Vale – Ronald Robertson (Ron) Smith

Ron was elected a Life Member of the VBA in 1991 and received an Australia Sports Medal in 2000. Ron was also a Life Member and former President of the Footscray Baseball Club prior to becoming a Club Representative on the VBA Council in 1969.

Ron was President of the VBA for 17 years from 1973 to 1989 and was only surpassed by Peter Dihm who was President for 21 years. Ron was Victoria’s representative at the Australian Baseball Federation during his 17 years as President. Ron was also Secretary of the Oceania branch of the Baseball Federation of Asia for a number of years developing Australia’s role in the Olympic Games and promoting Australian players profiles overseas.

Ron began playing baseball at Footscray Technical School and played his early baseball with the North Williamstown Baseball Club. Ron then moved to the Footscray Baseball Club where he reached First Nine status. Ron had a big contribution in the development of facilities at the Hanks Baseball Ground in Benbow Street, Yarraville.

Ron was heavily involved with the visits to Australia by numerous Japanese “Trade Clubs” with games at Ross Straw Field in Royal Park and is remembered for hosting after game barbeques with his wife Jacqui at their Beaumaris home.

Ron’s printing business “Danforth Press” in Yarraville was the baseball office site for Talbot Hill, the first fulltime amateur sporting organisation Secretary prior to the move to 3 Ballarat Street in Yarraville.

Ron’s major project was the development of the Melbourne Ballpark in Altona in conjunction with the Altona Council and State Government.

Ron was a highly respected and valued contributor to the sport of baseball in Victoria. Ron’s experience and expertise will be sadly missed by all in the baseball fraternity.

Baseball Victoria extends its deepest sympathies to his family.

Ron Smith’s funeral will be held 1.30pm Tuesday 27th July 2010 at Nelson Bros Funeral Home, 7 Droop Street, Footscray.