Melanie Roche - Hall of Fame
THE COACH [BOB] HAS BEEN BUSY REFLECTING ON THE MANY GREAT BALLPLAYERS HE HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNIY TO COACH AND OR COACH AGAINST SINCE COMING TO AUSTRALIA.
ONE SUCH LADIE IS MELANIE ROACH, I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH HER ON THE NATIONAL TEAM, BUT SHE GAINED MY UTMOST ADMIRATION WHEN I COACHED AGAINST HER. MELANIE NOT ONLY HAD TALENT BUT SHE GAVE 150 % IN EVERY GAME SHE PLAYED.
Melanie has now set the glove and ball aside, and is now doing the same with her other talent, and is doing quite well with her desire to become a singer song writer.
Melanie was the 148th player to represent the Australian Open Women’s team, the Aussie Spirit. A fierce competitor to say the least, Melanie dominated the pitching circle for Australia for 20 years from 1988-2008, playing 229 games for her country. She debuted at the 1988 Bicentennial Cup. Melanie is ranked in the top 15 all time for Australian appearances in the women’s program. Melanie competed in four Olympic Games and four World Championships. She is one of only four sportspeople in history in any sport to medal in four Olympic Games, with one silver and three bronze medals.
Melanie retired from international competition in August 2008 at the same time, to the displeasure of the softball community, that softball was dropped from the Olympic program.
Melanie has displayed exceptional character and commitment to our sport at all levels of the game. She has inspired many of the past, present and future Aussie Spirit players.
Former teammate, current Aussie Spirit player and Softball Australia Indigenous role model, Stacey Porter
When I think about the Aussie Spirit I immediately attach Mel & Nat's names to it! They both played the game with completely this! Their ability to compete with such passion, determination and grace is something so hard to do for most but for both Mel and Nat it was a breeze and something I remember so clearly! This is a legacy these two amazing athletes have left on our program and it will be one that is forever drawn upon, remembered and passed on! I feel privileged to have played alongside you and the impact you had will be forever with the Aussie Spirit.
Former teammate and Softball Australia Hall of Fame inductee, Gaye Ledingham shared these words about Melanie
Melanie Roche is the ultimate softball pitcher. Her ability to throw movement pitches through the zone was unrivalled and on numerous occasions tormented the opposition batters with her lethal riseball. Mel was capable of carrying a team to victory and did so numerous times for NSW and Australia. However it was her passion, love of the game and her ability to embrace pressure which was her greatest asset to every team. Every game, every innings, every pitch was always played at a 150% and a “fist punching” Mel Roche motivated many a team mate and put fear into the minds of the opposing team. It was a privilege to play alongside Mel but an even greater honour to have her as a loyal and true friend. Mel, congratulations on your induction into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame, an honour you richly deserve.
USA Softball legend, Michelle Smith was honoured to be able to share these words about her rivalry with Mel on the diamond and friendship off the diamond
Hi Mel!!! And Congratulations on your induction into the Australia softball HOF!! Well deserved!
I have to say it was an honor to play against you during my career. I still remember when there was a chance that you would attend Oklahoma State University during my senior season, I was excited that we might play together....unfortunately that didn't work out and we ended up playing on opposite sides of the fields for most of our careers....a pity for me!! Because you always had that look on your face like you were gonna kick my ass!!! I don't even want to try to count the number of times you struck me out during your phenomenal pitching career...I think I am just now recovering from that emotional trauma!!
I remember playing against you while you were in Canada, and I with the Redding Rebels. Of course who could forget all the epic battles with you in the Green and Gold of the Australian National Team uniform and me in red white and blue. No matter the outcomes... the games were played with guts and passion...what the great sport we all love deserves...we left it all on the field didn't we??!! You always gave it your all no matter what the circumstances....What a great feeling that is.
Then there's Japan...too much to recall [ok maybe...just maybe I was half drunk most of the time!!] or maybe there's too much to recall because we were both there too damn long!! :) We are turning Japaneseah!! You can write a song about that, oh wait... there is one already, but I am sure your version would be much, much more entertaining!!
You always amazed me with all your talents. Your will, your passion and FIRE!!! You are and were a true athlete and competitor. It was and is an honor to have played on the same field with you. Thank you for sharing your talents with me, the fans and the softball world in general. You have left the game of softball better because of all you gave it.
On finishing I have to say one of my best memories during our career was after our Japan League game in Osaka...we were all staying at your apartment for a party afterward and I was beat and [ yes tippsie...Nama Chu!!! that's beer in Japanese! I still remember that word!!! ] so as I was saying...I was beat and headed to bed. I remember waking a hour or so later to the sounds of you playing the guitar and singing and thinking that was my friend who can throw it, and belt out the songs like no one I've ever known!!
