Intermediate League: Meet the baseballers from Sydney's Hills off to their second World Series event

22 July 2024 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Intermediate League: Meet the baseballers from Sydney's Hills off to their second World Series event

story by Eric Balnar / Dan Cohen Photography

The Hills are alive with the sound of baseball.

The New South Wales group of baseballers aged 14 & under are off this week to represent Australia the Intermediate League World Series in Livermore, California.
Hills – made up of players from baseball clubs in Sydney’s Hills – were crowned Australian Intermediate League Champions in May at a tournament vs this country’s best in Lismore.

Now, they take on the best in the world at the international tournament broadcast on ESPN.

But, as they say, “this isn’t their first rodeo.” Ten of the 12 players have represented Australia before.

This age group won the Little League championships in 2023, and represented Australia at last year’s Little League World Series in Williamsport.

This year they head to California.

It’s a double elimination tournament, meaning you have to lose two games to be knocked out of medal contention. Hills play their first game on July 30 at 8:00AM AEST (3:00PM on July 29 in California). They face the winner of Europe and Asia.

You can watch the game on the ESPN App with a Foxtel or Fetch subscription. Or, follow this handy guide.

To follow along the box scores, head to GameChanger by clicking here.

The team flies out to California on Friday 26 July in preparation for their first game.

Let’s meet the Australian representatives.

State: New South Wales
Clubs: Sydney’s Hills – Rouse Hill, Baulkham Hills, Quakers Hill, Oakville, Carlingford & Blacktown
Australian Senior League Championship Record: 5-0 (outscored opponents 52-9)

How they qualified

It became evident early on that Hills were the team to beat.

They won all three of their group stage games, including a convincing 11-0 win over the Southern Titans (WA) and a come-from-behind 7-5 victory over Gold Coast (QLD).

They beat the Melbourne Mets 15-2 in the semi-final to qualify for the Gold Medal game.

In the Championship decider, Hills toppled the Melbourne Athletics 11-0.

Jet Creamer was dominant on the mound. The lefty took a no-hitter into the fifth inning, finishing with 4.2 innings pitched, zero runs allowed, two hits and an amazing eleven strikeouts.

But it really was a total team effort. The bats were on fire too. Eight different players had hits in the Gold Medal game. Seven had runs batted in, and ten reached base. Everybody contributed in some way.

That team approach was symptomatic all week in Lismore. No team scored more and allowed less runs. The team hit a remarkable eight home runs across their five games.

Meet Hills

Hayden Salmon (Baulkam Hills) – Hayden returns to the USA after representing Australia at the Little League World Series in Williamsport in 2023. In fact, he scored Australia’s first run of the tournament in Game 1 against the Caribbean. He had four hits and 2RBI at the Australian Intermediate League Championships (AILC).

Zac Martyn (Castle Hill) – The two-way star returns for another trip to America. Zac had four hits, seven runs and a team-high seven walks at the AILC. He also pitched 4.2 innings, allowing no runs, one hit and had eight strikeouts. Zac represented Australia last year at the Little League Championships and played on a travel-ball team that went to the semi-finals of a tournament in Cooperstown.

Tamati Stealey (Carlingford) – The outfielder hit a homer for Hills at nationals. He also chipped in five hits – good for second on the team. He travelled to the Little League World Series in 2023.

Jet Creamer (Quakers Hill) – Creamer starred in the Gold Medal game, tossing 4.2 innings and eleven strikeouts. He took a perfect game into the fifth inning. Jet pitched the most innings of anyone for Hills at nationals. He didn’t allow a run in 7.2 innings while chipping in with a couple hits with the bat. Jet played on the Little League World Series team in 2023.

Benji Baitch (Rouse Hill) – Benji earned a place with Hills for the first time amongst a talented bunch. This is his first trip to a World Series event. Baitch brings power. He hit two homers at nationals.

Adrian Jankuloski (Oakville) – Another powerful bat who hit two homers at nationals. Adrian had four hits and five runs as he returns to another World Series event after playing in Williamsport last year. He also pitched 6.2 innings – the second most on the team.

Benjamin Fogarty (Castle Hill) – Benjamin overcame a broken arm in the summer season to play in nationals. He pitched 5.0 innings, allowing one hit, no earned runs and accumulated eight strikeouts. This is his first appearance at a World Series event.

Isaac Meighan (Baulkham Hills) – Isaac had four hits and four runs at nationals, providing a consistent bat in the line-up. This is his second trip to a World Series event.

Jack Drummond (Oakville) – Jack had four hits, including a homer, at nationals. He also tossed 3.1 innings of perfect baseball with eight strikeouts. Drummond played for Australia at the Little League World Series in 2023.

Jacob Sawyer (Blacktown) – Jacob went 4-for-9 with four RBI at nationals. He also worked a few walks. This is his second trip to America.

Jaden Jang (Carlingford) – Jaden was one of the most powerful bats in the tournament. He was second on the team with five hits, led the Hills with nine RBI and mashed two homers. He can also jump on the mound if required.

Jayden Crane (Baulkham Hills) – Jayden led Hills in hits with seven at nationals. Six of them were singles, making him a dangerous top of the line-up option. This is Jayden’s second trip to America.

Tom Hayhow (Quakers Hill) – The outfielder made waves at the World Series last year when he made a great catch and ended up on ESPN’s social media. Hayhow had a hit and a couple RBI at nationals this year.

21 July 2024 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

South Australian Curtis Mead recalled to MLB, collects three hits at Yankee stadium in return game

South Australian baseballer Curtis Mead made quite the return to the Major Leagues.

Mead was recalled to the Major Leagues by the Tampa Bay Rays and appeared vs the New York Yankees. He recorded three hits in five at-bats and drove in the game’s first run.

Mead started the season with the Tampa Bay Rays Major League squad. He was sent down to Triple-A Durham Bulls – the level below the Majors – on May 3 after 26 games.

In June, Mead hit .307 with six homers and 16 runs batted in (RBI) to boast his prospects of being called back up to the MLB side.

He was recalled on July 20 – barely making it to the scheduled game vs the New York Yankees in time.

When he did, he delivered while batting third in the line-up. His three hits in a game matches a career high.

Mead made his MLB debut last August for the Rays. He is one of two Australian to appear in a Major League game this season.

18 July 2024 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

ABL

Eastern Phantoms vs the World: Meet the Western Australian teenagers off to America and the Senior League World Series

story by Eric Balnar / Photos by Dylan from Field of View

The Eastern Phantoms are off to the United States this week to prepare for the 2024 Senior League World Series.

The Western Australian outfit, comprised of players in the U17 age group, won the 2024 Australian Senior League national titles in May. With the national Gold Medal, comes the right to represent their country vs the world’s best at this age group in a double-elimination tournament in Easley, South Carolina.

