The ultimate utility unit

Ask anyone who has met them, they will tell you that the Lewis' are one of the most generous and welcoming family's that you will meet.

When opening up their home to a young Japanese exchange student - who happened to be an avid baseball fan - the Lewis family didn't realise that that would be the moment their family would grow by not one but many.

The family spent many a Sunday dropping off Shiori to Jabiru Park.

"Shiori, or Boss as those of us around the park know her as, was living with my parents," said Scott Lewis. "We would give her a lift to the games and stay around to watch."

Before too long, Scott found himself with a glove on his own hand, the contagious baseball environment getting the better of him. Blink and 9 seasons have passed, and he hasn't looked back. He reminisces about his baseball journey with a twinkle in his eye and a grin from ear to ear.

As an original member of the first club squad, Scott has seen the Taipans evolve and met some incredible people along the way. "There are a few of us still hanging around from when the club first started," says Scott. "Back then, we were called the A's or the Avengers with a couple of teams under our banner. Over the years, we have transitioned to become Townsville Taipans."

Scott and Shiori with the original Townsville Avengers

As a cricket player from way back, it wasn't too hard to make the transition across to baseball. "It was a no brainer really, a shorter game - less time standing in the field and the seasons were way better up here in Townsville."

Famous players in sport, the world over, have had signature plays or moves named after them. Around the baseball diamond, the signature 'Scotty' swing has transcended clubs to become a Townsville staple. Scotty is known for his love of high pitches. So much so, that any pitch head height or above - the crowd will let you know it's one that Scott would hit.

Scott is happiest when surrounded by a baseball diamond and his family (biological and baseball)

Apart from being handy with the bat, Scott is a self-proclaimed genuine utility player. There are few people who could fill every role at every grade as whole heartedly as he does.

"Sometimes, I've even played every position in the same game!" Scotty confesses.

But it's not just playing the game that gives Scotty a buzz. If there is a job to be done, it will be done with gusto. Whether it's umpiring, scoring, raking diamonds, managing teams or squeezing two or three games into one day - Scotty is your guy.

Coaching, umpiring, scoring, committee and more. Scott (and the entire Lewis family) do it all.

It is his love of the game, the club and the second family that he has built that means he is happiest simply to just be at the ballpark. It is clear that this passion is contagious. So much so that it has become a whole family affair.

The whole family is committed to giving back to the sport that has brought them so much joy for so many years. "It's such a rewarding experience to be able to give back to the sport and to do our part to make it better." Says Scott

Eldest son Cam plays in both the A-Grade and B-Grade sides, representing Peninsula in the school competition, while youngest Dan makes up part of the little league side and definitely hasn't missed out on the family volunteer trait. He is the best scorer in the park (except maybe his mother - yes we're biased!) and a gentleman at the canteen. As for wife Ally, the driving force behind the Taipans Juniors program, heading up the Taipans scoring contingent and in her spare time running the canteen, you can be sure she will still make time for a friendly chat.

Scott has had the privilege that so many baseball parents dream of, and many players cringe at - to play alongside their son. "As much as I love playing, I love watching the boys play even more," says Scott. Now he gets a front row seat to watch as teammates.

Baseball brings the whole family together.

"We actually started out as friendly rivals to be honest," says Scott. "Cam's first season in seniors he played for the Stealers U18's side. We faced each other a number of times throughout regular season and that year they turned out to be our biggest rivals."

Come the end of the 2021 season, Cam and Scott took their rivalry to the next level facing off in the Grand Final. "It was easily one of the highlights and funest games I have played in my whole baseball career." confesses Cam. As someone who was initially embarrassed to play with his dad, the mutual respect and father son time the pair get playing together has become invaluable. For Scott, despite coming out second best, he couldn't be prouder of his son's achievements.

From rivals to teammates: Stealers premiership 2022, Taipans premiership 2023

So if the Lewis family are anything to go by, it seems no matter how or when in your life you find the game of baseball - it has something special to offer everyone.