2015-2016 Australian Baseball League

From BR Bullpen

The 2015-2016 Australian Baseball League was the sixth season in the second incarnation of the Australian Baseball League.

The Brisbane Bandits won their first title in 22 years, their last one dating back to the ABL's first go-around. They topped the Adelaide Bite in Game 1 of the finals, 7-4, behind homers from TJ Bennett and Bralin Jackson while Angus Roeger was 3 for 4 with a homer and 4 RBI in a losing cause. In Game 2, finals MVP Donald Lutz hit a three-run dinger, 7 Bandits each scored one run and Travis Blackley allowed one run in six innings in a 7-1 victory.

Brisbane had a balanced attack with the only league leaders being Riley Unroe (67 H, 42 R, 14 SB), Jason Jarvis (tied for first with 8 W) and ace closer Ryan Searle (a league-leading 0.40 ERA and 17 saves). Canberra had batting champion David Harris and Jason Leblebijian (a league-high 19 doubles and tied for first with 44 RBI). The Bite's stars were Kyle Petty (leading with a .582 slugging percentage and 14 homers and tied for first with 44 RBI) and Steven Chambers (tied for first with 8 wins) while Marc Wik drew the most walks (44). Sydney's Trent D'Antonio led in OBP (.469). Perth had strikeout king Edwin Carl (85).

Regular Season Standings[edit]

  1. Brisbane Bandits, 37-19 Manager: Dave Nilsson
  2. Canberra Cavalry, 31-25 Manager: Michael Collins
  3. Adelaide Bite, 30-26 Manager: Steve Mintz
  4. Sydney Blue Sox, 26-29 Manager: Jason Pospishil
  5. Perth Heat, 23-33 Manager: Kevin Boles
  6. Melbourne Aces, 20-35 Manager: Joe Vavra