Photos

Everyone arrived safely after the long flight to Los Angeles. Phil and Brett met the team and all went to visit Chick's Sporting Store, where the players were able to buy quite a lot of equipment.

After a morning recovery where some took the time to shop, the team played their first game last evening. After a very close fought game, the BLE boys were able to get up and win 7 - 6. All players contributed to the win and played very well. It was a nervous start but the boys settled quickly and performed well. The game was a twilight game and was finished under lights, which also gave the boys a thrill.

Today the team is off to Universal Studios for a full day of fun. All are looking forward to it.

Weather has been fantastic and everyone is enjoying themselves

(Updated 31/3/07)

Saturday the touring party all visited Universal Studios and had a full day there. It seems The Mummy won the votes for the best ride by the boys.

Sunday allowed the boys time to spend with their host families and for the adults to get some extra shopping time, which apparently did happen much to the chagrin of some of the husbands. Game 2 was played later that evening and the BLE boys were a little slow to get going, and the final score was 7 - 4 to the Americans. Once again all boys played very well and after the game a birthday cake was there for Jon Bannister who turned 14.

The team is touring the Lake Elsinore Storm Minor League facility today and then to the Outlet Mall for some more bargains. The boys will be playing a double header tonight, with the first game set for a twilight finish and game two will be under lights.

Once again the host families have been fantastic and are spoiling the boys and making sure they really enjoy themselves.

(Updated 2/4/07)

After touring the Lake Elsinore Storm ground and facilities, the players were able to gain a better understanding of life in the Minor Leagues. From there some bargains were had at the Outlet Stores, and then off to play a double header.

In the first game against the undefeated Padres, some defensive lapses saw the BLE team down 7 - 1 early, but with all boys collecting at least 1 hit, the final score saw the BLE team going down 8 - 4.

Game 2 had the BLE team continuing to collect many safe hits, and the team went out to a 7 - 2 lead. In the top of the 6th inning, the USA team were able to score 5 runs and tie the game. BLE then responded with 5 runs of their own and went on to win 12 - 7. Once again all boys collected at least 1 hit for the game.

After spending the next morning at Mulligan's Fun Park, the team visited Angel Stadium and watched the Angels play the Texas Rangers. Some players were able to get a foul ball during batting practice, and the Angels catcher, Mike Napoli, signed a few balls and caps for the team. It was also the night where the Angels fans said goodbye to long serving player Tim Salmon, and the festivities for that were well worth seeing. The Angels won, and Mike Napoli, the new favourite, also played well which allowed his new fans to go home happy.

The team plays another game today and then have the afternoon to rest and spend some time with their host families in preparation for a long day at Disneyland tomorrow.

(Updated 4/4/07)

Game 5 saw the BLE team race out to a 7 - 1 lead, however the USA Team scored 3 in the bottom of the 6th and then another 4 in the bottom of the 7th to win 8 - 7. Another good performance by the boys but unfortunately they were not able to hold on.

A trip to Disneyland was a full day experience, with the team staying to watch the fantastic fireworks display. The next morning was a free morning to finalise shopping and then the last game against the USA teams. The BLE boys were again competitive for the first part but tired some in the second half and were beaten 9 - 3. All boys once again played well and enjoyed the experience immensely. After the game the group experienced the traditional BBQ at Mike's home and the players spent the time in the pool and spa all evening.

Tonight the group tours to San Diego to watch the Padres play the Rockies, and to experience the wonderful field Petco Park.

The group will be packing tomorrow for our trek to the airport as this will be our last day in the USA before we fly out tomorrow night, and return to Australia on Tuesday morning.

Photos of the tour will be placed on the site in the next few days.

(Updated 7/4/07)

Last day in the USA.

The trip to Petco Park last evening was a wonderful experience. Getting in to watch batting practice and getting close to the field was a first for many, however with the Rockies playing against the Padres, Phil was able to organise a few of the Rockies players and coaches to come over and meet our group. First Clint Hurdle, manager of the Colorado Rockies came over and spoke to the group and signed autographs. Next Rick Mathews came and also signed autographs. Then we had some players come over to us, including Matt Holliday, and they signed autographs for our group only. Some memories for the boys to keep.

As it was Military appreciation night, the pre-game festivities included parachutists landing on the field, a helicopter doing a fly over and many other highlights throughout the game.

The game was won by the Padres in the bottom of the 9th inning, which had the crowd cheering loudly. After the game fireworks were the final act on a memorable visit to Petco Park.

Everyone is busy packing this morning trying to fit all those bargains into their cases. I would think QANTAS will be getting some extra money for excess baggage this afternoon, as some of the Mums have really "attacked" the stores.

Photos will be uploaded after we return home.

(Updated 8/4/07)

Home Safely

Everyone arrived home safely and are probably still recuperating from the hectic trip we had. There was quite a lot to do and many highlights for everyone.

Phil and I would like to thank everyone for their contribution to the successful tour, especially Mike and Terri Wallace for their efforts once again. To the billet families, we cannot thank you enough for your support and for making the boys feel like they were at home, and to all from the Temecula Pony League who helped with the games and other aspects of the tour, thank you.

Thanks also to all of our touring families for their support and efforts during the trip, and also to Craig Kernick for looking after the players on game days and also at Mulligan's! I'm sure the boys all learned something from the tour and thoroughly enjoyed the experience working with Craig.

Please click on the link below to view some photos of the tour. The photos were supplied by June Ralph and Brodie Ward.

(Updated 11/4/07)

Photos................Itinerary