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27 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia Women's Baseball

Resilient Emeralds walk-off Canada in wildest game of Women's World Cup, advances to Finals

Insanity.

The Emeralds overcame sweltering heat, multiple player injuries, two five-run deficits and a 3 hour, 30 minute marathon to walk off Canada 14-13 in one of the games of the Women’s Baseball World Cup.

Molly Paddison came through with a two-out RBI single to tie it at 13, before Elodie O’Sullivan drove in the winning run.

Australia had plenty of reasons to fold.

First, they had already secured their place in the World Cup Final and it was 40 degrees outside.

Then, star players Lili Cavanagh, Abbey Kelly, Caitlin Eynon and Chloe Atkinson all departed the game due to either injury or heat exhaustion.

But that’s not the Australian way.

The win, like the others this week, took a little bit of magic from everyone involved.

Australia trailed 3-0 in the first, 8-3 in the fourth, 12-7 in the fifth and were down to their final strike in the last.

It didn’t matter. Australia just found a way.

“That is one of the gutsiest wins I have ever been apart of. We just had this next woman up mentality. I could not be prouder of this group and prouder to be an Australian today,” said manager Jason Pospishil after the game.

Leah Cornish was outstanding again. She collected three hits to take her tournament-leading total to 12, made two terrific plays in foul territory to save runs, and then threw a scoreless sixth inning to keep Canada’s powerful offence at bay.

“Simply, she’s one of the best two way players in the world,” said Pospishil.

Molly Paddison was immense. She crushed a game-tying two-run homer in the first inning, then tied the game again with two outs in the seventh.

Caitlin Eynon launched a two-out grand slam in the fourth to cut Canada’s lead to 8-7.

Jamie Bastian executed a perfect suicide squeeze to tie the game in the sixth.

Pitchers Claire O’Sullivan, Jess Johnson, Brittney Baker, Mackenzie Jackson, Leah Cornish and Maddi Erwin all battled through defensive miscues but came up with key outs when Australia needed them most.
Paddison and Eynon both homered.

Australia finishes the group stage 4-1 and advances to the Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals in Rockford in 2027, where they will be one of six nations competing for gold.

HERE’S HOW IT UNFOLDED

Canada matched the weather with a scorching start. Three consecutive two-out hits produced three runs in the opening inning.

Australia answered immediately.

Leah Cornish delivered a two-out RBI single to put the Emeralds on the board before 18-year-old Molly Paddison launched the first Women’s World Cup home run of her career to tie the game at three.

Canada responded again.

Four straight baserunners helped chase starter Claire O’Sullivan from the game after the Canadians cashed in twice.
Jess Johnson, fresh off 2.2 scoreless innings against the United States, entered with two on and one out.
She escaped the second inning, but Canada struck again in the third.

RBI singles from Frederique Noel and Emily Baxter, along with a wild pitch, extended the lead to 8-3.

Reliever Brittney Baker then steadied things with 1.1 scoreless innings, giving Australia a chance to respond.
Captain Caitlin Eynon did exactly that, crushing a grand slam to make it 8-7.


The momentum didn’t last long.

Australia was hurt by a pair of errors in the fifth, opening the door for Canada to score four runs and restore a five-run advantage. 12-7

The Emeralds answered again.

They loaded the bases, manufactured one run, before Cornish ripped a two-run double for her third hit of the afternoon.
12-11.

Cornish was then called upon in relief and delivered a scoreless sixth inning.

Australia kept coming.

Jamie Bastian laid down a perfect suicide squeeze to score Elodie O’Sullivan and tie the game at 12.

Caitlin Eynon was scheduled to pitch the seventh, but tweaked a muscle during warm-ups.

In came Maddi Erwin.

She limited Canada to one run and navigated a bases-loaded jam to keep Australia within striking distance.
Then came the finish.

With two outs, two strikes and a runner on third, Molly Paddison delivered yet again, lining a clutch RBI single to tie the game at 13.

Moments later, Elodie O’Sullivan drove home the winning run.

Insane.

BOX SCORE: Australia vs Canada 

26 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

Curtis Mead traded to the Boston Red Sox amidst career year

Australian infielder Curtis Mead is on the move again, with the 25-year-old South Australian traded from the Washington Nationals to the Boston Red Sox in one of the first significant deals ahead of the 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline.