The Phantoms – made up of players from UWA Magpies, Morley Eagles and Perth Baseball Club – play their first game on Sunday 28 July at 4:00PM local – that’s 6:00AM AEST (4:00AM in Perth) on Monday 29 July in Australia.

You can watch the game on the ESPN App with a Foxtel subscription. Or, follow this handy guide.

The box scores and live scoring can be found via GameChanger.

Their first game is against the winner of the Latin-American region and Asia-Pacific region. Their second game all depends on the result of this one.

Recaps will be posted here.

It’s a double elimination tournament, meaning you have to lose two games to be knocked out of medal contention. It will be played out in front of huge TV audiences. You’ll be able to watch the games on ESPN+.

Many of these players represented their country – and the Eastern Phantoms – at the 2022 Junior League (U15) World Series. They’re ready for a second taste of international baseball.

Despite starting on July 28, the Phantoms chose to arrive in the USA nine days early. They head straight to Atlanta to play a series of games vs a local travel ball team in preparation for the event. The Phantoms will play the Atlanta Angles at the East Cobb Perfect Game Complex.

“Our last game was Friday 17 May in less than balmy conditions at the wonderful Geelong Baseball Complex,” says Phantoms head Coach Dan Calverley. “Our next scheduled game is Sunday 28 August in 33-degree, 90% humidity conditions in South Carolina. That’s 72 days between games. It was imperative we get a chance to acclimatise to the conditions.”

Calverley notes a double-elimination format is tough.

“Lose two games and you’re done, some players may not have even seen the field by that stage,” he says. “Having extra games means the lads can get some live at-bats in the heat and be ready to go.”

It’s time to meet the Phantoms.

State: Western Australia
Clubs: East Metro Perth – UWA Magpies, Morley Eagles, Perth Baseball Club
Australian Senior League Championship Record: 6-0 (outscored opponents 83-1)

How they qualified

The Phantoms claimed gold at the Western Australian state championships to qualify for the national tournament. It is the sixth straight state title this Phantoms’ age group has won.

Their fine form carried over vs the rest of Australia. The Eastern Phantoms stormed their way through the group stages, amassing a 4-0 record while outscoring opponents 62-6.

Eastern Phantoms pipped Cronulla Blue 9-3 in the semi-final – the closest any opponent came to them.

A total team performance saw a 12-1 run-rule victory over state rivals Wanneroo Giants in the Gold Medal match.

You can check out the highlights below, or visit the 2024 Senior League Hub for extensive recaps.

“This group has pretty much been together since Little League,” says head coach Calverley. “They bought into the process that we had in place and have really decided as a collective that they want to be the best they can. There are different skill levels, as with any team, but the drive to be the best they can be, for the good of the team is what makes this group special.”

Calverley says this group gels well together, noting they love to compete “against the opposition, themselves and with each other.”

“That’s what makes this group hard to beat,” he says. “From here, many of them will branch into other areas. Some will continue with the high performance side of baseball, some college, hopefully a pro or two. Some will just go back to clubland, all of which are awesome.”

“But they have achieved something special as a group over three years. I think over time they will look back with a sense of accomplishment and hopefully a few life lessons that might stand them in good stead for whatever they choose to pursue.”

Awesome.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Eastern Phantoms, their players, how they qualified, and why they decided to head to the USA early.

Meet the Phantoms

Cooper Murphy (Perth Baseball Club), IF / OF – This isn’t Cooper’s first World Series trip. He represented his country at the 2022 Junior League titles. Cooper went 2-for-4 with a pair of walks at nationals.

Tex Prisov (Morley Eagles), C / P – Tex capped off a big 2024 with a Senior League win. He played for WA at the 2024 U16 National Championships. At the Senior League nationals, he pitched 4.0 scoreless innings while tallying two hits with the bat.

Tyson Edwards (UWA Magpies), Utility – The World Series nod is the latest in a series of representative selections for Tyson. He played for the Phantoms at the Intermediate League, Junior League and now Senior League. He played for Western Australia at the U16 National Championships, too. Edwards had three hits and three RBI at Senior League nationals.

Toby Franklin (Morley Eagles), Pitcher – Toby pitched 3.0 innings of scoreless baseball at the national tournament. He represented Australia at the 2022 Junior League World Series, so this is his second trip to the USA. Toby plays in the reserves and in A-Grade in the WA State League.

Ryan Warner (UWA Magpies), IF – Ryan had a phenomenal national championship, going 10-for-15 with a number of highlight reel defensive plays. He led the tournament with 13 RBI. Warner won a Junior League National Championship in 2022 and went to the Junior League World Series. Ryan was named to the U16 Australian National Squad.

George Calverley (Morley Eagles), Util – All he does is win. Locally in WA, George has been part of six straight premierships. He made his senior state league debut this season. George was part of the Junior League World Series team in 2022. He showed his power at the recent nationals, slugging a massive grand slam.

Brady Manning (Morley Eagles), P / Util – Brady makes his second trip to the USA after playing on the 2022 Junior League squad. He played for WA’s U18 team at the Australian Youth Championships earlier this year. Brady broke into the A-Grade squad at Morley this season. At the Senior League Nationals, Brady went 4-for-7 with four walks at the plate. He also pitched 7.2 innings, allowing just two runs with seven strikeouts.

Ben Nesbit (Perth Baseball Club), INF – Nesbit has a pretty solid baseball resume already. He was the 2022 U16 Nationals Gold Glove winner, attended the 2023 U16 Australian Camp. He was also named to the 2024 U18 National Squad heading to Florida later this year. He also went away to the 2022 Junior League World Series. Nesbit led the Phantoms in batting, going 13-for-20 with 8 RBI, a triple, and great defense at third base.

Dylan Palethorpe (Morley Eagles), P – No Phantoms player pitched more than Dylan at the Senior League Nationals. He tossed 8.0 innings, including a start in the Gold Medal game, allowing one run off eight hits with 11 strikeouts. Palethorpe has pitched a perfect game in his WA junior career, and been part of six straight state charter titles with the Phantoms.

Aaron Hugo (Perth Baseball Club), P / UTIL – Hugo’s resume includes a Junior League World Series appearance, a 2024 U18 WA State Squad selection, and multiple overseas trips. Hugo collected a pair of hits in May’s national event.

Adam Taylor (Morley Eagles) – P – Taylor is another one of those 2022 Junior League Phantoms who went to the USA. He’s been part of the Phantoms program since the 2021 Intermediate League Championships. Taylor did not concede an earned run in 7.0 innings pitched at Senior League Nationals, while going 2-for-3 at the plate. Taylor was named to the U16 Australian National Squad.

