O’Gorman puts his club first

CONNAR O’Gorman is still talented enough to be playing in the Australian Baseball League but instead he’s helping Surfers Paradise’s charge towards the Greater Brisbane League playoffs.

The former Adelaide Bite and Brisbane Bandit played ABL baseball from 2013-2017 before returning to his native Gold Coast and has so far helped steer the Bluewaves to a 13-4 record.

“It’s the club I grew up playing with,” O’Gorman said.

“I’ve been living back here full time now and wanted to give back to the club that helped me get a professional start.

“For me, I’m at a spot in my life where I wanted to move on a bit and set up my future in my choice of a career and you can’t ask for a better place to do that than the Gold Coast.”

The 26-year-old, who currently works as a baseball and strength and conditioning coach, said that the passion was still there to potentially return to Australia’s elite level.

“You do miss it a bit, especially pre-game, locker room sort of stuff and I wouldn’t say no to playing again if the opportunity came up,” he said.

O’Gorman is also set to represent New Zealand at the upcoming world baseball qualifiers after playing for his country at various tournaments in the past.

O’Gorman has also successfully coached Surfer’s division two side to the top of the GBL table and hopes to remain involved when he retires.

“I’d love to coach or manage at a professional level one day whether that’s in the ABL or for the New Zealand team,” he said.

On Sunday (1.30pm at Surfers), the Bluewaves will again face cross-rivals the Coomera Cubs after defeating them 5-1 on Wednesday night.