When the Melbourne Aces were preparing for another tilt at the Claxton Shield in season 2012/13, they didn’t cut costs or corners when it came to overseas recruiting.
A big component for any Australian Baseball League team is the signing of import players, as it could be what makes or breaks a season. The Melbourne Aces looked to returning stars like cult hero Bubbie Buzzachero, however it was the addition of Carlo Testa which really got the Aces faithful talking.
A big hitting outfielder, Testa has so far produced as well as anyone in the Aces front office could have imagined.
With manager Phil Dale at the time of the signing, claiming that the Kansas City Royals wouldn’t have sent him out here if he wasn’t a prospect, it showed the calibre in which the Aces were about to inherit.
With one week to go in the regular season, Testa’s statistics currently stand at 42 games played, 29 runs, 45 hits, 18 RBI and a batting average of .292. Spending much of the season as the lead off hitter in games, Testa’s on base percentage has also been a highlight, with his .394OBP leading the side.
Testa has also been an important part of the Melbourne Aces outfield this season, with the right fielder committing only 3 errors across his 42 games played.
Although there is often a move to bring across new import players at the start of every ABL season, Testa hopes that another stint in Melbourne is a possibility.
“I have already been talking to the boys, trying to get another invite out here again. I know you guys like different players to come through, to give them all experience. I have had the time of my life, traveling around Australia, the fans; the hanger group took us out to the Healesville Sanctuary. It can’t get much better than that.”
While Testa just wants to play baseball, the weather is also a nice added bonus when coming down under.
“It’s a lot better than Ohio, I think it’s snowing and freezing there. So, I will take this any day.”
As each Australian Baseball League season comes and goes, the quality and growth of the sport is constantly improving.
Higher quality imports are now sought after by clubs, which is a great sign for the fans across the country.
It’s a league which Testa says he will definitely tell any baseball prospect to be a part of in the future.
“I definitely recommend it, there are some things the ABL and the Aces need to work on. Obviously it’s new, it’s starting, but you tell there is definitely growth here. Everyone wants to be here and everyone wants the best, I see it going a long way.”
This type of endorsement would be music to both, league and club ears.
Will his glowing praise of the club help get Carlo Testa another stint in the Aces dugout?
His 2012/13 numbers would indicate that the Aces should do all they can to secure the services of the big hitting lefty again, it could be the difference between making the playoffs in 2013/14, or sitting rock bottom for a second straight season.
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