Mead joins his third team of the 2026 season, after beginning the year with the Chicago White Sox.

The Red Sox acquired Mead in exchange for left-handed pitcher Connelly Early, adding one of the breakout hitters of the 2026 MLB season as they strengthen their roster for a postseason push.

Boston has surged back into American League playoff contention and Mead figures to be a key part of their plans.

After beginning the year with the Chicago White Sox, Mead was designated for assignment before Opening Day and subsequently traded to Washington. Four months later, he finds himself headed to one of baseball’s most iconic franchises after establishing himself as one of the Nationals’ most productive offensive players.

Splitting time between first base and third base, Mead has produced a breakout campaign at the plate, slashing .256/.351/.505 with 17 home runs. After hitting just eight home runs across his first three Major League seasons combined, the Australian has unlocked a new level of power while posting an OPS+ of 136, making him 36 per cent better than the league-average hitter this season.

He sits just four homers behind Dave Nilsson’s single season MLB record for an Australia (21).

A product of Adelaide, Mead signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as a teenager before spending time in the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals organisations. Boston now becomes the fourth Major League organisation of his professional career and presents another opportunity for the Team Australia infielder to make an impact on the game’s biggest stage.

Mead is one of 27 Australians currently signed to Major or Minor League affiliated contracts and joins a Red Sox club with genuine aspirations of competing deep into October.

26 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia Women's Baseball

Australia clinches Women's Baseball World Cup Finals Berth with convincing win over Korea

Mission accomplished.

Australia arrived in Rockford for the Group Stage of the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup with one objective: finish in the top three of Pool A and secure a place in next year’s Finals.

The Emeralds achieved exactly that on Saturday, defeating Korea 13-3 to improve to 3-1 in the tournament and officially book their place in the final stage of the tournament.

It wasn’t flawless, but it was relentless.

Australia applied pressure from the opening pitch, with every player reaching base at least once as the Emeralds generated 28 baserunners across six offensive innings.

The Australians bookended their attack with a six-run first inning and a five-run sixth, finishing with 13 hits to Korea’s four.

BOX SCORE: AUS vs KOR

Abbey Kelly starred offensively with a three-hit performance, while Lili Cavanagh reached base four times, going 2-for-4 with a walk and two stolen bases. Caitlin Eynon, Leah Cornish and Gen Beacom also collected multiple hits.

On the mound, Allie Bebbere, Brittney Baker and Cornish combined to limit Korea to four hits.

The victory improves Australia to 3-1, joining the United States and Canada on three wins and making it mathematically impossible to finish outside the top three.

Australia wasted little time taking control.

The Emeralds ripped four doubles during a six-run first inning, chasing Korean starter Sohee Kwak after just two outs. Cavanagh, Cornish, Beacom and Kelly all drove doubles as Australia raced to a 6-0 lead.

 

Bebbere, coming off 4.2 scoreless innings of relief in Australia’s dramatic extra-innings win over Mexico, looked in control early.

Korea responded in the third when Jua Park launched a three-run home run to trim the deficit to 6-3.

Australia answered back immediately.

TOURNAMENT HUB: www.baseball.com.au/emeralds

Eynon singled home a run before Cornish drew a bases-loaded walk to restore the lead to five at 8-3. The Emeralds threatened to break the game open even earlier but stranded the bases loaded in the second, third and fourth innings.

Bebbere finished with 4.2 innings, allowing four hits, three runs and two walks while striking out two. Baker recorded the final out of the fifth before Cornish tossed a perfect sixth inning.

Australia finally put the contest away with a five-run sixth inning.

Kelly collected her third hit of the game with an RBI single before Eynon doubled her home. Cornish followed with an RBI ground ball to make it 11-3, Claire O’Sullivan added a sacrifice fly, and Beacom drew a bases-loaded walk to end the game via the run rule.

Australia will wrap up Pool A play against undefeated Canada on Sunday at 6:00am AEST.

CURRENT STANDINGS

Top three teams qualify for the World Cup Finals, a group of six, held in 2027 in Rockford.

