Brisbane pitcher Brandan Bidois called up by Pirates, could become 40th Australian to play in Major Leagues

13 May 2026 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Brisbane pitcher Brandan Bidois called up by Pirates, could become 40th Australian to play in Major Leagues

The Pittsburgh Pirates today recalled right-handed pitcher Brandan Bidois.

He will become the 40th Australian-born player in MLB history, following Cleveland’s Travis Bazzana on April 28, 2026.

He could debut as soon as today. The Pirates are currently hosting the Colorado Rockies.

Bidois, 24, from Brisbane, began the season with Indianapolis in Triple-A. He made 15 appearances with a 3-2 record, 7.20 ERA (12er/15.0ip) and 23 strikeouts.

THE LIST: All 39 Australian Major Leaguers

He is fresh off perfect outings on May 7 and May 9 where he struck out five batters across 2.1 innings in relief.

Bidois, who features a fastball in the high 90mph range, had a breakout season in 2025. He won the Pirates’ Reliever of the Year and climbed four levels in the organization last season, splitting time between Single-A Bradenton, High-A Greensboro, Double-A Altoona and Indianapolis.

Bidois put together a stellar campaign, registering a 0.74 ERA with an 8-0 record, 69 strikeouts, 0.80 WHIP and .110 batting average against (22-for-200) across 40 minor league relief outings, giving up runs in only five appearances all season, and earned runs in just three of those.

In his fifth professional season, all with Pittsburgh, Bidois has totaled 107 minor league games with a 14-7 record, 2.59 ERA (39er/135.1ip), 184 strikeouts and a .168 batting average against (80-for-476).

Bidois last played for the Brisbane Bandits in the 2020-21 ABL season. His home club is the Windsor Royals.

Here is an MLB.com story on Brandan Bidois.

07 May 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia

Emeralds Announced! Australia names 2026 Women's Baseball World Cup Roster

Australia’s roster for Pool A the 2026 Women’s World Cup Group Stage has been locked in.

Off the back of the recent Women’s National Championships, manager Jason Pospishil and the High Performance arm of Baseball Australia have named a 20-woman squad for the July tournament.

Australia’s national team, also known as the Emeralds, will compete in Pool A in Rockford, Illinois from July 22-27.

They will face a challenging mix of powerhouses and emerging nations. Australia will take on No. 2 USA, No. 6 Mexico, No. 8 Hong Kong, China, No. 12 Korea, and the winner of a playoff series between Canada and Puerto Rico.

If they finish Top 3 in the Group, they will qualify for the Finals with five other nations in 2027.

The athletes will depart to the USA in advance of the tournament for a five-day training camp where they will practice, adjust to a new times, and play exhibition games. Between now and then, the players will work out with their respective Performance Pathways Programs.

Here’s a little bit more about the roster:

AT A GLANCE

This roster features:
– 13 players with World Cup experience
– 11 returning players from 2023
– An average age of 25.8
– 7 players set to make their Emeralds debut
– 13 pitchers, including 8 who can play multiple positions
– 9 Women’s Professional Baseball Draft Picks
– 3 teenagers: Atkinson, Cornish, Paddison
– 11 players aged 25 or younger

ROSTER CONSTRUCTION

This group is built on versatility.

Head coach Jason Pospishil notes that having players who can play multiple positions is important due to the number of two-way players in the mix.

“We have such a high percentage of quality two-way players, we need as much defensive versatility as possible,” says Pospishil. “One of our foundations is being able to throw two pitches for strikes in any count. There was a big emphasis on pitchers who were able to do that.”

“One of the other pillars is that we are a tournament style baseball-centred team. We picked 20 players who we think fit into this team and give us as many good options as possible for the environment we’re about to play in.”

Pospishil said the lessons from 2023 heavily influenced the roster makeup. Australia finished fourth, barely missing out on qualifying for the Final Stage. They made six errors in two key – and close – losses.

“It would be very naïve of me to not take into consideration the lessons we learned from three years ago,” he says. “That’s played a big part in the ability to be better defensively, throw more strikes, and foster a positive winning culture.”

He also pointed to the impact of the recent Australian Women’s Championships (AWC) on selection decisions.

“The AWC put some players in contention and allowed players to make this team that may not have been as firmly on the radar before,” says Pospishil. “What the AWC showed us is there are parts of each individual game they can work on for the next eight-to-10 weeks. We were studious on looking at players and how their skill sets measure up with the Team Australia foundations.”

Pospishil believes the balance of youth and experience gives the Emeralds a strong foundation heading into the tournament.

“We have a great mix of ages here,” he said. “We have a few young players on this team, three teenagers, and players who have clubhouse leadership in veteran leadership. I think that’s a really good mix.”

“At just under 26, the average age is in the sweet spot,” he adds.

Culture also played a major role in the final selections.

“It’s important we all understand who we are right away,” said Pospishil. “There are players on this team we picked because of their outstanding clubhouse qualities.”

Now, the focus shifts to what the team can do on the field. Australia is looking to medal for the first time since 2014.

“Our expectation is qualify for the World Cup Finals next year,” said Pospishil.

At the same time, he stressed the door remains open for players who missed this roster, especially with the 2027 Finals in mind.

“2027 is an option for players that didn’t make this team,” he said. “We have four players who were on the radar and missed out last World Cup cycle that are now here. So for those that aren’t part of this twenty it doesn’t mean the book is closed on you. When we qualify for 2027, players are going to play AWC and the process continues. The book is not closed on the people that didn’t make this team.”

“I think that’s what the AWC also showed. There is so much talent coming through. I can’t put a line through a player ever. I can’t stress enough how excited I am,” he adds.

THE NEW FACES

The Emeralds feature nine players who were not on the 2023 World Cup squad – a group that fell one place short of advancing to the finals.

They are catcher Jamie Bastian, catcher Chloe Atkinson, 2B / RHP Bronwyn Gell, OF / LHP Molly Paddison, OF Elodie O’Sullivan, UTIL Riordan Bradley, RHP Brittney Baker, RHP Mackenzie Jackson and RHP Jess Johnson.

