Born 18 February 1934
BWA Hall of Fame Inductee 2021
The Mateljan name is one woven throughout the fabric of baseball in Western Australia. Tony Mateljan has created a lasting legacy in WA not only as a player, but also for the significant amount of work he has done away from the diamond.
Mateljan was a true hybrid and a master with bat and ball, not only in baseball, but also in cricket. Mateljan has the distinct honour of being recognised as a Claxton Shield baseballer for WA as well as a Sheffield Shield cricketer for Western Australia.
Mateljan was part of the Swans and East Perth Baseball sides and was a Claxton Shield player in 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1965, and 1967. Tony was also a pioneer in founding Wanneroo Baseball Club in 1975 and played a significant role in creating the club it proudly is today.
In 1984 the Wanneroo Giants inducted Mateljan as the inaugural life member and baseball in Western Australia is richer for Tony’s contribution.
Below is a sample of some of Tony’s achievements :
- Claxton Shield Player: 1956, 1957, 1959-1960, 1962, 1965, 1967
- Team Australia Player
- Founder of Wanneroo Baseball Club
“Tony Mateljan was a dynamic powerful left- handed pitcher and batter with whom I had the pleasure of playing with as a teammate at both club and state levels. Tony was a brilliant player who not only excelled, initially as a pitcher, but also as an outfielder, and in both areas represented both his state and Australia. He was such a great athlete that he also represented his state in cricket at Sheffield Shield level with distinction.”
Kaye Greenham – Baseball Australia Hall of Fame Inductee 2014