Surfers Paradise Baseball Club

We recently caught up with one of our senior players, Steve Chambers

Hi Steve, it must be great to be home.

Firstly, when did you start playing at Surfers Paradise? I started playing baseball in 1996 when i was 6 years old and have always played for Surfers Paradise.

Have you always been a pitcher? I grew up playing infield, particularily short-stop, but I would always put my hand up to pitch. I love being able to control the game.

You have been overseas, what did you miss? I've spent roughly two years overseas and it definitely made me appreciate home, being the Gold Coast. Of course I missed my family and friends, but the beach was definitely missed and Mum's cooking.

Tell us where you have been and what you have been up to. What is the standard like? I have been to college in the U.S, Florida to be exact. You could compare the standard of college baseball to National titles here, however, the players in college are much older and therefore, stronger and faster. More recently, I spent six months in the Czech Republic where the standard is similar to that of the A Grade competition here in summer. It was a great experience and I was fortunate enough to be with a team that competed in the European Cup where we played teams from Switzerland, Austria, Russia and many more.

I see you played for the Bandits over the weekend in Canberra, how did that go? Yes, we left Canberra with a record of 2-2 which was a good way to kick off the 2011/2012 ABL season. As a team we hit very well and the bullpen was able to shutdown the Cavalry hitters when we needed to. I pitched 3 innings (6,7,8) in game 4 earning 2 strike outs, no hits and no walks, and then passed it on to Chris Mowday to close it out in the 9th giving us the win with a score of 9-6.

Who has been your mentors over you career? Over my career I have had several coaches which have all helped me in one way or another. Just to name a few, my dad, Ron Chambers, Gordon Wallace, Peter Yates, Andy Utting, Gavin Erasmus and even my mum, Vicki Chambers. Andy Utting has helped in a big way, helping me understand both the mental and physical aspects of the game. And my parents of course have always supported and believed in me which has proved to be invaluable in helping me through the hard times that baseball confronts us with.

What are your plans after this summer season? After the summer season I plan to further my career, whether it be in Europe or the U.S, i'm not to sure at the moment, we'll just have to wait and see. I had a great time in Europe but if I get a call from the U.S that's most likely where I'll go.