It’s hard not to be excited with what each brings to the table.

Atkinson is an 18-year-old emerging superstar. She has won back-to-back Golden Bats at the Women’s Nationals (AWC) and is a Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) draft pick.

Molly Paddison, 18, is also a WPBL draft pick and has led Queensland to the finals the last few AWC.

Jamie Bastian put together a huge tournament behind the plate. She led Victorian pitching staff to the best ERA and threw out multiple runners on the base paths. Bastian also missed out narrowly in 2023. With a great ability to control the run game, it’s evident why she cracked the squad this time around.

Rio Bradley missed out narrowly on World Cup selection in 2023. She pieced together a brilliant 2026 National Championship with Queensland and is one of the fastest players on the roster. She can catch, play outfield, run and provides the team with a versatile option with leadership ability.

Bronwyn Gell has already appeared in five World Cups but hasn’t been on a roster since 2016. She’s been one of the most dominant players in Victorian baseball over the last couple of seasons and a leader over the last two decades.

Elodie O’Sullivan was on the 2018 squad but missed out on 2023 selection after not quite being healthy enough after a foot injury. O’Sullivan plays professionally in Japan. More on her below.

Then there’s the pitchers. Brittney Baker and Jess Johnson both make the team shortly after becoming mums for the first time. Johnson is a rookie at 37.

Mackenzie Jackson was arguably the best pitcher at the 2025 Nationals for New South Wales. She tore her labrum and missed nearly all of the recent season. She returned and fired off four shutout innings at the 2026 nationals and made the squad.

THE RETURNEES

11 players are back from 2023 – many of them already young players with more experience.

Claire O’Sullivan has turned into one of the best all-around players in Australia and has even won a national championship in Japan. She was selected in the recent WPBL draft, too.

22-year-old Caitlin Eynon is the reigning Women’s MVP and considered one of the best players in the world. She, like O’Sullivan is a WPBL draft pick.

There are four other WPBL picks: OF Ticara Geldenhuis, INF Leah Cornish, RHP Allie Bebbere and RHP Maddi Erwin. Bebbere was one of the best statistical pitchers in the 2023 tournament, Cornish had an .800 OBP as a 16-year-old, and Geldenhuis went deep fro Australia in 2023.

Maddi Heath returns for her second year behind the plate, with more experience and a national title to her name.

Gen Beacom offers serious power at first base, and has been playing top level softball in the NCAA college system at Oregon State.

Abbey Kelly returns for her fourth World Cup experience. She’s won nearly every award you can at a nationals.

Meaghan Haggart can play multiple positions and will play in her second World Cup. She pitched a huge finals game in a win vs eventual champion Victoria in April.

Lili Cavanagh looks ready to become an international star. The 23-year-old was the 2024 Women’s MVP and will play important positions. She’ll pitch, play centrefield and shortstop.

HEAR FROM A COUPLE EMERALDS

“Calling people and telling them they made the team is just awesome,” says Pospishil. “It’s one of the best parts of the job to tell somebody their dream came true. There were tears. They were fun calls to make.”

One of those calls was the Jess Johnson, a 37-year-old pitcher who was one of the final cuts in 2023.

Since then, she has played a key role in winning two Victorian national championships. Importantly, she became a mum in that time.

“It was pretty emotional,” says Johnson of the phone call. “After not making the previous team, there’s always a bit of anxiety around receiving one of those calls. I don’t think reality has fully sunk in yet and it probably won’t until we’re on the plane.”

“I’ve been working towards this for a few years now. Despite everything the goal never really changed, if anything, it pushed me more. The last year especially, coming back after having my son and putting in the work to get back to this level has been a big part of that.”

“Before it was about me and my goals, but now there’s a bigger why behind it. I get to do this not just for myself and the team but also for my son, which makes it really special.”

Another fun call was to Elodie O’Sullivan.

That’s in direct contrast to the last World Cup cycle. Pospishil says a phone call to her in 2023 was one of the harder conversations. He had to tell O’Sullivan, a 2018 representative, that she wasn’t on the team. Lingering issues from a major foot injury was the headline.

O’Sullivan used the disappointment as motivation. She changed her story.

“Over the last three years I’ve been really proud of the narrative I have written for myself. After the work I put in to return from my injury in 2023 I wanted to find a place to play some games; to capitalise on the good shape I was in and I was hungry to challenge myself.”

“I found myself with opportunities to play in the Japanese domestic competition for Tokai Nexus. Being around a whole new level of passion, enjoyment and high standard of the game reminded me of what I want in a baseball environment and an enhanced understanding of how to get the best out of myself.

“I have an immense amount of gratitude for everyone who has supported me (especially my family and friends and a number of Emerald alumni, baseball WA HP staff, Carine Cats, Eastern Suburbs dolphins, my gym Jump Lift Run and Form and Function Chiro who have ensured I’ve been in top shape, and of course Risa Nakashima and Tokai Nexus).”

There are plenty more stories to come!

But for now, congratulations to the 2026 Emeralds.

Note: The Coaching Staff will be announced next month.

07 May 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

2026 Australian Junior and Intermediate League National Championships Schedule Released

Two tournaments. One week. World Series berth on the line.

We’re counting down the days until we’re in Lismore for the Intermediate League (14U) and Junior League (15U) National Championships from May 21-25.

Teams representing different “baseball neighbourhoods” around Australia have earned their way to this tournament by qualifying through their local state championships. Now, they face each other. Winner goes to their respective World Series tournament in the USA. More on that below.

MASTER SCHEDULE: Download the PDF to see when your team plays

The schedule can be viewed above. You can learn more about the tournament and their teams below.

Closer to the tournament, a ‘Hub’ will be set up to follow along with results and information.

Make sure you follow Baseball.com.au for coverage including recaps, photos, highlights and more!