1 Canada 3-0*
2 USA 3-0*
3 Australia 3-1*
4 Korea 1-3
5 Mexico 1-3
6 Hong Kong 0-4

25 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia Women's Baseball

Recap: Australia hangs tough, but falls to USA at Women's World Cup

Australia suffered its first defeat of the 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup on Friday night, falling 10-5 to tournament powerhouse the United States in a spirited performance.

The challenge was always going to be immense. The Americans entered the contest unbeaten at 2-0, having outscored their first two opponents 46-5. They handed the ball to tournament ace and one of the biggest names in women’s baseball, Kelsie Whitmore.

Australia refused to back down.

TOURNAMENT HUB: Follow the tournament live 

The Emeralds matched the United States early, with Leah Cornish doubling home the tying run before the Americans eventually pulled away behind a three-run homer from Denae Benites and a four-run fourth inning built on timely hitting and aggressive baserunning.

There were plenty of positives despite the result.

Australia actually outhit the United States 12-10 and became the first team at the tournament to keep the Americans within a single digit winning margin. The closest margin of victory before tonight was 19.

BOX SCORE: Live stats from USA vs AUS

After winning their opening two games by a combined 41 runs, the USA were pushed far harder by the Emeralds.

Cornish continued her outstanding tournament, finishing 3-for-4, while Lili Cavanagh also collected three hits.

Claire O’Sullivan impressed both at the plate and in the field with several outstanding defensive plays at second base, while Molly Paddison delivered a two-RBI double late in the game.

One of the most heartwarming moments came when 37-year-old Jess Johnson made her Emeralds debut. The rookie reliever tossed 2.2 scoreless innings under pressure to keep Australia fighting until the final out.

Australia now faces Korea (1-2) on Sunday morning in a winner-takes-all clash. Victory would send the Emeralds through to the 2027 Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals.

How the game unfolded

Australia did an admirable job early of limiting hard contact thanks to some nice work from starting pitcher Bronwyn Gell.

But the Americans showed why they are favourites by manufacturing runs and capitalising on every opportunity.

Naomi Ryan singled home the opening run in the first inning to give the USA a 1-0 lead.

Facing Whitmore, Australia remained patient at the plate and worked deep counts. The approach paid off in the second inning when Leah Cornish doubled before Claire O’Sullivan singled up the middle to tie the game at one.

The USA regained the lead in the third. Fresh off a two-home run performance, Ashton Lansdell found a hole through the Australian shift to make it 2-1 before later stealing home during a rundown to extend the lead to 3-1.

Australia’s most experienced Emerald, Bronwyn Gell, did well to induce soft contact throughout her outing and received excellent defensive support. Lili Cavanagh made a superb running catch in centre field, while Claire O’Sullivan produced a diving stop at second base.

The Emeralds answered immediately to get themselves in the right.

Jamie Bastian, Lili Cavanagh and Ticara Geldenhuis opened the inning with three consecutive hits, with Geldenhuis driving in a run on an infield single to cut the deficit to 3-2. One out later, Cornish lined an RBI double to level the scores at 3-3.

The deadlock didn’t last long.

Benites, one of the game’s biggest stars, launched a three-run home run to centre field in the bottom of the inning to restore the American advantage at 6-3.

Gell finished with 3.0 innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on six hits with one walk and one strikeout before Abbey Kelly took over in relief.

The USA capitalised in the fourth, scoring four runs through a combination of timely hitting and aggressive small ball.

Ryan drove in her second run of the night, while Benites and Lansdell also collected RBIs as the lead stretched to 10-3.

With the bases loaded and one out, 37-year-old debutant Jess Johnson entered the game in danger of the contest ending via the mercy rule.

Instead, she delivered one of Australia’s brightest moments of the tournament.

Johnson induced a ground ball before striking out the final batter of the inning to strand the bases loaded, then returned with another scoreless frame in the fifth. Her 2.2 shutout innings marked just the second and third scoreless innings thrown against the United States during the tournament.

Whitmore finished after four innings, allowing six hits and three runs while striking out five.

Australia continued to battle.

The Emeralds loaded the bases in the fifth but couldn’t break through before Molly Paddison delivered a two-out, two-RBI double later in the game to bring Australia’s final tally to five runs.

