An update on professional Australian baseball players around the world

17 May 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

An update on professional Australian baseball players around the world

There are over 30 Australians with professional contracts in North America or Asia.

Of those, 22 of them have contracts affiliated with a Major League Baseball club, one is in Japan, one is in Korea and the rest are playing independent baseball.

An updated list will always be kept via our Aussies Abroad Page.

We’ve hit the mid-May portion of the season, meaning all leagues around the world have begun. I’m here with an update on how Australians are performing as of Sunday morning on May 18 in Australia.

Want more Aussie news? Listen to my weekly news read!

16 May 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

College Baseball

Where are Australians playing in college baseball playoffs? | Player Update - May 15 |

The 2025 college baseball regular season is almost done in the United States.

For many of the 100+ Australians playing college ball, the fun is about to begin. It’s playoff time!

Here is a run down of players I’ve noticed with post-season action across the nation. If I missed somebody I sincerely apologise. Simply email me at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au and I can add it to the story.

Please note, many of the Division I games can be watched on ESPN+ which is now accessible with a Disney+ subscription.

We hope you tune in!

NSW two-way player Max Miotto Commits to Missouri State University – West Plains

Sydney infielder and pitcher Max Miotto has become the latest Australian to commit to college.

He’ll be heading to Missouri State University – West Plains, a junior college in the United States.

Max, who plays for Petersham Leichhardt in the winter and Manly-Warringah in the summer, has an accomplished junior career Down Under.

He was on the New South Wales team at the Australian Youth Championships in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

He travelled to Florida with Team Australia’s U18 squad in 2024. He even played in the Little League World Series in 2019 with Cronulla.

“Playing for Australia in the Little League World Series when I was 12 really inspired me to work harder to push myself to compete at the highest level,” says Miotto. “More recently, being part of those three NSW Teams at AYC has given me valuable experience and shown me what it’s like to be part of a highly competitive and committed team.”

He draws further influence from players like Max Brennan, a Blue Sox player and successful state league player in Sydney.

“He has definitely been a big influence on my baseball journey. He’s a great role model in the way he plays the game and is a fierce competitor. I have learned a lot from him both mentally and physically,” says Miotto.

As a baseballer, Miotto has a big frame. He possesses a compact swing with good bat-to-ball skills and a strong plate discipline.

He can also pitch. He can command various pitchers with decent velocity.

“I’m a strong all-around player that will do whatever it takes for the team,” adds Miotto.

Going the JUCO route allows Miotto to gain valuable play time to improve as a baseball player.

He’ll be able to both hit and pitch at West Plains.

“I see my baseball development as a two-way player as being really strong,” he says. “The coaches have been great and are on board with the goals I want to achieve. I know they’ll push me to improve every part of my game. I’m excited to keep learning, work hard, and grow both as a player and teammate.”

There’s one particular element of his game he’s circled.

“I’m hoping to improve my mental toughness and going through failures and also overall consistency on and off the field,” adds Miotto.

Congratulations, Max!

CARVE Eyewear extends partnership to reward peak performance at National Little League Championships

After rewarding peak performance at the Australian Youth Championships, Australian Women’s Championships and Australian Youth Women’s Championships, CARVE Eyewear will do the same at the upcoming Little League National Championship Events.

On Day 1 of the Senior League, Intermediate League, Junior League and Little League titles, the performance eyewear company will award a pair of sunglasses to one player on each team.

13 May 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Team Australia

Australia's schedule at the 2025 Under 12 World Cup has been revealed

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has revealed the groups and schedule for this year’s Under 12 World Cup in Taiwan.

13 May 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

College Baseball

Decorated junior baseballer Jack Ratcliffe announces commitment to Iowa Central Community College

One of Australia’s most decorated junior baseball players is going to college.

Jack Ratcliffe, a two-time Australian Youth Championship MVP winner, has committed to Iowa Central Community College.