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE SCHEDULE AND FORMAT

Below is the schedule for the 2026 tournament. The winner advances to the Intermediate League World Series in Livermore, California.

You can download a PDF version of the schedule here.

Games on Diamond 3 will be broadcast live and free on Baseball+ with commentary from ABL Brisbane Bandits commentator CJ Barnes. You can download the App from the App Store or visit plus.baseball.com.au.

Other games will be scored and feature a single camera live stream on GameChanger.

Teams are divided into two pools of four. Each team plays each other once.

The top two teams in each pool qualify for a double-elimination Finals Series to determine the national champion.

JUNIOR LEAGUE SCHEDULE AND FORMAT

Below is the schedule for the 2026 tournament. The winner advances to the Junior League World Series in Livermore, California.

Hills are the reigning Intermediate League Champions in 2025 (and Little League in 2026!), and move up a division to defend their title. This age group will look to go to their third straight World Series event.

You can download a PDF version of the Junior League schedule here.

Games on Diamond 1 will be broadcast live and free on Baseball+ with commentary from ABL Adelaide Giants commentator Phil Herden. You can download the App from the App Store or visit plus.baseball.com.au.

Other games will be scored and feature a single camera live stream on GameChanger.

Ten teams are divided into two Pools of five. They play each other once in a round robin.

The top three teams advance to the Finals. Teams ranked #2 and #3 in their respective pool advance to a Quarter Final. The #1 teams advance to the semi-finals.

It’s a single elimination knockout to declare a national champion.

01 May 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

How are Australians performing at the end of April in professional baseball?

We’re one month through the professional baseball calendar in the Northern Hemisphere.

I took some time to update you all on how all 44 Australians currently signed to professional contracts are performing at each level they are playing at around the world.

Let’s begin!

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Curtis Mead, INF (Washington Nationals)

After a trade on Opening Weekend from the White Sox to the Nationals, the 25-year-old South Australian is beginning to get more play time on the field. On the season, he’s hitting .222 with a career high four homers and 12 RBI with a .310 on-base-percentage across 23 games.

On Wednesday, he had his career best game, going 4-for-5 with a homer.

Travis Bazzana, 2B (Cleveland Guardians)

On April 29, 2026, Travis Bazzana officially became the 39th Australian to ever reach the Major Leagues. He went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks in his first game while playing second base. He earned the call-up after slashing .287/.422/.933 with 2 homers, 10 RBI and 8 stolen bases in 24 games at Triple-A.

There is a great story by Yahoo’s Jordan Shusterman on the Bazzana debut and his support network that can be found here.

KOREAN BASEBALL ORGANISATION (KBO)

There are three Australians playing in one of the biggest leagues in the world.

Jarryd Dale, SS (Kia Tigers)

The 26-year-old from Victoria had a ripper start to his Korean professional baseball career. He started the season with a 15-game hit-streak, setting a record for the longest by any player to begin their KIA Tigers career.

In 27 games, Dale is hitting .284 with a homer and six RBI. You can watch his games on Soop TV. Have a google!

Lachlan Wells, LHP (LG Twins)

He’s one of the best pitchers in Korea. Through five starts (31.0 IP), Wells has a 1.16 ERA and 0.84 WHIP.

His three most recent starts:
– 6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 0 ER, 8 SO
– 8.0 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 0 ER, 7 SO
– 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 BB, 1 ER, 3 SO

Add that up and it’s 21.0 IP, 10 H, 3 BB, 1 ER, 18 SO.

Insane from the kid from Newcastle and the Adelaide Giant.

Jack O’Loughlin, LHP (Samsung Tigers)

Adelaide’s O’Louglin is finding a groove. He started the year on a six-week Injury Replacement Contract. The Lions just extended him to the end of May.

O’Loughling has a 4.50 ERA in six starts and 28.0 innings. Although, he’s allowed just four runs in his last 15.1 innings as he continues to settle.

Liam Hendriks, LHP (Unsigned)

The 37-year-old was released by the Minnesota Twins in Free Agency. We’ll monitory him closely to see where one of Australia’s best ever pitchers lands mid-season.

TRIPLE-A (AAA)

The level below the Major Leagues. Serious talent.

Brandan Bidois, RHP – Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Bidois had one of the best seasons in all of Minor League Baseball in 2025 with a 0.74 ERA across four levels.

He started the year in Triple-A after being added to the 40-man roster in the off-season. The Pirates think they have something special. He has a 4.97 ERA in 12.2 innings of hitter-friendly Triple-A with 18 strikeouts. After a bit of a slow start, Bidois has allowed just one run off three hits over his last 5.1 innings of relief work.

Josh Hendrickson, LHP – Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Houston Astros)

The 28-year-old is one of the feel-good stories in Australian Baseball. After a stellar ABL campaign, a standout World Baseball Classic, and some elite stuff, Hendrickson signed mid-April with the Houston Astros. It marks a return to affiliated ball for first time since 2023.

In two starts (9.1 innings), Hendrickson has allowed just two runs with no walks and ten strikeouts.

DOUBLE-A (AA)

This is a league with all the top prospects from each organisation. Often you see young players called up directly from Double-A if they show serious potential.

Mitch Neunborn – Reading Fightin’ Phils (Philadelphia Phillies)

The 28-year-old is on the injured list and yet to appear this season.

Nikau Pouaka-Grego, INF – Reading Fightin’ Phils (Philadelphia Phillies)

Yet to appear in a game in 2026, “PG” was called up on April 21 to Double-A. When he enters a game, it will be the highest level he’s played.

Blake Townsend, LHP – Frisco RoughRiders (Texas Rangers)

After a career best season in 2025 with the Pittsburgh Pirates minor leagues, Townsend signed with the Rangers in the off-season. The 25-year-old is being converted to a starter. In four games so far, he has a 6.75 ERA in 16.0 innings with 13 strikeouts.

High-A (A+)

The second level above Complex / Rookie League. It’s filled with players who impressed in Single-A and are in a true evaluation period by Major League clubs.

