Black Pearl Sports Group (BPSG) to take over Sydney Blue Sox license

19 June 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Black Pearl Sports Group (BPSG) to take over Sydney Blue Sox license

The Sydney Blue Sox have a new license holder.

The Black Pearl Sports Group (BPSG) will take over the license, assuring the Sydney Blue Sox commitment to the Australian Baseball League for 2025-26 and beyond.

“At the heart of everything we’re building is a belief in opportunity, community, and integrity,” said Cole Sherertz, Managing Director of Black Pearl Sports Group.

“My deepest passion is serving people. I love people, and I love culture — especially when it’s rooted in great baseball. What we’re building in Sydney has the power to inspire far beyond the diamond. We’re laying the foundation for a new era of baseball in Australia.”

The team will be run in partnership with Baseball New South Wales (BNSW).

Although BNSW will not be providing financial support, they will be offering strategic, promotional, and community engagement support to help elevate the team’s presence and strengthen ties with the grassroots baseball community.

“The Sydney Blue Sox’s participation in the Australian Baseball League is vital for the growth and visibility of baseball in New South Wales,” said James Morley, Interim CEO of Baseball NSW. “It provides a clear pathway for our homegrown talent to compete at the highest level nationally, inspires the next generation of players, and strengthens community engagement with the sport. We are eager to be working with Cole and the Black Pearl Sports Group for the coming ABL season.”

Australian Baseball League General Manager Paul Gonzalez says it’s exciting news as the league continues to finalise plans for the upcoming season.

“Sydney is our biggest market and represents a great opportunity going forward,” he says. “The Blue Sox, Baseball New South Wales, and their fans have a great foundation to build off of after winning the minor premiership in the 2024-25 season.”

The Australian Baseball League will be proceeding with four teams in 2025-26 as the professional competition continues to reset.

The Sydney Blue Sox, Adelaide Giants, Brisbane Bandits and Perth Heat have all committed to the upcoming season.

The schedule and competition details are expected to be announced in July.

18 June 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

ABL Feature Stories

Vale Don Knapp | In memory of an influential figure in Australian Baseball

with excerpts from Baseball Western Australia

An outstanding contributor to Baseball in Australia has passed away.

Don Knapp – an Australian Baseball Hall of Fame member, Helms Award winner, and Baseball Australia CEO – left his mark on our sport at every level.

He was an MVP, a Team Australia member, a champion coach, a visionary administrator, a tremendous leader and a friend loved by all.

Don’s influence was widespread.

It’s impossible to characterise the influence he had. But here are just a few of the things Don was known for.

AS A PLAYER

Don arrived in Australia in 1971 as a player from Oregon, USA.

He made an instant impact with dominating displays with his bat and and behind the plate.

“Base stealers stopped trying to run on his strong arm and quick release. Pitchers learned to throw the ball low in the zone with runners on base because Knapp’s blocking ability made passed balls almost non-existent,” said a Baseball WA article.

Knapp won the Helms Award in 1972.

He was the Western Australian team captain from 1972-1979, 1982-1983 and in 1985.

Western Australia won the Claxton Shield in 1972, 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1985 with Knapp’s strong influence.

His playing efforts saw him named to Team Australia where he competed for his country at the 1978 World Championships , in the 1978-79 Korean National Team Tour of Australia and the 1979 tour of Korea & Japan.

Knapp was named to BaseballWA’s Diamond Anniversary All-Star Team in 2008 and received a WA Baseball League Outstanding Achievement Award in 1985.

He was inducted in the Baseball Australia Hall of Fame in 2008 and the BaseballWA Hall of Fame in 2021.

Murray Westphal a BaseballWA Hall of Famer told the BWA website of Knapp’s baseball exploits.

“Don Knapp had a major impact on the sport of baseball in Australia. His knowledge of opposing batters’ strengths and weaknesses was comprehensive as was his ability to extract the very best out of every pitcher that threw to him. With emotions running high and the result of the game on the line, there was no better catcher, hitter, or teammate to play with than Don Knapp,” says Westphal.

