Intermediate League and Junior League Championships Moved to Gold Coast

22 May 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Intermediate League and Junior League Championships Moved to Gold Coast

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Two fields have cleared up in Lismore, and the tournament will now be SPLIT between Gold Coast and Lismore. Head to www.baseball.com.au/news/lismoregoldcoast/ for the new schedule and details

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The 2025 Intermediate League and Junior League Championships, originally scheduled for May 28 – June 1 in Lismore, has been moved to the Gold Coast due to weather.

We have decided to add two additional hosts, with the plan to play games at Surfers Paradise Baseball Club and Mudgeeraba Baseball Club.

Please note, the new adjusted schedule below is subject to change. We will continue to assess the possibility of games being played in Lismore during the event.

Baseball+ will still provide a broadcast with commentary of one field per day of both Junior League, Intermediate League and finals for free, shifting the operation to the Gold Cast. The rest of the games can be watched on GameChanger.

It’s a decision that Baseball Australia did not take lightly but was one that had to be made due to “relentless” rain in Lismore.

As of this post, there has been 165.8mm of rain in Lismore since May 1. To put that in perspective, the average mean rainfall for Lismore in May is 68.8mm.

“With the relentless rainfall every day and the high amount of water now sitting on the fields, it feels extremely unlikely the fields would be ready to go for May 28,” says Baseball Australia events manager Michael Ibbotson.

“We have 18 teams playing for a national championship and we need to get these games in. Our best option is to pivot to the Gold Coast for now, and hope some of the fields dry up as the week progresses.”

It’s a big effort to move a national tournament on short notice.

Baseball Australia extends their thanks to the communities of the Mudgeeraba and Surfers Paradise Baseball Clubs for being able to step up on short notice.

The Lismore baseball community continues to go above and beyond, making 300+ lunches every day and driving them up to Surfers Paradise for the players.

“I’d really like to thank the Lismore baseball community for their efforts. They’ve been trying to make this work every day and this decision doesn’t come lightly or easily,” says Ibbotson.

A new schedule can be found below.

We thank all teams, officials, scorers, umpires and communities for their understanding and efforts.

21 May 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

2025 Senior League Day 1 | Recaps, scores, results, standings and highlights from Geelong

Recaps by Eric Balnar. Photos from Brendon Beacom. Have something interesting to share? Email me at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au.

The first day of 2025 Australian Senior League Championships is done and dusted.

Here you will find recaps (just keep scrolling) from every game, as well as key stats from each.

Looking for the CARVE Performers of the Day? They’re at the bottom of this story, right after the standings.

You can watch replays of Diamond 1 coverage on Baseball+ with commentator Jarrod Hoare.

For complete information visit our Tournament Hub at www.baseball.com.au/seniorleague. For GameChanger, click here or search ‘Australian Senior League National Championships 2025’.

The winner of the tournament advances to the Senior League World Series.

20 May 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Little League

2025 Australian Senior League Championships | Schedule, Hub, Teams, Tournament Information

NOTE: THIS IS THE SCHEDULE RELEASE STORY. FOR THE TOURNAMENT HUB CLICK HERE OF VISIT WWW.BASEBALL.COM.AU/SENIORLEAGUE.

A trip to Easley, South Carolina and the 2025 Senior League World Series is on the line for ten Australian teams who have qualified for the Senior League Championships.

Welcome to your hub for the 2025 Australian Senior League Championships.
Age Group: 13-16
Tournament Date: Wed 21 May – Sun 25 May
Tournament Location: Geelong, Victoria
Tournament Schedule: Below and available here
GameChanger Scoring Link: Click here or search ‘Australian Senior League National Championships 2025’
Broadcast: Baseball+ (free) / GameChanger
2024 Champion: Eastern Phantoms (WA)

For a list of qualified teams across all tournaments, visit www.baseball.com.au/nationals.