Tom Williams (Morley Eagles) – OF – Tom provided some of the Phantoms’ most clutch moments at Senior League Nationals. He had a pivotal triple in the Gold Medal Game and a grand slam in the semi-final. He was 7-for-14 in the tournament with a homer and six RBI. This is Williams’ first trip overseas.

Cameron Bahr (Morley Eagles) – C – A three-time member of the WA U16 state team, Bahr won his first national title with the Phantoms this year. In the May tournament he had three hits with five RBI and six runs while managing a strong pitching staff. Cameron was named to the U16 Australian National Squad.

Zai Gordon (Morley Eagles) – P – Gordon has been part of the Phantoms charter program since 2021 and played for Western Australia at the 2024 U16 National Championships. Gordon collected a hit and also tossed an inning of scoreless baseball in the national championships.

Eita Samukawa (UWA Magpies) – INF – Eita had a huge Gold Medal game, collecting three hits and driving in five. He’s represented WA at the U16 level from 2022-2024 and travelled with the Phantoms to the Junior League World Series in 2022. He went 8-for-17 in the tournament with 10 RBI. Eita was named to the U16 Australian National Squad.

Luke Del Borello (Perth Baseball Club) – P – Unfortunately, Luke fractured his elbow in the 2024 State League Championships. But he is a big part of the Phantoms community and much loved by teammates. We hope his recovery is going well!

16 July 2024 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

There are 32 Australians playing pro baseball in the USA - Here's how they are performing

There’s been a lot of buzz around Australian Baseball lately.

Sydney’s Travis Bazzana went first overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. 17-year-old Queensland Max Durrington signed with the Athletics. Elodie O’Sullivan signed with a Japanese professional women’s team.

There’s a lot to be proud of.

Here is an update on the 30+ Australians currently playing professional baseball in the North American system. Currently, there are 32 Aussies under pro contracts.

If you’re looking for an update on how the minor league system works, Australian pitcher Josh Gessner details it beautifully in this post.

Let’s dig in. We’ll sort the players by state. Their ABL club is referenced on each.

NEW SOUTH WALES (6)

Clayton Campbell, C-IF, Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit Tigers) | Player profile | The 20-year-old is hitting .189 with three homers and 33 runs batted in (RBI) this season. He’s hitting .208 in seven June games. Campbell played for the Sydney Blue Sox in 2023-24.

Solomon Maguire, OF, Single-A Bradenton Marauders (Pittsburgh Pirates) | Player profile | – Maguire, 21, is hitting .191 in 45 games this season with six homers. He is heating up. He is hitting .286 in July and has base knocks in five of his last six games. He’s even playing some big time defense in centrefold. Maguire played for the Sydney Blue Sox in 2023-24.

Adam Bates, P, Florida Complex League (Boston Red Sox) | Player profile | – Adam, who signed with the Red Sox in October, has a 3.82 ERA in 33.0 innings pitched with 34 strikeouts. He’s thrown eight shutout innings in the month of July, and only allowed three earned runs in his last 19.0 innings dating back to the start of June. Could a call-up to Single-A be on the cards for the 18-year-old? Bates played for the Sydney Blue Sox in 2023-24.

Lachlan Wells, LHP, Double-A Reading Fightin’ Phils (Philadelphia Phillies) | Player Profile | – Wells returned to minor league baseball this season after a five-year hiatus, large in part to a successful Australian Baseball League season where he won the MVP award. In fifteen starts at Double-A, Wells has a 5-5 record with a 3.84 ERA in 84.1 innings. He’s walked just 10 batters. In his most recent outing, Lachlan went 7.0 shutout innings with just three hits. He is signed to the Adelaide Giants for the upcoming ABL season.

Rixon Wingrove, 1B, Single-A Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (Minnesota Twins) | Player profile | – Rixon started the year with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League. After hitting .310 to start the season, his contract was purchased by the Minnesota Twins on Friday 24 May. In 31 games, Rixon has four homers, 19 RBI and a .243 average with a .349 on-base-percentage. He had a multi-hit game over the weekend. Rixon is signed with the Adelaide Giants for the upcoming ABL season.

Travis Bazzana, 2B, Unassigned (Cleveland Guardians) | Player Profile | – Travis is the latest Australian to turn professional. He will be assigned to a minor league team in the coming days.

QUEENSLAND (8)

Kai-Noa Wynyard, RHP, Double-A Frisco Roughriders (Texas Rangers) | Player profile | – The 21-year-old is having an excellent season. He posted a 2.03 ERA in 31.0 innings and 17 games in High-A. On July 14, he was promoted to Double-A. He’s yet to appear at that level but when he does it’s the highest he’s reached. Wynyard has only allowed runs in one of his last ten appearances. He played for the Brisbane Bandits in the 2023-24 season.

Brandan Bidois, RHP, High-A Greensboro Grasshoppers (Pittsburgh Pirates) | Player profile | – Bidois has a 4.25 ERA in 29.1 innings of work this season, his first in High-A, with opponents hitting just .179 off him. His 43 strikeouts in 29.1 innings is elite. The 23-year-old was placed on the 7-Day Injured List on July 9. He hasn’t allowed a run in his last four appearances and five innings. Bidois last played for the Brisbane Bandits in 2021.

Jackson Grounds, RHP, Injured List (Pittsburgh Pirates) | Player profile | – The newly turned 20-year-old remains on the 60 day injured list.

Callum Wallace, RHP, Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Los Angeles Dodgers) | Player profile | – The 20-year-old has a 7.71 ERA in 30.1 innings across 24 games with 26 strikeouts. This is his first season above Rookie Ball. Callum played for the Brisbane Bandits in the 2023-24 ABL season.

Max Durrington, INF, Unassigned (Athletics) – Max signed a contract with the Athletics on Saturday 14 July. The 17-year-old needs to complete high school in Australia before heading over to the USA.

Rubens Romero, RHP, Dominican League (Pittsburgh Pirates) | Player profile | – The 17-year-old has allowed sixteen runs in his first 6.2 innings of work across games in the Dominican League.

Juan Manuel Ramirez, RHP Dominican League (Toronto Blue Jays) | Player profile | – The 18-year-old, who signed with the Blue Jays in April, has allowed four runs in his first two appearances.

Aaron Whitefield, OF (Sioux Falls Canaries, American Association) – He was announced as a signing with Sioux Falls in the American Association, on the same team as Liam Spence, but has yet to appear in a game. Whitefield plays for the Melbourne Aces in the Australian Baseball League.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA (5)

Jack O’Loughlin, LHP Las Vegas Aviators (Oakland Athletics) | Player profile | – In May 2024, Jack O’Loughlin became the 38th Australian and fifth South Aussie to appear in an MLB game. He pitched four games, compiling a 4.66 ERA in 9.2 innings of work. Jack was sent down to Triple-A on July 7, where he has a 5.32 ERA this season in a little over 47 innings. He is signed with the Adelaide Giants.