It’s a high-end Junior College who just won their regional championship.

12 May 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Women's Baseball

From Isolation to Triumph: Lisa Nakashio's Golden Baseball Journey

feature story by Eliza Wood

It felt like poetic justification when New South Wales shortstop Lisa Nakashio recorded the final out in her team’s Gold Medal game win at the Australian Women’s Championships.

Three years prior, in 2022, she was watching her team win it all while masked up and parked in a hotel room while isolating with COVID.

“As that pitch went up, I thought back to Maddie McGuire’s winning catch in 2022, watching on the stream in the hotel,” Lisa Nakashio reminisces.

“So many emotions rushed through my head: excitement, relief, and so much gratitude for my team… that winning catch is a moment I’ll never forget,” she beams.

Destiny in motion – destiny fulfilled.

A euphoric moment for Nakashio, who has been dreaming of winning gold since her women’s national’s debut in 2022 – a tournament that saw her sidelined midway through with COVID-19.

Things didn’t get easier for Nakashio.

In 2023, New South Wales shockingly finished outside the medals. In 2024, their Gold Medal game was washed out due to rain, with the title awarded to Victoria.

But back in 2022, isolating in her hotel room with fellow teammate Violet Gruppelaar, Nakashio admits it was a tough time both mentally and emotionally not being out there with the team.

However, Nakashio wouldn’t change a thing about her 2022 campaign.

Despite not physically being on the field that day, Nakashio couldn’t have been prouder of her teammates as she shared in the joy with them through FaceTime.

Nakashio was awarded the Spirt of the Game medal, a well-deserved recognition from her coaches and an honour she holds dearly.

“[That nationals] was pivotal for me,” she says.

“Watching from the sidelines gave me a new perspective. I saw the level I needed to reach, and it left me more motivated than ever to train hard,” she adds.

And train hard she did.

“The past couple of years she has worked out with our first-grade squad and got to learn and work with the likes of [ABL third baseman] Jo Stevens and Max Brennen (Sydney Blue Sox),” explains Matt O’Neill, Nakashio’s Club Ball coach at Ryde Hawks.

“She is always asking questions and wanting to learn, wanting to get better,” he adds.

Unfortunately for Nakashio and NSW, arriving at Melbourne Ballpark in 2023 as the reigning champs and a strong medal contending team, didn’t guarantee anything.

Finishing the tournament in 5th place.

With Nakashio left still chasing that gold medal dream, it was here the road to redemption for NSW began.

“[Our] 2024 team had such great chemistry and drive,” says Nakashio.

Playing hard against fierce competition, the Blues earned their spot in the gold medal game in a tight 10-9 win over Queensland Maroon.

However, just like the unpredictability of a baseball game, Melbourne’s unpredictable weather rained on everyone’s parade, with the championship game washed out.

Forcing the tournament bylaws to be enacted, resulting in gold for Victoria and silver for NSW.

“It was bittersweet because we felt we had what it took to win, and it only made me more determined for 2025,” expresses Nakashio.

Hardworking by nature both on and off the field, her determination and desire to be the best she can be and chase her dreams fuels her.

Working closely alongside local NSW Japanese import Ayano, Nakashio gained a wealth of knowledge from the middle infielder.

She developed her fielding style and honed her craft, rep after rep, bolstering her confidence on the diamond.

“This made me excited to showcase everything I’d learned at nationals,” says Nakashio.

“I came into the tournament with the goal of being the best fielder I could be and supporting my pitchers as much as possible,” she adds.

Safe to say Nakashio hit her goal out of the park.

An absolute standout at short stop, she led the tournament with 31 assists.

She hit. 348 with the bat, driving in eight runs and scoring ten times.

In the Gold Medal Game, Nakashio was in the middle of two crucial, run-preventing double-plays for New South Wales.

“You get to be creative, make fun plays, you’re always thinking and constantly engaged,” says Nakashio. “This tournament reminded me why I love playing shortstop so much.”

