Bulls history
The Bulls History
For many years, our baseball team was known as the Bridgewater Bulls, a name we adopted when the club became incorporated. Before that, we were called the Aldgate Animals!
The Early YearsThe Aldgate Animals team was formed in 1976, primarily consisting of players, coaches, and others from the Aldgate Softball Club.
The team was created by Graham Jones, who, along with his wife Ivy, started the Aldgate Softball Club in 1974. Since then, they worked towards establishing a mixed-gender softball competition with the Hills Softball Association.
The team was created by Graham Jones, who, along with his wife Ivy, started the Aldgate Softball Club in 1974. Since then, they worked towards establishing a mixed-gender softball competition with the Hills Softball Association.
The Bulls, the First 40 Years.
The Aldgate Animals team included family, friends, and colleagues of Martin Foster, Wendy Johnson, and David Newland, with the assistance of Graham Jones.
In the 1975/76 season, Wendy Johnson, a founding member of the Aldgate Softball Club, played with the Aldgate Arrows 'B' Grade team and was the Captain/Manager. Martin Foster supported Wendy by regularly attending the games.
In 1976, David Newland began coaching the Aldgate Arrows because his wife, Irene, was a new player.
Thanks to the efforts of Graham and his wife Ivy, news spread about the upcoming mixed-gender softball competition. Scheduled for Sundays after the regular season, this event was welcomed as an exciting opportunity to showcase talents and expand sporting prowess.
At that time, the two all-female Aldgate softball teams were called the Arrows and the Archers. The new mixed-gender team followed this theme and was named the Animals.
The first mixed-gender competition for the Hills Softball Association took place on Sundays at the Mount Barker High School ovals, where the female teams played on Saturdays. As the competition grew, games were also played at Heathfield High School.
The mixed teams required at least three female players, with female pitchers and catchers.
The Aldgate Animals' first lineup included:• Graham Jones: Coach/player• Pitchers: Irene Newland/Ivy Jones• Catcher: June Eig• First Base: Peter Wahlheim• Second Base: Martin Foster• Short stop: Wendy Johnson• Third base: David Newland• Outfield: Rick Wahlheim, Eddie Sloan, and Julian Moore. Initially, equipment was borrowed from the Aldgate Softball Club. Later, with David Newland's assistance, additional items were purchased as needed.
In the 1975/76 season, Wendy Johnson, a founding member of the Aldgate Softball Club, played with the Aldgate Arrows 'B' Grade team and was the Captain/Manager. Martin Foster supported Wendy by regularly attending the games.
In 1976, David Newland began coaching the Aldgate Arrows because his wife, Irene, was a new player.
Thanks to the efforts of Graham and his wife Ivy, news spread about the upcoming mixed-gender softball competition. Scheduled for Sundays after the regular season, this event was welcomed as an exciting opportunity to showcase talents and expand sporting prowess.
At that time, the two all-female Aldgate softball teams were called the Arrows and the Archers. The new mixed-gender team followed this theme and was named the Animals.
The first mixed-gender competition for the Hills Softball Association took place on Sundays at the Mount Barker High School ovals, where the female teams played on Saturdays. As the competition grew, games were also played at Heathfield High School.
The mixed teams required at least three female players, with female pitchers and catchers.
The Aldgate Animals' first lineup included:• Graham Jones: Coach/player• Pitchers: Irene Newland/Ivy Jones• Catcher: June Eig• First Base: Peter Wahlheim• Second Base: Martin Foster• Short stop: Wendy Johnson• Third base: David Newland• Outfield: Rick Wahlheim, Eddie Sloan, and Julian Moore. Initially, equipment was borrowed from the Aldgate Softball Club. Later, with David Newland's assistance, additional items were purchased as needed.
The Aldgate Animals UniformWendy Johnson secured the logo from our first sponsor, the Bata Shoe Company. This logo featured a large tiger head, which we wore on white t-shirts. This effort helped us identify as 'The Animals,' rather than relying on the reputations of a few team members. However, our uniform pants were far from uniform.
The interest in the mixed softball competition was high, leading to games being scheduled in the 1976 winter season and the 1977 summer season. As a result, more players joined, and the Aldgate Animals team expanded.