Despite the loss, Australia showed it can compete with the world’s best and will now turn its full attention to Sunday’s must-win showdown against Korea, with a place at the 2027 Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals on the line.

CURRENT STANDINGS

Top three teams qualify for the World Cup Finals, a group of six, held in 2027 in Rockford.

1 Canada 3-0
2 USA 3-0
3 Australia 2-1
4 Korea 1-2
5 Mexico 0-3
6 Hong Kong 0-3

24 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia

Emeralds shine with 21-0 win over Hong Kong, China to improve to 2-0 at World Cup

The Emeralds continued their 2026 WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 21-0 victory over Hong Kong in five innings.

Australia piled on 18 hits, including seven extra-base hits, while four pitchers combined on a two-hit shutout to give the Emeralds the perfect start to Pool A.

BOX SCORE: All the stats

The game also provided a chance for six of Australia’s seven World Cup debutants to make their mark. Molly Paddison, Riordan Bradley, Chloe Atkinson, Jamieson Bastian, Mackenzie Jackson and Brittney Baker all made big impacts in the green and gold.

Paddison finished 2-for-2 with a triple, three RBI and a run scored.

Bradley also collected her first international hit and drove in two runs, while Bastian singled and scored twice.

Atkinson reached base twice via walks and drove in a run.

Both Jackson and Baker each threw a scoreless inning in relief. Jackson earned the victory after retiring the side in the fourth, while Baker struck out two during a clean third inning.

HUB: Follow Australia, Schedule, Streaming, Scores

“Today was almost the perfect game for us,” said Australia’s manager Jason Pospishil. “We took care of business in a very professional manner. The biggest positive was we were able to give some players their Emeralds’ debut and I’m sure it’s a day they’ll never forget.”

Australia wasted little time taking control. They scored three in the first, before blowing the game open with seven runs in the second. Six in the third, and four in the fourth, and Australia led 20-0 after four.

There were all kinds of gaudy stat lines.

Elodie O’Sullivan backed up her huge outing vs Mexico with a game-high four RBI after going 3-for-4 with a double.

Captain Caitlin Eynon went 3-for-4 with a double, three RBI and three runs scored. Leah Cornish also collected three hits, including a double and triple, while Abbey Kelly scored three runs and drove in two.

Gen Beacom added two RBI as 14 different players in Australia’s lineup reached base.

On the mound, Meaghan Haggart started with two perfect innings before Baker, Jackson and Maddison Erwin completed the shutout. The quartet combined to allow just two hits, one walk and struck out four.

Australia continues Pool Play Saturday morning vs the USA, looking to build on a commanding opening performance.

“The energy around the team has been great. We have some foundational pillars that we attempt to respect and so far they have been exemplary in that regard,” said Pospishil. “We have our arms lined up the two feel best match-up with the USA so we’re in a good spot for tomorrow.”

The game starts at 10:00AM AEST.

Stats, via WBSC website 

Batting

2B :(1) CAVANAGH, Lili Pearl;(1) EYNON, Caitlin Jane;(1) CORNISH, Leah Lorraine Ai Han;(1) BASTIAN, Jamieson L S;(1) O’SULLIVAN, Elodie Nona

3B :(1) PADDISON, Molly Cate;(1) CORNISH, Leah Lorraine Ai Han

RBI :(2) CAVANAGH, Lili Pearl;(2) BRADLEY, Riordan Isabella;(3) PADDISON, Molly Cate;(3) EYNON, Caitlin Jane;(1) CORNISH, Leah Lorraine Ai Han;(1) ATKINSON, Chloe Grace;(4) O’SULLIVAN, Elodie Nona;(2) BEACOM, Genevieve;(2) KELLY, Abbey Michelle

BB :(1) CAVANAGH, Lili Pearl;(1) GELDENHUIS, Ticara;(2) ATKINSON, Chloe Grace;(2) O ` SULLIVAN, Claire Lesley;(2) HEATH, Maddison Joy;(1) KELLY, Abbey Michelle