A true team-player, Nakashio is just glad she could play her role and contribute to the team’s success.

A testament to the time, effort and dedication she gives the sport she loves so much.

A drive that doesn’t go unnoticed to those around her, including NSW veteran Claire O’Sullivan.

“I’ve seen the rewards of her taking extra time to work on her skills outside of team trainings, which made all the difference as she played one of the best defensive tournaments I’ve seen,” says O’Sullivan.

“She understands that there is always more to learn in this game and is very willing to put in the time and go through the hard parts to make herself better for the team,” she adds.

Doing all that she could to prepare herself and a story three years in the making, the time had finally come.

“This year, 2025, felt different from the start,” states Nakashio.

“The experience in the team, the coaching, and the shared goal. We all knew what had to be done. We weren’t just chasing a medal this time, we were focused on winning gold,” she adds.

The rivalry between NSW and Victoria is one that has existed since the beginning of time.

With the bitter taste of last year’s result, it was now that the feeling of redemption truly kicked in for NSW.

Coming down to final inning in what was a championship worthy game, the Blues brought it home in a stellar 6-3 win.

18-year-old Isobel Lambert broke a three-three tie in the final frame.

“We weren’t going to let the opportunity slip,” affirms Nakashio.

“From the very first training, I believed we had the team to do it, and that final game showed it,” she adds. “It was nothing but quality baseball.”

With the game-winning catch landing in her glove, Nakashio’s journey through trials and tribulations had finally reached its deserving, golden end.

“It was everything I had dreamed of since watching from the hotel room back in 2022. It was a full-circle moment,” says Nakashio, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

MORE FROM ELIZA WOOD

11 May 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

2025 Australian Junior League Championships | Teams & Tournament Information

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION VISIT THE TOURNAMENT HUB AT WWW.BASEBALL.COM.AU/JUNIORLEAGUE

IMPORTANT UPDATE, MAY 26: TWO FIELDS HAVE OPENED UP AT LISMORE, THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE SPLIT BETWEEN GOLD COAST AND FAR NORTH COAST. Click the link for updated schedule

IMPORTANT UPDATE MAY 22: Baseball Australia is making plans to move the tournament to Gold Coast due to heavy rains in Lismore.

A trip to Taylor, Michigan and the 2025 Junior League World Series is on the line for ten Australian teams who have qualified locally for Junior League Championships.

Welcome to your hub for the 2025 Australian Junior League Championships (AJLC).

Age Group: 12-14
Tournament Date: Wed 28 May – Sun 1 June
Tournament Location: Gold Coast
New Tournament Schedule: Below and PDF Available Here
GameChanger Scoring Link: Click here or search ‘Australian Junior League National Championships 2025’
Broadcast: Baseball+ (free) / GameChanger
2024 Champion: Cronulla (NSW)

For a list of qualified teams across all tournaments, visit www.baseball.com.au/nationals.

Teams and Pools

Ten teams from around Australia advanced to the national titles by winning a series of qualifiers at a state level.

From here, they are divided into two groups (pools) of five.

Each team in a given pool will play each other once.

The top two teams at the end of pool play advance to the semi-finals with a spot in the Gold Medal Game on the line.

The winner of the Gold Medal Game? They head to the 2025 Junior League World Series to play the best teams from around the globe from August 3, 2025 – August 10, 2025.

Schedule

New schedule available here

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

POOL A

Brisbane North (QLD): Brisbane North moved through the qualifiers undefeated, outscoring opponents 56-13. But it wasn’t easy winning gold. They defeated Brisbane Metro 2-1 in a tense Gold Medal Game, breaking a 1-1 tie in the fifth inning. Archer Peterson allowed one run in his start. The Brisbane North charter has become prolific in recent years and were runners up at Junior League Nationals 2024. They are made up of players from the Narangba Demons, Redcliffe Padres and Pine Rivers Rapids.

