Competing at Everything: Inside Team Australia’s Relentless Fuchu Camp

24 February 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia World Baseball Classic

Competing at Everything: Inside Team Australia’s Relentless Fuchu Camp

by Eric Balnar, feature story thanks to Aces Sporting Club. Photos by Scott Powick.

Spend five minutes around Team Australia’s clubhouse in Fuchu and one thing becomes obvious.

These guys compete at everything.

It’s not just when the uniform goes on. It’s not just when an opponent is standing across the diamond.

It’s at everything. Everything.

I noticed it almost immediately after arriving in camp. Sure, these are elite athletes preparing to face the best players in the world at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) – the kind of tournament where you might look up and see someone like Shohei Ohtani on the other side. Competing on the field is the job.

But what stood out here was what happens in the hours nobody sees.

In training breaks, they’re playing a modified cricket game on the grass. In the locker room, it’s trivia battles. At the hotel, cards in the lobby. In the rooms, Mario Kart. Before practice? In testing metrics.

At one point, team physio Greg Castle even organised a full ping-pong tournament at a local venue. Logan Wade walked away as champion — a result that, judging by the reactions, remains a sensitive topic for a few teammates.

There’s even an infamous fantasy football league inside the squad. If you want to keep the peace, don’t ask Robbie Glendinning where he finished.

This is a group that simply doesn’t switch competition off.

The Race to Be the Most Competitive

Out of curiosity, I asked players and staff a simple question:

Who’s the most competitive person on this team? Three names kept coming back.

Tim Kennelly.
Robbie Glendinning.
Aaron Whitefield.

When I put the question to Glendinning, he didn’t hesitate.

“People aren’t saying Whitey and TK are they? Because I’m the most competitive.”

Even the debate about competitiveness turns into a competition.

Later, sitting with both Glendinning and Whitefield together, neither wanted to fully concede.

“Probably us two… maybe we’re tied,” Whitefield laughed. “But we definitely have a competitive rivalry going and it’s one of my daily highlights.”

Their rivalry doesn’t stop at the field — or even the same continent.

Glendinning explained that while playing in Kansas City and with Whitefield in Melbourne, the two still call each other constantly.

“It’s like, how fast did you sprint today? I can go faster. How did you golf today? I shot lower. It’s honestly a way to help hold each other accountable,” said Glendinning.

The Loud Competitors… and the Quiet Ones

Manager Dave Nilsson isn’t surprised by any of it.

“Well, they’re athletes, right? They grow up in this environment and they wouldn’t be here if they weren’t competitive,” he said.

But Nilsson points out something important — not all competitiveness looks the same.

“Sometimes the most competitive people aren’t necessarily the most outwardly competitive or vocal. It’s the quiet competitors who battle. Look at Connor MacDonald for instance. He won’t be loud about it but he’s ultra competitive and with himself,” he adds.

That internal competition shows up daily in the strength and conditioning testing run by Jacob Nilsson.

Players track vertical jumps. Power numbers. Speed results. Leaderboards form naturally.

“You see in their groups they are all competitive with each other,” Jacob said. “Everyone wants to climb a leaderboard in testing. Some are quiet, some are loud, but they’re all into it and they want to be the best they can be.”

And more than anything, he says the biggest battles happen away from the spotlight.

“I don’t think you make this team if you don’t have a deep desire to be better every day… the best battles happen against yourself,” he said.

Brothers Compete

For Whitefield, that mindset has existed since childhood.

“I grew up that way. I just wanted to be the best at every sport we did,” he said.

But within Team Australia, the competitiveness carries something deeper than ego.

“We’re like brothers. And brothers get competitive,” said Whitefield. “It’s not a bad thing — we just want to compete and be better.”

Glendinning agrees the competitive energy actually strengthens the group.

“Because we are all close mates, when we get in this environment, we all want to one-up each other,” he said.
“I think the competitive nature helps bring people together too — it helps us unite off the field by playing games, but then it helps us win games because we always have that fight.”

Even the Veterans Are Still Competing

When catcher Robbie Perkins was asked who the most competitive teammate is, his answer came instantly.

“Tim Kennelly. For sure. TK wants to be the best at everything.”

Kennelly himself didn’t exactly argue.

“Oh, it’s me,” he said confidently when the question came up mid-conversation.

But his reasoning spoke to something bigger than personality.

“We’re a family and we will compete in anything. It brings us closer as a group but also shows how we play the game in all aspects. We’re always trying to find an edge.”

Why It Matters

Watching this camp unfold, the pattern becomes clear.

The games in the hotel lobby.

The testing leaderboards.

The sprint comparisons across continents.

The ping-pong grudges.

None of it is meaningless. It’s culture.

Because for this Team Australia group, competitiveness isn’t something they turn on for nine innings.

It’s something they live every day.

And in a tournament where the margin between winning and losing can be a single pitch, a single swing, or a single defensive play…

That mindset will be a pretty handy weapon.

Growing Up Green and Gold: Chris Burke’s journey through national teams to the World Baseball Classic

After nearly a decade in Australia’s national program, Chris Burke earns his first senior team call up at the World Baseball Classic.

Story by Eric Balnar, part of the Aces Sporting Club stories from Training Camp. Photos: Scott Powick
—

When Chris Burke saw the message from Dave Nilsson pop up on his phone, he didn’t open it straight away. He was driving to the Victorian Institute of Sport. The music was on. The day felt normal.

Until it wasn’t.

He turned the volume down, finished the drive, and sat with what the note from Australia’s national team coach could say.

Then he opened the message.

He had made the World Baseball Classic team.

“A lot of emotion and a lot of pride right away,” Burke said. “I still get goosebumps thinking about it.”

For some players around the globe, a World Baseball Classic debut marks the start of their international journey.

For Burke, it is the continuation of one that began nearly a decade ago.

Growing up inside the program

Long before the senior call-up, Burke had already worn the Australian uniform at nearly every level available — from the U15 World Cup through the U18 and U23 tournaments to the Asia Professional Baseball Championship (APBC).

