Their 2018-19 campaign got off to a less than ideal start, dropping a road series against Melbourne 4-0, but that didn’t faze Canberra Cavalry captain and catcher Robbie Perkins, who remains assured his team can achieve ultimate success.
“We’re still pretty confident we put together a good team, but just didn’t do what they needed to do to get the wins down there … We’re not going to change anything up,” Perkins says.
“If everyone plays their role and does the right thing then we put ourselves in the perfect position to win.”
Perkins is now a free agent, having long been affiliated with the MLB side Colorado Rockies; this summer he will look to secure another US contract while leading the Cavalry.
He says the role of captain, along with his on-field position as catcher, go hand in hand.
“As a catcher I’m out there making everything run the right way; it’s a different perspective behind the plate, I see things others don’t.
“When (Manager Keith Ward) approached me to be captain, it’s really to assist him, be a leader within the team, be someone the other players can approach.
“The leadership requirements are drastically different in terms of what I have to do in each role,” he says.
With the final lick of paint going on the Narrabundah Ballpark’s new $5 million redevelopment, Perkins says the upgraded facility will be a winner for both fans and the squad.
“We’re getting a new clubhouse alongside work to the field, batting cages and grandstand, which makes it all a great new experience.”
After dropping the championship series to the Brisbane Bandits last season, the side will be out for retribution in their first home series of the season next month.
“Every year we come into the competition we want to win the whole thing. Losing in the championship it drives us that little be harder to go all the way this year,” Perkins says.
The Canberra Cavalry will play their first home series against the Brisbane Bandits on 6-9 December at Narrabundah Ballpark; web.theabl.com.au/tickets
For more: