Mark Harris (softballer)


Mark Harris is an Australian Steelers fastpitch softball representative. He was first selected in the team in 2010 to play in a Tri-Series against New Zealand and Argentina later that year in December at Hawker Park, ACT. Harris has remained in the team through to this present day and has since played in the 2013 and 2015 World Series Fastpitch Team with the Steelers

Personal

Harris was born on 29 March 1985 in Derby, Western Australia. He's 185 cm tall. He attended Sevenoaks Senior College and later attended ECU University in 2003 and studied Sports Science. Harris moved to Perth from Derby before his first birthday and spent a short period of time living in Melbourne during 2009. Harris is currently working as an IT Projects Administrator at the West Coast Eagles Football Club.
In 2015 Harris announced his engagement to Leah Brenton in Paris.

Softball

Harris has played a variety of positions including catching, outfielding and recently has had brief appearances on the pitching rubber. He is known in the Steelers team for his outfielding, speed and combo of short and long game. Harris originally started his time in the sport as an umpire and then coach, with over 350 games experience before playing the sport at the age of 17. In 2003 he took a stint on the side lines with a shoulder recon and then had a second in 2009, however, he has recovered well and has continued to play the sport at the highest level.

Steelers appearances

During Harris's time with the Blaze he's won MVP Trophies in 2013 and 2011. He makes appearances behind the dish and also plays Leftfield. In 2014 he made his debut on the pitching rubber which was short lived however, he's since pitched again in 2015 with better results.

Coaching

Harris had previously attained his coaching certifications and has since re-certified as a level 2 coach. Harris has been a driving force in developing Softball clinics throughout Western Australia and continues to run these around the metro area.

Club & Association level

Harris started his career at Dale Districts Men's Softball Association in which he's won 4 Runner-Up MVP's along with one MVP Trophy. He's played with several teams including Bandits, Rebels, Breakaways, Animals, Bayswater and Western Cobras. Most of Mark's club level softball has been with Bayswater Morley Softball Club in which he's enjoyed much success. During his time at the club he's been under the tutelage of former national reps including, Stephen Oliver, Neal Del Pero, Dean Maringoni and Michael Titheridge.
In 2014 Harris was the winner of the Newcrest Softball WA Spirit Award, which is allocated to one member of Softball WA, that's displayed positive attributes within their teams and within the softball community throughout WA during that year. Over a period of 8 years Harris has join Toowoomba Softball Association at the Brisbane State Championships 7 times.