The first time he put on the national team uniform was in 2016 at the U15 World Cup.

“It feels like I’ve been part of this program for a long time,” Burke said. “I’ve played under a bunch of the same coaches on this staff, and with players I’ve grown up with.”

That continuity is one of the defining strengths of Australian national baseball, according to Baseball Australia CEO and Olympic silver medallist Glenn Williams.

“I think the Junior National Teams are important for several reasons,” Williams said.

“To represent your country at any level is special, but it represents the system and community we have in Australia. There are so many people who help these kids get on junior teams — from clubs, state associations, coaches and personal coaches. But mainly it means a lot to families. They support them emotionally and financially.”

Above: Chris Burke at the U18 World Cup in 2019

Williams added that junior international results don’t just shape players – they shape the national program itself.

“How we perform at a junior level trickles to the senior team, we earn world ranking points for how we do at these events,” says Williams.

Burke himself was part of that pipeline.

“Chris played on a team in Korea that finished fourth in an U18 World Cup and gave our senior team a chance to play in the Premier12,” Williams said. “So he — and everyone who has played for us — is already part of the team and has been.”

From junior teammates to senior squad

Because of that shared pathway, stepping into the senior clubhouse feels less like joining a new team and more like reconnecting with old ones.

“It’s cool seeing some of these guys. You can go a year without seeing them, but when you do it’s like you saw them yesterday,” Burke said. “It feels like a reunion. The culture we have here is like family.”

Among those familiar faces is pitcher Kieren Hall, who has represented Australia alongside Burke across multiple junior tournaments and international events.

One of those includes closing out an Under 18 World Cup win over Japan. Hall was the closing pitcher, Burke was the catcher.

“That was a special moment to share with Chris Burke,” Hall said. “It’s crazy we’ve got to share that together and now [we’re here in Japan] together.”

Williams says those lifelong baseball connections often become some of the most meaningful parts of representing Australia.

“One of the coolest memories of my career was beating Japan twice in the 2004 Olympics alongside one of my best mates,” he said.

“You play together as juniors, go different professional ways, then come back together and represent your country. I’m sure Chris and players like Kieren Hall have those same war stories.”

Built for tournament baseball

Burke’s long history in Australian teams hasn’t just been about appearances. It has included defining moments on the international stage.

In 2019, he caught Australia through to the Super Round of the U18 World Cup.

In 2022, he was named to the Team of the Tournament at the U23 World Cup.

At the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championship in Japan, Burke delivered a key double that helped spark a grandstand of local fans cheering Australia into a frenzy.

And in 2024, he produced another standout U23 campaign, including a five-RBI performance in one game.

Burke believes tournament baseball brings out the clearest version of himself as a player.

“I’m the person I want to be when I am playing for Australia,” he said. “My head is extremely clear. There’s one goal and that’s to win. I don’t care about stats. I care about our teammates and I care about winning.”

“If I go 0-for-4 but make a play in the field… tournament baseball is about being present, being focused and finding a way to win with your teammates.”

Adversity and persistence

Signed as a teenager, he spent time in professional baseball before being released at just 21 years old — a moment that could have ended the path entirely.

“There were hard moments. This game is up and down,” Burke said. “It’s a tough thing when someone tells you you can’t play this game and get paid for it anymore.”

MORE FEATURES: Josh Hendrickson and his 600 day recovery in baseball

The experience ultimately reshaped how he viewed both his career and his role within a team.

“When I was 21 I thought I knew everything. I knew nothing,” he said.

“One thing I learned is to be adaptable, not be frustrated, embrace your role, and understand the goal is to win games.”

Instead of stepping away, Burke stayed connected to the national program that had shaped his career.

“The door is never closed,” he said. “If you keep working, keep staying in the program… there’s always people there who want to help you in the right way.”

What the jersey means

Despite the World Baseball Classic representing the highest level of international competition, Burke says the meaning of the Australian jersey itself hasn’t changed.

“Every time you put this jersey on, no matter what level, it’s special,” he said. “It makes you feel grateful for everyone that got you here — my parents, junior coaches, little league, my family, teammates, state teams. I get to represent all of them.”

Williams has seen that journey from the very beginning.

“It’s what makes this role so special, watching the growth of humans,” he said.

“I remember Chris when he was seven years old at a tournament in Geelong. He was getting rocks out of the creek, polishing them, and trying to pass them off as precious stones. He tried to sell them to me and my wife,” laughs Williams. “But, I tell that story because you know these kids from a long time and you see them grow up both as players, as people and how baseball has helped shape them. You see their families and how much it means to them.”

“I can only imagine how special it will be for Chris’ parents to see him run out there in Japan at the WBC. It would mean as much to them as him.”

Ready for whatever comes

Now part of Australia’s World Baseball Classic squad, Burke understands tournament baseball demands flexibility.

“My role is to be ready,” he said.

“I don’t know if that’s to start, pinch run, pinch hit, defend — whatever it is, I’m going to be ready. We need 30 guys doing their job well if we want to win.”

It’s a mindset shaped by years in Australian teams — and by watching the players he once grew up following.

“It was always one I had my eye on,” Burke said of the World Baseball Classic.

“As a kid you grow up watching these Australian legends… it’s always been on my radar. One tournament at a time — and now it’s led to this.”

After nearly a decade in the green and gold, the World Baseball Classic isn’t the start of Burke’s international story.

It’s simply the next chapter.

18 February 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia World Baseball Classic

The shoe finally fits: Inside Josh Hendrickson’s Three Year Battle to Team Australia

Written by Eric Balnar. Photos by Scott Powick (Team Australia Media). Pre-tournament report thanks to Aces Sporting Clubs
—

Before Josh Hendrickson ever threw a pitch for Team Australia, he had already bought the shoes.

Clean green cleats with an Australian logo. A custom glove stitched for the World Baseball Classic. Everything ready for baseball’s biggest international stage.

The call never came.

It’s not because he wasn’t good enough, not because selectors changed their mind, but because of injury lists, insurance rules, and a stretch of timing that would soon turn into the toughest chapter of his career.

Three years later, the glove still fits. The shoes are finally being worn.

And now Hendrickson is in Tokyo preparing to make his senior Team Australia debut.

“I bought it all for the World Baseball Classic,” Hendrickson said. “I just had to wait a few years to use it.”

17 February 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia World Baseball Classic

From Dirt to Turf: Inside the near 1 Billion Japanese Yen Upgrade Preparing Australia for the World Baseball Classic

Written by Eric Balnar. Photos by Brad Rathbone and Scott Powick (Team Australia Media). Pre-tournament report thanks to Aces Sporting Clubs

When Team Australia arrives in Fuchu this week for its pre-World Baseball Classic training camp, the players will step onto a brand-new synthetic baseball surface.

A fully turfed field now replaces the traditional dirt infield and grass outfield that stood here for decades.

The surface is modern. The facilities refreshed. The training areas upgraded.

It looks new. It feels new. But the stadium itself tells a much older story.

Within walls shaped by generations of local baseball and community pride, Fuchu Citizens Stadium has undergone upgrades worth over approximately approximately ¥1 billion (JPY) the last three years designed not to replace its history, but to strengthen it.

A significant investment – equivalent to about $9,000,000 Australian dollars – has transformed playing conditions while preserving one of the city’s most cherished sporting homes and important cultural centres.

A BIG, COMMUNITY MINDED, AND IMPORTANT INVESTMENT

Over the past three years, Fuchu City has invested heavily in the venue as part of a major redevelopment.

City officials say the goal was to create a stadium where people of all ages, from children to adults, can both watch and play baseball while strengthening community pride and local connection to the facility.

The project included the installation of a synthetic turf field, development of indoor training facilities, and renovation of the second-floor restrooms.

The field was closed from August 2025 until late January 2026, reopening roughly two weeks before Team Australia’s training camp scheduled for February 17 to 28.

The push for redevelopment had been building for several years.

Weather, combined with extremely high field usage, became a major concern, officials explained.

Local baseball organisations, including the Fuchu City Baseball Federation, had long requested a training environment less affected by weather conditions.

“In recent years, Fuchu Citizens Stadium has experienced extremely high usage, exceeding a 99 percent utilisation rate in 2023,” one stadium official said. “Maintaining a natural grass field required a seasonal closure from January to March each year for turf recovery. In addition, rainfall often led to poor field conditions, resulting in suspensions of use and long recovery times before play could resume.”

Above: Rain affected play during the 2024 Premier12 Training Camp. Photo: Scott Powick.

Requests for a synthetic surface were formally submitted in July 2023 by user groups including the Fuchu City Baseball Federation.

“To ensure more stable and continuous use of the stadium for a greater number of citizens, the decision was made to install a synthetic playing surface as part of this redevelopment,” the official added.

The indoor training facility was another major component designed to address both weather limitations and heavy demand.

“These requests intensified following the hosting of an Eastern League official game in 2024 and previous training camps by the Australian national team,” one official explained. “In response, space beneath the stadium stands, previously used for storage and work areas, was repurposed into a new indoor training facility. This allows for flexible training even during inclement weather, improves convenience for users, and makes more effective use of existing stadium space.”

Above: various sections of the stadium now features batting cages and training facilities that remain unimpacted by weather. Photo: Scott Powick.

Funding for the project was approved by city council as part of Fuchu’s broader vision as a sporting hub.

The city of roughly 260,000 residents proudly brands itself a “Sports Town,” home to elite rugby clubs, a major racecourse, a strong baseball culture, and Olympic and Paralympic training activity.

As Mayor Takano wrote in the city’s official training camp guide:

“Athletes of sports teams based in our city and from our city are succeeding, not only within Japan but also in international events such as the Olympics, Paralympics and the Rugby World Cup. Many adults and children of the city also participate in a wide range of sports.”

At the centre of that sporting life sits Fuchu Citizens Stadium — a stadium owned not by a professional club, but by the community itself, and a home for Fuchu baseball since the 1950s.

“The main purpose of this stadium is to be a place where children can look up to baseball and dream about playing it,” said another stadium official.

There’s a reason it’s called a “Citizen’s Stadium” – it is literally owned by the people.

PERFECT FOR PREPARATION

For Team Australia staff, the new playing surface is more than just an aesthetic upgrade.

It is also a crucial part of tournament preparation, with World Baseball Classic games in Tokyo played on artificial turf.

“The city has done an amazing job,” Australian coach Shayne Watson said. “The new surface will best prepare the guys and replicate what they will be playing on in the Tokyo Dome.”

Above: Turf between the infield and the outfield is similar to turfed stadiums like the Tokyo Dome.

“The surface is clean, new, immaculate and fresh. I am expecting the guys to take advantage of the upgrades to best prepare themselves for the WBC.”

Australia has trained in Fuchu ahead of major tournaments since 2018, and this February marks the fifth official Team Australia camp in the city.

Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams says the relationship has become one of the program’s most important international partnerships.

“This will be our fifth official Team Australia camp in Fuchu City. Mayor Takano and the City of Fuchu could not be more supportive of our team, and our players always feel genuinely welcome when they arrive,” Williams said.

“The support from the local community is incredible, and we’re really looking forward to being in our home away from home.”

CULTURAL CONNECTION

Each visit has strengthened the connection between the team and the city.

Streets are often lined with Australian colours and flags during the camp period, while locals attend open training sessions and exhibition events at the roughly 5,000-seat venue.

According to Shogo Mukoyama, chairman of the All Fuchu Baseball Club, the impact on the community — particularly young players — has been significant.

“By watching the game at Fuchu Field, fans become more familiar and more supportive of Team Australia,” Mukoyama said in an interview at the Premier12.

Photo: Brad Rathbone. One of the main streets of Fuchu.

“The most famous team for Fuchu kids is now Australia. We feel closest to them.”

For stadium management, the redevelopment was never just about international teams. It was about strengthening baseball’s place in the community.

“Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan,” explained a representative of Fuchu Citizens Stadium. “We have many lovers of the sport in Japan and of course in Fuchu. We need a place for our kids to develop their skills at.”

“But this field is for baseball around the world, other organisations and the community. It is a meeting place, it is a place for people to become more skilled, for them to be inspired.”

The ground hosts city teams, federation events, community competitions, the Tokyo Giants Women’s program and international camps, with the gates frequently open for fans to enjoy local baseball.

“By reforming the stadium, we were also aiming to have Fuchu citizens feel more attached to our land,” explained another official. “I hope that by doing so we can contribute to people feeling more proud about Fuchu. When Australian baseball is here, people feel more proud to be here too.”

Just minutes from the ballpark stands Okunitama-jinja Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest, with a history stretching back nearly 1,900 years.

The entrance to the city is lined with historic zelkova trees, said to have originated over 1,000 years ago. Around two hundred of those trees remain today, forming a scenic gateway into Fuchu and standing as one of the city’s most beloved natural symbols.

That connection between heritage, place and community is part of what defines the city today.

Photo: The entrance to a park home to Okunitama-jinja Shrine

Soon, Team Australia will step onto a fresh synthetic field in Fuchu, sharpening their preparation for the world stage in Tokyo.

But long before the first pitch of the World Baseball Classic is thrown, the message here is already clear.

This is more than a training venue, more than a stadium upgrade and more than a stop on the tournament schedule.

It is a place where a city has opened its gates, its community, and its pride to Australian baseball.

And in Fuchu, that welcome matters just as much as the field itself.

Above: Fuchu Citizens Stadium. Photo: Brad Rathbone.

16 February 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

College Baseball

A full list of over 100 Australians in the college baseball system in 2026

More Australians are playing baseball in college than ever before.

With college seasons getting underway this month, we thought it would be helpful to list out where every Aussie is playing.

Disclaimer: assembling a list like this is challenging. If we missed you, we mean no offence by it at all. Simply email Andrew Riddell (Andrew.riddell@baseball.com.au) and he’ll add you to the list and forward on to our media department.

NCAA DIVISION 1

– Billy Baker (QLD, INF) – Georgia Tech (Sophomore)
– Josh Beezley (NSW, RHP) – Arkansas Little Rock (Senior)
– Blake Cavill (NSW, 1B) – Troy (Senior)
– Chase Diggins (WA, INF) – Nebraska-Omaha (Senior)
– Travis Finney (VIC, INF) – South Dakota St (Junior)
– Henry Hayman (VIC, INF) – Akron (Senior)
– Sam Jackson (NSW, LHP) – New Mexico (Junior)
– Johnny Lemm (QLD, C/1B/RF) – Alabama (Senior)
– Daniel Mills (NSW, RHP) – Columbia (Sophomore)
– Ryan Morrison (VIC, RHP) – Wichita State (Senior)
– Adam Mustow (NSW, C) – Arkansas State (Junior)
– Conor Myles (VIC, LHP) – Texas San Antonio (Senior)
– Jimmy Nati (NSW, UTL) – Stanford (Senior)
– Josh Nati (NSW, UTL) – Oregon State (Freshman)
– Will Page-Allen (ACT, RHP) – Fresno State (Junior)
– Zak Skinner (VIC, C) – Central Florida (Senior)
– Max Stagg (SA, OF) – UC Santa Barbara (Sophomore)
– Jack Waters (QLD, RHP) – Cumberlands (Senior)
– Harry Wilton (NSW, OF) – St. Peters (Freshman)
– Mason Wray (VIC, C) – Northwestern State (Senior)
– James Voorhies (USA, RHP / C) – Cal State Northridge (Freshman)

NCAA DIVISION II

– Jaecob Arnott (QLD, LHP) – UTPB (Junior)
– Tom Chessell (QLD, 1B) – East Central (Sophomore)
– William Edwards (NSW, OF) – University of Sioux Falls (Senior)
– Joel Hogan (QLD, RHP) – East Central (Senior)
– Quinn Johnson (NSW, C) – Oklahoma Baptist (Sophomore)
– Hunter Mitchell (SA, RHP/INF) – Lincoln (Freshman)
– Ed Noy (NSW, RHP) – Lincoln (Freshman)
– Ryan Othen (VIC, RHP) – Newman (Junior)
– Charlie Pierson (VIC, RHP) – Eastern New Mexico (Sophomore)
– Taran Rose (VIC, C) – Quincy (Sophomore)
– Brady Smith (SA, C) – Gannon (Freshman)

NCAA DIVISION III

– Alex Duske (VIC, RHP) – Alfred (Sophomore)
– Adam Jirik (VIC, UTL) – Lebanon Valley (Junior)
– Joshua Light (NSW, RHP/OF) – Crown (Freshman)
– Evan Maury (VIC, 1B) – Lewis and Clark (Junior)
– Sam O’Connor (QLD, LHP) – Thomas College (Freshman)
– Nathan Paes (NSW, OF) – Thomas (Freshman)
– Stephen Pearson, Junior at University of Mount St Vincent
– Patrick Temby (WA, C) – Thomas (Senior)

NAIA

– Josh Ashen (VIC, RHP) – Ottawa (Junior)
– Darcy Barry (SA, INF) – Arkansas-Monticello (Senior)
– Marcus Graham (VIC, C) – Missouri Baptist (Senior)
– Adam Harris (VIC, OF) – Reinhardt (Sophomore)
– Rhys Fairweather (VIC, RHP) – Morningside (Senior)
– Owen Glover (NSW, INF) – Midland (Junior)
– Parker Lovering (QLD, RHP) – Montreat (Freshman)
– Flynn McGahan (WA, RHP) – Concordia University (Sophomore)
– James Napier (NSW, OF) – Wayland Baptist (Junior)
– Bronson Neave (VIC, INF) – LSU-Shreveport (Junior)
– Tyson Noel (WA, LHP) – Science & Arts of Oklahoma (Senior)
– Jaycob Pascuzzi (VIC, C) – Mount Marty (Junior)
– Joel Prpic (VIC, OF) – Mayville State (Junior)
– Mcleod Sell (VIC, INF) – Georgetown (Junior)
– Abe Squire (SA, P) – St. Xavier (Junior)
– Stuart Tharle (ACT, RHP) – Cumberlands (Senior)
– Travis Webster (NSW, RHP) – Midland (Freshman)

