"We'd Had Enough" | Brett Ralph and Jon Deeble break silence on the future of the Melbourne Aces

Brett Ralph and Jon Deeble sat down with Extra Time’s Simone Wearne to discuss the recent announcement that the Melbourne Aces will be withdrawing from the Australian Baseball League (ABL).

The message from both was clear: enough was enough.

While careful not to apportion blame, Ralph expressed after years of trying to reach a sustainable model, he no longer believed it was achievable.

Simply put, Ralph did not see eye to eye with the ABL board on several key issues and explained how certain decisions had harmed the club’s progress.

When asked about reports that he had previously attempted to purchase the struggling league, Ralph confirmed the speculation.

“There was a time I made an offer to buy the league,” he said. “That was probably four years ago now. That’s absolutely not on the cards at this time.”

When asked on the prospect of a breakaway league, it was a definite no.

Looking ahead, Ralph highlighted the Aces plan to participate in the Korean's KBO Fall League later this year. 

While he did not go into full detail about what’s to come, Ralph assured supporters that baseball will be played at Melbourne Ballpark in January and February, with the potential for pre-Christmas games as well.

Ralph also addressed the reaction on social media, where fans voiced their disappointment and frustration.

“The immediate reaction was hundreds and hundreds of comments from hurt and disappointed fans, upset that the Melbourne Aces won’t be competing in the ABL going forward,” he said.

He acknowledged the emotion as a reflection of just how much the community cares about the club and their desire to continue supporting their team.

Head coach Jon Deeble added that the players have been supportive of the direction, with former MLB star Greg Bird being among the first to call.

“He’s back on board,” Deeble said.

“With all the players I spoke to, I haven’t had one piece of negative feedback.”

Deeble also addressed concerns that this move could hinder Aces players from being selected for the Australian national team. 

He expressed full confidence that it would not impact their chances to represent their country.

Brett Ralph also revealed he had been in contact with other team management groups across the league, some facing their own battles.

“We’ve made our decisions, we have to do what we have to do. We wish them all the best with what they do,” he said. 

“And if any of those teams should decide that they can’t continue as well, the fans will respect what they’ve done and how hard they’ve tried to make the teams successful in Australia.”

While the Aces’ departure from the ABL marks the end of one chapter, both Brett Ralph and Jon Deeble made it clear that it’s far from the end of baseball in Melbourne. 

With new opportunities on the horizon and unwavering support from players and fans alike, the focus now shifts to building something sustainable, exciting, and worthy of the city's sporting culture.

For the Aces, the journey continues, just on a different path.