12 March 2025
- Aussies Abroad College Baseball
New South Wales utility Cal Fingleson Commits to Tyler Junior College
New South Wales utility man Cal Fingleson has committed to Tyler Junior College, a school in Texas.
He’ll head over to the USA in June to player ‘Summer Ball’ before starting classes in August.
“It just felt right,” says Fingleson. “When I visited schools [in the USA]…Tyler seemed like the best place for me to grow into the player and person I want to become and help me move on to the next level.”
“From the coaches to the players to the facilities there was a sense of professionalism mixed with a fun environment that made it feel like the perfect place to call home.”
Fingleson started his baseball journey at the Ku-Ring-Gai Steelers before moving to Pittwater, North Sydney Bears and finally the Cronulla Giants.
His father, Gavin, won an Olympic Silver Medal while playing for Team Australia at the 2004 Olympics.
“My dad and grandpa have influenced my career massively,” says Cal. “Hearing stories of my dad’s career and his achievements, and still being able to watch him play, has motivated and inspired me to pursue a career in this sport. I’m lucky to have someone like him in my life. My grandfather has influenced me in so many ways as well from being my number one supporter through success and failures and driving to the end of the earth to watch me play, never missing a game or practice.”
Fingleson played for New South Wales at the 2022 Australian Youth Championships. Unfortunately, in his final year of eligibility, he missed the 2024 U18 Australian Youth Championships due to injury.
He had a chance to play in front of scouts and college coaches at the 2024 Perfect Game Tournament, representing Team Australia in Florida.
“Missing out on those AYCs was very difficult for me but those failures and injuries allowed me to sharpen my mentality and work even harder for the Perfect Game tournament,” says Fingleson. “This prepared me both physically and mentally and allowed me to prove that I can compete at the same level as the top teams in the states.”
Fingleson is a player who leaves it all out on the field.
“I’m a player that’ll work until my legs fall off. I believe I am able to grind out long and tough at bats whilst being a tough out at the plate,” he says. “In the field I am able to field any ball hit to or near me with extensive range and I play with an unmatched intensity and grit.”
He plays strong defense, can hit for average and plays for speed.
He says he’s hoping to increase his arm strength and power hitting while away at college.
“I see myself developing both in the weight room and on the field every single day,” says Fingleston. “My goal is to become a better play when I walk off the field or weight room than the player who walked in and with that mentality there is no ceiling for anyone. 1% better everyday.”
Congratulations, Cal!
Do you have a college story we should know about? Email me at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au.