JUCO (Junior College)

– Lachlan Amon (VIC, LHP) – Williston State (Freshman)
– Zach Altamura (SA, INF) – New Mexico JC (Freshman)
– Alasdair Ballantyne (NSW, RHP) – McCook (Freshman)
– Blake Barlow (QLD, RHP) – Clarendon (Sophomore)
– Nic Bertucci (VIC, RHP/OF) – Central Arizona (Sophomore)
– Felix Brunner (VIC, LHP) – Arizona Western (Sophomore)
– Jake Calver (QLD, OF) – Central Maine (Sophomore)
– Chaise Chabi (NSW, RHP) – McCook (Sophomore)
– Koby Chesterton (NSW, RHP) – Angelina (Sophomore)
– Conor Clark (NSW, RHP) – National Park (Freshman)
– Will Couzner (SA, RHP) – Iowa Lakes (Freshman)
– Josh Davies (WA, C) – Feather River (Sophomore)
– Mitch Denny (VIC, INF) – Frank Phillips (Freshman)
– Hayden Dingli (QLD, RHP) – Dodge City (Freshman)
– Luke Donaghey (NSW, OF) – Galveston (Freshman)
– Callum Donnelly (NSW, OF) – Indian Hills (Sophomore)
– James Fergusson (NSW, RHP) – Vernon (Freshman)
– Logan Fielder (NSW, OF) – NOC Enid (Sophomore)
– Cal Fingleson (NSW, INF) – Tyler (Freshman)
– Olivier Flokstra (NSW, 1B/OF) – Redlands (Freshman)
– Jackson Frame (NSW, RHP/1B) – Lorain County (Sophomore)
– Caleb Garven (NSW, RHP) – Taft (Sophomore)
– Dawson George (WA, RHP/INF) – Taft (Sophomore)
– Toby Gleeson-Payne (NSW, RHP) – National Park (Sophomore)
– Zac Gorman (VIC, UTL) – Central Maine (Sophomore)
– Riley Hall (WA, RHP) – New Mexico JC (Freshman)
– Oscar Hyde (QLD, LHP) – Tacoma (Sophomore)
– Ty Iddon (QLD, OF) – Tacoma (Sophomore)
– Alex James (VIC, RHP) – San Joaquin Delta (Sophomore)
– Milar Kuhl (VIC, INF) – Ventura (Freshman)
– Ben Karakasis (NSW, RHP) – Galveston (Freshman)
– Cam Landy (WA, INF) – National Park (Sophomore)
– Ryan Langworthy (VIC, RHP) – York County (Freshman)
– Zac Leggett (QLD, RHP) – Clarendon (Freshman)
– Gabe Leitch (QLD, INF) – York County (Freshman)
– Evan Maury (VIC, 1B) – Lewis and Clark College (Freshman)
– Flynn McKee (SA, INF) – Galveston (Freshman)
– Phoenix McFarland (NSW, INF) – National Park (Freshman)
– Max Miotto (NSW, INF/RHP) – Missouri State – West Plains (Freshman)
– Zac Morris (NSW, INF) – National Park (Freshman)
– Jesse Neretlis (WA, C) – Pima (Sophomore)
– Luc Oishi (NSW, INF) – Central Maine (Freshman)
– Zane Overlack (QLD, RHP – Clarendon (Freshman)
– Nic Paparella (SA, INF/OF) – Galveston (Sophomore)
– Bailey Parcel (NSW, INF) – Central Maine (Freshman)
– Nick Parton (VIC, UTL) – NIACC (Sophomore)
– Hayden Purchase (NSW, C) – Antelope Valley (Sophomore)
– Jack Ratcliffe (VIC, INF) – Iowa Central (Freshman)
– Kai Reid (SA, OF) – North Central Texas (Sophomore)
– Raul Romero (QLD, RHP) – McCook (Sophomore)
– Jake Scott (QLD, OF) – Redlands (Freshman)
– Oscar Shellshear (QLD, RHP) – National Park (Freshman)
– Lachlan Smith (VIC, INF) – Frank Phillips (Sophomore)
– Tyler Spiteri (NSW, OF) – Frank Phillips (Sophomore)
– Zach Smith (QLD, INF) – Golden West (Freshman)
– James Squire (VIC, RHP) – Douglas (Sophomore)
– Max Strickland (QLD, RHP) – Yavapai (Freshman)
– Nick Suykens (NSW, RHP) – Cisco (Freshman)
– Mikah Targett (NSW, RHP) – McCook (Freshman)
– Caleb Tunkin (NSW, C) – Edmonds (Freshman)
– Kyan Wallington (NSW, INF) – Galveston (Sophomore)
– Cooper Wilson (NSW, OF) – Miles CC Montana Freshman
– Lachlan West (NSW, C) – Wenatchee Valley (Freshman)
– Tim Yeomans (ACT, C) – New Mexico JC (Freshman)

12 February 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Aussies Sign Pro

Liam Hendriks returns to where it all Began with Minnesota Twins deal

Australian star Liam Hendriks is headed back to familiar territory, agreeing to a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins in a full-circle moment for one of the country’s most accomplished Major League pitchers.

The veteran reliever will receive an invitation to Major League Spring Training as he looks to continue a remarkable career that began with the Twins more than a decade ago.

Hendriks originally debuted with Minnesota in 2011 and pitched for the club through the 2013 season before establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier late-inning arms across multiple organisations.

Across 14 Major League seasons, the right-hander has suited up for the Twins, Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox, compiling 116 saves with a career ERA under 4.00.

A three-time All-Star and American League Comeback Player of the Year, Hendriks has built a reputation for resilience throughout his career, including returning to the mound after treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023.

Now, the Australian fan favourite returns to the organisation that first gave him his Major League opportunity, adding experienced bullpen depth as Minnesota prepares for the upcoming season.