SF :(1) ATKINSON, Chloe Grace;(1) O’SULLIVAN, Elodie Nona

TB :(2) CAVANAGH, Lili Pearl;(1) BRADLEY, Riordan Isabella;(4) PADDISON, Molly Cate;(4) EYNON, Caitlin Jane;(6) CORNISH, Leah Lorraine Ai Han;(2) BASTIAN, Jamieson L S;(4) O’SULLIVAN, Elodie Nona;(2) BEACOM, Genevieve;(2) KELLY, Abbey Michelle
Fielding

DP :(1) CORNISH, Leah Lorraine Ai Han;(1) BEBBERE, Allison

23 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Community

Hall of Fame Chats: Samantha Hamilton

Early this year, Baseball Australia revealed six new additions to the Australian Baseball Hall of Fame.

It’s a rightfully a hard group to crack. You have to be among the best to ever to it in this country.

I’ve decided to try to talk to all of our newest inductees to learn a little bit more about their journey in baseball, some of their great moments and ultimately how their hall of frame brains work.

I’ve started with Samantha Hamilton. She’s one of the most decorated players in women’s baseball history.

Her resume and some notes on her career can be found below. What’s amazing about Samantha is she did not start playing baseball until she was in her 20s.

It adds remarkable context to an extraordinary career in a phenomenal era of women’s baseball.

Samantha is among just six players globally to have competed in all of the first five IBAF Women’s World Cups between 2004 and 2012. She competed in three World Series before then, playing in Major League stadiums.

Across a 13-year national team career, she delivered consistently elite performances and played a key role in Australia’s early international success, including bronze (2001), gold (2002) and silver (2003) at the Women’s World Series, along with a silver medal at the 2010 World Cup and the 2006 stolen bases title.

She played a crucial role both defensively and offensively during Australia’s historic silver medal campaign at the 2010 World Cup in Venezuela. That tournament, by the way, was crazy. You HAVE to hear her accounts of it…

You can listen on Spotify…or Apple…or wherever you get your pods. Search baseball.com.au.

Across a 16-year career with Victoria at the Australian Women’s Championships, Hamilton was an integral part of the squad that secured ten national titles. She delivered a walk-off double in the 2011 National Championship Gold Medal game and was awarded the National Championship Hitting Award and All-Star Team honours in 2012.

She also went overseas.

In 2005, Hamilton was among the first Australians to play semi-professionally, completing a season in Japan with Taiken Wellness of Tokyo College.

At club level, she was a founding member of Doncaster Baseball Club and became the first woman to reach 350 games.

It’s an incredible career.

Listen to the conversation below.

23 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia Women's Baseball

Emeralds explode for 10 extra-inning runs to open World Cup with a win

Australia erupted for 10 runs in extra innings to defeat Mexico 12-2 in its opening game of the 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup.

Just getting to extra innings was a challenge. It was a tense pitcher and defensive duel, filled with plenty of “what if” moments for both teams.

That all changed when the Emeralds finally broke the game open with a relentless offensive outburst that saw eight different Australians drive in runs during the decisive frame. Ticara Geldenhuis delivered the biggest blow, clearing the bases with a three-run double that stretched Australia’s lead to 9-2 and put the game beyond doubt.

“This is a huge win in the scheme of the tournament,” says manager Jason Pospishil. “I thought our pitchers were outstanding to keep that quality of Mexican offense off the board. Two runs across eight innings is awesome.”

Hub: Australia Tournament Hub

Elodie O’Sullivan was the standout offensive performer, finishing 2-for-4 with four RBI in an incredible return to the national team after an eight-year absence.

Her two-run single in the third gave Australia its first lead before she delivered the go-ahead RBI single in extra innings. She later drew a bases-loaded walk to cap a four-RBI afternoon.

Allie Bebbere was equally influential, throwing 4.1 innings of shutout relief. She allowed just two hits, walked none and struck out five, while producing a game-saving pickoff in the seventh inning to send the contest to extras.

Getting there was anything but straightforward.

Box Score: Stats from AUS v MEX

Mexico’s defence repeatedly frustrated the Emeralds, turning four double plays to erase scoring opportunities. The biggest came in the top of the seventh when Australia appeared poised to take the lead. With the bases loaded and one out, reliever Camila Cruz induced Leah Cornish into a remarkable 5-1-3 double play to keep the game tied.