The interest in the mixed softball competition was high, leading to games being scheduled in the 1976 winter season and the 1977 summer season. As a result, more players joined, and the Aldgate Animals team expanded.
We Play BaseballThe South Australian Winter Baseball Competition started around 1973. As the competition grew, the Aldgate Animals, mostly baseball players with some softball players, naturally switched to playing baseball whenever they could.
In 1977, we played our first trial winter baseball matches on Sundays in the Adelaide Hills and Plains area with a mixed-gender team. The Animals reinvent themselves in 1977At the end of the 1977 winter season, the Winter Baseball Competition was officially launched, and we needed support to stay involved. Funding would help cover costs for gear and uniforms.
A new member, John Williams, suggested we could get funds from the Bridgewater Sports and Social Club, where he was also a member. This club sometimes helped local sports teams. With the agreement of all players, we changed our name from The Aldgate Animals Softball Team to The Bridgewater Bulls Baseball Club, hoping for better funding. Thanks to ongoing inquiries, the Bulls "Stampeded" forward!
With the efforts of Dave Newland, Martin Foster, and support from Bulls playing with Sturt Baseball Club, we secured The Sturt Baseball Grounds as our home ground for the winter season.
Consequently, with the agreement of the existing and new players of The Aldgate Animals and considering that there may be more hope of funding, we formalised a new name. The Aldgate Animals Softball Team would now be known as The Bridgewater Bulls Baseball Club! This became a reality with the ongoing inquiries made on our behalf, and the Bulls roared into the future! Through the efforts of Dave Newland, Martin Foster and with the support from other Bulls who were also currently playing with the Sturt Baseball Club in the summer season, The Sturt Baseball Grounds were secured for the Bulls to play on as a home ground during the winter season. The first uniforms that the Bridgewater Bulls players wore were baseball undershirts (white with three-quarter length blue sleeves) with the name 'BULLS' printed in blue across the front. It would be another two years before the Bull logo was developed in 1979. The Bull logo created Martin Foster's vision and Wendy Johnson Foster's artwork. It was later slightly modified by Anne Wilson (a Note-a-Bull relative of the Foster family) to be screen printed more successfully. Anne also manually screen printed the first run of our uniform jumpers. As the winter baseball competition grew and the Bulls Baseball Club strengthened and increased in numbers, a more official uniform was sought. As many of the Bulls players were playing for Sturt Baseball Club in the Summer Season as well, it was becoming more of a regular occurrence that the Sturt Club's light blue uniform pants were worn when playing for the Bulls. Also, during this time, it was not only the 'BULLS' undershirt worn and dark blue windcheaters with the Bull logo on the front and the now infamous Bull names on the back. The dark blue caps and new undershirts sporting the logo followed. From 1976 until 1992, the Animals insignia and Bulls names that the players wore on their uniforms, and those of 'Supporta-Bulls', 'Note-a-Bulls', and Bulls' children have meticulously applied the hand of Wendy Foster. The Bull names that Club members were known by and worn on their windcheaters were often creatively developed by Wendy, and other contributing members of the recruits didn't have a 'Use-a-Bull' nickname. (As the Club member numbers increased, we had to seek out bulk runs of the uniform logo to keep up with the demand). Fundraising was an essential task, and many activities were explored and utilised over the years, for example, canteen sales, quiz nights, and sponsored offerings. However, the most significant ongoing revenue raisers, the BBQ and Bar, began in the early days of The Aldgate Animals. After the Club changed its name to The Bridgewater Bulls, they were then officially referred to as the Bull-B-Que and the Bull-Bar! From the beginning, the running and organisation of the Animals and Bulls Clubs continued for many years to be a consensual and democratic order where the meetings that were held included the members, players, partners and children. Members of the Club, younger and older, contributed not only to the general organisation but also to the social aspects and numerous functions. For many of the early years, functions were held pre-season, during the season and at the end of the season. One of the highlights of the year was the annual trip away with partners and children. Other family members, mainly parents, grandparents and siblings, were also welcome and often joined us to help celebrate and participate throughout and beyond the season.
