2012 Annual Report - Softball Australia

Member Recognition
Retirement
Josh Davison
Softball Australia Hall of Fame inductee, Josh Davison, announced his
retirement this year. Davison was inducted into the Softball Australia Hall
of Fame in 2008 after an outstanding international career. In 2009 he was
part of the Aussie Steelers team who were inducted into the Softball
Australia Hall of Fame after their World Championship title.
Davison effectively had two Softball careers. Josh was the 31 st player to
represent Australia, his debut tournament was under Head Coach, Barry
Blanchard at the 1995 NZ Provincial Championship. He represented
Australia for five years until he decided to retire from the game in 2000.
A decision to return to the game and play the John Reid Shield in 2009
for his new state, Queensland, ignited a successful return to the sport for
Josh Davison. His performance at this tournament earned him selection in
the Aussie Steelers team for the 2009 ISF World Championships, where
the Aussie Steelers created history by winning the World Championship
title.
Head Coach, Bob Harrow speaks on the impact Josh made to the Steelers
program:
‘Josh is one of the most dedicated & rejuvenated athletes that have been
involved in the Steelers program for many years and his training methods and desire are second to none. He proved to
be one of the quickest and most disciplined left handed batters in the game. I can still visualize the moment when Josh
executed perfectly the Hard Slap that rocketed by the Blacksox infield to score Michael Tanner in the World
Championship final.’
Former Aussie Steelers Captain, Mike Harrow speaks of the great qualities Josh has on and off the field. ‘Davo brought
many great qualities to the Steelers team and to the game of Softball. He was always a tough but fair competitor, and
had that great combination of speed and power. He was extremely versatile and he truly loved the game! Josh played
to win, but was always smiling and having a great time – I think that is what makes him such a tough person to replace
on any team.’
On announcing his retirement to his team, Davison words to his Aussie Steelers teammates and the Softball community
show the passion he has for the sport and his Aussie Steelers team mates:
‘My involvement within the Aussie Steelers family has been nothing short of unbelievable and unforgettable. A
whirlwind of memories and moments will be talked about at ballparks around the world and in our homes forever. The
feeling we created in becoming World Champions in 2009 I will never let go, the moment Adam (Folkard) struck out
Donny Hale was a truly sensational moment for everyone involved. I started counting the outs from about the 4 th
innings because once the Steelers scored our first run I could see it in everybody's eyes that we were going to win this
thing, we were all that determined it was scary. Since coming back into the team the culture within the Steelers unit is
something to experience, I mean the discipline, direction and resilience all players and officials displayed has been First
and World class, it’s a credit to all involved.’
The whole Softball community congratulates Josh for an outstanding career.
SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Page | 35