Curtis Mead, IF, Triple-A – Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays) | Player profile | – The 23-year-old started the season in the Major Leagues but was sent back to Triple-A in May. He’s been on a tear. Mead hit .307 in June, bumping his season average up to .278. He has 10 homers and 32 RBI this season. Curtis is signed with the Adelaide Giants.

Drew Davies, OF Rookie Ball Arizona Complex League (Cincinnati Reds) | Player profile | – Davies, who signed in December 2023, is hitting .181 through his first 29 minor league games but has 20 walks to boost his on-base-percentage to .340. Davies played with the Adelaide Giants in 2023-24.

Jack Bushell, P Rookie Ball Florida Complex League (Detroit Tigers) | Player profile | – Bushell, who signed in January, was turning heads but unfortunately has undergone Tommy John surgery and is on the shelf for the remainder of the season. He has a 2.84 ERA with 11 SO in 12.1 innings pitched in his first taste of American professional action. Bushell is signed with the Adelaide Giants for the ABL season.

Briley Knight, OF (Billings Mustangs, Pioneer League) – Knight started his career in the independent leagues with a .247 average, .386 on-base-percentage, a homer and 11 RBI in 28 games. Knight is signed with the Giants for the 2024-25 season.

VICTORIA (10)

Jarryd Dale, IF Double-A San Antonia Missions (San Diego Padres) | Player profile | – After a solid April in Single-A, Dale was promoted to Double-A. He is hitting .127 in 28 Double-A games with three homers and some nice defensive plays. He is heating up with two homers and four RBI his last four games. Dale played the 2023-24 season with the Melbourne Aces.

Darcy Longstaff, P, Arizona Complex League (Cincinnati Reds) | Player profile | – The 20-year-old has a 6.59 ERA in 27.1 innings, compiling 23 strikeouts. Longstaff is signed with the Adelaide Giants for the 2024-25 ABL season.

Nikau Pouaka-Grego, IF, Single-A Clearwater Threshers (Philadelphia Phillies) | Player profile | He missed all of 2023 with a knee injury but was still named a Top-30 prospect in the Phillies organisation. Grego, a 19-year-old, has a .221 average with two homers and 18 RBI in 47 games. He is signed with the Adelaide Giants for the 2024-25 season.

Blake Townsend, LHP, High-A Everett Aqua Sox (Seattle Mariners) | Player profile | – Townsend is posting solid numbers with a 3.18 ERA in 23 games and 22.2 innings this year. The 23-year-old lefty has 22 punch outs. He is signed with the Adelaide Giants for the 2024-25 season.

Jarrod Belbin, IF Single-A Modesto Nuts (Seattle Mariners) | Player profile |- Belbin, who signed out of college in the middle of last year, hit .344 with 3 HR and 33 RBI in 33 Complex League games before earning a call-up to Single-A. He has a .171 average with seven RBI in 11 games at the new level. Belbin played for the Melbourne Aces during the last ABL year.

Declan Speirs | C, Dominican League (Philadelphia Phillies) | Player Profile – The 19-year-old is 2-for-7 in his first action of professional baseball in the Dominican Republic. Speirs last played for the Melbourne Aces in the ABL.

Jayden Kim, IF, Dominican League (Pittsburgh Pirates) | Player profile | – One of Australia’s newest signings, 17-year-old Kim is 9-for-36 (.250 average). He also has five RBI and two stolen bases. Kim was a development player with the Melbourne Aces.

Liam Spence, INF (Sioux Falls Canaries, American Association) | After being released from the Cubs after spring training, Spence found a home in the independent American Association. Spence is hitting .234 with 3 HR and 23 RBI with 32 walks in 48 games. He is 5-for-14 with a homer and 4RBI his last four games. Spence is signed with the Adelaide Giants.

Billy Parsons, P (Sussex County Miners, Frontier League) | Player profile – Parsons, a Frontier League All-Star in 2023, returns to Sussex County and has a 3.65 ERA in 24.2 innings. He played for the Canberra Cavalry in 2023-24.

Lewis Thorpe, P (Chihuahua, Mexican League) – Thorpe has a 5.59 ERA in 66 innings with 69 strikeouts in the very hitter-friendly Mexican League. Thorpe pitched for the Melbourne Aces the last ABL season.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3)

Bailey Jay Cooke, IF, Single-A Stockton Ports (Oakland A’s) | Player profile | – BJay returned from a lengthy stint on the injured list on June 20. He’s hitting .210 on the season and even hit a homer on July 2. The 21-year-old last played ABL in 2022-23 with the Perth Heat.

Liam Hendriks, RHP (Boston Red Sox) | Player profile | – Eying off an optimistic mid-season return from Tommy John surgery, Hendriks has been travelling with the Red Sox adjusting to life with a new team.

Mitch Neunborn, RHP, High-A Jersey Shore Blue Claws (Philadelphia Phillies) | Player profile – After a 6.62 ERA in 17.2 innings at Double-A, Mitch was sent to High-A Jersey Shore. He has a 2.66 ERA in 23.2 innings with 28 strikeouts. Neunborn is signed with the Adelaide Giants for the upcoming ABL season.

Eric Balnar is the beat reporter for all things Australian Baseball. If you have a story tip, idea, or player update, please contact him at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au.

15 July 2024 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

ABL

Travis Bazzana makes history, selected first overall in MLB Draft by Cleveland Guardians

Sydney’s Travis Bazzana has made baseball history, becoming the first Australian to be selected first overall in a Major League Baseball Draft.

The Cleveland Guardians used their top selection to select the Australian baseball player.

In fact, he is the first Australian to be selected in the first round of an MLB Draft. He’s also the first second baseman to be selected first in a draft.

The previous highest Aussie selected was Josh Spence, who was drafted in the third round of the 2009 MLB Draft.

Travis will now sign a contract of his own and report to a team in Cleveland’s minor leagues for the rest of the season. If he performs at his minor league level, he could earn a call-up.

“It means a lot. It is hard to put into words but it means everything. I’m just stoked and I’m really happy to be with the people I’m with right now,” Bazzana said during an interview with the MLB Network.

“I see a lot of opportunities to make an impact on a lot of baseball players and people back home and hopefully change the narrative for baseball. But just giving belief to players back home that they can do great things in the US and pursue a Major League dream and hopefully this is a step towards that.”