As a Coach

Knapp took over as a manager of Western Australia in 1984, a position he held for three seasons. He helped guide the Western Australians to a 1985 Claxton Shield win.

He continued to coach and lead at club & state levels, including involvement at the 1996 Olympics.

He played a pivotal role in steering the Perth Heat, both as a manager/coach and in administrative capacities, contributing to the team’s success and professional development

Don Kyle stated the following on Baseball WA’s Hall of Fame induction page:

“I have known, played and coached alongside Don Knapp for 46 years. He was a power hitting catcher with outstanding arm strength. Pitchers lined up for him to call and control their games. Don was a general on the field demanding excellence with a sense of humour. He had the respect and admiration of all members of the baseball and sporting community. He has always shown exceptional leadership skills and as a player and coach had the ability to meld a squad of players into a professional unit.”

Above: The 1975 Western Australia Claxton Shield team

As an Administrator

Following his playing career, Knapp served in leadership roles with the Perth Heat, WA Baseball and Baseball Australia.

He had a wide range of multi-faceted contributions to our sport.

He was instrumental in the initial start-up of the Australian Baseball League in 1989.

Knapp became the CEO of the Australian Baseball Federation in 1995 – a position he held for 12 years. His leadership focused on professionalising the sport and fostering its development at various levels – from grassroots to elite competition.

His administrative efforts supported the national team’s participation in global events, building on his earlier experience as a player and manager. He facilitated opportunities for Australian players to compete abroad, contributing to the sport’s global integration.

Knapp was the CEO when Australia won the 1999 Intercontinental Cup and 2004 Olympic silver medal.

He was appointed with Life Membership in the Baseball WA community – a reflection of the esteem in which he was held.

Knapp was a noted historian. In 2003, Knapp authored A History of Australian Baseball, documenting the sport’s development in the country.

In recent years, Don remained active in the baseball community through his work on the Baseball WA Heritage Committee, helping to preserve the stories and legacy of our game.

AS A PERSON

Don is one of the most respected figures in Australian baseball.

“Don Knapp was more than a player or administrator — he was a great friend, a valued mentor, and a man of the highest integrity. His leadership was principled and generous, and he leaves behind a legacy that will guide and inspire for years to come,” said Lachlan Dale, CEO of Baseball WA. “I know many people hearing this sad news will find themselves reminiscing and sharing stories with friends and colleagues about the ways Don made a lasting, positive impact on their lives. That in itself is a true measure of the man.”

David Hynes, Baseball Australia’s president, echoes those sentiments. He calls Don’s contribution to Australian baseball “remarkable.”

“He made a difference in every facet of our game and was an amazing influence on me personally, and our sport as a whole. His last text to me said ‘all I ever wanted to do was to be a positive influence on young people’s lives – keep the dream alive!’ Don, rest assured that your incredible legacy to Baseball in Australia will live on,’ says Hynes.

—-

We offer our condolences to Don’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.

He truly made baseball better in Australia.

Rest in peace, Don.

18 June 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad Aussies Sign Pro

An update on the 36 professional Australian baseball players around the world | June 18 2025

as of 10:30AM AEST, Wednesday 18 June, by Eric Balnar

There are 36 Australians playing professional baseball somewhere in the world.

Whether they are one of two players in the Majors, or one of the eighteen grinding away in the minors, or the handful plying their trade in Asia, we’re very proud of them all.

Here is an update of how they are performing so far, as of the morning of Wednesday 18 June.

18 June 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League Corporate News

City of Moreton Bay to sponsor Little League Girls and Little League Invitational for next three years

A new partnership between City of Moreton Bay and Baseball Australia will see the Little League Girls and Little League Invitational National Championships in Moreton Bay for the next three years.

In 2025 and beyond, the two national tournaments will be held at Redcliffe Baseball Club.

These are two exciting tournaments on the Australian baseball calendar.

The Little League Girls National Championships is the first of its kind anywhere in the world.

In 2024, Australian baseball helped push through barriers by becoming the first country to host a national Little League title exclusively for girls.