Clayton Campbell, INF – West Michigan White Caps (Detroit Tigers)

It’s the highest level the 22-year-old from Sydney has ever played, in the fifth year of a seven year minor league contract. It’s time to see how Campbell does amongst some top prospects.

So far, Campbell is hitting .267 with 1 HR and 7 RBI in 16 games while playing first base, third base and catcher. He’s coming off a three-hit game, the best of his season, on April 29.

Kai-Noa Wynyard, RHP – Hub City Spartanburgers (Texas Rangers)

Wynyard has a 22.74 ERA in five appearances (6.1 innings) so far this season. It’s the sixth year in the minor leagues for the 23-year-old from Brisbane.

SINGLE-A (A)

The first level above Complex / Rookie League. It’s the lowest of the affiliated travel ball competitions, often filled with young players learning to become professionals.

Adam Bates, RHP – Salem RidgeYaks (Boston Red Sox)

The 19-year-old from Sydney is in his second full season above Rookie Ball. In 13.1 innings, Bates has a 11.48 ERA in 8 appearances from the bullpen.

Drew Davies, 1B – Daytona Tortugas (Cincinatti Reds)

Davies was called up above Rookie Ball for the first time in 2025. This is the first full-year at this level for the 20-year-old and reigning ABL Rookie of the Year.

Davies is hitting .258 in 21 games with 5 RBI and an outstanding .458 on-base-percentage. He’s played all but one game at first base.

Max Durrington, OF – Stockton Ports (Athletics)

The 19-year-old from the Gold Coast is in his first full-season above Rookie Ball. In 19 games, Durrington has a .261 average with a .366 OBP. He has swiped seven bags. Durrington has played a mix of second base, left field and centrefold.

Kailen Hamson, LHP – Delmarva Shorebirds (Orioles)

It’s Hamson’s first minor league experience after being drafted in the 8th round of the 2025 MLB draft out of Cumberlands University. Hamson has appeared in five games and made three starts. He has an 8.62 ERA in 15.2 innings with 17 strikeouts.

The 24-year-old from Brisbane is coming off his best outing to date on April 25, where he fired off 3.2 innings of hitless, shutout ball with six strikeouts.

Brent Iredale, INF – Bradenton Mauraders (Pittsburgh Pirates)

It’s the first full-season as a professional for Iredale, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2025 MLB Draft after a standout college career. The 22-year-old from Sydney played 12 games, going 1-for-36 before being placed on a 10-day injured on April 20.

Alistair Tanner, RHP – Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit Tigers)

This is the first experience for the 19-year-old South Australian at a level above Rookie Ball. With a 96mph fastball, there is serious potential.

Tanner has an 11.57 ERA in four games (two starts) across 9.1 innings.

ROOKIE LEAGUES

Competitions based out of MLB team’s headquarters / complexes in either Florida, Arizona or Dominican Republic. It’s a place where players go when they first enter the professional system or are rehabbing an injury.

Jack Bushell, RHP – Detroit Tigers (Complex)

Bushell missed all of 2025 with an elbow injury and in recovery from Tommy John surgery. He’s at the Detroit complex in Florida, working out and inching closer to a return to game action.

BJay Cooke, RHP – Athletics (Complex)

After spending the last few years as an infielder, 23-year-old Cooke is being converted back to a pitcher.

Patrick Crotty, RHP – Philadelphia Phillies (Complex)

Australia’s most recent MLB signing. 17-year-old Crotty has landed in the USA and begins his journey as a professional in Florida. Here’s a recent story on him by the ABC.

Mitch Evans, RHP – Detroit Tigers (Complex)

One of Australia’s newest signings, 18-year-old Mitch Evans left South Australia in mid-February for Florida. Unfortunately, quite quickly he sustained an elbow injury and underwent Tommy John Surgery. He’ll mis the entire 2026 season.

Jayden Kim, INF – Pittsburgh Pirates (Florida)

Now in his third season, the 19-year-old Victorian is working out at the Complex in the USA after a couple years in the Dominican Republic.

Rubens Romero, RHP – Pittsburgh Pirates (Dominican)

I believe Rubens is rehabbing an injury sustained in late 2024. He has not pitched since then.

Juan Manuel Ramirez, RHP – Toronto Blue Jays (Complex League)

Games have not started yet in the Complex Leagues. But Ramirez is working out and training in Florida getting ready for some local games.

Robinson Smith, RHP – Pittsburgh Pirates (Florida)

The 18-year-old was only signed last year and now enters year two as a pro. Via his Instagram, it looks like Robinson is throwing well in Florida as he continues to work out at the Complex.

FRONTIER LEAGUE (USA / CANADA)

One of the main three Independent (non-affiliated) baseball leagues in the USA. There are a number of Australians in the Frontier League.

The 2026 regular season will begin on Thursday, May 7th, with all 18 teams once again set to compete across the U.S. and Canada. The season runs through September. Australians have already reported to camp. Here is the list:

– RHP Jackson Grounds (Brisbane / Brisbane Bandits) at the Down East Bird Dawgs
– RHP Ky Hampton (Adelaide/ Adelaide Giants) at the Down East Bird Dawgs
– LHP Cooper Morgan (Canberra / Adelaide Giants) at the Quebec Capitales
– RHP Billy Parsons (Bendigo / Melbourne Aces) at the Sussex County Miners

OTHER LEAGUES AROUND THE WORLD

Here are some notes on other Aussies signed pro:

Luke Krkovski, LHP, BarbaNegras Tijuana (Mexico)

The 23-year-old from Cronulla joins the minor leagues in Mexico on his first professional contract. The season runs from April to July, 2026. We’ve yet to see any official stats registered for Krkovski.

Briley Knight, OF, Billings Mustangs (Pioneer League)

Knight is slated to return to the independent league for a third season. The competition begins May 19.

Banana Ball

There are two players playing the Banana Ball League.