Mexico then looked set to walk it off in the bottom of the seventh after Marcela Diaz and Gabriela Sandoval opened the inning with back-to-back doubles.

However, Bebbere caught Diaz too far off second base and picked her off to erase the winning run. She then induced a groundout before finishing the inning with a strikeout to send the game to extras.

“We had some chances to win it earlier but didn’t execute,” says Pospishil. “However, we stayed on task when the game was on the line. I’m so proud of how we competed as a group.”

Mexico had opened the scoring in the second inning after a runner reached second before a fly ball was dropped in right field by Ticara Geldenhuis, allowing the game’s first run to score. The run was unearned off starting pitcher Claire O’Sullivan.

The Emeralds prevented the deficit from growing an inning later thanks to Elodie O’Sullivan, who laid out for a spectacular diving catch in left field to rob Mexico of another run.

Australia had placed its leadoff hitter aboard in each of the opening four innings before finally capitalising in the third. With runners on second and third, O’Sullivan lined a two-run single into left field to put Australia ahead 2-1. The Emeralds continued to threaten by loading the bases, but Mexico escaped further damage.

Mexico answered immediately in the fourth with a two-out rally. Marcela Diaz delivered an RBI single to level the scores, ending Claire’s outing after 3.2 innings. She allowed five hits and two runs, only one of them earned, while striking out six without issuing a walk.

O’Sullivan also had a crucial run-saving pick-off at second bae.

Bebbere entered in relief and immediately escaped further trouble before settling into a dominant outing that kept Australia within striking distance. It included the big time pick off play.

“I knew bunt was an option, but we put on a play. I saw Caitlin break, I turned around and made a good throw,” said Bebbere. “It was called safe, but I knew it was close. While Pops challenged, I asked Caitlin if she got her and she said, ‘It would have been close.’ Obviously, I was pumped to have the call go our way. I let myself have a little celebration, but it was quickly back to telling myself, ‘The job’s not done. Let’s go after this next hitter.’”

Then came the eighth.

With two runners aboard under the international tiebreak rule, Chloe Atkinson laid down a perfect bunt to load the bases before O’Sullivan punched a single back through the middle to restore Australia’s lead.

The floodgates then opened.

Jamie Bastian forced home a run with a bases-loaded walk before Abbey Kelly and Georgia Cavanagh each delivered RBI bloop singles to make it 6-2.

Geldenhuis delivered the knockout blow with a three-run double to extend the margin to 9-2. Leah Cornish added another RBI before O’Sullivan drew a bases-loaded walk for her fourth RBI of the day. Bastian followed with an RBI single, while Gen Beacom capped the remarkable inning with Australia’s 13th run.

“I just needed to find a way to shut them out so our girls could go out and get some runs,” she said. “When I went back out in the eighth, I knew I didn’t have to be as fine and could attack the hitters.”

Mexico starter Rosa Del Castillo threw 6.1 innings, allowing four hits and two runs in the loss.

Australia starts the tournament 1-0 and will face Hong Kong (0-1) on Friday.

22 July 2026 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Community

Baseball Australia confirms 2025-26 national participation increase

Baseball Australia has recorded significant participation growth across the country, with numbers up 6.8% to just over 34,600 registered players.

Over 41,000 participants, including volunteers, are now registered within the sport marking an increase of 23% from the last financial year (2024-25).

The numbers come off the back of Baseball Australia’s newly launched National Participation Plan, “Play Ball, Play Well,” which was unveiled in June in alignment with the Australian Sports Commission’s national Play Well Strategy.

The growth has been driven by a collaborative effort across clubs, associations and state members, creating more opportunities for Australians of all ages to access and enjoy baseball.

Other areas featuring strong increases include junior participation, Little League T-Ball, volunteer engagement and school programs.

There are now nearly 13,000 players are aged 13 and under, with a sharp increase in Little League T-Ball participation.

A membership increase was recorded in six state associations, with Western Australia polling the biggest increase.

“It was great to see so many new people connect with our great sport this season. A credit to the baseball community right across the country for creating welcoming, enjoyable experiences that encourage people to give baseball a go, while ensuring those who already love the game continue to come back year after year,” says Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams.