The agreement has been reported but has not yet been officially confirmed by the club.

12 February 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia

Team Australia to play exhibition game vs DeNA Baystars at famous Yokohama Stadium

Team Australia will round out their Fuchu pre-World Baseball Classic Training Camp with an exhibition game in front of tens of thousands of fans vs the Yokohama DeNA Baystars.

On February 28 at 1:00PM, the roster present at the Fuchu Training Camp will battle one of the best in Japan. The Baystars won the 2024 Japan Series and are a roster laden with talent.

Australia will play at the famous Yokohama Stadium – a ballpark which fits 34,000 baseball fans. It’s also the venue that hosted the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“The BayStars have been great supporters of Australian baseball and we’re excited to play one the of NPBs teams,” says Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams. “To do that in the stadium that hosted the Olympic baseball is extra special and the perfect way to wrap up our preparation leading into offical WBC camp.”

Team Australia is calling on the ‘Kangaroo Club’ – a Japanese support squad – to cheer us on in person at the game.

TOURNAMENT HUB: All you need to know about Team Australia at the WBC

The Baystars have strong links to Australia. They have sent players to the Australian Baseball League since 2016, including superstars like Shota Imanaga. This year, Baystars players Hayate Nakagawa and Kyosuke Mashiko played for the Brisbane Bandits.

Broadcast details will be made available soon.

Immediately following the game, Australia will fly to Miyazaki where MLB-affiliated players will join the squad in the official World Baseball Classic portion of the event.

Australia will play two further exhibition games vs NPB Clubs. On March 2, they will play the Fukouka Softbank Hawks. On March 3, they will play the famous Tokyo Giants.

Australia begins their tournament vs Chinese Taipei on March 5.

06 February 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia

Roster, Schedule and Hub | Team Australia at the 2026 World Baseball Classic

FOR FULL COVERAGE, LINKS TO FEATURES, INTERVIEWS, STORIES AND SCHEDULE PLEASE VISIT THE 2026 WBC HUB AT www.baseball.com.au/wbc

—

This roster announcement is presented by Four’N Twenty

Team Australia has unveiled its 30-man roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, assembling a balanced squad blending experience with emerging talent as the green and gold prepare to compete on baseball’s biggest international stage.

The World Baseball Classic is the premier global tournament for the sport, bringing together the world’s top baseball nations in a high-stakes competition. Australia will open tournament play in Tokyo as part of Pool C, where they will face Chinese Taipei (March 5), Czechia (March 6), Japan (March 8) and Korea (March 9).

The top two teams advance to the quarterfinals in Miami.

The tournament begins March 4, with Team Australia aiming to build on a historic 2023 campaign that saw the nation reach the quarterfinals for the first time.

Here are some notes on the roster:

Roster Notes: Continuity and Youth

Seventeen players return from the 2023 World Baseball Classic squad, including nine position players and eight pitchers, providing valuable tournament experience.

Media Guide: Read more about each player

The roster also signals a strong future for Australian baseball:
– 13 players are aged 26 or under
– 12 players will make their World Baseball Classic debut
– 10 players are set for their senior Team Australia tournament debut
– Five players bring Major League Baseball experience: Curtis Mead, Alexander Wells, Warwick Saupold, Jack O’Loughlin and Aaron Whitefield
– All 30 players have strong ties to Australian Baseball League clubs;
– Seven players are currently affiliated with an MLB or KBO organisation
– Four players — Lachlan Wells, Coen Wynne, Warwick Saupold and Jarryd Dale — have KBO experience

HUB: Follow Team Australia at the World Baseball Classic

For media enquiries, contact Eric Balnar at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au

TEAM FIRST APPROACH

Team Australia manager David Nilsson has emphasised a team first approach. He believes the roster’s strength lies in collective execution rather than individual star poser.

“I think the strength of the team is it is built around the sum of parts. It’s not about individuals. It’s about having a sum of parts that can execute towards a collective goal and by playing as a team,” Nilsson said.

“For any team to have success in an international baseball tournament, you need to be fundamentally sound pitching and defensively. That will be one of our strong focus. We have great players who we know can succeed.”

Roster versatility was another priority.

“In such a short tournament you want to have some roster flexibility. You don’t know how things will play out so you try to cover as many different unseen happenings,” said Nilsson. “I think that’s really gone into the selection of the position players.”

Nilsson credited a detailed and collaborative evaluation process.

“Every month the selection committee would meet. As it got closer, the meetings became more frequent. The ABL season absolutely influenced decisions. But, we have eyes everywhere. There are people everywhere that contribute to these decisions,” said Nilsson.

High-profile Australian Liam Hendriks has not been named to the 30-man roster but has been included in the designated pitcher pool as a reserve.

The veteran right-hander continues his recovery from a significant injury and is focused on preparing his body to face the best hitters in the world during the 2026 MLB season.

Nilsson said he is excited to see how roster competition develops over the next month.

“My job and my responsibility is to have the best team on the field on March 5. There’s a lot that can happen in the next four weeks,” said Nilsson.

Planning for the roster began well before this announcement.

“It started back in 2023 during the tournament and honestly before. You’re always trying to read guys. You always have your eyes on the future,” Nilsson said. “You follow every level. As you get closer, you narrow it down. It never stops. We’re already looking at 2028 Olympics. The cycle never stops.”

Nilsson will be supported by an experienced and well rounded coaching staff.

Nilsson has been at the helm of the senior men’s team since 2018 and has helped lead Team Australia to consistent results, including a Super Round appearance at the Premier12 (2019), a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal (2023) and seventh place finish at the 2024 Premier12.

Baseball Australia CEO commended Nilsson and his staff for the selection process.

“The opportunity to represent Team Australia at the World Baseball Classic always brings out the best in our playing group,” said Williams. “Final selection decisions are never easy, and the selection panel has done an outstanding job through a lengthy and detailed process. They’ve tackled what is a very difficult task head-on, gathering, considering and weighing information from all sources to select the strongest possible team for the WBC. These are really exciting times ahead.”

