The Canberra Cavalry defy the odds to win the Claxton Shield for the first time in 12 years

It was always going to take something extraordinary for the Canberra Cavalry to win the Australian Baseball League title.

To start with, they only just scraped through to the playoffs with a victory in the final game, and they needed other results to go their way.

The hurdles placed in front of the team, though, continued to mount up.

To make the final, they had to beat the top side, the Sydney Blue Sox, with the series to be played in Sydney.

Undaunted, the Cavalry accounted for Sydney to set up a final series against Perth.

Under normal circumstances, Canberra should have hosted one game in the three-match series.

The ABL, though, decided that because of the costs associated with flying two teams to Canberra from Perth and then potentially back to the West for a deciding third game, the entire series would be played in Perth.

The Cavalry, with an ethos of doing what was required to win no matter the obstacle, did exactly that with a 5-0 victory in game two to secure a series clean sweep and the 2025 ABL Championship.

It’s Canberra’s first Claxton Shield since 2013.

Cavalry co-owner Adrian Dart believes the lack of extra travel played into Canberra’s hands.

“Lower-ranked teams always get the underdog tag. It didn’t feel that way to us even though our run to winning this will probably be put in the fairytale story category. We had to win it in Perth anyway. I think maybe the less travel and the more time to prepare probably worked in our favour. It’s just unfortunate that many of our awesome fans couldn’t be with us on the day.”

The challenge now for the Cavalry is to keep the team together for next season.

Adrian Dart says, “Our affiliate players will be different every year, that’s just part of those type of partnerships. The independent guys had the time of their lives and all played incredibly. I know a few have already put their hands up to come back. I’m sure all our Aussie boys will definitely want to re-sign. You don’t stop at just one and I think we may see some big names here next year.”

He adds, in reference to the coach, Jim Bennett, “They want to play for Jim and winning this in his first year will open a lot of eyes.”

As to the impact the victory will have on the sport in Canberra, Adrian says, “We know Canberra loves a winner. I hope this win lifts the profile of baseball in the region. Baseball is a fantastic game for kids, it’s so well rounded. It has hitting, fielding, throwing, running and a great deal of thinking. Baseball Canberra has great, very affordable programs for kids wanting to play.”

Adrian’s enthusiasm for the growth of the sport is equalled by his enthusiasm for Canberra. There is hope that the success will lead to greater support and recognition from the ACT Government.

“It has to, not just baseball but for all those lesser-known sports that have a team in a national competition that make up our true sporting culture. A team from Canberra, based in Canberra with ‘Canberra’ in its name should be the first priority of our government. Every kid in Canberra should have a team that they love and support and ultimately strive to play for.”

And Adrian Dart says the sacrifices and tough decisions made in the past 12 months to ensure Canberra has a team in the Australian Baseball League.

“A huge thank you to those who acknowledged the hard line that I had to take and backed me on that decision. They know exactly who they all are. It’s what was needed and now we have the Shield. Thank you.”