The Little League Invitational is aimed at providing existing Little League charters who do not regularly qualify for the four international tournament pathway national championships a chance to experience competing against their peers form across the country in a national tournament.

This year, both tournaments run side-by-side from July 8 – 12, with a schedule expected to be announced shortly.

There aren’t many places better to host than the Redcliffe Padres, one of Queensland’s most successful clubs.

Families of the 12 teams will love visiting the City of Moreton Bay.

Just under an hour from both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay invites you to discover its diverse offerings.

From the peaceful hinterland retreats of Woodford and Dayboro to the lively buzz of the Redcliffe Peninsula and the relaxing shores of Bribie Island, there’s something for everyone, just waiting to be uncovered!

Families can visit www.visitmoretonbayregion.com.au/ and plan their trip, discover day trips, find places to go and book accomodation.

13 June 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

2025 Australian Little League Gold Medal Recap & Mini Matches | Brisbane North win Gold & advance to Little League World Series

It’s the final day of the 2025 Little League Championships.

It’s one for the history books.

Brisbane North defeated Ryde Red in the Gold Medal Game to book a ticket to the famous Little League World Series later this year.

Manly won Bronze. Northern Territory won their first game. What a day.

Relive it all here.

The story includes:

– Mini-match highlights of the Gold Medal Game;
– Scores of the Day;
– Select photos from Hugh Whittle;
– Recaps;

If you’re looking for something, it’s probably here. Just keep scrolling.

Watch tournament replays on Baseball+

TOURNAMENT HUB (Archived scores, standings, scores): www.baseball.com.au/littleleague

12 June 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Little League

2025 Intermediate League and Junior League Finals To Conclude in Melbourne on June 20

UPDATE: The schedule and venue is below.

A national Junior League and Intermediate League champion will be crowned in Melbourne on Friday 20 June.

Baseball Australia will resume two national junior tournaments which both saw the final day washed out due to heavy rains in Gold Coast and Lismore.

The winners of each respective tournament will represent the Australian Region at their respective World Series event in the United States in July.

Here’s what you need to know about each tournament and where things stand:

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE

– Two games remain and will be played: the Preliminary Final and the Gold Medal Game.

– Games will be held at Essendon Baseball Club on Chris Lane Field.

– Preliminary Final at 9:30AM: Melbourne Athletics vs Central Firebirds. The winner advances to the Gold Medal game to face Hills.

– Gold Medal Game at 11:45AM: Hills vs Winner of Preliminary Final.

– Winner advances to the Intermediate League World Series in Livermore, California at the end of July.

– Tournament Hub and Archived Scores: www.baseball.com.au/intermediateleague

– Games will be streamed via GameChanger

JUNIOR LEAGUE

– Three necessary games (two semi finals and a Gold Medal match) remain between four teams: Cronulla Black, Melbourne Athletics, Melbourne Mets and Brisbane North

– Games will be held at La Trobe Baseball Club

– Little League International, Baseball Australia and Brisbane North have agreed to make a suspended game between Brisbane North & Melbourne Mets a final result. As it stands, Melbourne Mets lead Brisbane North 22-12 in the top of the ninth inning. The winner of this game goes through to the semi-finals as the #1 seed in Pool A.

– Having this become a result is important because it means a team does not need to play three games in a day. Therefore, Melbourne Mets are declared victors and finish the group first at 4-0. Brisbane North finish as second at 3-1.

– There will be two semi-finals – Melbourne Mets (A1) vs Melbourne Athletics (B2) & Cronulla Black (B1) vs Brisbane North (A2). The winners advance to the Gold Medal Game

– Semi Final 1: Cronulla Black vs Brisbane North @ 9:30AM. Semi Final 2: Melbourne Athletics vs Melbourne Mets @ 11:45AM. Gold Medal Game at 2:00PM

– The final pool standings can be found at the Tournament Hub at www.baseball.com.au/juniorleague

SCHEDULE

Coverage of the 2025 Little League Championships from Blacktown begins June 8. Follow along at www.baseball.com.au/littleleague

Baseball Australia has a zero-tolerance policy for online abuse directed at the organisation, its members, or affiliated individuals. Such behaviour is unacceptable and will be addressed with appropriate action.