“The growth we’ve seen is the result of a tremendous collective effort by volunteers, clubs, associations and members across Australia.”

Read the Participation Plan: ‘Play Well, Play Ball’

KEY NUMBERS – A SNAPSHOT

Club Finder: Find your baseball home today

Here are some numbers from the 2025-26 financial year period that stand out:

– Playing participation increased by 6.8 percent year-on-year, rising from to just over 34,500 in 2025-26;

– Junior baseball continues to drive much of that growth, with participation among players aged under 18 increasing by 7.2 percent;

– Nearly 13,000 players are now aged 15 or younger, highlighting the strength of baseball’s grassroots pathway and the growing number of children entering the sport through local clubs, T-Ball and community programs;

– Retention Rate at 69%, a benchmark marked higher than industry standard

– Growth was also recorded at the senior level, with participation among players aged 18 and over increasing by 6.4 percent.

– The rise in participation extends beyond those taking the field. Registered volunteer numbers increased dramatically from approximately 1,500 to more than 7,000, underlining the important role volunteers continue to play in supporting clubs, competitions and events across Australia;

– Participation increased in six states and territories, with New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory all recording year-on-year growth;

– New South Wales remains the largest baseball community in the country with more than 16,000 participants, while Western Australia recorded the biggest increase and now boasts a membership base exceeding 5,000;

– Women’s participation also remains an important area of focus, with females representing 17.5 percent of Australia’s playing population. It reflects great work undertaken by an Australian Women’s Working Group, identifying key areas to address in our game. Last year, this number sat at 15%;

– School participation is approaching 45,000 students nationwide, representing an increase of nearly 25 percent since 2024 and providing a strong foundation for future participation growth.

The figures reflect continued momentum for the sport at all levels, from introductory school programs and junior competitions through to senior community baseball. It is not possible without the tremendous work done at the grassroots level by the clubs.

Baseball Australia was also a recipient of a Play Well Grant to support participation efforts.

With over 34,500 players, more than 7,000 volunteers and tens of thousands of students being introduced to baseball each year, the sport continues to build a strong platform for future growth across Australia.

21 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

College Baseball

South Australia's Haru Riley set for College Baseball opportunity at Sussex County

Adelaide pitcher Haru Riley will continue his baseball journey in the United States after committing to Sussex County Community College.

The right-hander out of Kensington Baseball Club will study Business Administration while developing his baseball skills on the mound.

He leaves July 30 and will be joined by Victoria’s Ryder Wilson, who committed to Sussex County early this year.

While Riley was developed in Australia, he has Japanese heritage. It was by watching on of Japan’s most famous baseball events that made him fall in love with the game.

“I fell in love with baseball when I watched the Japanese Koshien High School Baseball Tournament,” Riley says.

The right-hander has developed into a crafty pitcher, relying on a varied repertoire rather than pure velocity.

His arsenal features a fastball, two-seam fastball, slider and a forkball with an intention of inducing soft contact.

“My strengths are using off-speed pitches such as my slider and forkball to get weak ground balls and pop-ups,” Riley said. “My forkball knuckles a bit and it can surprise the batter.”

Riley hopes his time in the American college system will help him add another dimension to his game.

“I want to improve my velocity on the mound while learning to take care of my body and become a more effective pitcher,” he said. “I’m also hoping to improve my physicality through gaining weight and strength.”

Before earning his college opportunity, Riley built valuable experience through Baseball Australia’s pathway, representing South Australia at both the Under-16 and Under-18 Australian Youth Championships while also competing in Division 1 senior club baseball in South Australia.

MORE COLLEGE STORIES: Click here

“Playing in the Australian Youth Championships at the Under-16 and Under-18 levels, along with Division 1 senior club baseball, has given me experience playing against the best players and dealing with pressure situations,” Riley said.

He credits both his parents for his improved skill and success over the last few years.

“My parents were influential in encouraging me to work hard and improve my skills.”

Riley joins a growing list of Australian players choosing the US college pathway. Follow Australians abroad at www.aussiebaseballtracker.com.

20 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Community

Five young Australians to attend World Children's Baseball Fair in Japan

Five young Australian baseball players will represent the country at this year’s World Children’s Baseball Fair in Japan, where baseball becomes the vehicle for friendship, cultural exchange and lifelong memories.