He instantly becomes one of the highest paid Australian athletes. In 2023, the first overall picked earned a 9.2 million US dollar signing bonus.

Bazzana says he hopes to play for Australia at the Under-23 World Cup and Premier-12 tournaments later this year, if he is selected.

Travis is now eligible to return to the Australian Baseball League, but will need approval from the Guardians’ should he desire to play.

Travis is a product of the Australian Baseball system. From playing t-ball at Ku-Ring-Gai, to club ball at Ryde, and everything along the way, Travis has already inspired a generation of players. To learn about his journey, please visit this link.

Travis isn’t the only Australian who could be selected in the MLB Draft. New South Wales Brent Iredale is reportedly a strong chance to be selected, too.

For more information on Draft Eligible Aussies who had big college seasons, visit here.

It’s been a big week for Australian baseball, with 17-year-old Queenslander Max Durrington signing a seven-figure contract with the Athletics on Saturday.

AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL NOTES

Played by 40,000 people in Australia;
Australia finished sixth in the 2023 World Baseball Classic;
Australia was ranked sixth in the WBSC World Rankings before the pandemic. Unfortunately, Australia lost ranking points for two years because the national team was unable to leave the country;
Australia has 38 players who have played in the Major Leagues all-time;
The Australian Baseball League is one of the top “winter” leagues in the world. 71 players have advanced to the Major Leagues after playing in Australia, including five All-Stars and one MLB MVP;
Australia will compete in the Under-23 World Cup in September and the Premier12 (Senior men’s World Cup) in November;
The ABL returns in November;

BAZZANA PRE DRAFT MEDIA

Travis has been all over the mainstream media the past week. Here are some links to some of the stories:

CODE SPORTS – he humble teen set to transform Australian sport in MLB Draft

News.com.au (Nationally Syndicated): Sydneysider’s US baseball rise spurs grass root sporting fever

Sydney Morning Herald: You’ve probably never heard of Travis Bazzana, he’s about to become a very big deal.

Fox Sports Ultimate Guide: Everything to know about record-breaking Aussie on verge of $16m payday

Diggin Deep Podcast – Travis Bazzana with Pete Moylan and Eric Homer

The Athletic – He’s an Aussie schooled in cricket, and he might be the first overall pick

Today Show (Channel Nine) – Travis Bazzana joins the Today Show

MLB Network – Australian Major League Ryan Rowland-Smith interviews Travis Bazzana

ABC Sport Podcast – “$15m, the MLB draft and refusing to cap ambition – Travis Bazzana is very good at baseball. He’s so good, he might go number one in the MLB draft, landing a $15m payday in the process”

Fox Sports – Aussie’s rise from ‘random’ to shot at $15m payday… and why US experts are ‘all in’

The Project – Aussie Travis Bazzana Set To Be Picked First In MLB Draft

MLB.com – Can Travis Bazzana make history with No. 1 pick in 2024?

Fox Sports – Have mercy’: Meet the record-breaking Aussie making ‘unprecedented’ US statement

Triple-M – Travis joins JB and Billy Brownless on the Rush Hour

ESPN AUS/NZ – 20 minute interview (see below)

13 July 2024 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad Aussies Sign Pro

The Max Durrington Story: 17-year-old Aussie signs big contract with Major League Baseball’s Athletics

cover photo: Akane Hatai (Baseball Queensland)

There has never been an Australian father-son duo reach the major leagues.

Max Durrington is hoping to change that.

The 17-year-old from Surfers Paradise Baseball Club signed a contract on Saturday with the Athletics, one of thirty Major League Baseball clubs.

It comes with a signing bonus believed to be over seven figures (AUD) – one of the largest for a first professional contract in Australian baseball history.

He follows in the footsteps of his dad Trent, one of Australia’s 38 Major League Baseball Players. Trent played for the Angels and Brewers between 1999 and 2005, and for Australia at the World Baseball Classic in 2006.

But Max is looking to forge his own journey to the show. He already has.

Earlier in 2024, Max announced his commitment to powerhouse NCAA Division 1 school Arizona State – a program which has produced more major leaguers than any other college outfit in the United States.

Max pivoted after discussions with the Athletics.

“The idea was always to go the college route and enter the draft in my sophomore year, but the Athletics came in with a life-changing contract offer and I couldn’t turn it down,” he says. “What also makes the decision easier was how the minor league pathway has changed for the better. Plus, going pro and making the MLB was always the dream. This gets me one step closer.”

The Athletics, currently playing in Oakland, are scheduled to move to Las Vegas by 2026.

They have two other Australian players in their system. South Australian pitcher and MLB-arm Jack O’Loughlin is currently with the Big-League club, and Western Australia’s BJay Cooke is playing in Single-A.

Several Australians have played for the Athletics in the past, including Liam Hendriks, Grant Balfour, Rich Thompson, Travis Blackely, Luke Hughes, and now O’Loughlin.

“The Athletics system and staff I feel very comfortable with. They’re all knowledgeable and have been with the organisation for a long time. With changes happening at the Big League club, I can see a lot of potential for success in the future,” he says.”

It’s not just Max’s family pedigree that caught the eye of Athletics scout Dan Betreen.

“He is mature. He takes his development seriously. He understands it’s a long process,” says Betreen. “Max is dedicated, works hard and is setting himself up for a career in the sport.”

On the field, Betreen says Max is a lead-off hitter type of profile. He has hit for a high-average at every level he’s played, while playing multiple positions.

“Max is a left-handed hitter with great bat-to-ball skills, great speed and overall a great athlete. He can play centrefield and second base, giving him some versatility to play,” he says. “Max loves to play, he loves the game, and has a burning desire to succeed.”

Max joins 31 other Australians playing professional baseball in the United States. He will attend an Instructional Camp in September with other young players on the Athletics’ books.

Max will train with the Brisbane Bandits in the Australian summer, hoping to earn game time, before reporting for full-time duty in March 2025.

He graduates Year 12 in November.

A CHOICE BETWEEN TWO LOVES

Not only is Max an exceptional baseball player, but he also plays elite junior Rugby Union.

Durrington has grown up playing state-representative junior rugby for the Queensland Reds.

He was faced with a choice – baseball or rugby. It’s a choice his dad also had as a teenager.

“Each season and year I would switch between what sport I love the most,” says Max. “It came down to a question of which sport I wanted to play the rest of my life at a high level.”

“I just love the competition between the lines of a baseball field. I love the little battles between the pitcher and the batter. I love the nuance. I love the game within the game.”

Betreen says his Rugby skills are evident when it comes to baseball.

“He has athleticism from sprinting and rugby that also makes a great foundation to be a successful athlete,” he adds.

