As the club prepares to celebrate two huge milestones this season, both a club 50th and a women’s program 30th anniversary, there is certainly a lot happening around the place. What may not have caught the eye of many however is that the 2024/25 season marks another significant milestone – the 20th anniversary of our first women’s division one premiership.
A significant win etched into the club’s proud history, that first premiership kick started what has been a great period of success for the Big Cats, probably of the likes that no one saw coming. Two decades later, there are three players who are still lacing up their cleats; Simone Wearne (Wig), Shae Lillywhite (Shaeka) and Siobhan Stephenson (Chevy). We caught up with all three of them to get their take on ‘that victory’ way back when, how the program has changed, and how they’ve changed/adapted over the last 20 years in order to stay on the field.
You’re still playing, tell us why?
Chevy “I love the game. I still feel like I am pretty competitive and although I’m a bit slower these days, I have been able to hold my position. The support from my family and the club has also been huge for me.”
Shae “For me it’s pretty simple, I love to compete and I am proud to have and still represent Springvale at the highest level. Springvale is home to me. We have a core group of players who support each other and continue to drive the program forward. We’re still trying to be our best.”
Wig “Injury led me to retire from high level competition pretty early on in my career, so Springy is my elite level competition. Putting on my Lions uniform every week is something I don’t take for granted. I know any game could be my last, and getting to play alongside my amazing teammates every week brings me great joy. So does getting better, and so does the competition. Still trying to be the best I can, still trying to help the team win.”
Memories of that first Premiership victory
Wig, Shaeka and Chevy still have memories of that first victory, and there is no doubt it has helped drive their passion for the game, their love for the club, and their willingness to connect with and support those around them.
Chevy “I had a game ending strike out in the finals the season prior, I still remember it. In that grand final I remember my teammate at the time Cat came to me and told me they were throwing outside, to be ready for it. I was ready, I hit a triple, and we won the game. It was a big moment for me, getting my first ‘proper’ hit to the right side, but it was an even bigger moment for our team who had been pushing for several years prior for that ultimate success.”
Wig “The year prior, after we went further into finals than we thought we would, we ended up losing in a very tight game and we were gutted. It was really demoralising, we felt like we should have won that game. I remember very vividly sitting in left field at Altona with Shaeka, with tears in my eyes. I knew I didn’t want to feel like that again, that one hurt a lot.”
Shae “The excitement of winning that grand final after falling short the previous year was a moment I’ll never forget. It was honestly such a proud moment, we’d worked so hard. And we knew what it felt like to be on the other side of that. I’m not sure any of us knew what was to come, but we knew we wanted that feeling again, and we knew that our opposition were not going to make that easy. We left excited, but we left with work to do.”
Contributions off the field
What is important to highlight when talking about all three of these players is their level of commitment to not only their own game, but to the club as a whole. All three have played a role on the committee, Simone served as President for more than ten years, and Shae eventually went on to lead the Division One team to 6 Premierships on the trot, the most consecutive premiership victories by any club in women’s Division One history. Leaders beyond the game, their impact as mentors, coaches, and passionate advocates for the game and the club has helped create a culture that is immeasurable.
Chevy “The club has given me so much. Great friendships, both within the club and with opposition players, a place I can go to spend time with like-minded people. A social outlet – I actually really love doing canteen duty so I can catch-up with people again. The opportunity to coach has been really enjoyable and taught me a lot. I feel like the club still gives me just as much as I give the club.”
Shaeka “I wouldn’t be who I am today without the Springvale Baseball Club. In particular Simone and Mick have been great mentors for me over the years. They both push me to question things in baseball and to improve in many areas of my life. I’m very grateful to them and the club. I’ve been provided so much support and opportunity, giving back as a coach and a leader in the program never seems like hard work because I get to give back to a program that that has helped me so much.”
Wig “I’ve grown up at the club (some would say I’m not grown up yet). It’s not really a baseball club to me, it’s like turning up to a family event whenever I’m there. I probably take on too much, and it is becoming harder to multi-task these days, but I still do it because I love it. Establishing Diamond Girls has been an important project for me, and getting to work with Chevy, Shae, Mandi and some of the other girls who are also passionate about the club and the game, that is still really enjoyable.”
How about your contribution on the field over the last 20 years? Tell us about those memories.
Further to the roles they have played off the field, all three players have delivered on the field when the big moments have called for it. Whether it be clutch hits, game saving plays, or taking the ball when the heat was well and truly on, these three have done it all.
