Robbie Perkins during the Cavalry’s series 2 clash against the Sydney Blue Sox. Photos: Joe Vella SMP Images/ABL Media.
Robbie Perkins has seen it all since he first walked into the Canberra Cavalry change rooms seven seasons ago as a fresh-faced teenager. The local kid has developed into one of Canberra’s best baseballers, representing his country several times and winning the Cavalry’s MVP two seasons ago.
Region Media caught up with the Cavalry catcher to get to know more about the man under the helmet and find out what drives the 24-year-old.
Where did you grow up?
“I was born and raised in Canberra. I signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies in January 2012 and have been playing over there and for the Cavalry every season since.
Why did you first start playing baseball?
“My dad got me into it because he used to play and still does play socially. When I was seven-years-old, he asked me if I was interested in playing baseball and I thought ‘why not’? It all developed from there.
What was it like growing up and playing baseball with your brother Kyle?
“We are quite competitive. On the field, we always wanted to outdo each other and like all siblings, we used to squabble and have different opinions. It is not an everyday occurrence to play at such a high level with a sibling, so it is great to play alongside him with the Cavalry.
What drove you to become a professional baseball player?
“I was really dedicated and trained a lot when I was younger. As a kid, I sacrificed a lot of things that I didn’t want to in order to put in the extra hours of hard work training, in the gym and with school work. Going pro was something I always wanted to do so I was dedicated.
What has been your proudest moment as a Cav?
“My proudest moment is winning the Championship back in 2013 and winning the Asia series the next year.
Was it rough as a young Aussie kid adapting to life away from home in the US?
“It was tough. I was lucky that I had a fellow Cavalry player David Kandilas over there with me and he helped show me the ropes and helped me settle in. Once I get settled into the environment, it was easy to do what I needed to do, day in and day out. Baseball is definitely a little more serious over there but it didn’t seem out of the ordinary to me.
What is the best piece of advice that you have received?
“I am not quite sure when and where I first heard it, but for me, it is ‘Do not take anything for granted’. The sport can be taken away from you in a split second whether it is from an injury or something else. You just got to take advantage of everything that you get and never throw it away!”
Don’t miss the Canberra Cavalry’s first home game of the 2018-19 season on 6 December, when the Cavs face three-time defending champions Brisbane Bandits at the redeveloped MIT Ballpark.
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