Work ethic seems to be a bit of a buzz word people around Max seem to use a lot. You need it to balance the hectic schedule Max has.

“At the moment I’m training six times a week with four gym sessions and six baseball oriented trainings,” says Max. “On top of this, I am coaching rugby three times a week in the mornings and afternoons.”

He also goes to school. Busy life.

MAX’S BASEBALL JOURNEY

Max has always played baseball. He says he was always around the game and grew up playing with his Dad in Queensland, and through the Baseball Queensland programs.

“I’ve been coaching Max since I was four,” says Trent.

He first played competitive baseball as an eight-year-old at Mudgeeraba where he played Rookie Ball and Little League.

At eleven, he switched to Surfers Paradise Baseball Club.

Max has represented Queensland at the U16 (twice) and U18 national championships and attended Baseball Queensland High Performance Academies.

Betreen says it’s at the U16 and U18 Baseball Australia national events where Max caught his eye. He first saw Max play at the 2022 U16 Championships in Redcliffe as a 14-year-old.

“Since then I’ve been following his progress at the national championships and various events. He was also invited to the 18U National Camp in August 2023 and he played well, standing out against a much older group while rehabbing a knee injury – I knew then he was a serious follow,” he says.

Max’s performance at national events made him one of ten Australians invited to an MLB select trip to play in front of scouts and colleges in the United States in 2023.

Max made his A-Grade debut in the Greater Brisbane League at just 15-years-old in 2022-23.

He finished the 2023-24 season second on the team with a .400 batting average in 33 games. Max led the team with 20 stolen bases, while also chipping in four triples.

He says his relationship with Surfers Paradise infielder Andy Cosgrove played a big role in his development.

“We would compete for who could have the most triples and stolen bases,” says Max. “Andy is a former professional baseball and is very athletic. He pushes me a lot.”

The drive, work ethic, and talent were noticed by Baseball Queensland Performance Pathway manager Shayne Watson.

“Since entering the BQ programs four years ago, you could easily identify Max’s drive & ambition which has led to this day. Not only is he a special talent, but he’s highly motivated and a great person in a very supportive family,” he says.

“He’s drawn a lot of attention from scouts and college recruiters. I’ve been in a fortunate position to be part of Max’s development and witnessing his journey. I’m positive he will thrive in the Athletics system and I will enjoy watching his journey.”

MAX & TRENT

“He’s better than what I was at that age,” says proud dad Trent Durrington.

He says he knew Max was good at the game from a very young age.

“From an early age Max clearly moved like a ball player,” he says. “He had great bat-to-ball skills and speed to burn. But it wasn’t really until his sixteenth birthday where I thought ‘wow I can make a career out of it.'”

Max says his dad has been his biggest mentor.

“He’s obviously been a massive influence in everything I’ve done,” says Max.

“Max and I have a great relationship,” says Trent. “I’ve coached him since he was four and at times I am sure I was a little hard on him but I think he understands and respects that now. We have discussed many old pro-ball stories of mine over the years and we discuss strategies now. I hope my experience has made him feel a little more comfortable.”

The relationship between Max & Trent was important to Dan Betreen.

“Baseball is in his blood,” he says. “Trent’s baseball knowledge, wisdome, and experiences have helped Max but at the same time Trent is learning as much as possible for Max’s development. It’s really special to see and be part of such a great father and son relationship.”

WHAT THE SCOUT SAYS

We’ll leave you with notes from Athletics’ scout Dan Betreen.

Max is a lead-off profile type, left-handed hitter with great bat to ball skills, great speed and overall a great athlete. He can play CF and 2B giving him some versatility to play. Baseball is also in his blood with athleticism from sprinting and rugby also that has made a great foundation to be a successful athlete. He loves to play and loves the game whilst having a burning desire to succeed. It’s certainly been fun to watch him progress over the last few years.

He is mature, takes his development seriously and understands it’s a long process. He is dedicated, works hard everyday and is setting himself up for a career in the sport. The support from his entire family is incredible and they understand what it takes to be successful. Trent’s baseball knowledge, wisdom and experiences certainly have helped Max but at the same time Trent is learning as much as possible for Max’s development.

Like all prospects we sign, we aim for them to play in our organization to make our big-league team. I take it very seriously in seeking the right type of person to be able to take on the challenges of developing in the minor leagues whilst representing Australian baseball. Max has some great tools to give himself every chance to wear our A’s uniform when his time comes.

Max has been in off-season mode building his body, his swing and arm recently in conjunction with DriveLine Baseball where he visited in March for a full assessment. He is building towards a big summer season which kicks off with our 2024 Instructional League for four weeks in early September. He will be mixing in with our 2024 draft class as well as our top minor league players fine tuning before the off season. A great introduction to our organization.

Then upon his return Max will join the Brisbane Bandits to partake in some ABL action getting ready for Spring Training 2025 where he will compete to make our Low A Affiliate – Stockton Ports.

Also, he will balance out his time whilst finishing year 12, busy young man!

MEDIA STORIES

CODE SPORTS / GOLD COAST BULLETIN – History awaits Aussie baseball’s million-dollar teen

12 July 2024 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

The Perfect Game

14U WOOD BAT HUB: Australian Team's Schedule at the 14U Perfect Game Wood Bat Tournament

Baseball Australia has two teams entered in the 2024 Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association Championships in Hoover, Alabama.

It’s a tournament for some of the best players aged 14 & Under in the United States.

The two Australian teams are set to arrive in the United States on Wednesday 10 July, ready to play ball on Friday 12 July.

Amazingly, the players will get to play at the historic Rickwood Field – America’s oldest ballpark. Those games take place on 15 July in the USA (16th in Australia).

One Australian team is named the Angry Bull Sharks. They are made up of players from Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales.

The other Australian team is called the Mighty Termites, made up of players from South Australia and Victoria.

Scroll down to the bottom of this story to see the team lists. You can watch the action via Perfect Game’s streaming service called “DiamondKast”.

We will post scores and box scores on this page when games are completed.

Angry Bull Sharks (QLD, WA, NSW) Schedule
Click here for schedule
*All times listed in AEST, noting Alabama is 14 hours behind

Thursday 18 July – Action White 12 def Angry Bull Sharks 0 | Box Score |
Friday 19 July – vs TBT Ballers Texas – WASHED OUT
Saturday 19 July – Mighty Termites 13 def Angry Bull Sharks 2 | Box Score |

Mighty Termites (SA, VIC) Schedule
Click here for schedule
*All times listed in AEST, noting Alabama is 14 hours behind

Thursday 18 July – Coweta Cyclones 6 def Mighty Termites 1 | Box Score |
Friday 19 July – vs Top Gun TGB – Wash out, Termites led 2-1
Saturday 19 July – Mighty Termites 13 def Angry Bull Sharks 2 | Box Score |

MEDIA STORIES

TV: Mighty Termites and Angry Bull Sharks on the news in Alabama

PRINT (with News Report Video): Australian youth teams play at Rickwood

11 July 2024 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

College Baseball

Nine MLB Draft Eligible Australians who had big college seasons

by Eric Balnar, Baseball in Australia beat reporter

Travis Bazzana is set to make history on Monday 15 July, when it is expected the Sydney-native will become the first Australian to ever be selected in the first round of the MLB Draft.

