Otters Closer Eric Massingham Pitching in the Australian World Series
Published on February 8, 2013 under National Association (NA)
Evansville Otters News Release
(EVANSVILLE, INDIANA) - Evansville Otters pitcher Eric Massingham is the franchise's all time (43) and single season (22) saves leader, but the right-hander is currently on a unique journey in Australia.
Massingham is playing baseball with the Canberra Calvery in the Australian Baseball League and his team has qualified for the Championship Series which begins this weekend. Massingham (3-2, 3.60 ERA) is a key member of the Calvery bullpen and is very appreciative of this one-of-a-kind chance.
"For years, Australia has been at the top of my list for countries to visit and I was thrilled with the opportunity to be able to live here and play in the ABL," said Massingham. "The fact that we get to compete for the title and the Claxton Shield is just icing on the cake."
Massingham added that the style of play was similar in Australia compared to America but there were some changes he had to get accustomed to.
"A huge adjustment was driving on the right side of the car and on the left side of the road," he said with a laugh. "You pretty much have to go against every instinct that you've adopted since you were 16 years old."
The overall experience though has been a valuable one for Massingham. He has been reunited with his friend Jeremy Barnes from their time in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Massingham has also explored the opposite side of the Pacific Ocean from where he was raised in California. But most importantly, Massingham has grown more as a pitcher in hopes of still achieving his dream.
"My ultimate goal is to get resigned with another Major League organization and hopefully that is something that will come to fruition."
Massingham will be returning to the United States next week after the Championship Series ends. He will then begin preparations for the American baseball season beginning this spring.
National Association Stories from February 8, 2013
- Two Ways to Try out to Play for the Schaumburg Boomers - Schaumburg Boomers
- Otters Closer Eric Massingham Pitching in the Australian World Series - Evansville Otters
- Grizzlies Bring Back DeJesus for 2013 Season - Gateway Grizzlies
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