Boss Moanaroa in action for the Canberra Cavalry. Photos: Joe Vella – SMP Images/ABL Media.
Canberra Cavalry’s Boss Moanaroa was on his way to becoming a junior BMX champion when he got a phone call from the Boston Red Sox, offering him a contract to play baseball in the States. So one of the best junior BMX riders in the world decided to trade his bike for a baseball bat and left Australia to chase his new dream.
Born in Newcastle, Moanaroa went on to play in the American minor leagues for six years before returning home to his country of birth and play in the Australian Baseball League. He joined the Cavalry for the 2015-16 season after spending his first four ABL seasons with the Sydney Blue Sox.
With the new season coming up in a couple of months time, The RiotACT caught up with Moanaroa to get to know a little more about the man they call Boss.
What is your full name?
Boss isn’t my real name. My full name is Crew Tipene Moanaroa.
When did you realise baseball was going to be your career?
I grew up riding BMX actually and I was state champion a couple of times, Australian champion and came sixth in the world in 2003. I only played baseball because my brother played. I signed a contract with the Boston Red Sox in 2008 and that was the end of BMX. I was just a young kid playing in a high school tournament and I got picked up there. It was pretty surreal.
Why did you come to the Canberra Cavalry?
I played with the Sydney Blue Sox for four years and I thought I would get a better opportunity down here in Canberra. I really love the way Canberra runs their organisation and their laid-back vibe. I love it here.
If you had to give up either caffeine or sugar, what would you give up?
Definitely sugar. I love my coffee too much.
What is your proudest memory in the Cavalry orange?
My proudest moment would be making the final series last season. We obviously lost but we gave it all we had and it was just a privilege being on that team and I really enjoyed the series.
What is your personal goal this season?
I am close to my 200th hit in the ABL so getting to that number would be amazing. I’m honestly not too sure how close I am but the team says I am close.
What is your favourite movie?
Cool Runnings.
Who has been your biggest mentor throughout your life?
It is probably my Dad. He taught me life experiences and he has been here supporting me all the time. When I signed my first contract when I was 16 and went over to America, he was always there to help me out and hold my hand. It felt like he came on the journey with me. He is definitely one of my mentors and a bloke I look up to.
Don’t miss the Canberra Cavalry’s first home game of the 2018-19 season on 6-9 December, when they face three-time defending champions Brisbane Bandits at the redeveloped Narrabundah Ballpark.
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