Congrats Mel! You deserve ever honor to come your way. And to Softball Australia THANK YOU again for allowing me to be a part of your amazing organization and share memories with your incredible people and athletes!
God Bless!
Michele Smith
Former Australian Captain, ISF and Softball Australia Hall of Fame Inductee and true softball legend, Joyce Lester was honoured to provide these words about her dear friend
Congratulations Mel on your induction into the Hall of Fame. You have had a truly successful and long softball career playing and right from the start, as a young player, you had an amazing strength of character. You were always independent, headstrong and you always had the fire in the belly every time you stepped out on that diamond.
Melanie, I had the privilege to watch you play from the first time you put on the Aussie shirt until the day that you retired. What a career!
Melanie has been an inspiration to many young players and old players on and off the field and you have left your mark on many.
There have never been any half measures in Mel’s life and Mel’s passion for the game of softball, the people in softball and for life is relentless.
Mel’s career in softball has been memorable and there are many Melanie characteristics that will be never be forgotten – such as:
- Mel’s ability to move the ball more than anyone
- Mel’s win at any cost attitude
- Your quest to be Number ONE
- Mel – your infectious laugh
- Your drive and obsessive love for the game
- Your unashamed aggression during games
- Your continued gardening around the pitchers plate
- Your positive support of fellow team members
- Your pursuit of fun
- Your continual problems with public transport, forgetting passports, missing planes and not getting off trains at the correct station.
- Your ongoing kindess to those around you
For those of you who have watched Melanie Roche play – there will be no one like her again – she is a legend!
Congratulations you are an amazing player, person and friend.
Joyce Lester
Aussie Spirit teammate, Fiona Crawford (nee Haines)
I first encountered Melanie Roche, “Rochey” when I was 12 as a bat girl for the Open Women’s National Championships at Homebush. I had heard so many stories about this “Rochey” girl but when I actually saw her, I was struck by just how little she was given the power she could generate on the mound. I remember at the time, Carol Peel saying “see you too can be strong enough to play for NSW”. Peely did however neglect to show me the massive gun that is Mel’s right arm – now that would take some work - but Mel was always my companion in the front row for photos.
I played alongside Mel for 10 years in the NSW Opens team and 9 years in the Australian team and count myself as one of the most privileged softball players to have done so. Mel’s power compared to her stature was nothing compared to the size of her heart. The saying “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog” is fitting for Mel. Her shear grit and determination was inspiring. She had the ability to lift an entire team with one simple “C’mon!” – although sometimes she did need a slap in the face.
One of the proudest moments of my career was at our Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2004. I was standing arm-in-arm with Mel on the diamond before our first game against NZ, singing the national anthem. Mel had lost her beloved Mum only days before and I could feel her trembling as we sang. She drew strength from her Mum and pitched us to victory. I was so proud of her that day.
Mel commanded such respect from her players that she made you want to play well for her. You knew that when Mel took the field, she would leave nothing in the tank so it forced you to do the same. She loved playing for Australia but there was always something special when Mel donned the two blues. She is a true Blue Blood. Some of my greatest memories are playing 2nd base behind Rochey in our battles with QLD, it brought the best out of Mel and brought the whole team together. Sure some people may have thought we were too confident, maybe arrogant, even arseholes but with Mel on the mound, we felt unstoppable.
I am pleased to call Mel one of my greatest mates and I know she still has so much to offer the game. She is one of a few true characters of the sport, she wore her heart on her sleeve and that made her the player she was. Every Australian sporting team needs a Rochey.
A fitting tribute to not only a great softball player, but someone I admire for her contribution to the game of softball on and off the field.
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my second ambulance ride and boy was it bumpy
A team of doctors giving me my orders and observations
A good scene at the beautiful Mirrabooka Softball Complex
Nothern territories pitcher who has pitched well but they lack hitting to support him.
ACT shake hands after another victory the team i predict to win the finals.
Debbie
Groves a very very respected umpire and has been umpiring our mens game
for over 20 years. A legend in the eyes of mens softball and has a
chance to relax before the next game.
The player Andrew Kirkpatrick who has led ACT with his big bat and has 7 homeruns for this tournament.
Jesse Tawes ACTs Top Batter and in line For MVP of the tournament.
Three former players from WA wondering why there team did not even make the playoffs.
Victoria watch as ACT hit two home runs in the first inning as they went to win the first playoff game 4-1.
Good crowd good weather and two exciting playoff games at Mirrabooka Softball Fields
