10 of the South East Juniors under-11 Division-2 best-and-fairest race and was a co-winner of his team’s best and fairest.
His Magpies team also made the finals and he notched his 50th junior match to cap off a strong year with the oval ball for the Narre Warren powerhouse.
With summer around the corner, Manning will shift his attention to softball and basketball, but loves any sport he can be immersed in.
Manning wanted to thank his mum and dad for their support and everyone involved with his softball clubs and teams for helping him improve as a player.
The under-12 boys softball team will represent School Sport Victoria at the School Sport Australia Softball Championships in Toowoomba, Queensland, from 9-14 November.