FINAL PLACINGS

1. Wanneroo Giants
2. Brisbane Metro
3. Eastern Phantoms
4. Melbourne Rangers
5. Adelaide Armada

Players: Lachlan Firth, Mitchell Elliot, Ben Hannan, Jaxon Elliot, Quinn Fatai, Brayden George, Jet O’Sullivan, Cooper Barber, Kobi Scaife, Riley Lines, Sebastian Beazley, Harry Wooden, Blake Thompson, Blake Sexton, Chayce Benseman & Dylan Bandy.

Coaches: Chris George, Greg Elliot, David Bandy, Shane Thompson (EO)

SCHEDULE AND RESULTS

Day 5, May 25

Gold Medal : Wanneroo Giants 7 def Brisbane Metro 2 watch on Baseball+

Bronze Medal Game: Eastern Phantoms 10 def Melbourne Rangers 5 (Watch the Replay)

Fifth Place Game: Adelaide Armada 12 def Ryde Red 12

Consolation Game: Brisbane South 10 def Melbourne Mets 2

Consolation Game: Cronulla Blue 14 vs Canberra Rangers 3

Day 4, May 24 – Click Here For Recap Story

FINALS

– Semi Final 1: Wanneroo Giants 14 def Eastern Phantoms 2 (Mini Match Highlights)
– Semi Final 2: Brisbane Metro 15 vs Melbourne Rangers 5 (Mini Match Highlights)

Brisbane Metro and Wanneroo Giants advance to the Gold Medal Game, Sunday @ 1:30PM AEST.

CONSOLATION

– Consolation 1 – Adelaide Armada 4 def Cronulla Blue 3
– 9th Place: Canberra Rangers 7 def Brisbane South 4
– Consolation 2 – Ryde Red 5 def Melbourne Mets 0

Day 3, May 23 – Click Here For Recap Story

– Cronulla Blue 11 def Melbourne Mets 1 (Watch the Replay)
– Melbourne Rangers 15 def Brisbane South 4

– Wanneroo Giants 10 def Adelaide Armada 9 (Watch the Replay)
– Cronulla Blue 4 def Canberra Rangers 0

– Ryde Red 12 def Brisbane South 10
– Eastern Phantoms 14 def Melbourne Mets 4

– Brisbane Metro 12 vs Eastern Phantoms 2 (Watch the Replay)

Day 2, May 22 – Click Here For Recap Story

Wanneroo Giants 7 def Ryde Red 6 (extra innings, watch the replay)
Brisbane Metro 13 def Melbourne Mets 6

Melbourne Rangers 4 def Adelaide Armada 1, (Watch the Replay)
Eastern Phantoms 17 def Canberra Rangers 2

Wanneroo Giants 12 def Brisbane South 2, (Watch the Replay)
Brisbane Metro 6 def Cronulla Blue 4

Day 1, May 21 – Click Here For Recap Story

Watch the coverage on Baseball+ via the App Store or plus.baseball.com.au.

Melbourne Rangers 15 def Ryde Red 5 (Watch the Replay)
Adelaide Armada 8 def Brisbane South 4

Brisbane Metro 15 def Canberra Rangers 5 (Watch the Replay)
Ryde Red 16 def Adelaide Armada 3

Melbourne Mets 21 def Canberra Rangers 3 (Watch the Replay)
Wanneroo Giants 20 def Melbourne Rangers 2

Eastern Phantoms 14 vs Cronulla Blue 1 (Watch the Replay)

STANDINGS – GROUP STAGE

Top two advance to semi finals.