Melbourne Mets (VIC): The Mets were Even Steven in the runs department in their qualifiers – going 3-3 with a 37-37 scoreline. They beat the Mariners 9-4 on the final day to clinch their spot, before falling to the undefeated Athletics in the final game of the tournament. The Mets are made up of clubs from Melbourne’s West.

Southern Hills Warriors (WA): – Southern Hills Warriors qualified for Junior League Nationals as runners-up in the State Tournament. They finished pool play with a 3-1 record to move into the semis as the #1 seed and managed a hard-fought win, punching their ticket for Lismore. They fell to the Eastern Phantoms in the Gold Medal game. The Warriors are made up of Byford, Gosnells, Harrisdale, Kelmscott and Roleystone clubs

Hills Red (NSW): Even though they finished second at State Championships, this Hills team is probably the team to beat. This group of players won the 2023 Little League Championships and 2024 Intermediate League Championships. They’ve represented Australia at two World Series and are going for a rare feat – a three-peat. Hills finished second at the New South Wales Championships, losing to eventual champion Cronulla Black. They had a 5-2 lead entering the final inning, before falling 9-5. They outscored opponents 76-35 in the tournament, but had to squeak by Cronulla Blue (11-9) and Hills Blue (8-4) just to qualify. They are made up of players from the Hills region in Sydney.

Northern Territory Buffaloes (NT): The NT Buffaloes are ready to make a statement at the 2025 Junior League National Championships in Lismore, with 4-time NT coach Peter Porambo at the helm. Comprising of three players from Darwin and nine from Alice Springs, this united squad brings together ten returners, boasting a combined 23 Nationals appearances. After months of rigorous training and a successful build-up through the Outback Super Series, the Buffaloes are primed for success. Fueled by the team mantra, Why not us?

POOL B

Cronulla Black (NSW): The Cronulla Black charter will look to repeat as Junior League Champions with another intriguing prospect group coming through the ranks. They defeated defending Intermediate League Champions Hills Red in the Gold Medal Game at the NSW Titles by scoring 7 runs in the last to come back from 5-2 down. They went 6-1 in the NSW Tournament, outscoring opponents 57-21. They are made up of players from Cronulla Sutherland Junior Baseball Association.

Canberra Rangers (ACT): The Rangers are made up exclusively of kids playing junior baseball in the Canberra Region. While there was no qualifying state tournament, players had to try out and be selected to represent their state.

Melbourne Athletics (VIC): The Athletics were the team to beat at the Victorian State Championships – and nobody could do it! They went 5-0, outscoring opponents 79-29. They scored over 15 runs on three occasions before closing out the tournament with a narrow 4-3 win over the Mets. They are made up of players from the Eastern Region of Victoria.

Eastern Phantoms (WA): The Phantoms began their WA State Championships journey with a 1-2 start, but the Phantoms showed a lot of resilience to prove they were not done. With everything on the line, the team roared back to life in the final pool game, delivering a gritty display to finish on top of their group. From there, the Phantoms were unstoppable. Riding a wave of momentum, the Phantoms controlled the semi-final with a dominant display, securing their ticket to the 2025 Australian Championships. And in a grand final showdown, the Phantoms rose to the occasion once more, sealing the deal with a brilliant all-round performance to become the 2025 Western Australian Junior League Champions. They are made up of players from the Morley Eagles, Perth and UWA Magpies Baseball Clubs.

Adelaide Rays (SA): The Rays, made up of Adelaide’s Western Clubs, were the only undefeated team in the South Australian Championships. They went 4-0 and outscored opponents 39-13. They scored a remarkable 28 runs across their final two games to secure their spot.

06 May 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

College Baseball

Two Aussies - Jake Scott and Oliver Flokstra - Commit to Redlands Community College

A pair of Australians will be attending Redlands Community College later in 2025.