Wig “I’m probably most proud of returning from injury to have an impact, or pitching Grand Final wins in my 40’s. I had some horrible knee injuries that meant I missed a chunk of games in my late 20’s to late 30’s really. I was always around, but my time on the field was sometimes limited. There were times I never thought I’d pitch again. To return and throw in three division one grand finals after 40, and win two of them, that was probably the highlight. Ultimately, I want to be able to help the team win, no matter which team I’m playing in.”
Shae “I always want to be involved in the big plays when the game is on the line. I think the best players do. I never think ‘I hope they hit this ball to someone else, or ‘I hope someone else is up to bat.’ I always want to be that person, I still feel all these years later like I can help my team win. I think that’s a mix of me working hard to feel confident and comfortable in those moments, but also that my teammates believe in me.”
Chevy “I still feel like I’m smart on the bases, even though I might be a little slower than I once way (though I was never fast). I feel like I’ve spent most of my career finding ways to contribute in the best way possible. Whether that was catching, or at first base, or maybe with the bat when it was needed. That triple in the grand final in that first premiership year will stay with me forever. Going through that game ending strike out the year before ended up being really important for me, and without it the outcome that next year – along with my willingness to go and work really hard on hitting the ball right side – that outcome may well have been different.”
How has the program changed?
All three players have played an integral role in not only growing the women’s program at Springy, but growing the game more holistically. Creating opportunities for others, sharing knowledge, and inspiring girls to play the game has gone a long way to ensuring long term success. Their advocacy has led to better resources and helped grow player numbers. From hosting clinics to running events, they have and continue to work tirelessly to make baseball accessible and appealing to players of all ages and backgrounds in the community.
Shaeka “From early on there were great mentors who led the way for us. Mick Wearne and Billy Reay helped create a deep connection to the club and to the game. I think that was really important and helped us all want to do what we could to help the club improve. The growth from early on to now having four teams has been great to see, and seeing a range of coaches step up and take on roles too. The women now run the program completely and have for quite a while, and that’s something we are all proud of.”
Wig “When I started playing at age 14, I had no idea that 30 years later the club would be in this position, or that I would be so connected to the place. It was a hard slog early on, we didn’t win many games for a few years, and in fact we were demolished weekly by the bigger clubs. I never waivered though, I knew I’d never leave and that I wanted to help the program get better. I do feel really proud that I was able to stick out the bad times and then be rewarded with such success. Funnily enough it’s not the wins that I would count as the most successful thing we’ve achieved here, it’s the friendships, the opportunities and the growth of the game for women in baseball that is what I think we should judge our success on.”
Chevy “The growth in numbers is an obvious change, that’s been great to watch. I feel really honoured to have played with so many different players over my time and everyone has been able to contribute different things to the teams they’ve played in, that is still happening today. We’re seen coaches come and go, but all have played important roles. Also players, consistency has been big for us and then a ‘changing of the guard.’ Prue played third base, then Houghy upon returning, then Kel Manzie. We’ve always been so lucky to have such great depth on and off the field.”
Is that first premiership your favourite?
Chevy “It was a big moment for us, and it meant a lot. I don’t think you can ever forget the first premiership you win, and we had a great group of players that all worked so well together. Probably also up there with my favourite is the 2’s premiership I played in. It was the first 2’s premiership the club had won and I was able to catch and then pitch in that game. We went into extra innings and defeated Waverley, that one was good fun. I feel lucky that I played in the first 1’s and first 2’s premiership teams.”
Shae “When we won that first one, we all got a taste for it. But I think we all knew we didn’t want to win just that one. I don’t think any of us thought we’d have close to the success we’ve had at Springy. Throughout the years we’ve had a lot of adversities as a playing group. Friendships change and evolve, injuries happen, people move on to other things. I think all of those things impacted us individually (and as a team) on different levels. The Springvale/Berwick win was a standout, many challenges and we all had to step up for that incredible win. But I actually think last year the 23/24 win was so incredible. Sawa dominating, and Bron’s first year was really special.”
Wig “The first one was important and great fun, but the Springvale/Berwick year was a big one for me. One of my great mates Houghy returned to the club to coach with me, Risa and Barky came into the team, and we had a great group overall who made baseball such a fun place to be each week. I had knee surgery part way through the season, so I was sort of dealing with that, and then my nan passed away the day before our final against Doncaster. It was a really tough time for me, but the team and that game we eventually won against the odds at Doncaster probably trump the grand final win to be fair. Being part of the 23/24 flag too with the sour gummy domination was also pretty damn cool.”
