Published Fri 27 Aug 2021
Pints Baseball Club legend Bobby Joyce admits he gave up counting most of his baseball stats many years ago, but one milestone will not be missed this weekend.
Joyce’s 60th season – half of which have been in Darwin – will be celebrated on Sunday when the Darwin Baseball League finals get underway.
Pints will take on unbeaten Trace Village Gold in one of two semi-finals with the winner advancing to the September 12 grand final at Garry Ross Field.
Joyce, 71, has his sights on another premiership and has not yet decided if he will play on for a 61st season.
“It would be a great way to finish the season, but we have to get past Tracy the top side,” he said.
“I don’t know how much longer the playing days will go.
“I’ll still be around though, they won’t get rid of me yet.”
The first baseman, who has played most positions across his career, says winning the title would be extra special after Pints withdrew last season due to the impact of COVID-19.
Joyce says his passion the game is as strong as ever and admits he still gets upset when he strikes out because it “lets the team down”.
“I’ve slowed down over the years and they all play a lot quicker … but I really play for the enjoyment,” he said.
“There’s a baseball family here in Darwin and you get to see the guys every week, because it’s a reasonably small competition you get to know pretty well everyone.
“It’s a de-stress day – it’s my day off.”
Joyce started playing in Melbourne at now defunct Hartwell Baseball Club, where his dad played, before crossing to Malvern.
He has spent 29 of his seasons in the Northern Territory with Pints and played for the Rebels last season in their absence.
“I didn’t expect to play 60 years, I just started playing and enjoyed it and kept playing all the time,” Joyce said.
“I’ve been lucky over the years the body has held up and I still enjoy the game.
“Unfortunately my ability is starting to wane a little bit.”
Joyce’s presentation is set for 3pm ahead of first pitch at 3.30pm.
Tracy Village Red will face Palmerston in the other semi-final from 1pm.