From Philadelphia to Canberra: An American Soldier's OAM Honour
The distinct Philadelphia accent of Dr Bill O'Malley is the first clue to his origins, but his heart now belongs to Canberra. This American soldier, who served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division for his remarkable contributions to baseball and public administration.
A Lifelong Passion for the Game
"I'd always had an interest in baseball. I played when I was a kid. Everybody plays when they're a kid," O'Malley reflects. His journey into umpiring began simply when someone asked him to help out. "I guess they must have liked me, or at least put up with me, for 30 years," he says with a chuckle.
Now, O'Malley joins fellow Canberra sports identity Marty Clarke on the Australia Day honours list. Clarke, a basketball guru, has shaped a golden generation of Australian players, including Patty Mills and Andrew Bogut, through his roles at the AIS and various coaching positions.
Decades of Dedication on the Diamond
O'Malley's commitment to baseball spans decades, earning him life memberships with the ACT Baseball Umpires Association and Baseball Canberra, as well as an Australian Sports Medal. He spent years working with ANU and the Australian government, travelling nationally for schoolboys championships and umpiring during the first iteration of the Australian Baseball League in the early 1990s.
"Some of the players went onto play in the majors," he notes, highlighting the league's impact. Countless Sundays were spent at ovals across Canberra, where he became a familiar face, knowing players across A-grade, B-grade, and C-grade levels intimately.
The Camaraderie and Team Spirit
For O'Malley, the game is about more than just competition. "The camaraderie connected with the game for me, that's the reason I go out. When I see some of the guys I haven't seen in years, and the laughter starts, that's the good thing," he shares.
He emphasises the importance of teamwork in baseball, stating, "Teamwork is a crucial thing. Being a member of an organisation where everyone works together is a very useful thing." O'Malley believes it's an ideal sport for children because everyone can develop a skill, whether it's running fast, hitting the ball, or fielding well.
"The best players don't win, the teams with the players that step up for each other, they're the ones that win," he adds, underscoring the collective effort required for success.
Marty Clarke's Basketball Legacy
While O'Malley was behind home plate, Marty Clarke was making his mark on the hardwood. Clarke played a pivotal role in the AIS program from 1998 to 2010, influencing ten of the twelve Boomers at the Rio Olympics. His coaching resume includes stints with the Boomers, Adelaide 36ers, and as technical director at the Centre of Excellence during its links to the NBA Global Academy.
Together, O'Malley and Clarke exemplify the spirit of community and dedication that defines Canberra's sporting landscape, earning them well-deserved recognition on Australia Day.