There are only three players still playing division one from that first premiership team. Tell us about what it’s like to still play alongside them.
Shaeka “Simone and Chevy inspire me to keep going every time we take the field together. Being 4 or 5 years younger, they have been modelling leadership and have qualities that I aspire to have. When the game is on the line, they always know in the moment what they need to do to get the job done. Not for themselves, but for the team/club. They continue to work hard as players and coaches and their commitment to the program is admirable. I hope we have many more years playing at Springvale together in some way.
Chevy “Two of the best players to have ever played the game. Both Australian level players. Shae still hits like a champion and Simone still pitches amazing. We are all getting older and you can see each of us has different challenges to still get on the field and play, but we all get to training, work hard and play well. It keeps me coming back. I still feel like all of us play a role and can help the team, and that’s really important for the younger players to see, that we still want to work hard and put in the effort to help the team and the club.”
Wig “I hadn’t really thought about this, but it’s pretty amazing. I think it’s just consistency that rings true for me. I have always said (still would today), if someone had a gun to my head and said you have to choose a person to get a hit in order to save your life, I’d 100% send Shae up to bat for me. I’ve seen a lot of hitters at many levels, I’ve never seen anyone else hit with that level of consistency, or work on their craft to the level she does. They’ve both had to work hard for their success. I remember Chevy working so hard on her hitting, working off the tee twice a week for months, just to figure out how she could contribute more with the bat. Both have been amazing to play with, still are.”
How about other players from that first premiership team that you remember?
Shaeka “Megumi Kitta. She had a good season with us. She played short stop and I played second base, so we worked together a lot. It was the first time any of us had played with an import player. She was a big reason we still continue to have import players come to play with us to this day.”
Chevy “Megumi as our first ever import. It was really great having her on the field, but what we found was even better was creating a friendship with her, teaching her English, and just learning more about Japanese culture. My mum recently travelled to Japan, and even 20 years later, Megumi looked after her and took her out for dinner. It’s pretty cool how much Megumi, and our other imports, have helped shape our club and our program.”
Wig “The pitchers. In the early days it was either just me, or Houghy and I on the mound. The years leading into that first grand final win, Ella came over, and then Cat. And you can even add in Kel Manzie to that group. We worked so well together. I didn’t pitch in that grand final, and there were others that Ell and Cat didn’t pitch in. We never cared who was getting the ball, there was just such great support for each other – and we always knew if we weren’t having a great day, someone else would take the ball and figure it out.”
How have you seen yourself and your role change over the last 20 years?
Chevy “I’ve had two kids, that’s made it tough for sure. But I have found spending time on the sidelines has helped me learn more about the game, and I’ve actually enjoyed being part of the program in another capacity and still being around. I was pretty settled at first base until I was asked to return to catching again. It was a big challenge the first season back behind the dish (legs certainly weren’t used to it), but I have been able to adapt/adjust and I really enjoy playing that role for the team. I think I’ve just grown in all areas, much wiser and more sensible now (no more wild/crazy nights).”
Shae “I’m a very different person to the 17/18-year-old that first came to the club. My role has continued to change throughout that time and I have had many opportunities within the game to evolve. I try to contribute the best way I can both on and off the field, and do what is asked and needed of me. It’s tough now sometimes with my body, but I love to play and always do what I can to make sure I’m prepared enough to help the team on the weekend.”
Wig “I’ve never been just a pitcher at Springy, and that’s what I’ve loved most. That hasn’t changed. I think the kids at the club think I’m a ‘pitcher’, and that’s what I did back in the day. But I played more of a role closer to the top of the order as a hitter when I was younger, and played various positions. I feel like my role has always been to fill a gap, and to sort of do a bit of everything – that included being able to come in and pitch if I was needed. In saying all of that, if you had have asked me if 20 years after that first premiership I would be starting at third base, I would have laughed at you.”
How have you seen the other two players change what they do over 20 years?
Shae “I’ve seen Simone and Chevy have their ups and downs with injuries, roles they’ve been playing, and outside commitments. They’ve both had ups and downs with their performances too, but they have also showed incredible resilience, determination and character to still be pursuing their best in the game. They still want to be better, they still want to help the club as a whole. I think that’s what we all have in common and makes it easy to come together quickly and adapt to the changes we have every season.”
