Cash boost for baseball club gutted by fire

Bendigo Baseball Association will today receive a $5000 donation from Bendigo Bank, aimed at helping the club get back on its feet following a fire that gutted its clubhouse earlier this year.

The February fire destroyed not only the association's clubrooms, at Albert Roy Reserve in Eaglehawk, but also uniforms, equipment and priceless memorabilia.

Bendigo Bank's $5000 donation will be handed over at the closing ceremony of the Under 12 State Winter Championships this afternoon by Bendigo Bank Senior Manager Scott Whatley.

Mr Whatley said the Bank wanted to show its strong support of baseball in Australia, and the benefits it brings local communities.

"As a major partner of Baseball Australia and the Australian Baseball League, we see first-hand the great passion people have for this growing sport," Mr Whatley said.

"We're so proud to be able to support the Bendigo Baseball Association to keep baseball growing at a grassroots level here in our hometown."

Bendigo Baseball Association President Brendan Aikman said the community support meant a great deal, especially because of the setbacks the association had at the beginning of the season with the fire and finding a committee.

"This boost to our league will certainly help us to focus on growing our participation rate, by having the equipment and resources needed to be able to run clinics and programs in schools, and really get our sport out there again," Mr Aikman said.

"We really appreciate the support Baseball Victoria has given us and the boost from Bendigo Bank. It is going to help us greatly."

Baseball Victoria General Manager Ashley Blair, who will also attend today's presentation, thanked Bendigo Bank for the donation.

"This is a generous contribution and one that will benefit the association during this difficult time," Mr Blair said.

"Aside from the financial contribution, I hope that this also helps lift the spirits of those involved with the association given the tough few months it has had."