Outfielder Jake Scott (QLD) and first-base/outfielder Oliver Flokstra (NSW) will head to the Oklahoma-based school together.

Both are exciting prospects.

Scott was part of Queensland’s 2023 Under 18 National Championship win.

“It’s really special to be going over with another Aussies,” says Scott, a product of Surfers Paradise Baseball Club. “Redlands has a a great location, plus the baseball program and head coach will help ensure my progression as a player.”

Redlands is coached by Trent Troxell, a former teammate with Andrew Riddell, Baseball Australia’s player development manager.

Riddell says the process

“Both Jake and Oliver went through the process of getting on calls with different programs and coaching staffs and decided that Redlands was a fit for them. Ultimately it has worked out they will get a chance to go together and have another Australian with them – even without knowing each other prior,” says Riddell.

“I played with Coach Troxell when I was in junior college and have continued our relationship since so when he reached out to find out about players for 2025, I sent him the videos of both Jake and Oliver which he loved the look of. He was able to speak with them and their families about his program and how it’s run, which both the boys were happy with before receiving their scholarship offers to make it all official.”

Flokstra says he’s keen to jump right in when he heads over in August this year.

“I truly see myself thriving and developing within their program,” says Flokstra. “The new head coach has already demonstrated incredible growth, and I’m excited to be a part of that progress and development.”

ABOUT THE PLAYERS

Jake Scott (below) grew up through the Queensland system. He played with Surfers Paradise, Queensland Development Programs and Queensland State Teams.

“I see my development at Redlands making me a more consistent and well rounded player both offensively and defensively being on the field and in the cages every day,” says Scott.

The outfielder has been a key part of Queensland’s success at recent Australian Youth Championships. He was a big contributor in their 2023 Gold Medal win.

He’s been plying his trade in the Greater Brisbane League with Surfers Paradise.

Flokstra is from Ryde but recently starred for Country New South Wales at the Australian Youth Championships.

He is a tall, powerful first baseman with the ability to make solid contact. Flokstra is a reliable defender in the outfield and at first base.

“My key strengths are my ability to hit for power and my skills as a first baseman, both of which allow me to make a significant impact on the game,” he says. “I’m eager to develop every aspect of my game and excited for the opportunity to do so in a new, competitive environment.”

Flokstra started playing baseball at Ku Ring Gai Stealers and played there until he was 16. He has been playing representative baseball with Ryde Hawks since the Age 11 and competes in the NSW State League.

He also competed in multiple Australian Youth Championships and travelled to the United States with Baseball Australia to play in a Perfect Game Tournament in front of college scouts.

“Throughout this journey, I’ve been shaped and supported by many, from my parents and siblings to my very first T-ball coach. I want to give a special thanks to Matt O’Neill, the head coach of Ryde Hawks, for providing me with countless opportunities in representative baseball and helping to shape the path for my future. I also want to express my gratitude to all of my coaches and teammates from every team I’ve been a part of as each of you have played a role in my baseball career,” he says.

Now, the work begins. Flokstra says he wants to elevate every aspect of his game.

“Redlands’ well-structured program focuses on all aspects of baseball, with an individualised approach designed to target and improve each player’s weaknesses, helping them become a complete athlete. The opportunity to train every day, both on the field and in the weight room, will benefit me in countless ways, and I’m excited to grow as a player at Redlands CC,” he says.

Riddell says it’s another two Australians he’s keen to follow.

“I’m looking forward to watching two players continue to develop in a program that is run very well and driven on hard work and work ethic, which fits both Jake and Oliver,” he says.

2025 Australian Intermediate League Championships | Teams & Tournament Information

IMPORTANT UPDATE, MAY 26: TWO FIELDS HAVE OPENED UP AT LISMORE, THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE SPLIT BETWEEN GOLD COAST AND FAR NORTH COAST. Click the link for updated schedule

IMPORTANT UPDATE MAY 22: Baseball Australia is making plans to move the tournament to Gold Coast due to heavy rains in Lismore.