POOL A – FINAL

1. Wanneroo Giants (WA) 4-0*
2. Melbourne Rangers (VIC) 3-1*
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3. Ryde Red (NSW) 2-2
4. Adelaide Armada (SA) 1-3
5. Brisbane South (QLD) 0-4

Note: The tiebreaker in a three-team tie where everybody has defeated each other is the runs-allowed ratio (runs allowed per game). The ratio is indicated above in brackets)

POOL B – FINAL

1. Brisbane Metro (QLD) 4-0*
2. Eastern Phantoms (WA) 3-1*
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3. Cronulla Blue (NSW) 2-2
4. Melbourne Mets (VIC) 1-3
5. Canberra Rangers (ACT) 0-4

Teams and Pools

Ten teams from around Australia advanced to the national titles by winning a series of qualifiers at a state level.

From here, they are divided into two groups (pools) of five.

Each team in a given pool will play each other once. The top two teams at the end of pool play advance to the semi-finals with a spot in the Gold Medal Game on the line. The winner of the Gold Medal Game? They head to the 2025 Senior League World Series to play the best teams from around the globe from July 26, 2025 – August 2, 2025.

Schedule

Download the printable schedule here.

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

POOL A

Adelaide Armada (SA): South Australia have one entry into the Senior League Nationals. The Armada is made up of the best players from the 13-16 age group who tried out from across metropolitan Adelaide.

Brisbane South (QLD): Made up of players from Beenleigh Hawks, Runcorn Indians, Redlands and Mt. Gravatt Eagles. Advanced to nationals by advancing to the Gold Medal Game of the Queensland State Championships. After also going 3-1 in pool play, Brisbane South’s silver medal finish reflected their determination and effort across the State Championships. They made it to the final by leaning on strong performances from Lewis Hill and Kai Flynn-Ballard, who combined for 13 RBIs, and Cooper Reynolds who hit a Triple. Kai also contributed on the mound with 11 strikeouts in 8.2 innings and Cooper Reed with zero errors and 6 outs at centrefield across the five games in the Tournament. Brisbane South has earnt the second of two spots in the Australian Senior League National Championships.

Wanneroo Giants (WA): This squad finished second at the 2024 Australian Senior League Championships and features a number of return players. They rolled through the competition unbeaten in Western Australia, finishing 6-0 with a 92-17 run differential. They beat the Western Tigers 15-2 to advance to the Gold Medal Game and clinch a ticket to Geelong.

Ryde Red (NSW): Ryde Red were unbeaten on their way to gold in New South Wales. They defeated Ryde Black 10-2 in the semi-final to clinch a spot at nationals. It was a closely contested Gold Medal game with Cronulla Blue, their fellow NSW entrant to Senior League, with Ryde just squeaking by in a 3-2 thriller.

Melbourne Rangers (VIC): Made up of players from clubs in Melbourne’s South East Suburbs and Mornington Peninsula. After finishing runner-up in the grand final, Rangers are set to return to Geelong for nationals in May. They had the second-best record with four wins and one loss in the Victorian titles, going undefeated before losing by one run to the Athletics in their final matchup. Rangers scored 40 runs and gave up 21 with a team batting average of .329, reaching double-digit scores in all four of their victories.

POOL B

Eastern Phantoms (WA): Made up of players from the Morley Eagles, Perth and UWA Magpies Baseball Clubs. Last year’s defending champions. The Phantoms went through the group stages undefeated before beating Central Firebirds 9-4 in the semi-finals. The Phantoms lost to the Wanneroo Giants in the Gold Medal game but still finished the tournament outscoring opponents 70-22 and with a 5-1 record.

Cronulla Blue (NSW): Pitching and defense helped Cronulla Blue advance to nationals. They allowed just 13 runs in six games at the NSW State Championships, falling only to Ryde Red in the Gold Medal Game by a 3-2 scoreline. They beat Cronulla Black in the semi-final to clinch a spot in Geelong.

