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CAL RIPKEN AROO’S

 

 

Congratulations again on your selection in the Australian Cal Ripken World Series team. Any paperwork or information requested must be returned promptly. We are on very tight timelines and have to allow for transmitting information overseas. Please familiarise yourself with these arrangements, they have been formulated to ensure you enjoy the experience to the max!!!

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

 

Paperwork you should either bring or in some cases returned include:

 

·        Your passport

·        Copy of your parent’s Medicare card

·        Copy of the inside page of your passport

·        Your medical release form

·        This playbook

 

Instructions and rules set by the Babe Ruth league are very specific, particularly when it comes to dress standards, behaviour etc. Follow them!!

 

CLOTHING

 

Shortly you will receive your tour shirt, track suit, undershirt, training shirt, shorts, beanie, training hat along with your tour bag. (Your playing top and cap will be presented to you in camp.) Wash these items carefully before you leave home to ensure colours do not run in them. The bag you will receive will be big enough for you to use on game days but can also be taken on the plane as hand luggage. You are only allowed one suitcase going over plus this hand luggage bag unless you are a catcher taking over your gear. In that case let Bob know. You can taken a second bag folded up inside your suitcase to bring back shopping if you like as you are allowed two bags coming back (only if necessary). Whilst your bag will have your number on the end of it, you should attach something identifiable on the outside of it to make identification easier. All training in Sydney will be in team gear and your grey training pants, most training overseas will be done in team shorts.

 

The weather in America is hot so do not overpack. It is the middle of

summer and temperatures are in the high to mid 30 degrees Celsius so pack accordingly. Don’t forget your swimmers. Whilst in may be cold in Sydney

do not over pack as you will then have to carry these items overseas where you will not need them. Your team track suit should be sufficient for the camp. All clothing (including hats) should be marked on the inside waistband or collar with you name on it. I will have a marking pen for new gear you will receive in camp. You should also bring a washable laundry bag for your socks and jocks as I will be washing in Sydney and,…..well you get the picture!!

 

TRAVELLING ON THE PLANE

 

When you arrive in Sydney from interstate you should wear your tracksuit as not only is it comfortable, it makes you easily recognisable at the airport.

 

We will also be wearing this on the flight to America along with your tour shirt. Given the length of the flights, it is advisable that you don’t overpack your tour bag as you will have to carry it around airports. In the bag should be your team shorts (although you can wear them under your tracksuit if you wish), a spare t-shirt and some toiletries. Whilst on the 14 flight part of the journey, it is advisable you change into your t-shirt to keep your tour shirt clean and fresh. Once we reach LAX you will probably want to remove your tracksuit as it will be hot. Do not panic over paperwork on the flight, I will look after that for you.

 

Some of you may be seasoned travellers, others may not. Nevertheless, the following advice is provided:-

 

PHYSICAL HEALTH

• When flying, take your wallet out of your hip pocket (a major cause of back complaints.)
• Use a travel pillow or neck support
• Use an airline pillow for lower back support
• Get out of the seat and stretch regularly
• Dress comfortable. Eg take your shoes off

 

FOOD AND WATER

• Don’t travel hungry
• Eat lightly in flight
• Avoid fats
• Drink plenty of water. Fizzy drinks result in gas and ups and downs of air travel have strange effects on bowel gas!!!

 

JET LAG

This really does exist and result sin physiological changes such as adrenaline levels, body temperatures, bowel movements, reaction times and altered sleep patterns. Whilst travelling, get as much rest as you can. If someone besides you is sleeping, respect their rest time, but don’t allow them to miss a meal.

 

TRAVEL TIPS

 

Whilst on the tour, you may have need for various medications to treat injury or illness. It is illegal for staff to dispense medicines however we can advise you if you should be taking something. In your own kit you should have Panadol, lip balm, sunscreen, asthma puffer (if required) or any other medications you may require. Do not forget your personal items such as a toilet bag which should include toothbrush, deodorant , comb etc.

ARRANGEMENTS OVERSEAS INCLUDING HOST FAMILIES

 

Host families are appointed by the Babe Ruth League. Six families will host two players, one will host three while staff are located in the World Series Hotel. These pairings are not negotiable! Many of the host families in Aberdeen have hosted our players before. It is only through these players efforts that you are able to be welcomed again. Your good behaviour will make it possible for this tradition to live on for future years.

 

Players should have appropriate gifts for their host families and items such as books on Australia, place mat sets or drink coasters with Australian scenes or stuffed koala bears etc. are ideas you may want to look into. Information or items on where you come from are always popular. You will each be given a training hat for your new family. Check who you are staying with so as not to double up on gifts.

 

MONEY

 

All monies will be handled by myself, unless your parents are making the

trip and you wish them to finance you. A record will be kept of disbursements and allocated on a needs basis. With staying in host families, costs are minimal as they will provide you with three meals per day. On my experience I would not envisage anyone needing more than $400 US. All meal, transportation and accommodation costs are covered in Sydney. You may want some pocket money of no more than $20 in camp for phone calls, munchies etc.    

 

GIVEAWAYS

 

You will be supplied with a small gift to give away at the start of each game. Aussie items are popular so small items such as koala bears, Aussie pins and key rings, etc are a good investment. You may also be asked for your autograph as well general questions on Australia. Do no make a joke of this and treat the person asking the question with respect.

 

RINGING HOME AND TIME DIFFERENCE

 

The easiest way to remember the time back home is that there is a fourteen hour time difference so schedule your calls appropriately. The formula is local time plus the 14 hours. The cheapest way to ring is to purchase a phone card overseas available from gas stations. I can help you if you are after one. Make sure you read the Babe Ruth rules on ringing from your host family phone, although a phone card works on one of these. 

 

TEAM EQUIPMENT

 

The team will supply helmets, balls bats and some catching gear. Items such as batting gloves, fielders gloves and catchers gear (if applicable) is your responsibility.

PHOTOS

 

If you want any special photos taken do be afraid to ask Keith for help.

When the tour is over, you should make an album to remember the experience. Part of this would be tickets, souvenir programs etc.

therefore keep things like ticket butts, airline boarding cards etc.

for your collection.

 

GENERAL REMINDER

 

Do not forget your grey training pants for Sydney and your white pants

for the Series.   

 

GENERAL RULES

 

• Respect each other, the game, the experience.
• Always hustle on the diamond.
• Be courteous, polite and respectful
• Be proud to be Australian
• Do not talk while staff are talking
• Be punctual
• Listen to all instructions while travelling
• If in doubt, ask – we do not know all the answers but we do know where to go to get them.
• Make sure you have read this book, everything in it is for your benefit.

 

 

Enjoy the experience and honour of representing your country, there is nothing else in the world like it!

 

 

GO AUSSIES!!!