More than 40 young baseballers from across the North East converged on Wangaratta on Saturday for a groundbreaking skills program delivered by Strut Baseball, a professional training team led by former Minnesota Twins signee Paul Rutgers.

Designed for players aged 13 to 18, the full-day clinic focused on high-level fundamentals including baserunning footwork, fielding ground balls, throwing mechanics, power hitting, and in-game situational play.

It marked the first time a program of this calibre has been hosted in the region, and it’s already being hailed as a major step forward for the sport locally.

Paul Rutgers, now a college baseball talent scout and founder of Strut Baseball, was joined by fellow coaches Charles Thompson, Ron Carothers, and Miller Kuhl.

Together, they brought decades of experience and a deep passion for player development to the region.

“There is quite a bit of talent out in regional Victoria,” said Rutgers.

“These kids don’t get the same opportunities the city kids do, so we love coming out here.

“Helping them improve and showing them what’s possible is what it’s all about.”

The event was a milestone for the North Eastern Baseball Association (NEBA), which has seen rapid growth in recent years.

The competition now boasts five A grade teams, six B grade, four C grade, five under 15 teams, and six teams in the under 12 competition.

“Baseball is one of those sports that kids gravitate to because anyone can participate,” Wangaratta Rangers club coach Owen Godenzi said.

“Every player gets multiple chances to bat each game and you’re constantly rotating between fielding and batting.

“There’s no standing around – the kids love it and so do the parents.”

The NEBA season is currently at its midpoint, with momentum building as representative teams prepare to compete at the upcoming State Winter Championships.

NEBA will send under 13, under 15, and 17 and over teams to compete across the state, and excitement is growing as Wangaratta prepares to host the under 13s Championship.

“It’ll be really cool to have it here in Wangaratta,” Godenzi said.

“There’s a great chance our under 13s could go back-to-back this year – they’re an impressive group.”

With Strut Baseball’s visit setting a new standard and local teams thriving on and off the diamond, baseball in the North East is stepping up to the plate like never before.