Liam Spence (Geelong) has become a fan favourite with the Firefighters. Brett Allen (Newcastle), known as ‘The Wonder From Down Under’, is playing with the Texas Tailgaters.

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL LEAGUE (WPBL)

Schedule to begin on August 1. In fact, the schedule was just released. The season will run about six weeks across Los Angeles, Boston, New York and San Francisco.

Here are the nine drafted Australians in the WPBL:
– Chloe Atkinson, C (New York)
– Allie Bebbere, RHP (Boston)
– Leah Cornish, C (Los Angeles)
– Maddison Erwin, RHP (New York)
– Caitlin Eynon, INF/RHP (Los Angeles)
– Ticara Geldenhuis, OF (Boston)
– Claire O’Sullivan, 1B/RHP (New York)
– Elodie O’Sullivan, OF (Los Angeles)
– Molly Paddison, OF (Boston)

01 May 2026 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Little League

2026 Australian Senior League National Championships Schedule Released

HUB: Follow the Senior League Championships via the Tournament Hub at www.baseball.com.au/seniorleague2026

The 2026 Senior League Championships is around the corner.

It also has a new home.

After a number of years in Geelong, the competition shifts to Blacktown International Sportspark – home of the ABL’s Sydney Blue Sox – for a five day tournament to answer one simple question: Who will represent Australia at the Senior League World Series later in the year?

10 teams representing different “baseball neighbourhoods” around Australia have earned their way to this tournament by qualifying through their local state championships. Now, they face each other. Winner goes to the Senior League World Series in Easley, South Carolina in August.

The age group of this event is 16 and Under.

SCHEDULE: Download the PDF to see when your team plays

The schedule can be viewed above. You can learn more about the tournament and their teams below.

Closer to the tournament, a ‘Hub’ will be set up to follow along with results and information.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT

Ten teams from across the country are drawn into two different groups of five. They will play in a Round Robin where each team plays each other once.

From there, the Top 3 teams will qualify for finals. Here is the format:
– The winners of each of Pool A and Pool B automatically advance to the semi-finals
– 2nd and 3rd place in each group also qualify for finals
– 2nd from Pool A will play 3rd from Pool B while 2nd from Pool B will play 3rd from Pool B in a quarterfinal. The winners advance to the semi-finals
– Winner of semi-finals advance to a Gold Medal Game
– Winner of Gold Medal Game advances to the Senior League World Series

FINALS SCHEDULE HERE

COVERAGE AND SCORING

SCORING

All games will be scored on GameChanger. You can follow the tournament there. We will post the link when it is available.

BROADCAST

Diamond 1 will feature a full broadcast with commentary. It will be free to watch on Baseball+ via the app or plus.baseball.com.au.

Diamond 2 and 4 will have single-camera feeds, free to watch on GameChanger.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mick Goddard will be on hand capturing the tournament with his camera. Photos will be made available for free to all players (and sent via the EOs) through a link on Baseball Australia’s photo sharing system.

Please email marketing@baseball.com.au with your Working With Children’s Check Approval if you’d also like to take photos of the event. Please note, photos may not be on-sold during this tournament.

COVERAGE

We will be cutting highlights, writing recaps, posting photos, videos and scenes from the tournament on our social media channel @ baseball.com.au. A Tournament Hub will be made available closer to the tournament.

MEET THE TEAMS

MANLY (NSW): Manly rolled through their state championships, going undefeated with a 6-0 record. They outscored opponents 91-13. They won a 2-1 thriller in the semi-finals to officially qualify for nationals. The next day, they defeated Cronulla Black 15-5 to lock up the State Championship.

CENTRAL FIREBIRDS (WA): Made up of four clubs from Western Australia – South Perth, Willetton, Victoria Park Belmont
and Melville Mariners. The Firebirds lost the Grand Final after getting walked-off by the Carine Cats. Before that? They were undefeated. They allowed just 24 runs in their six games during the tournament. They defeated the Eastern Phantoms 9-1 in the semi-final to lock up their spot.

RYDE RED (NSW): Finishing third in the NSW State Championships, Ryde had to battle their way into the final spot earned in the NSW-zone. They opened the tournament with a loss to Cronulla Black but quickly rebounded with three straight wins to get themselves in the mix for a nationals spot. After a second loss – again to Cronulla Black – Ryde piled it on in an 11-1 win over Greater Western to clinch a spot at nationals.

MELBOURNE METS (VIC): The Mets put on a show at Victorian State Championships. Filled with plenty of players who made a run to the finals in last year’s Junior League nationals, the Mets scored 71 runs in just five games while going undefeated. The Mets consist of players from Geelong to Ballarat to Melton and as far east as Newport.

BRISBANE NORTH NAVY (QLD): An extremely talented group of players, many on the Queensland U16 state team, they went through the tournament undefeated before losing a thriller (9-8) to Gold Coast in the final. Among the team is Tyler Wilson, who is aiming to become the first Australian to ever win their way through to the Little League, Intermediate League, Junior League and Senior League World Series. Brisbane North is made up of players from Narangba Demons, Redcliffe Padres and Pine Rivers Rapids Baseball Clubs.

ADELAIDE ARMADA (SA): The Armada gained automatic entry to the 2026 Australian National Senior League Championships as a South Australia’s only team in the state championships. They are a composite team made up of players from across the metropolitan Adelaide area.

GOLD COAST (QLD): Gold Coast were uber impressive in the Queensland State Titles. They lost a Group Stage Game to Brisbane North Navy, but battled back to win a one-run thriller in the Gold Medal Game. They are made up of players from the Gold Coast area of the Greater Brisbane League, including Coomera Cubs, Runaway Bay Dolphins, Nerang Cardinals, Surfers Paradise Baseball Club, Robina Braves, Mudgeeraba Red Sox, and Twin City.

CRONULLA BLACK (NSW): They had to battle, but they got there. Cronulla Black won a 9-1 game over fellow qualifier Ryde Red in the semi-finals to guarantee a place in the Top 2. They fell just shy of winning gold after dropping the Grand Final 15-5 to Manly. There are a number of players on this Cronulla side who represented Australia at the 2024 Junior League World Series.

