Brothers help Heat's cause
Brothers Tim and Matt Kennelly have worked hard at carving out careers in US Minor League baseball this year.
But unlike their American team-mates the off-season has not provided opportunity to take a break, with the pair adding their considerable weight to Perth Heat's campaign for a third straight Claxton Shield trophy ahead of the start of a new national baseball league competition in season 2010-2011.
The pair have had a busy season - 23-year-old Tim campaigning with Philadelphia Phillies at Double-A level and Matt, who is three years younger, playing Single-A for Atlanta Braves.
They joined Australia's World Cup campaign in September before returning home for the Claxton Shield season where they have been strong offensive and defensive contributors with Tim the competition's slugging and runs batted in (RBI) champion.
Tim said the Heat's season didn't start particularly well but everyone had pulled together recently ahead of a series against competition leader South Australia Bite, at Baseball Park in Thornlie on January 7.
"We didn't have the start we were looking for," he said. "But it is during the second half when it all counts and we have always managed to pull together when it matters most and there is no reason why that should not happen again.
"Heading into the finals is usually the time we start to gel together and play our best baseball."
Tim Kennelly expects he will start next season in the US at Double-A level after being promoted from Single-A after making the All Stars team.
"If I do well - there should be further promotion," he said. "It is part of the natural progression, after five years in the US, during which time I have learnt so much more about the game."
His confidence has grown from having a better swing which has been put to devastating use in collecting nine doubles, more than any other player, three home runs and 12 RBI in 15 Claxton Shield appearances this season.
"Obviously everyone dreams of making it to the Major Leagues, and that is my overall focus, but representing your country is a great honour and something you strive to do," he said.
Matt Kennelly, who has been with Atlanta for three years, has progressed through the ranks each year and Tim was confident his brother would make further breakthroughs next season.