WHAT’S NEXT: TRAINING CAMP IN FUCHU

23 players on Team Australia will depart to Fuchu City for a two week training camp.

Seven others – Lachlan Wells, Jarryd Dale, Curtis Mead, Travis Bazzana, Max Durrington, Mitch Neunborn and Blake Townsend – will attend their respective professional club’s Spring Training.

Nilsson says the training camp will sharpen their preparation. It’s an important step in ensuring the group is ready for the intensity of international competition.

“Fuchu is about preparation. We need to be as prepared as we can for elite level baseball,” Nilsson said. “The camp is about hard work, and everyone really understanding where they fall in the team, connecting and narrowing down on their roles. There is a large emphasis on process to get better and on game speed.”

SCHEDULE: WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC

All times AEDT (Sydney)

– March 5, 2:00PM: Australia vs Chinese Taipei
– March 6, 2:00PM: Australia vs Czechia
– March 8, 9:00PM: Australia vs Japan
– March 9, 9:00PM: Australia vs Korea

All games broadcast in Australia on ESPN / Disney+.

05 February 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

A list of Australian coaches and performance staff across Major and Minor League Baseball

Spring Training begins shortly in the United States for Major League clubs.

Australia’s impact on professional baseball continues to grow, with a strong group of coaches, performance staff, and analysts currently working throughout Major League Baseball organisation.

From the Major League dugout to the engine rooms of player development, Australians are helping shape the future of the game at every level.

Before we begin, a note. I apologise if I missed anyone. I am trying my best to find as much information as possible. If I have overlooked you, I am so sorry. Please email me so the record can be corrected.

It is also important to recognise that many scouts are employed by MLB organisations to work in Australia. This article is specifically focused on coaches, performance, and analytics staff.

Below is a snapshot of Australians currently contributing across professional baseball:

Major League Baseball

– Will Bradley – Assistant Hitting Coach, Tampa Bay Rays

– Allan De San Miguel – Bullpen Coach, Kansas City Royals

Minor League Coaching Staff

– Chris Adamson – Bench Coach, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A, Philadelphia Phillies)

– Rich Thompson – Manager, Arkansas Travellers (Double-A, Seattle Mariners)

– Michael Collins – Manager, Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Double-A, New York Mets)

– Andrew Graham – Rehab Coach, Philadelphia Phillies (Minor Leagues)

– Josh Spence – Pitching Coach, Biloxi Shuckers (Double-A, Milwaukee Brewers)

– Tyler Anderson – Pitching Coach, Lakeland Tigers (Class-A, Detroit Tigers)

– Luisa Gauci – Hitting Coach, Milwaukee Brewers

-Sam Eades – Specialist: Pitching and Performance, Kansas City Royals

– Lisa Norrie – Travelling Minor League Coach, Athletics

Performance, Science, and Support Staff

– Jason Morriss – Minor League Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, Milwaukee Brewers

– MacKenzie Bourke – Clubhouse Manager and Minor League Travel Coordinator, Jersey Shore BlueClaws (High-A, Philadelphia Phillies)

– Campbell Quirk – Performance Analyst, St. Louis Cardinals

– Bill Johnson – Senior Biomechanist, Washington Nationals

– Jonathan Freeston – Director of Science, Cleveland Guardians

– Georgia Giblin – Vice President, Health & Performance, Detroit Tigers

– Tim Buszard – Performance Science, New York Yankees

01 February 2026 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Team Australia

Team Australia to return to Fuchu for pre-World Baseball Classic training camp

Team Australia will return to their Japanese home in Fuchu City for a pre-tournament training camp ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

From February 16-28, Australia will base themselves at the Tokyo suburb, running daily training sessions, and playing a series of exhibition games at the historic Fuchu City Baseball Field.

Fuchu has become Australia’s “home away from home.” National teams have trained at Fuchu before major international events since 2018.

The full schedule is at the bottom of this article.

This year, Fuchu has upgraded their training facilities including a brand new infield in preparation for Australia’s arrival.

Fuchu City invested $2 million dollars over the past 18 months in upgrading their stadium and facility with Team Australia and the broader local baseball community in mind.

TOURNAMENT HUB: Follow Team Australia at the World Baseball Classic

“This will be our fifth official Team Australia camp in Fuchu City and we keep going back for a reason,” says Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams. “Mayor Takano and the City of Fuchu could not be more supportive of our team, and our players always feel genuinely welcome when they arrive. The support from the local community is incredible, and we’re really looking forward to getting back to our home away from home as we prepare for an exciting World Baseball Classic campaign.”

In addition to the training, Team Australia will immerse themselves in the local community. The team has organised school visits as well as a clinic for local junior baseballers.

Australian players have often expressed their gratitude to Fuchu, and enjoy exploring the neighbourhood and trying local foods.

“I love it here [in Fuchu],” one player said in an article last tournament. “Everybody is so excited that you are here. They absolutely love baseball. You feel like celebrities and it really feels like home. It also is nice for the returning players to show new people some of their favourite things to do and see.”

On the field, Australia will play exhibition games vs local company teams. The schedule will be confirmed soon and be made available to the public.

The Australian roster will be revealed on Friday 6 February. However, only non-affiliated players will be at the Fuchu camp. Following the pre-tournament camp, Team Australia will fly out to Miyazaki on February 28, where the World Baseball Classic events officially begin and MLB-affiliated players can join the team.

After a three-day MLB-run camp in Miyazaki, the team will fly back to Tokyo to begin Pool Play on March 5.

Baseball.com.au will provide coverage of the camp thanks to Aces Sporting Club.

FULL GAME SCHEDULE

– February 21 (Saturday) – 12:00 p.m. – vs All Ashikaga Club
– February 22 (Sunday) – 12:00 p.m. – vs All Fuchu
– February 24 (Tuesday) – 11:30 a.m. – vs Metropolitan Police Department Baseball Club
– February 25 (Wednesday) – 11:30 a.m. – vs Gold Gym Baseball Club
– February 26 (Thursday) – 11:30 a.m. – vs 3GoodGroup HOZEN

– February 21 (Saturday): 11:30AM – Sogo Ceremony
– February 22 (Sunday): 10:15AM – Baseball Experience for Community

27 January 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

College Baseball

Resilient Ryder Wilson commits to college in the United States

One of Victoria’s most resilient and accomplished young pitchers is taking the next step in his baseball journey to the United States.