Hosted by the World Children’s Baseball Foundation (WCBF), the annual event brings together kids from around the globe for 10 days of baseball clinics, cultural activities and international friendships.

Founded by baseball legends Sadaharu Oh and Hank Aaron, the program was created to use baseball to connect young people from different countries while promoting goodwill and understanding.

Australia has once again been invited to participate in the prestigious event, with five players from Melbourne’s Moorabbin Baseball Club earning the opportunity to travel to Japan later this month.

Moorabbin was selected due to the club’s sustained and genuine commitment to creating inclusive, positive sporting experiences for all. Moorabbin Baseball Club’s work supporting young people, particularly through involvement with Team Sports 4 All, reflects what the sport in Australia stands for.

Representing Australia will be:
– Isabelle Gammal
– Cooper Gammal
– Max Ciccarella
– Mark Bramwell
– Issac Kim

The group will be accompanied by Stephanie Campbell, a tireless Moorabbin Baseball Club volunteer whose dedication behind the scenes has helped make the trip possible despite several late changes to the travelling party.

The World Children’s Baseball Fair will be held from 30 July to 8 August, with the Australian group departing on 29 July.

While baseball is at the heart of the program, the experience is designed to be about much more than wins and losses.

Children from countries across the world live, learn and play together, building friendships that often last well beyond the final day of the event.

The lasting impact of the program has already been seen through previous Australian participants. Logan McCargill attended the World Children’s Baseball Fair in 2024, and just two years later returned to Japan during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Through the relationships built by the World Children’s Baseball Foundation, McCargill was invited to meet Japanese baseball icon Sadaharu Oh alongside Team Australia stars Robbie Perkins and Robbie Glendinning.

Perkins and Glendinning themselves attended the World Children’s Baseball Fair as children.

Best of luck and enjoy the experience!

20 July 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad Aussies Sign Pro

Stanford graduate and Sydney product Jimmy Nati signs with Kansas City Royals

Jimmy Nati has become the latest Australian to begin his professional baseball career, signing with the Kansas City Royals as a free agent following four standout seasons at Stanford University.

The New South Wales infielder is now the 27th Australian currently under contract with a Major League Baseball organisation and continues a growing trend of Australians using the NCAA pathway to reach professional baseball.

Since 2024, the likes of Travis Bazzana (Cleveland Guardians), Brent Iredale (Pittsburgh Pirates), Kailen Hamson (Baltimore Orioles), John Lemm (St. Louis Cardinals) and now Nati have all either been drafted or signed affiliated contracts after completing their college careers.

For Nati, the journey began in the Ryde junior baseball system.

He developed as a junior with the Greenway Giants before representing Ryde at Australian National Little League Championships and his state at Australian Youth Championships.

As one of Australia’s most highly regarded young prospects, he attracted significant professional interest while still a teenager. Rather than beginning his professional career immediately, Nati chose a different path.

He committed to Stanford University, one of the world’s leading academic institutions and one of college baseball’s premier programs, backing himself to develop both on and off the field.

The decision – evidently – paid dividends. Not only does he have a college degree in science, technology and society, but he’s just become professional player.

AUSSIE PLAYER TRACKER: Follow Australians in the pro system around the world 

Nati earned ACC All-Academic Team honours twice during his collegiate career, establishing himself as one of Australia’s top student-athletes while becoming a mainstay in the Cardinal lineup.

His baseball numbers stack up, too.

Across four seasons, he appeared in 174 games, making 159 starts while batting .278 with an .850 OPS. He collected 173 hits, including 40 doubles, scored 108 runs and drove in 87.

After breaking into the lineup as a freshman, Nati enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign in 2024, hitting .308 with a .905 OPS across 54 starts. He followed that with another outstanding season in 2025, batting .300 with a career-best .948 OPS before finishing his senior year with 45 starts for the Cardinal.

Although his name wasn’t called during the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, it didn’t take long for the Royals to come calling. Jimmy made it official on the weekend.

Nati will report to the Royals organisation in the coming days before receiving his first assignment within Kansas City’s minor league system.

He officially signed his contract on Sunday.

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