CARINE CATS (WA): The Cats – a club and their own charter – were a team to behold in the Western Australian titles. They won a gritty game over the Central Firebirds to score a walk-off win and claim the championship.

MELBOURNE ATHLETICS (VIC): This is a strong team with numerous players who reached last year’s Junior League National Championships Gold Medal Game. The Athletics went 3-3 at the Senior League titles, with a pair of big wins to secure their place (12-0 over Twins and 16-1 over Rangers). The offense can put up runs in a hurry when they are firing. The Athletics are made up of players from the Eastern Region of metropolitan Victoria.

28 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Community

Travis Bazzana called up to Major Leagues, will become 39th Australian in MLB history

Sydney’s Travis Bazzana, the 2024 MLB #1 Overall Pick, has been called up to the Major Leagues by the Cleveland Guardians.

He is slated to make his MLB debut and become the 39th Australian to play Major League Baseball.

The Guardians are hosting the Tampa Bay Rays in a four game series this week, with their next game at 8:10AM AEST on Wednesday 29 April.

Bazzana has been playing in Triple-A, the level below the Major Leagues, where he has a .287 batting average through the first month of the season. He is coming off a two-hit, four RBI game vs Buffalo over the weekend.

It’s been a big 2026 for the 23-year-old from Hornsby, New South Wales. He starred for Australia at the 2026 World Baseball Classic in March.

Bazzana’s baseball journey began as a tee-ball player with the KuRingGai Stealers in Sydney. He played in the New South Wales system before departing for college as a 17-year-old. At Oregon State, he quickly became one college baseball’s best players resulting in a first overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Since then, Bazzana has been slowly climbing the minor league ranks.

He missed a chunk of 2025 with an oblique injury.

Now Bazzana is a former Sydney Blue Sox player. He joins Curtis Mead (Washington Nationals) as the only active Australians in Major League Baseball.

23 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Aussies Sign Pro

Left-handed pitcher Luke Krkovski signs professional contract in Mexico

Australian left-hander Luke Krkovski has signed his first professional contract, joining the BarbaNegras Tijuana of the Liga Norte de México, an affiliate of the Toros de Tijuana in the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (LMB).

The LMB is Mexico’s premier professional league and one of the most established circuits in world baseball, widely regarded as a high-level competition with deep history, strong crowds, and a pathway for players to progress across international leagues.

Affiliation with clubs such as the Toros de Tijuana provides a clear development route within that system.

Krkovski becomes the 46th Australian currently signed to an active professional contract at some level, continuing the steady growth of Australians competing overseas. Fans can track Aussies abroad via Baseball Australia’s official listings.

The 23-year-old Sydney product is a left-handed pitcher who recently completed a four-year college career in the United States, finishing at Lamar University at the NCAA Division I level.

He returned home for the 2025–26 Australian Baseball League season, making his debut with the Brisbane Bandits, where he logged 22.1 innings with 19 strikeouts with a 5.46 ERA.

Krkovski’s journey began in Sydney’s Cronulla Charter program, where he developed through one of the country’s strongest junior pathways. He went on to represent Australia at World Series events during his youth career, building the foundation for his progression to the professional ranks.

23 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Community

Victoria infielder Addison Bishop-Worn commits to New Mexico Junior College ahead of next US college season

Victoria infielder Addison Bishop-Worn is set to take the next step in his baseball journey, committing to New Mexico Junior College ahead of the 2026-27 college baseball season.

The Werribee Giants product, who turns 20 this year, has been a consistent presence in Victorian pathways and arrives in the United States with a strong foundation.

Bishop-Worn was a key contributor in Victoria’s 2024 U18 Australian Youth Championship title run, delivering one of the tournament’s defining moments.

Bishop-Worn drove in the winning run with a triple, sealing the championship and underlining his ability to perform under pressure.

That performance also helped earn him selection in a 43-player U18 national squad that featured eight Victorians.

He has also spent time as a development player with the Melbourne Aces, gaining exposure to the professional environment and further sharpening his game against elite-level talent.

Bishop-Worn is expected to arrive in the US this August, where he will join a growing group of Australians at New Mexico Junior College, including Zach Altamura, Damien Wilson, Riley Hall and Tim Yeomans.

He follows in the footsteps of Brent Iredale, who is now affiliated in pro-ball with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Buoyed by the program at New Mexico, Iredale was one of the best performing players in all of JUCO and later committed to a Division I program at Arkansas.

READ MORE: College Baseball Commitments

“I want to be able to push myself to improve as a player, person and a student,” Bishop-Worn said. “As I want to be able to compete at the highest level, and make an impact. I just felt that New Mexico Junior College is able to get me to the next level with their proven history of development.”

Primarily a corner infielder, Bishop-Worn plays both third base and first base, with a skillset built around his ability to impact the game offensively and defensively.

“The ability to hit for both power and average, and have a good glove in the field,” he said.

His development has been shaped by a wide support network, something he credits as central to his progression.

“All of my family, friends, coaches, and teammates have all made baseball to be a fun environment for me to keep enjoying the game that I’ve always played,” added Bishop-Worn.

Having come through multiple Australian Youth Championships, Bishop-Worn believes those tournament environments have helped prepare him for the next level.

“Playing in multiple AYCs showed me how much I love being in an environment where everyone is wanting to compete and help the team win.”

Now, with the move to the US on the horizon, his focus is simple.

“I’m wanting to improve in every part of the game, as well as take in as much knowledge as I can to compete at the next level.”

19 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Aussies Sign Pro

Josh Hendrickson inks deal with Houston Astros

Josh Hendrickson has another opportunity in professional affiliated baseball.

The Team Australia left-hander signed a minor league deal with the Houston Astros over the weekend. It marks a return to the minor leagues for Hendrickson, who last played for the Phillies in 2023.

