Born May 7, 1953
BWA Hall of Fame Inductee 2025
Mark Stipetich was jointly recruited to Australia by the Victoria Park Baseball Club and the Perth Basketball Club. It was during an era prior to the NBL and ABL (national leagues for basketball and baseball). Thus, the best baseball players in the country (Australians and imports) played for their club teams throughout the season.
Mark was dominant both on the mound and at the plate from the day he arrived in Western Australia. Although he was only in Perth for 4 seasons, Mark made a significant and lasting impact on the Western Australian Baseball League. His performances on the mound were so dominant, they became the catalyst for BWA introducing the “Import Pitching Rule” limiting the number of innings pitched (He was the winning Pitcher in both games of 3 Double Headers before the rule was applied).
Below are a few of Mark’s accomplishments and accolades (4 seasons):
- 3 consecutive President’s Medals (BWA League MVP) 1977/78, 1978/79, 1979/80 (runner-up 1976/77)
- 4 X Victoria Park Baseball Club MVP 1976/77, 1977/78, 1978/79, 1979/80
- 2 X Victoria Park Baseball Club Premiership Player 1976/77, 1978/79
- 3 X Winner Lenegan Medal (MVP Grand Final Series)1976/77,1977/78, 1979/80
- Pitched (the only known) Perfect Game VP v EF (29/01/78)
- 3 X Weigand Medal (WABL best ERA) 1977/78,1978/79, 1979/80
- Winner Callanan Medal (WABL Batting Average) 1979/80
- Career – State League (4 Seasons): Pitching – 63 wins-4 Losses; ERA 1.08; Batting Average .368.
Mark became eligible for selection in the WA State Team in 1979. He was an automatic selection for the next two years while still residing and competing in Australia. Stipetich introduced himself to the rest of Australia in Melbourne ’79 and was a dominant pitcher on the Claxton Shield winning team. He formed an imposing partnership with Ray Michell. They become the most feared starting duo in Australia for the two years of Mark’s participation. For the opposing teams it was “pick your poison”!
As a US Citizen, Stipetich was not eligible to tour overseas with the National Team. However, Mark wore the Australian Uniform with pride on Australian soil while competing with great distinction against touring Japanese and Korean Teams during his 4 years in Perth.
His ability, both on the mound and at the plate, was respected and admired at all levels of competition. He was a dominate player at the State League, Claxton Shield, and international levels. Although he was only in Perth and Australia for four years, his impact was huge, and his legacy will be remembered always.