With great anticipation, Softball Victoria Mens Fastpitch welcomes expansion team Peninsula Rays as the League’s 7th club.

Based at the Frankston Softball Association, the Peninsula Rays aim to become a strong, competitive team - but also act as a pathway for junior talent in the local Frankston area and produce successful results in the Victorian scene.

Club Founder Cody Smith said he’s thrilled to launch the League’s newest expansion club and offer a platform for players in Frankston and surrounding suburbs to unite with their own team.

“It’s massive! It’s something we’ve been thinking about for a couple of years, and just brought to light over the past year through Covid.

“It’d be great to reconnect the Frankston guys who are representing other teams, and bring them back to their own club. To play under the Peninsula Rays banner and represent Frankston is pretty special,” Smith said.

The club recently announced the appointment of inaugural Head Coach, Phillip Puketapu, who Smith believes is perfect for laying the foundation for the club’s culture.

“To secure Phil as coach brings a direction to the club in where we want to go, and his knowledge will benefit the new guys coming in to learn. To train and play under him is a privilege.

“Having been coached by Phil in some Victorian state teams, he’s a big piece of my knowledge as a player. He’s had a variety of different experiences from playing in New Zealand, Queensland and Victoria, and brings a diverse range of knowledge to the game.”

“Phil’s great in terms of building a team culture and creating a ‘buy-in’. As an U18 assistant coach for Victoria, his priority was to unify the team with that “brothers mentality.” With the Rays it will be a similar approach, we win together, lose together and take the ups and downs as a group.”

“The Rays will offer a pathway for juniors to look up to. As well as for the guys who were maybe previously involved with softball - it’s a great avenue to come back involved and play at a high competitive level.”

A club fundraiser and jersey presentation was held last week at major sponsor Le Mans Entertainment Go Karts.

“50% of proceeds from the fundraiser have been passed back to the club, and the guys at Le Mans offered us a great deal with race packages,” Smith said.

Follow the Penisula Rays on Facebook and Instagram for more information.