In 1977, we played our first trial winter baseball matches on Sundays in the Adelaide Hills and Plains area with a mixed-gender team. The Animals reinvent themselves in 1977At the end of the 1977 winter season, the Winter Baseball Competition was officially launched, and we needed support to stay involved. Funding would help cover costs for gear and uniforms.
A new member, John Williams, suggested we could get funds from the Bridgewater Sports and Social Club, where he was also a member. This club sometimes helped local sports teams. With the agreement of all players, we changed our name from The Aldgate Animals Softball Team to The Bridgewater Bulls Baseball Club, hoping for better funding. Thanks to ongoing inquiries, the Bulls "Stampeded" forward!
With the efforts of Dave Newland, Martin Foster, and support from Bulls playing with Sturt Baseball Club, we secured The Sturt Baseball Grounds as our home ground for the winter season.
Consequently, with the agreement of the existing and new players of The Aldgate Animals and considering that there may be more hope of funding, we formalised a new name. The Aldgate Animals Softball Team would now be known as The Bridgewater Bulls Baseball Club! This became a reality with the ongoing inquiries made on our behalf, and the Bulls roared into the future! Through the efforts of Dave Newland, Martin Foster and with the support from other Bulls who were also currently playing with the Sturt Baseball Club in the summer season, The Sturt Baseball Grounds were secured for the Bulls to play on as a home ground during the winter season. The first uniforms that the Bridgewater Bulls players wore were baseball undershirts (white with three-quarter length blue sleeves) with the name 'BULLS' printed in blue across the front. It would be another two years before the Bull logo was developed in 1979. The Bull logo created Martin Foster's vision and Wendy Johnson Foster's artwork. It was later slightly modified by Anne Wilson (a Note-a-Bull relative of the Foster family) to be screen printed more successfully. Anne also manually screen printed the first run of our uniform jumpers. As the winter baseball competition grew and the Bulls Baseball Club strengthened and increased in numbers, a more official uniform was sought. As many of the Bulls players were playing for Sturt Baseball Club in the Summer Season as well, it was becoming more of a regular occurrence that the Sturt Club's light blue uniform pants were worn when playing for the Bulls. Also, during this time, it was not only the 'BULLS' undershirt worn and dark blue windcheaters with the Bull logo on the front and the now infamous Bull names on the back. The dark blue caps and new undershirts sporting the logo followed. From 1976 until 1992, the Animals insignia and Bulls names that the players wore on their uniforms, and those of 'Supporta-Bulls', 'Note-a-Bulls', and Bulls' children have meticulously applied the hand of Wendy Foster. The Bull names that Club members were known by and worn on their windcheaters were often creatively developed by Wendy, and other contributing members of the recruits didn't have a 'Use-a-Bull' nickname. (As the Club member numbers increased, we had to seek out bulk runs of the uniform logo to keep up with the demand). Fundraising was an essential task, and many activities were explored and utilised over the years, for example, canteen sales, quiz nights, and sponsored offerings. However, the most significant ongoing revenue raisers, the BBQ and Bar, began in the early days of The Aldgate Animals. After the Club changed its name to The Bridgewater Bulls, they were then officially referred to as the Bull-B-Que and the Bull-Bar! From the beginning, the running and organisation of the Animals and Bulls Clubs continued for many years to be a consensual and democratic order where the meetings that were held included the members, players, partners and children. Members of the Club, younger and older, contributed not only to the general organisation but also to the social aspects and numerous functions. For many of the early years, functions were held pre-season, during the season and at the end of the season. One of the highlights of the year was the annual trip away with partners and children. Other family members, mainly parents, grandparents and siblings, were also welcome and often joined us to help celebrate and participate throughout and beyond the season.
Second and Third Generation Bulls
From the start, club membership grew quickly, boosted by the arrival of Bulls children. Over time, these individuals significantly influenced the Club's social and general activities.
The first Bulls children helped with childcare, running the canteen, being backup BBQ attendees, providing technical support, and offering media advice.
They also took on tasks like finding and returning fly balls, keeping gear in order during games, dog minding for scorers and players, creating fan clubs, packing up, and joining the Bulls Roar at the end of games.