Bazzana deserves every bit of buzz and accolades thrown at him. But he is not the only Australian who could be selected in the MLB Draft.

From July 14-16, a little over 600 players will be selected across twenty rounds.
There are a few Australian names surfacing around chat boards and in conversations with scouts because of the huge college seasons they just produced.

Here are ten of them.

Please note, a player may not be selected in the draft for a variety of reasons. This includes a player telling the team they are going back to school, or a team thinks they can sign them as a free agent after the draft.

Eligibility requirements:
– Junior College: Completed at least one year;
– Four Year Colleges: Completing their junior year or about to turn 21-years-old

Here are the ten players who had huge seasons in the recent college year who could generate interest from MLB clubs.

This list is not comprehensive. There are over 150 Australians playing college baseball. These views are my own and do not represent the player.

Still, it is exciting to consider that nine of these players are eligible for selection at the upcoming 2024 Under-23 World Cup.

TRAVIS BAZZANA

School: Oregon State University
Year: Junior (3rd)
Position: Infield

The 21-year-old from Sydney completed his junior season at Oregon State. In 60 games he hit .407 with 28 homers and 66 RBI. He broke numerous school records including single-season homers, all-time home-runs and all-time hits.

There is significant buzz he could go in the Top 5 picks of the MLB Draft.

Read about Travis’ journey and see all the major media stories here.

BLAKE CAVILL

School: Western Kentucky
Year: Junior (3rd)
Position: Infield

The 22-year-old from Sydney hit .313 in his first season at an NCAA Division 1 school. He has another year of NCAA eligibility and it is expected Cavill will return for another season to increase his stock. His on-base-perecentage sat at .443 with 8 homers and 47 RBI

He is currently playing in the Cape Cod Summer League – a competition reserved for the best college baseball players in the country and home to a lengthy list of MLB stars.

BRENT IREDALE

School: New Mexico Junior College
Year: End of JUCO, transferring to Division I NCAA
Position: Infield

Iredale, a newly turned 21-year-old from Sydney, put up that good of a season he could very well be selected. He’s also committed to NCAA Division I program at Arkansas University. If he plays well there, his draft stock will sky rocket in future years.

Iredale was recently named one of the top Junior College prospects heading into the MLB Draft. He hit .441 with 25 homers and 78 RBI in 58 games this season. He also stole 24 bases. His 25 long balls was second in the country.

CHASE DIGGINS

School: Kansas University, NCAA Division I
Year: Completed Junior Season
Position: Infield

The 23-year-old from Perth missed about five weeks of time during the season. He only played in 21 games but he hit .297 but he had five multi-hit games including finishing the season with a seven-game hit streak.

Diggins is one of those players who could very well return for his senior year regardless for valuable playtime vs some of the country’s top arms.

JIMMY NATI

School: Stanford
Year: Completed Sophomore Season
Position: Infield

Nati hit .308 in 54 games as a first-year full-time starter. He had 22 doubles, 8 home runs, and 45 RBI. His 22 doubles ranked fourth in the Pac-12 and 24th in the nation.

Jimmy received a Pac-12 All-Conference honourable mention and was a Golden Spikes Award Performance of the Week Winner in May.

The 21-year-old from Sydney is technically draft eligible but it feels likely he returns to Stanford as a junior to build on a tremendous season and increase his stock.

KAILEN HAMSON

School: Cumberland University, NAIA
Year: Completed Junior Season
Position: Left-handed pitcher

The Gold Coast lefty started six games with 21 appearances. He finished with an overall record of 6-1, an ERA of 5.88 and a batting average against of .279. He helped Cumberland reach the NAIA World Series.

In a great sign for Hanson, he struck out 79 batters in 56.2 innings making him a tantalising lefty-prospect.

KEENAN SPENCE

School: Purdue, NCAA Division I
Year: Completed Junior Season
Position: Outfielder

The 21-year-old hit .291 in 54 games, with 13 HR and 43 RBI. It was his first Division I season after two successful years in Junior College.

The Victorian seemed to get better as the season progressed. In a playoff game he hit two homers and made an over-the-wall catch which ended up on Sportscentre Top 10.

He is eligible to return for another season.

ZAK SKINNER

School: Lamar University, NCAA Division I
Year: Completed Junior Season
Position: Catcher

The 22-year-old from Melbourne hit .339 in 58 games in his first year at a Division I school. He also slugged 10 homers with 53 RBI.

He came to Lamar after an All-Star career at Vernon College, hope to a couple Australian recruits this coming season.

CAYDEN NICOLETTO

School: Columbia College, NAIA
Year: Completed second year, but transferring to NCAA Division I
Position: Util

Nicoletto had an immense season. The Western Australian hit 27 homers in 55 games, while hitting .414 at the dish.

He announced his transfer to Missouri University – a school in the NCAA Division I powerhouse SEC conference – so I’d say it feels like that’s where he’ll be next year.

11 July 2024 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

Bazzana Buzz: Travis Bazzana's Australian Baseball Pathway & Media Stories

photo: Fox Sports

History will be made on July 15, 2024. Sydney’s Travis Bazzana is expected to go high – possibly first overall – in the 2024 Major League Baseball draft.

No Australian has ever been selected higher than the third round (Josh Spence, 2009).

In this story you will find:

– An outline of Travis’ Australian Baseball journey
– A link to all of Travis’ in mainstream Australian media

Don’t forget – friends, family & baseball community members are gathering at Ku-Ring-Gai Baseball club on July 15 at 7:00AM for a watch party of the draft. You are invited too for this historic day.

Travis Bazzana’s Australian Baseball Journey

Bazzana is a product of the Australian Baseball community.

He started playing tee-ball with the Ku-Ring-Gai Stealers in Sydney.

Bazzana played his junior baseball in the Ryde charter. He represented his region at multiple events, including Baseball New South Wales state championships, Little League Nationals & Junior League Nationals.

He trained in the New South Wales High Performance Program.

Travis was selected to represent New South Wales at both the Under-16 and Under-18 National Championships, where he played in front of multiple MLB scouts and national team selectors.

