11 November 2019

Effective People and Canberra Cavalry celebrate recruitment of two former major league players

| Tim Gavel
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Canberra Cavalry

Canberra Cavalry celebrates the signing of two Major League Baseball players ahead of the upcoming Australian Baseball League season. Photo: Supplied.

For the first time in Canberra Cavalry history, the club will field two players with American Major League experience following the signing of JJ Hoover and Gavin Cecchini.

Hoover has played with a number of Major League teams as a pitcher while Cecchini, a second baseman, played with the New York Mets. Both players have a point to prove as they seek to re-establish themselves.

It’s a massive coup for the Cavalry as they prepare for the 40-game ABL season, which starts for Canberra on 21 November.

Manager Keith Ward says with up to 14 new players and just one import, Zach Wilson, returning, “This year we have made a conscious effort to recruit more affiliated minor league players from the US with more experience in the higher levels. We feel as though they give us more stability”.

Keith says the Canberra team, which has a strong contingent of local players, has proven to be a great development program for minor league players seeking to make it to the majors.

“We are a good breeding ground for developing players. Examples include Didi Gregorious, who is now playing with the Yankees, and Tampa Bays’ Kevin Kiermaier.”

The team, which went down in the Grand Final series two years ago and was eliminated in the semi-finals last season, will play 20 home games.

Off the field, there has been plenty of positive news with an alliance with American Major League team, the Houston Astros, and a partnership with Canberra recruitment agency Effective People.

Effective People account executive Kris Milne says his company has a community focus and believes sport provides that linkage: “We have been keen to become involved in grassroots sports. It connects the community.”

True to their word, Effective People now has partnerships with the UC Capitals, the CBR Brave, and the Canberra Cavalry.

“All three teams align with our values,” said Kris. “They all give back to the community and that’s important for us. Any chance we have to give back is massive for our business and for me personally. We are a recruitment partner, so we can promote the players and the teams in the community.”

Cavalry Director Dan Amodio says he couldn’t be more impressed with the approach taken by Effective People and their positive influence. “They are a new sponsor, and they are great supporters of sport. They are in an industry that we’re interested in, and that is recruiting good people.”

EFP - Charity Golf Day launch

Effective People are hosting a Charity Golf Day, to raise money for their sporting partners’ charities of choice. Pictured left to right: Cavalry catcher Kyle Perkins, CBR Brave Forward Wehebe Darge, Effective People CEO Dean Hill, Effective People Account Executive Kris Milne and UC Capitals Co-Captain Marianna Tolo. Photo: Region Media.

For both the Cavalry and Effective People, it is the perfect fit. The partnership has given both organisations confidence, as the Cavalry prepare for the season ahead and Effective People moves ahead in connecting with the community.

The Canberra Cavalry’s 2019/20 season kicks off on Thursday 21st November against the Melbourne Aces at MIT Ballpark in Narrabundah. For tickets and information visit Canberra Cavalry.

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