Many senior players have had their children play for the Bulls, with some even playing on the same team.
Some members have had the joy of watching their grandchildren participate in these activities.
The first Bulls children helped with childcare, running the canteen, being backup BBQ attendees, providing technical support, and offering media advice.
They also took on tasks like finding and returning fly balls, keeping gear in order during games, dog minding for scorers and players, creating fan clubs, packing up, and joining the Bulls Roar at the end of games.
Many senior players have had their children play for the Bulls, with some even playing on the same team.
Some members have had the joy of watching their grandchildren participate in these activities.
The Bulls Excel - Masters GamesThe Bulls first participated in the Master's Games in Adelaide in 1999, where they won a Gold medal.
Since that victory, the Bulls have competed in many Masters Games, mostly in Alice Springs, winning multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
Since that victory, the Bulls have competed in many Masters Games, mostly in Alice Springs, winning multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
Bulls Health DayWhat began as Men's Health Day, a program by the Bulls to encourage regular health checks for male players, has evolved into Bulls Health & Wellbeing Day for all members, regardless of age or gender.
Bulls Health & Wellbeing Days promote health check-ups and social programs like the Bulls Blood Donation Team, The Bloody Bulls.
These days provide information and testing from various medical professionals. To maximize participation, Bulls Health & Wellbeing Days are held in early June, often including memorial games for Matt "Wild Bull" Cutting with baseball friends from the Riverland.
Bulls Health & Wellbeing Days promote health check-ups and social programs like the Bulls Blood Donation Team, The Bloody Bulls.
These days provide information and testing from various medical professionals. To maximize participation, Bulls Health & Wellbeing Days are held in early June, often including memorial games for Matt "Wild Bull" Cutting with baseball friends from the Riverland.
Matt "Wild Bull" Cutting Memorial games
After the sudden passing of Matt "Wild Bull" Cutting during Easter [insert year], the Bulls and the Warriors Baseball Club in Berri played a memorial game in his honor. The memorial games have since become a tradition of the Bulls Health & Wellbeing Days, alternating each year between "Bull Park" and the Warriors Baseball Club in Berri.
Matt's legacy, a trust set up in his name, supported the purchase of a defibrillator, "Shocka Bull," and today provides financial assistance to both young and elderly Bulls players.
Matt's legacy, a trust set up in his name, supported the purchase of a defibrillator, "Shocka Bull," and today provides financial assistance to both young and elderly Bulls players.
Community WorkOver the years, the Bulls has donated to local junior players who aspire to advance their baseball careers, benefiting Club members and the wider community.
The Bulls continue to support young Bulls with travel expenses for representing South Australia and Australia in state, national, and international competitions via the Matt Cutting Trust. The Bulls are proud to assist young Bulls in their quest for state and international representation.
Club EthosFrom the earliest days, players and members have shared camaraderie, enjoying social time together. They embraced the social aspect of playing while mentoring fellow Bulls to develop skills in a relaxed but competitive atmosphere.
Bulls members were expected to volunteer their time and energy, using their expertise, interests, and knowledge in all duties.
Volunteering kept fees low, making it affordable for many potential players to participate.
The Bulls continue to support young Bulls with travel expenses for representing South Australia and Australia in state, national, and international competitions via the Matt Cutting Trust. The Bulls are proud to assist young Bulls in their quest for state and international representation.
Club EthosFrom the earliest days, players and members have shared camaraderie, enjoying social time together. They embraced the social aspect of playing while mentoring fellow Bulls to develop skills in a relaxed but competitive atmosphere.
Bulls members were expected to volunteer their time and energy, using their expertise, interests, and knowledge in all duties.
Volunteering kept fees low, making it affordable for many potential players to participate.
AccoladesWe must recognise those who have gone above and beyond as club members. Many have significantly contributed over the years. These include those who helped establish the Club, managed general and social organization, sought sponsorships, and edited "The Reporta Bull", an early record of Bulls matches started by Peter and Liz Hall. Jamie Bishop later developed the website which would transition the Bulls into the online space.