Wig “Seeing Chevy return after having two kids and go back to catching has really blown me away. Externally, Chevy has probably never got the credit she deserves with what she’s contributed to our team. Always consistent hitting in the middle of the line up, always a calm voice, always just goes about it quietly in her own way. Shae, she’s definitely not quiet! But she just keeps delivering. She gets credit from within, but I’m also not sure people really understand how hard it is to hit successfully and be at the top of their game in that way for so long. Their speed and arm strength has probably changed a little, but I think the way in which they are both delivering week in, week out is not that much different than it was 20 years ago.”
Chevy “They are both pretty much playing the same exact roles. Shae has played short stop for 18 of the 20 years now, and has just moved over to second base (but still goes to short when needed). Simone hasn’t pitched as much the last 18 months or so, but prior to that was the main/one of the main pitchers for 20 years. I still love catching to her, it’s always fun and the best part is not knowing what pitch she is throwing half the time.”
It took a few years to win that first one, but there’s been a fair bit of success since. What advice would you give to younger players who are looking for their own success but maybe haven’t quite got there yet?
Shae “Keep going! Keep trying new things and finding new challenges within the game to better yourself and make yourself more adaptable. The game will continually change and evolve as you grow as a player, so the easier and quicker you can adapt to it you will find yourself on the field playing important roles for the team.”
Chevy “It’s hard to win grand finals. They are always tough games, and I still get nervous. I always go back to simple advice for myself when I’m hitting. ‘See the ball, hit the ball.’ I think trying to relax is a good one. It’s just another game at the end of the day. It’s also a team game. Sometimes you might not have your best day, but others may and it all works out in the end. But don’t give up. Come back the next week, the next year, and try again.”
Wig “You never know it all, and you’re always learning. That’s my biggest message. And whilst you can’t control a lot of external things like the opposition pitcher, the umpire’s zone, the weather, you can control the work you put in to prepare to be the best you can be. There’s no substitute for hard work. I still go to training because I feel like I can get better, and contribute to my team winning games. I still expect my teammates to work hard so that on game day, we are all ready to contribute. It’s not easy to play well, baseball can be a complex game – but it’s far less complex if you’ve done the work and feel prepared.”
As we prepare for the 30th anniversary function at the end of January, what are you most looking forward to?
Shae “New and old players coming together to see the past and the future of the program in the one place. Celebrating the good times, the memories and the funny stories that have happened over many years.”
Chevy “Reminiscing. The podcasts have helped people share some great memories and laughs, but instead of being behind the screen listening, we will be with those people having the laughs and sharing more of the stories.”
Wig “Smelling the roses. I grew up in a world where you never talked about winning, and it was frowned upon to celebrate your success too much. We still spend so much time looking at what’s next, and preparing for the future. It’s taken 30 years, but it’s time to stand still for just one night and acknowledge what we’ve actually achieved.”
Any other thoughts you want to share about your journey so far?
Shae “Springvale continues to teach me so much about myself. It’s a place I love to go, and know I can always go, no matter how long I’m away or how much the place changes (or I change). The various roles I’ve played continue to help me grow, and I’m really proud of what we have done at the club to not only drive the depth in division one, but also keep women’s baseball in Victoria as strong as possible. It’s pretty amazing that we’ve been able to consistently compete at the top for such a long period of time. That is very rare in any sport.”
Chevy “The club is such a welcoming environment. They welcomed Trent and my kids, it’s a place where we can all come and relax. I’ve created such great friendships along the way, one of my best mates Cat is still someone I talk to regularly and she’s even back involved as a coach which has been great. The social events are also still good fun, but Mick really does need to bring back the horse racing machine.”
Wig “It takes a village. No saying is more accurate for us. We’re not a high-performance program here, we’re a grassroots club that prides themselves on offering players of all ages and skill levels the chance to play baseball and reach their best – no matter what that best might look like. Sometimes that is players striving for Aus selection, sometimes it’s just someone who has never hit a ball before that needs our help. I’ve loved being part of that journey for many players and I hope to continue that for as long as I can. And I still love to play. If my body holds out, I’d love to pitch again at some point in Div one if I am able to play that role.”
The future
Three of the best to wear the Lions jersey thus far, the long-standing presence of Chevy, Shaeka and Wig on the field serves as a reminder of their continued commitment to hard work, growth and dedication to their craft. Great ambassadors of the game and for the club, we say thanks to all three of them and look forward to seeing them on the field in whatever capacity that may be for many years to come.