Bazzana played for the Sydney Blue Sox in the Australian Baseball League (ABL) for parts of three seasons. He made his debut as a 15-year-old in the 2018-19 season. It’s a unique experience for an Australian teenager to play in the ABL. You regularly face current or former Major Leaguers, top prospects and senior national team talent.

In 2018, Travis was one of seven Australians chosen to go on an MLB Select International trip in Arizona to play in front of pro scouts, top colleges and against top prospects.

He played his senior club baseball for the Ryde Hawks.

Internationally, Travis played for Australia at the 2019 Under 18 World Cup. Australia finished fourth. He played again for Australia at the 2022 Under-23 World Cup where his country finished sixth.

He is eligible for the 2024 Under-23 World Cup team in September and the 2024 Premier12 (World Championship) in November.

Travis famously “bet on himself.” He chose to go to a Power 5 conference in the NCAA system and play at Oregon State University.

In three seasons with Oregon State, Travis rewrote the record books . He surpassed many Major League Baseball players on the leaderboards in becoming the school’s all-time hit leader and home-run leader.

In his summers, Travis played “summer ball.” He won a West Coast League Championship in 2019 with the Corvallis Knights where he was also the team MVP. He was named the Cape Cod League MVP in 2023 in a season where he also hit for the cycle.

Now, we await the Major League Baseball draft!

That’s his story. Now, read and watch what others have publish.

BAZZANA MEDIA

Did I miss something? Shoot me a line at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au.

CODE SPORTS – he humble teen set to transform Australian sport in MLB Draft

News.com.au (Nationally Syndicated): Sydneysider’s US baseball rise spurs grass root sporting fever

Sydney Morning Herald: You’ve probably never heard of Travis Bazzana, he’s about to become a very big deal.

Fox Sports Ultimate Guide: Everything to know about record-breaking Aussie on verge of $16m payday

Diggin Deep Podcast – Travis Bazzana with Pete Moylan and Eric Homer

The Athletic – He’s an Aussie schooled in cricket, and he might be the first overall pick

Today Show (Channel Nine) – Travis Bazzana joins the Today Show

MLB Network – Australian Major League Ryan Rowland-Smith interviews Travis Bazzana

Fox Sports – Aussie’s rise from ‘random’ to shot at $15m payday… and why US experts are ‘all in’

The Project – Aussie Travis Bazzana Set To Be Picked First In MLB Draft

MLB.com – Can Travis Bazzana make history with No. 1 pick in 2024?

Fox Sports – Have mercy’: Meet the record-breaking Aussie making ‘unprecedented’ US statement

Triple-M – Travis joins JB and Billy Brownless on the Rush Hour

ESPN AUS/NZ – 20 minute interview (see below)

Australian Baseball Notes

Played by 40,000 people in Australia;
Australia finished sixth in the 2023 World Baseball Classic;
Australia was ranked sixth in the WBSC World Rankings before the pandemic. Unfortunately, Australia lost ranking points for two years because the national team was unable to leave the country;
Australia has 38 players who have played in the Major Leagues all-time;
The Australian Baseball League is one of the top “winter” leagues in the world. 71 players have advanced to the Major Leagues after playing in Australia, including five All-Stars and one MLB MVP;
Australia will compete in the Under-23 World Cup in September and the Premier12 (Senior men’s World Cup) in November;
The ABL returns in November;

10 July 2024 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

College Baseball

Perth catcher Jacob Santich commits to Hill College in Texas

Perth catcher Jacob Santich has become the latest Australian to commit to college in the United States.

Santich will attend Hill College, a Junior College (JUCO) in Texas with strong Australian links.

Notable Australian alumni from Hill College includes Canberra Cavalry infielder Cam Warner, who went on to play Division 1 college and multiple seasons in the minor leagues. Sydney’s Dean Frew and Queensland’s Luke Cronan both played at Hill College and transferred to Division I schools after their JUCO careers.

“The main thing that led to my decision was the plan that the coaches had for me,” says Santich. “We spoke about what they wanted from me and how they were going to develop me into a better athlete and person and from there I thought they were the right school.”

Santich will head to the USA in August.

He’s also played some first base, including for Australia in a pre-Under 18 World Cup exhibition game vs Chinese Taipei.

“I hope I can become a strong bat that the team can rely heavily on as well as playing good defence behind the plate,” he says.

Santich plays for the Wanneroo Giants in the WA State League. He’s coming off a stellar Division 1 season where he posted a .370 average in 29 games, while smashing two homers and driving in 25 runs. Santich played with Perth Heat players Byron Armstrong and Tom Bailey this past season.

“Growing up watching State League and watching the older players go to college and play for the Heat really inspired me to try and take my baseball as far as possible,” he says.

Santich has been involved in multiple national junior programs, attending both U16 and U18 national camps.

He’s also a member of the WA Performance Pathways Program.

“Being involved in state and national programs really helped me get extra work in where I could,” says Santich. “Being coached by the best played a big factor in helping me prepare for the next level.”

Baseball Australia player development management sings the praises of Santich.

“Jacob has shown consistent development in both his swing, power and defensive abilities. He took some time after he finished high school to continue to improve and has done a good job with Wanneroo in the state league in Perth,” says Riddell. “Baseball Australia’s relationships with various high level college programs meant he had multiple offers and was able to choose the best fit for him based on position, playing tine, coaches, scholarships, location and hopefully playing well to transition to a university after a couple of years at a good Hill junior college program.”

Santich becomes one of approximately 150 Australians playing college baseball. Read the latest college stories here.

Congratulations to Jacob!

09 July 2024 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad Women's Baseball

Emerald Elodie O'Sullivan to play top-level women's baseball in Japan

Elodie O’Sullivan, who has represented Australia at the 2018 World Cup, will be in Japan for five weeks training and playing with top-level women’s team Tokai Nexus.

O’Sullivan, originally from New South Wales, will also travel with the team to Chiba play in the National Championships next month.

She returns to Tokai Nexus after playing with the team in 2023. Tokai Nexus is based in Ichinomiya City – a city in the Aichi Prefecture with a population of around 400,000.

Japan is known as the home of baseball, boasting the best women’s competition in the world. The Japanese national team is ranked #1 in the world.

O’Sullivan a well-known Australian baseball resume. She has won multiple premierships with the Greenway Giants (NSW), before moving to Western Australia a few years ago where she now plays with the Carine Cats.

O’Sullivan has represented Australia on numerous occasions, including becoming an Emerald at the 2018 World Cup.

She has played for the Brisbane Bandits in multiple Australian Women’s Showcases, including winning a championship in 2024 in Lismore.

O’Sullivan has won national championships both with New South Wales and Western Australia.

News