In recent years, match reports, game highlights, club meetings, and general information have been shared via the Bulls website, Facebook and other social media platforms by the Secretary and enthusiastic Bulls members.
From the begining, scoring was an essential shared duty, often taken on by parents and partners. Over time, dedicated members have given years of their time, enduring weather and sometimes disgruntled players.
Volunteer Bulls committee members have evolved into officially elected positions with all relevant responsibilities.
The Bridgewater Bulls Baseball Club was incorporated on the 5th of July 2002. Serving on the Committee as a volunteer can be quite a time consuming, and there have been many dedicated people over the years that have given of their time very willingly and astutely.
The numerous ongoing tasks that members regularly undertake and complete are not on y done by those deemed responsible, but also by others assisting in the execution of menial chores after games or functions or meetings; and other more intricate and involved duties done their own volition. This cohesion of member support has ensured that the Club has survived and surpassed other 'like' associations.
However, of these Note-a-Bulls, a select few have continually managed to do many of the tasks and take on many of the official roles themselves, and one contributing Member stands out to this day. In an official capacity, Martin Foster served as Treasurer/ Secretary and Chairperson of the Animals/Bulls from 1976 until 2006 and often held all the positions at the same time.
Martin has had significant input and remains the only founder/player to be still involved officially in the general organisation of the Club, in the position of Vice President (Vice Chairperson) at the time of writing.
In recent years, match reports, game highlights, club meetings, and general information have been shared via the Bulls website, Facebook and other social media platforms by the Secretary and enthusiastic Bulls members.
From the begining, scoring was an essential shared duty, often taken on by parents and partners. Over time, dedicated members have given years of their time, enduring weather and sometimes disgruntled players.
Volunteer Bulls committee members have evolved into officially elected positions with all relevant responsibilities.
The Bridgewater Bulls Baseball Club was incorporated on the 5th of July 2002. Serving on the Committee as a volunteer can be quite a time consuming, and there have been many dedicated people over the years that have given of their time very willingly and astutely.
The numerous ongoing tasks that members regularly undertake and complete are not on y done by those deemed responsible, but also by others assisting in the execution of menial chores after games or functions or meetings; and other more intricate and involved duties done their own volition. This cohesion of member support has ensured that the Club has survived and surpassed other 'like' associations.
However, of these Note-a-Bulls, a select few have continually managed to do many of the tasks and take on many of the official roles themselves, and one contributing Member stands out to this day. In an official capacity, Martin Foster served as Treasurer/ Secretary and Chairperson of the Animals/Bulls from 1976 until 2006 and often held all the positions at the same time.
Martin has had significant input and remains the only founder/player to be still involved officially in the general organisation of the Club, in the position of Vice President (Vice Chairperson) at the time of writing.
Our Own League
In 2006 Bill Magoulianos took the role of President (Chairperson) and together with a dedicated and diverse Board (Committee) continued growing the club in player numbers and in developing a close Culture of mateship towards each other, The Herd. This period saw a consolidation of Bulls player numbers enabling Bulls Team expansion to 3 and then 4 regular teams.
This was a pivotal point for the Bulls, with 4 Teams the Bulls would play against each other in a dedicated League, later named the Matin Foster League by SAWBA in honour of the dedication and support Martin has and continues to provide to SA Winter Baseball and the Bulls.
2013 saw a new President elected in Ditmar Guehrer, with the majority of the Committee remaining and assisting in Bulls Herd knowledge transfer. An expanded Committee allowed for greater sharing of the Committee workload and in new idea generation which has further developed the Club expanding the player numbers and gender diversity to the extent where an ever-growing percentage of players are female.
Due to its popularity and Club ethos, over time, the numbers of players and therefore teams within the Bulls has increased dramatically. In the 2016 season we had seven teams registered experimenting with 1 team having a bye per week. This reduced back to 6 Teams for the season 2018 enabling all teams to play each week, assisting in further developing the Bulls community of players and supporters.