He has been immediately assigned to Sugar Land – the Triple-A affiliate of the Astros. Triple-A is one level below the Major Leagues.

Notably, Hendrickson had major elbow surgery that kept him out of the game for over 600 days. You can read his feature here.

He returned in May, 2025 with the Kansas City Monarchs in the Independent American Association.

The 29-year-old posted a 3.61 ERA in 104+ innings for the Monarchs.

He returned to Australia for the 2025-26 ABL season and pitched for the Adelaide Giants. He was the Game 3 starter in the Giants’ Claxton Shield clinching game. He had a 2.25 ERA in 16.0 innings.

In February, Hendrickson was named to the Australian team for the World Baseball Classic. He allowed just one run in his 3.0 inning start in a must-win game vs Czechia.

The left-hander from Perth can throw a 95mph fastball. He has four years of minor league experience, from 2019-2023, with the Phillies.

19 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Women's Baseball

Award winners from 2026 Australian Women's and Youth Women's Championships Announced

The winners of the major awards at the 2026 Australia Women’s Championships have been announced.

Read about them below.

For a tournament recap and stats, visit our Hub at www.baseball.com.au/womens2026.

The Awards were decided by a tournament committee. When determining the award, context matters in what games the winners played in and the impact they had on the tournament.

Here are the winners:

FINAL PLACINGS

WOMEN’S

Gold – Victoria
Silver – Western Australia
Bronze – New South Wales
4 – Queensland
5 – South Australia
6 Roos

They are: Allie Bebbere, Jasmine Bentley, Jamie Bastian, Brittney Baker, Lili Cavanagh, Ruby Dale, Paula Doherty, Jess Johnson, Abbey Kelly, Narumi Kametani, Kira Kuwamoto, Abbey McLellan, Ashley Patton, Emi Saiki, Miku Saita, Lilly Simpson

COACHES: Samantha Hamilton (Manager), Jarryd Rogers, Stephen Black, Chelsea Power

YOUTH

Gold – Western Australia
Silver – South Australia
Bronze – New South Wales
4 – Victoria
5 – Queensland

The winning team is Aleigha Auld, Millar Butler, Sophie Dowsett, Lily Duckworth, Jemma Golding, Summer Hiscock, Isla Kalebic, Imani Morawiec, Stevie Oates, Emerson Padfield, Sara Scott, Sienna Seiler, Elizabeth Stewart, Jaimie Vlasic

The coaches are Gus Golding (Manager), Luke Hulbert, Beyanka Girdlestone, Trish Dowsett (EO).

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

WOMEN’S

Most Valuable Player – Caitlin Eynon (WA)

Eynon put together a complete tournament in all phases of the game, helping Western Australia reach the gold medal game.

With the bat, she was 12-for-21 with 2 HR, 12 RBI and 7 SB. She led the tournament in slugging percentage (1.136), home runs (2), and was Top 10 in nearly every statistical category. That included an iconic Finals Performance where she went 2-for-2 with two walks, two homers, six RBI and a Grand Slam.

She tossed 3.0 innings in the Gold Medal Game, allowing just one run off three hits. Her 78mph fast ball was the hardest in the tournament. Her 3.0 innings allowed Western Australia to make a late comeback in the Gold Medal Game.

In the field, she displayed excellent movement, athleticism and arm strength while playing standout shortstop.

A well rounded player who impacted the game in big moments.

Golden Bat – Chloe Atkinson (WA)

Atkinson’s biggest moment came in the Qualifying Final. She hit a tie-breaking Grand Slam in the last inning to send Western Australia to the Gold Medal Game.

But she was consistent all week.

Atkinson went 17-for-30 with nine extra base hits, a homer and 16 RBI. Her batting average ranked fifth, and no player who qualified for the finals drove in more runs (16). Her 17 hits led all batters, while she finished second in slugging percentage.

Golden Arm – Narumi Kametani (VIC)

Kametani delivered three big time performances.

In the minor rounds, she threw 4.0 shutout innings vs South Australia to seal a spot in the Finals.

In the qualifying final, she fired off 3.2 shutout innings in a lopsided win over a dangerous Queensland offense.

In the Gold Medal Game, Kametani tossed 6.0 innings, allowing just two earned runs.

Remarkably, she never walked a batter the whole tournament.

Her final numbers: 13.2 IP, 14 H, 0 BB, 0 ER, 3 SO…and a Gold Medal game performance for the ages!

Golden Glove – Emi Saiki (VIC)

A rock at third base while fielding her position brilliantly when on the mound.

Saiki made six sensational plays in the first four innings of the Gold Medal Game that not only took away hits, but removed sure runs off the board. She also turned a critical rally-killing double play in the Grand Final.

Saiki made 12 assists from the hot corner, and made difficult plays look easy.

YOUTH WOMEN’S

MVP – Jemma Golding (WA)

An outstanding tournament in all aspects of the game.

She led the tournament in hits (13), home runs (5), finished second in stolen bases (14) and was second in RBI (19).

On the mound, she had 9 strikeouts in 5.2 innings pitched.

Defensively, she turned a pair of double plays, and made just one error in 21 plays while playing four positions – shortstop, second base, catcher and pitcher.

GOLDEN ARM – LILLIAN STERRY (SA)

Sterry had a 0.00 ERA and allowed two hits across her 5.1 innings over two appearances.

She led the tournament with 14 strikeouts.

Sterry’s stellar shutout performance in the Finals helped South Australia reach the Gold Medal Game.

GOLDEN BAT – LILY DUCKWORTH (WA)

Lily had an incredible tournament, leading the competition with 21 RBI including 10 in the Grand Final. She finished second in homers with 4.

Duckworth finished with 12 hits, a .571 average and 1.830 OPS.

GOLDEN GLOVE – JEMMA GOLDING (WA)

Jemma led Western Australia around the diamond by playing four different positions – Shortstop, Catcher, Second Base, and Pitcher.

She was the most involved player in the field and made just one error, while making many difficult plays routine. Her arm strength was on display all week.

