In the 1956 Australian Championships final Kath Maloney reached base three times, a standout performance amid the pressure of the game.
“… And in the outfield was Kath Maloney… a strong batter and a daring base runner”.
That was the description given to SA’s leading outfielder and batter during the triumphant 1956 Australian Championships.
Adelaide had put on a show for the other states. It was described as “the most successful carnival ever … and “a most enjoyable fortnight” for all the visiting interstate team.
Kath Maloney was a five-time State player, a teammate that brought great spark to the group, took chances when running bases and was a powerful hitter. She was also a big game performer.
In the 1956 Championship final, Kath Maloney batted 4th and played leftfield. In that game, she rose in the big moments. When SA needed offensive arsenal, Kath Maloney was the one.
On that day, she reached base three times – a standout contribution against the pressure.
On that day, she reached base three times – a standout contribution against the pressure.
But the big moment came at the top of the seventh inning, when she batted-in the runner for the go-ahead run that would be the Championship winner.
The picture below is of Kath Maloney with SA captain Dot Hosking on her shoulders soon after winning.
After retiring from playing, Kath became the State Women’s Statistician – from 1961-64.
Kath also gave back to the sport at state association level as:
Kath Maloney was inducted to the Softball SA Hall of Fame in 2009 for her achievements and recognition of her representative career.