The Bulls during Covid-19 When the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown competitive and social sport across the globe, in early 2020, the Bulls and the SAWBA (SA Winterball Association) were poised to cancel the 2020 season as the complexities of operating under severe spacing and sanitisation requirements seemed too great. Ditmar Guehrer and Martin Foster convinced the SAWBA to by any means and rule changes necessary, enable Social Baseball to be played in winter 2020. This dedication and push resulted in the SAWBA and The Bulls playing the 2020 season albeit delayed for some 6 weeks.
The Bulls started 2 weeks earlier than the other SAWBA Leagues, demonstrating the disciplines and practices required to play baseball under the restricted contact and social distancing conditions required by the social distancing requirements of the period.
The Bulls Baseball Club was the 1st Baseball Club in Australia and amongst a small number globally, to officially start playing baseball during this period, trailblazing the path for others to follow and ensuring the Herd remained engaged as a community and could continue being both physically and socially active. Growing the HerdThe actions of the Committee during 2020 assisted the Bulls to continue growing the Player #s to the extent that in 2022, the Bulls expanded to 8 teams playing each other within the Martin Foster League, all on a Saturday. All 4 games are played at Bull Park (Norman Reserve) on a Saturday, and the player #s continued to grow for the 2023 season with the 2024 season poised for further growth.
Today, the Bridgewater Bulls Baseball Club stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of its members and supporters. The drive to play during recent difficult COVID times has placed the club in a strong position, recognised as a leader in social baseball within South Australia.
With a rich history and a strong sense of community, the Bulls continue to thrive as both a social and sporting club, providing enjoyment and camaraderie for all who participate.
By Wendy Foster, aka AY BULL & Ditmar Guehrer, aka STUM BULL (March 2024)
This was a pivotal point for the Bulls, with 4 Teams the Bulls would play against each other in a dedicated League, later named the Matin Foster League by SAWBA in honour of the dedication and support Martin has and continues to provide to SA Winter Baseball and the Bulls.
2013 saw a new President elected in Ditmar Guehrer, with the majority of the Committee remaining and assisting in Bulls Herd knowledge transfer. An expanded Committee allowed for greater sharing of the Committee workload and in new idea generation which has further developed the Club expanding the player numbers and gender diversity to the extent where an ever-growing percentage of players are female.
Due to its popularity and Club ethos, over time, the numbers of players and therefore teams within the Bulls has increased dramatically. In the 2016 season we had seven teams registered experimenting with 1 team having a bye per week. This reduced back to 6 Teams for the season 2018 enabling all teams to play each week, assisting in further developing the Bulls community of players and supporters.
The Bulls during Covid-19 When the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown competitive and social sport across the globe, in early 2020, the Bulls and the SAWBA (SA Winterball Association) were poised to cancel the 2020 season as the complexities of operating under severe spacing and sanitisation requirements seemed too great. Ditmar Guehrer and Martin Foster convinced the SAWBA to by any means and rule changes necessary, enable Social Baseball to be played in winter 2020. This dedication and push resulted in the SAWBA and The Bulls playing the 2020 season albeit delayed for some 6 weeks.
The Bulls started 2 weeks earlier than the other SAWBA Leagues, demonstrating the disciplines and practices required to play baseball under the restricted contact and social distancing conditions required by the social distancing requirements of the period.
The Bulls Baseball Club was the 1st Baseball Club in Australia and amongst a small number globally, to officially start playing baseball during this period, trailblazing the path for others to follow and ensuring the Herd remained engaged as a community and could continue being both physically and socially active. Growing the HerdThe actions of the Committee during 2020 assisted the Bulls to continue growing the Player #s to the extent that in 2022, the Bulls expanded to 8 teams playing each other within the Martin Foster League, all on a Saturday. All 4 games are played at Bull Park (Norman Reserve) on a Saturday, and the player #s continued to grow for the 2023 season with the 2024 season poised for further growth.
Today, the Bridgewater Bulls Baseball Club stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of its members and supporters. The drive to play during recent difficult COVID times has placed the club in a strong position, recognised as a leader in social baseball within South Australia.
With a rich history and a strong sense of community, the Bulls continue to thrive as both a social and sporting club, providing enjoyment and camaraderie for all who participate.
By Wendy Foster, aka AY BULL & Ditmar Guehrer, aka STUM BULL (March 2024)