A trip to Livermore, California and the 2025 Intermediate League World Series is on the line for eight Australian teams who have qualified for the Intermediate League Championships.

Welcome to your hub for the 2025 Australian Intermediate League Championships (AILC)

Age Group: 11-13
Tournament Date: Wed 28 May – Sun 1 June
Tournament Location: Gold Coast, QLD
New Tournament Schedule: Below and available here
GameChanger Scoring Link: Click here or search ‘Australian Intermediate League National Championships 2025’
Broadcast: Baseball+ (free) / GameChanger
2024 Champion: Hills Red (NSW)

For a list of qualified teams across all tournaments, visit www.baseball.com.au/nationals.

Teams and Pools

Eight teams from around Australia advanced to the national titles by winning a series of qualifiers at a state level.

From here, they are divided into two groups (pools) of four.

Each team in a given pool will play each other once. That’s three total games over the first two days.

From there, the top two teams in each pool advance to a double-elimination tournament to determine who advances to the Gold Medal Game.

The winner of the Gold Medal Game? They head to the 2025 Intermediate League World Series to play the rest of the world in Livermore, California from July 27 – August 3.

Schedule

New schedule available here

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

POOL A

Brisbane North (QLD): Brisbane North were a run-scoring machine in the Queensland State Championships, outscoring opponents 104-26 in just six games during the week. They finished the tournament with a big 26-0 win.

Melbourne Athletics (VIC): The Athletics look like poised for a big tournament. They outscored opponents 90-4 in six terrific games en route to a Victorian Intermediate League title. They finished with a 19-0 win over runners up Mariners in the final game.

Eastern Phantoms (WA): They entered the Easter tournament at state titles as defending champions but faced a tough start. In their first game against the Central Firebirds, they lost 18-13 after both teams struggled with their pitching. They regrouped and won their next two pool games, advancing them to the semi-finals where they defeated Wanneroo 18-6. They dropped the grand final against the Firebirds, losing 12-3 due to outstanding pitching from opposing pitcher Summer Hiscock.

Hills (NSW): This is the team to beat at Intermediate League. This collection of Hills players is looking for a three-peat after winning Little League Division II in 2023 and Little League Division I in 2024. They represented Australia at the Little League World Series in 2024. They went 3-1 in the NSW State Titles to finish top and punch their ticket to nationals again.

POOL B

Gold Coast Cougars (QLD): The only undefeated team, and the Queensland Intermediate League state champions. Gold Coast went 6-0 during the tournament and scored 122 runs in the process. Their biggest win came over fellow powerhouse Brisbane North in a 15-6 triumph.

Melbourne Mariners (VIC): They finished 3-3 in the Victorian State Titles, clinching a spot to nationals with a dramatic 10-6 win over the Rangers to seal their spot. They scored 60 runs during the tournament – an average of ten per game!

Central Firebirds (WA): This is an excellent collection of talent. Many of these players went to the Australian Little League Championship Gold Medal Game in 2024, falling just short of a ticket to Williamsport. The team had an amazing WA Championship weekend going undefeated for the tournament 5 – 0 and winning the Grand Final for the first time. It was a great team effort by all.

Cronulla (NSW): Always a Little League powerhouse, Cronulla went 2-2 in the three-team qualifier in NSW. One of their wins was a gutsy 12-5 victory over powerhouse and defending champion Hills.

29 April 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

How professional Australian baseball players performed in April, 2025 | Update

There are 35 Australians with professional contracts in North America or Asia.

Of those, 23 of them have contracts affiliated with a Major League Baseball club, one is in Japan, one is in Korea and the rest are playing independent baseball.

An updated list will always be kept via our Aussies Abroad Page.

We’re a month into the US professional season.

I’m here with an update on how Australians are performing as of night of Tuesday 29 April in Australia.

News