12 June 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

2025 Australian Little League Day 5 recap & mini matches | It's semi final day

Four teams remain in contention for a national Little League title. Only two will advance to the Gold Medal game for a chance to advance to the famous Little League World Series. Who will it be?

The story includes:

– Mini-match highlights of the finals;
– Scores of the Day;
– Standings;
– Post select photos from Hugh Whittle;
– Post highlights from Baseball+;
– How tiebreakers work

If you’re looking for something, just keep scrolling.

Follow along the TV Broadcast for free, including Game Replays, on Baseball+. Some back field games will be on Baseball+.

TOURNAMENT HUB (Archived scores, standings, scores): www.baseball.com.au/littleleague

11 June 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Aussies Sign Pro

Team Australia & Adelaide Giants pitcher Lachlan Wells signs with KBO's Kiwoom Heroes

2024 Australian Baseball League MVP Wells has signed a contract in the Korean Baseball League (KBO) with the Kiwoom Heroes.

Wells, a 28-year-old Team Australia pitcher, will join the top-tier Korean baseball team as a short-term injury replacement for Kenny Rosenberg.

The deal is worth a reported $30,000 USD and will last around six weeks.

Wells had a solid ABL season, posting a 5-1 record with an ERA of 3.17, all while leading the league with 66 strikeouts. He tossed a near perfect game in the playoffs.

In 2023-24, Wells put together one of the best seasons in ABL history. He had a 0.94 ERA and 0.73 WHIP across nine starts.

Wells won the ABL’s MVP, the Pitcher of the Year and an ABL Championship.

He flies out to Korea this week to join the team immediately.

11 June 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

2025 Australian Little League Day 4 Recap & Highlights | How a dramatic final day unfolded

The final day of Pool Play delivered at the 2025 Australian Little League Championships.

When the day started, only Manly had locked up a top-two spot in their group and a place in the semi-finals. Only four teams had been mathematically eliminated.

That left seven teams fighting for just three spots.

We recapped the day as it happened – including all the scenarios – in the story below.

Have fun, try to follow along, and enjoy how this dramatic final day concluded.

The story also includes:

– Scores of the Day;
– Standings;
– Post select photos from Hugh Whittle;
– Post highlights from Baseball+;
– How tiebreakers work

If you’re looking for something, just keep scrolling.

Follow along the TV Broadcast for free, including Game Replays, on Baseball+. Some back field games will be on Baseball+.

TOURNAMENT HUB (Archived scores, standings, scores): www.baseball.com.au/littleleague

10 June 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

2025 Australian Little League Day 3 | Recaps, Highlights, Scores

Day three is finished at the Australian Little League Championships. There is one day to play and only one team has clinched a spot in finals.

Welcome to the Daily Recap, live from Blacktown. Here, we will update:

– Scores of the Day;
– Standings;
– Post select photos from Hugh Whittle;
– Post highlights from Baseball+;

If you’re looking for something, just keep scrolling. We’ve updated tiebreakers below too – runs allowed are very important!

Follow along the TV Broadcast for free, including Game Replays, on Baseball+. Some back field games will be on Baseball+.

TOURNAMENT HUB (Archived scores, standings, scores): www.baseball.com.au/littleleague

09 June 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

2025 Australian Little League Day 2 | Recaps, Highlights, Scores

What an insane day of Little League.

Big plays from the Diamond 1 broadcast, an epic walk-off, and a crazy eight run comeback were the highlights. You can catch it all below.

Welcome to the Daily Recap, live from Blacktown. Here, we you will find:

– Scores of the Day;
– Standings;
– Post select photos from Hugh Whittle;
– Post highlights from Baseball+;

If you’re looking for something, just keep scrolling.

Follow along the TV Broadcast for free, including Game Replays, on Baseball+. Some back field games will be on Baseball+.

TOURNAMENT HUB (Archived scores, standings, scores): www.baseball.com.au/littleleague

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