Right-handed pitcher Ryder Wilson has committed to Sussex County Community College in New Jersey, where he will study Exercise Science and continue his development on the mound. Wilson is scheduled to depart for the U.S. in Fall 2026.

Wilson’s pathway has been anything but linear. It’s turned into a defining part of what makes him the player he is.

Wilson is an AYC Gold Medalist and AYC Golden Arm winner.

A product of Melbourne’s deep club baseball system, Wilson currently plays summer baseball with Melbourne Baseball Club and winter baseball with Greenhills-Montmorency Baseball Club, where he has spent the last three seasons refining his craft and establishing himself at the highest domestic level.

He began his junior career with Upwey Ferntree Gully, an environment he credits with shaping his early foundation.

“I was lucky to have Donovan Hendricks guiding my transition from juniors to seniors,” Wilson says. “He backed me early, showed confidence in my ability, and promoted me into the Premier Division 1 senior team at a young age.”

Wilson was part of back-to-back VSBL Division 1 premiership teams at just 15 and 16 years old, gaining exposure to senior baseball well ahead of schedule.

During winter seasons, he developed further at North Balwyn Baseball Club, where he says being surrounded by elite talent helped set his standards.

“Working under Neil Burke was incredibly inspiring,” Wilson says. “Being around ABL and Australian players like Chris Burke, Darryl George, Cam Gibbons, Jon Kennedy, the Dales and the Youngs gave me the chance to watch, learn, and understand what high-level baseball actually looks like.”

Breaking into North Balwyn’s first team was difficult, and as Wilson matured, he made a defining career decision.

“Three years ago, I made the tough call to move to Greenhills-Montmorency,” he says. “They have exceptional talent, strong coaching, and a real development focus. I arrived at the right time and was given meaningful opportunities.”

Those opportunities turned into results.

Wilson earned Second Grade MVP in his second season, then followed it up by winning First Grade MVP the following year. He pitched a complete game in the semi-final and a shutout in the grand final as part of a Division 1 championship side.

He then became a ‘pitcher only.’

“My Victorian pathway reflected that versatility,” he explains. “I was selected as a catcher for the U16 AYC team, then shifted to outfield and pitching in my first U18 year. When I returned for my final U18 trials, I nominated as a pitcher only.”

Wilson now works with a five pitch mix — a four-seam fastball, sinker, slider, curveball and change-up — and prides himself on attacking hitters.

“I’ve always pitched with the same mindset,” he says. “Go hard, attack hitters, and trust your field.”

His biggest strength, however, is not just physical.

“I’d say my biggest strength is grit and resilience,” Wilson says. “I was never the biggest kid on the diamond, but I refused to be outworked. Development isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon.”

Wilson has represented Victoria at three Australian Youth Championships, medalling three times – Silver, Bronze and Gold.

“He’s had a great junior career,” says Baseball Australia Player Development Manager Andrew Riddell. “He’s had one of the two better outings we’ve ever seen at a national championship, a Team Australia trip to Florida and an MLB select trip to Florida.”

He’s also represented the Australia Region at a Senior League World Series.

Winning Gold at the 2024 AYC carried special meaning.

“I’d missed out on World Cup selection earlier, and that setback motivated me,” he says. “I came into the tournament with something to prove and ended up being awarded the Golden Arm. I’ve always looked at non-selection as ‘not yet’ rather than ‘no’.”

That momentum continued internationally. Wilson was selected to represent Australia at the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Tournament in Florida, before earning a spot on the MLB World Select Team for the Arizona College Showcase tour.

Those experiences helped shape his college decision.

But, Andrew Riddell praises Wilson’s patience to his college approach.

“He decided to take a year off after high school when he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his future and it allowed him to take a step back and really focus on what is going to help him in college,” says Riddell. “He had a great year in club ball in Melbourne, added velocity and most importantly worked on his secondary pitches so that when he gets to college he will be able to compete at a high level with multiple different pitches in the strike zone.”

Wilson has a strong Australian connection waiting for him at Sussex County. Billy Parsons, a former Canberra Cavalry and Melbourne Aces pitcher who has represented Australia and now competes professionally with the Sussex County Miners, is currently on the college’s pitching staff.

“I was lucky to have Billy as a mentor during my first year on the Melbourne Aces Development Roster,” Wilson says. “His guidance and his connection to Sussex first led me to explore what the college offered both academically and athletically.”

Wilson says he received scholarship interest from several programs before choosing Sussex County.

“In the end, it was about finding the environment that best aligned with my goals on the field and in the classroom.”

At college, his focus is clear.

“I’m looking to develop physically through strength and conditioning and refine my pitching mechanics to see what my ceiling really is,” he says. “College will be crucial over the next two years — not just for development, but for positioning myself for the best opportunities when it’s time to move on to a four-year school.”

Riddell thinks his stuff will compete at college.

“He has always been a tough competitor that wants the ball in the biggest of games and situations and his versatility to be able to start games or come out of the bullpen is really going to help him at Sussex,” says Riddell. “I am looking forward to continue watching him develop and help his team win games just like he has done everywhere he has pitched in Australia.”

Wilson credits his father as the person who first set him on this path.

“My dad introduced me to baseball,” he says. “He never played, but a throwing clinic presentation by Jon Deeble made a huge impression on him. He suggested I try baseball in winter, and I loved it straight away.”

In a full-circle moment, the first professional development roster Wilson ever joined was with the Melbourne Aces — signed by Jon Deeble himself.

“That’s where my baseball journey really began,” Wilson says.

Now, with a clear identity on the mound, a proven competitive résumé, and a college commitment secured, Wilson is ready for the next challenge.

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