In a world that moves fast, with constant change inevitable, it’s rare to find constants. People who remain steadfast in their values, generous with their time, and unwavering in their commitment to community. Whilst the new generation often seem to battle with the notion of hard work and responsibility, there are two current members on our Executive who continue to bridge the gap between traditional and modern grassroots sport. If you’ve been involved in baseball for a decent period of time here in Victoria, you’d know their names. Mick Wearne and Darryl Rosewall.
This year marks an extraordinary milestone for ‘Wearnie and Little Legs’. The coming season marks 50 years since both of them first joined the club’s committee back in 1976. What began as a shared love for baseball and giving back to the community has evolved into a lifetime of service, leadership, and mentorship. Half a century later, they are still here, still giving, and still helping to shape the future of the club they helped build.
From the earliest days, Mick and Darryl were instrumental in helping to establish the inclusive, supportive, and hard-working culture that still defines the Springvale Lions today. “Given my grandfather and father were both active members of the committee and past Presidents, I guess it could be assumed I was a legacy”, Mick said when asked about how he first got involved in the committee.
“Bill Reay insisted I serve behind the bar at my first social event, so that’s what I did”, said Darryl. “I ended up taking on the Secretary role in 1979, replacing Annie Wearne as I had attended the P&S meetings when she was unavailable.”
Both Mick and Darryl have worn just about every hat a volunteer can wear. Coaching, administration, fundraising, umpiring, working in the canteen, and everything in between. Darryl has held the Secretary position consecutively since that very first year in 1979. Mick served as President over many years, has held roles on the committee, and most recently has been the club Treasurer. Further, Mick is the only coach in club history to have coached juniors, men, women and masters teams.
But more than the roles they’ve played, it’s the values they’ve lived by that have left a lasting legacy. They are both life members who proudly count that as one of their greatest achievements.
“As a kid, I remember Mick and Darryl driving to random houses in Keysborough to pick up junior players on a Sunday morning, just so we could get junior teams on the field”, said Simone Wearne, current committee member. “They cop a fair bit from the younger people around the club, but I’m not quite sure anyone really understands just how pivotal they’ve been and still are for the club.”
“I have always had a desire to help make the club the best it could be,” Mick said when asked about his motivation to be involved over a long period of time. “I’ve seen a lot of change, but also not much at the same time. The committee runs pretty much the same way it used to all those years ago, except we didn’t have social media, mobile phones or computers. All correspondence was by mail and we met for a nice supper at the home of each committee member.”
“Being part of the club has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life”, said Darryl. “It’s still such a pleasure to be involved, I really do love being around the place.”
What sets Mick and Darryl apart isn’t just their tenure though, it’s their mindset. Despite 50 years of service, both remain open to change, and in fact, they seek it. “The club is really lucky to have different points of view from various generations”, said Darryl. “New ideas are good, and just because we oldies did it a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the only way. Change is good and we like to see some of the younger committee members trying new things to better the club.”
Mick agreed. “I have enjoyed seeing the committee change and diversify over the years. Being a member of the committee can provide a really great opportunity to give back, learn new skills and enhance friendships. I still see that happening now amongst our current Executive and committee.”
Mick and Darryl have been supportive of the club taking on a new direction, particularly when it comes to technology. Whether it’s helping implement new technologies for club operations, supporting social media campaigns, or embracing new ways to engage the local community, they’ve never let tradition become a barrier to progress.
Both note that some of their favourite moments during their fifty years at the club have been:
- Overseeing the transition from the local Dandenong Baseball Association to playing in the Victorian Baseball Association
- Involvement in the first junior and senior premierships in the same season
- The final year and game at Burden Park
- The opening of the ground and first game at KH Wearne Field
- Our first promotion to Division 1 with a group of fully home grown players
- The beginning and development of the women’s program
- Celebrating the club’s 50th and women’s program’s 30th anniversary
“There have been some great moments during my time at the club over the last 50 years”, said Mick. “Hosting around 40 imports has been a great opportunity not just for myself, but my family.”
“It really is so rewarding being part of the committee, and part of the Springvale Baseball Club”, said Darryl. “I’ve built lasting friendships, and the support I’ve had from fellow members has been invaluable, not just for committee matters, but personally.”
Both Mick and Darryl could step aside, knowing they’ve contributed more than most. Time for a rest. But that isn’t happening anytime soon. You’ll still see them side-by-side at club events, working bees, or quietly working on projects behind the scenes that most will never even hear about. They don’t do it for recognition. They do it because they love the club, they do it because it just means that much to them.
“I can’t play anymore, and that is still difficult”, said Darryl. “But I do still love being part of the club and seeing the successes.”
Mick agreed. “As I’ve already mentioned, I have always had a desire to help the club be the best it could be. That desire hasn’t changed, I still believe I can help with that, even if it is in a different way than I used to.”
Both men have become not only pillars of the Springvale Lions, but role models for what it means to be truly committed to a cause. They’re living proof that volunteering isn’t just about what you give, it’s about the community you build along the way and the culture you help create.
On behalf of everyone at the club—past, present, and future—we say thank you. Thank you Mick and Daz for your service, your passion, and your tireless efforts to make our club what it is today.
