It’s a new era for the Canberra Cavalry following the appointment of long-time coach Jim Bennett (middle) as this season’s team manager. Photo: Canberra Cavalry.
In hot pursuit of the Claxton Shield, Canberra Cavalry has stepped up its game and appointed decorated coach Jim Bennett as new team manager for the 2024/25 Australian Baseball League (ABL) season.
Jim, who takes over the reins from Keith Ward, will be the Cavalry’s fourth manager since the team’s inception in 2010.
Jim has lived and breathed baseball as a coach since the early 9os. He is also the pitching coach for Team Australia Baseball and will support the senior men’s national team as it heads to Asia for the highly anticipated Premier12 this November.
He brings a wealth of experience to the national circuit, having won five ABL titles in a row as pitching coach (Perth Heat in 2015 and Brisbane Bandits from 2016 to 2019).
“The immediate vision of course is that we want to win, so that’s the mentality and culture we’re fostering among our team,” Jim says.
“Making sure our fantastic imports have the opportunity to bond as a group with our homegrown players is really important. When you see guys from six different countries get together and mesh as a team, it’s really special and produces great results.
“But it’s not just about bringing the shield home, it’s also about helping baseball as a sport thrive in Australia.”
Jim takes every opportunity to speak about the sport he knows and loves, and says often those outside the baseball community have no idea about the enthusiasm of its passionate members.
“There’s always going to be a challenge with baseball because it’s not a top tier sport in Australia, so introducing it to the hearts and minds of the wider public is crucial.
“For example, many people don’t even know they have a national baseball team representing them overseas, let alone how highly ranked we are on a global scale.
“Canberra may not have the numbers of players that other states do, but the fan base is incredible and very committed to the entertainment their team brings. It’s a great foundation to build upon.”
Jim has grand plans to hone Canberra Cavalry players’ winning edge and bring the trophy home to the capital for the first time since 2013. Photo: Canberra Cavalry.
Jim has spent a lot of time meeting up-and-coming locals since arriving in Canberra. He says school-age players show great promise – rival teams underestimate the next generation at their peril.
“It’s really exciting for me to put faces with names and see just how much potential the next generation of players holds.
“There are some guys in Canberra that could become really strong players over the next couple of years and I want them to feel a part of our team even if they’re not quite ready yet.
“Just because they don’t have the day in, day out kind of experience like young players get in the US doesn’t mean they aren’t a force to be reckoned with. I think the fact our kids only play four games a week but can perform at such a high level is brilliant.”
Adrian Dart speaks on behalf of Canberra Cavalry licence holders.
“Jim Bennett’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Canberra Cavalry,” he says.
“His knowledge of the game, along with his strategic vision, makes him the ideal manager to lead our team as we pursue excellence in the upcoming season and into the future.”
With such a strong track record, Jim’s leadership looks set to push Canberra’s beloved Cavs forward this season and into the future. Watch this space!
The first round of the 2024/25 Australia Baseball League hits the diamond from Thursday 14 to Monday 18 November. Find out where to support Canberra this season at Canberra Cavalry.
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