SPIRIT OF THE GAME AWARD

The Spirit of the Game Award was presented to a player, team staff or official who takes a stand in the moments that matter, by showing respect, calling out poor behaviour, supporting others and leading a safe, inclusive environment that reflects NO MORE and Baseball Australia’s values

Youth – Samantha Craig, coach of NSW

Women’s – Janine Thompson, umpire

18 April 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Women's Baseball

Gold Medal Game Recaps | Western Australia win Youth, Victoria win Gold

It’s Championship Saturday!

Watch both games on Baseball+ via the App or online (plus.baseball.com.au)

SCHEDULE

– YOUTH GOLD: Western Australia 24 def South Australia 4

– WOMEN’S GOLD: Victoria 8 def Western Australia 5

CONSOLATION GAMES
– Youth | 11:15AM – New South Wales vs Victoria,follow on GameChanger
– Youth | 1:30PM – Victoria vs Queensland, follow on GameChanger
– Women | 9:00AM – Queensland vs Roos, follow on GameChanger
– Women | 11:45AM – New South Wales vs South Australia, follow on Game Changer

WOMEN’S GOLD

KAMETANI DAZZLES, VICTORIA HOLD ON TO WIN WOMEN’S GOLD

Victoria have won their second Gold Medal in three years, and 15th overall, after an 8-5 win over Western Australia in Melbourne.

It’s the first Gold Medal Game victory since COVID.

It wasn’t easy.

Victoria surged ahead to an early 8-1 lead, but Western Australia clawed back to cut the lead to three in the last. They even had the tying run at the plate, before Emerald Allie Bebbere struck out Peyton Newman to secure the championship.

Narumi Kametani tossed 6.0 innings, allowing just two earned runs, vs a lethal Western Australia offense.

Victoria put the boots to the ground early. Kira Kuwamoto, Lili Cavanagh, Abbey McLellan and Jamie Bastian ripped off four straight singles off Western Australia starter Madison Lines to open up a 2-0 lead. Emi Saiki followed up with a two-RBI double to push the lead to 4-0.

Victoria added two more in the third after Lilly Simpson was struck by a pitch and Kametani grounded into a fielder’s choice. They added another in the fourth. 7-0.

All the while, Emi Saiki made five standout plays at third base. Victoria turned two double plays to escape Western Australia pressure.

Western Australia turned to flame throwing reliever Caitlin Eynon in the fifth. With a 78mph fastball, Eynon allowed just one run in 3.0 innings.

It allowed Western Australia to mount a mini-comeback. After Kametani departed the game, Chloe Atkinson, Meaghan Haggart, and Bianca Ramsey all singled in runs to inch closer. 8-5.

Hall of Fame Sam Hamilton called upon Bebbere for the final out. With the tying run at the dish, Bebbere got Newman looking. Ball game. Championship.

It was done as a team. All nine players in Victoria’s winning line up had a hit.

AWARD WINNERS (Announced Post Game)
– Golden Bat: Chloe Atkinson (WA)
– Golden Arm: Narumi Kametani (VIC)
– Golden Glove: Emi Saiki (VIC)
– MVP: Caitlin Eynon (WA)

VICTORIA

Hits (12): Abbey Kelly (2), Kira Kuwamoto, Lili Cavanagh (2), Abbey McLellan, Jamie Bastian, Miku Saita (2), Emi Saiki (2), Lilly Simpson, Narumi Kametani

RBI: Kuwamoto, McLellan, Bastian, Saita, Saiki (2), Simpson, Kametani

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (12): Elodie O’Sullivan (2), Caitlin Eynon, Leah Cornish, Chloe Atkinson, Meaghan Haggart (2), Aislinn Morris (2), Bianca Ramsey (2), Bella Clarke

RBI (3): Ramsey (2), Morris

YOUTH GOLD

DUCKWORTH DRIVES IN 10, Golding homers twice, WA run away to Gold Medal

Western Australia have claimed their first U16 Girls Gold Medal since 2016 with a resounding 24-4 victory over South Australia.

Western Australia piled on 21 hits during the game.

Lily Duckworth and Jemma Golding just produced two of the best Grand Final performances we’ve seen.

Duckworth’s stat line doesn’t feel reel. She went 3-for-5 with 2 homers and a ridiclous 9 RBI.

Golding went 4-for-4 with two homers, 5 RBI and a walk herself herself. She chipped in four stolen bases. Golding also started the game, pitching 2.0 innings with 2 hits, 2 earned runs and 5 s trikeouts.

Summer Hiscock closed out the game, throwing 3.0 innings allowing two runs.

Sara Scott had a big day out too. She went 4-for-5 with 3 RBI and a walk.

Western Australia peppered the scoreboard all morning. They had a 5-3 lead in the third before they exploded for six in the bottom of the inning. They added seven in the fourth and eight in the fifth.

26-4 is your final.

The team combined for 21 hits.

Grace Thompson homered for South Australia.

The coaches are Gus Golding (Manager), Luke Hulbert, Beyanka Girdlestone, Trish Dowsett (EO).

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Hits (21): Jemma Golding (4), Sara Scott (4), Summer Hiscock (2), Lily Duckworth (3), Jamie Vlasic, Aleigha Auld (3), Stevie Oates, Elizabeth Stewart (3)
RBI: Duckworth (10), Jemma Golding (5), Sara Scott (3), Summer Hiscock, Jamie Vlasic, Stewart (2), Seiler
HR: Golding (2), Duckworth (2)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Hits (7): Lillian Sterry (2), Isla Scott, Marley Fridd, Olivia George, Grace Thompson, Lily Ruskin
RBI: Olivia George (2), Sterry, Thompson
HR: Thompson

AWARD WINNERS (Announced Post Game)
– Golden Bat: Lily Duckworth (WA)
– Golden Arm: Lillian Sterry (SA)
– Golden Glove: Jemma Golding (WA)
– MVP: Jemma Golding (WA)

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