Jon Deeble is calling on the Australian Baseball League (ABL) to scrap controversial age rules for development players, if the organisation wants to build homegrown talent.
"I think one of the major flaws we've got in the ABL is that you've got to be 23 and under to be a development player... I keep saying 'why is it that we've got this rule in place?'" Australian legend Deeble told AAP.
As it stands, ABL teams may nominate up to five players on their development list and they must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. However, only those aged 23 and under are eligible.
Many young Australian baseball players are making waves on the college baseball scene in America, with Sydneysider Travis Bazzana speculated to be No.1 pick in this year's Major League Baseball draft.
But Melbourne Aces coach Deeble says not every Australian college player in America will see the success that Bazzana has enjoyed and says their options dwindle when they return to Australia due to the age restriction.
"We've got a record amount of kids in college at the moment in the states...these kids come back from college and they're 24, they're not eligible, that's just crazy," Deeble said.
Deeble emphasises the need for alternative methods to reserve development lists for aspiring players, firmly opposing the age requirement.
"Why put an age limit on it...you've got the rule in place...we don't need an age limit and why stop someone's dream, I just don't get that.. it doesn't make any sense, it's ridiculous," Deeble told AAP.
The former Team Australia manager boasts a rich ABL legacy and a tight relationship with the sporting competition, dating back to his pivotal role in the Melbourne Monarchs' triumphant 1993 championship campaign.
Deeble has spoken extensively with the organisation in regards to the restrictive age guidleines, but says he never seemed to get an answer.
"I've asked that question and I can't get an answer... it comes from the Australian Baseball League... how are we supposed to develop our players if they can't play? Deeble said.