Brisbane Metro (QLD): Made up of players from Carina Red Sox, Pine Hills Lightning and Windsor Royals. Brisbane Metro earned the first of two spots in the Australian Senior League Championships in impressive fashion. Over the course of the Queensland state tournament, Metro’s explosive lineup was unstoppable, scoring 69 runs and only allowing 34. Troy Dean was a standout with a .714 batting average and 7 RBIs, while Xavier Huntley hit a Home Run, and Lachlan Pawsey and Leo McKenna both hit a Triple. Hunter Ryan dominated on the mound with 13 strikeouts: four of those in the Gold Medal game where he allowed zero runs across 3.1 innings. The entire Brisbane Metro roster were standout across the State Championships going 3-1 in pool play with other key performances from Blake McPherson and Max Stefanutto. In the final, Metro showed their relentless offense and sealed their victory with a 12-2 win over Brisbane South.

Melbourne Mets (VIC): Made up of metropolitan Melbourne players. The Mets step in as a replacement team for Victorian champion Melbourne Athletics who withdrew. The Mets played in the 3-4 cross over game locally and step in to replace the Athletics.

18 May 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Aussies Abroad

Aussie duo Blake Townsend and Brandan Bidois taking Greensboro by storm

written by James Dyer

Australian pitching duo Brandan Bidois and Blake Townsend are off to red-hot start to the season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Across 8.1 innings in six appearances this season, Bidois has recorded a save, 11 strikeouts and only conceded one walk.

Impressively, he has yet to allow a run.

Bidois, from Queensland, started the year on the Injured List. While he missed time, he says it helped motivate him for the season.

“It just made that fire inside a bit bigger and I’m hungry for what’s next,” he says.

Bidois (above) says he focused his offseason on developing a new game plan.

“My main goal coming into the season was focusing on things I could control,” Bidois says. “I have been mindful in my preparation and know that after the ball leaves my hand whatever happens, happens.”

Team Australia arm and Adelaide Giant Blake Townsend has been equally impressive on the mound this season, throwing 18.1 innings across nine games.

He’s allowed only two earned runs. He has collected 22 strikeouts – five of which came in his last outing.

Townsend’s ERA has sunk below 0.98 as of Sunday morning in Australia.

He says he has changed his mentality this season which has helped him with the early success.

“I came into this year believing I was going to throw strikes and get ahead of guys, doing so has put me in good positions to succeed,” he says. “I feel like I’m able to handle adversity a lot better.”

Self-confidence has been key for Townsend this season, changing his belief in his personal identity.

“I am someone who is going to come in and throw strikes from pitch one,” he adds.

The boys have bonded together being in Greensboro.

“Having Blake has been great, hearing somebody on the team call you mate makes you feel that much closer to home.” Bidois says.

Townsend (below) agrees.

“It’s been awesome having another Aussie in the clubhouse, especially after joining a new organisation,” says Townsend.

Morale is high between the two Aussies. They even share Australian snacks at the field.

Townsend says sharing a box of pizza shapes has made his entire week.

We will continue to follow the pitching duo at Greensboro, wishing them Goodluck for the rest of the season.

17 May 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

An update on professional Australian baseball players around the world

There are over 30 Australians with professional contracts in North America or Asia.

Of those, 22 of them have contracts affiliated with a Major League Baseball club, one is in Japan, one is in Korea and the rest are playing independent baseball.

An updated list will always be kept via our Aussies Abroad Page.

We’ve hit the mid-May portion of the season, meaning all leagues around the world have begun. I’m here with an update on how Australians are performing as of Sunday morning on May 18 in Australia.

Want more Aussie news? Listen to my weekly news read!

16 May 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

College Baseball

Where are Australians playing in college baseball playoffs? | Player Update - May 15 |

The 2025 college baseball regular season is almost done in the United States.

For many of the 100+ Australians playing college ball, the fun is about to begin. It’s playoff time!

Here is a run down of players I’ve noticed with post-season action across the nation. If I missed somebody I sincerely apologise. Simply email me at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au and I can add it to the story.

Please note, many of the Division I games can be watched on ESPN+ which is now accessible with a Disney+ subscription.

We hope you tune in!

NSW two-way player Max Miotto Commits to Missouri State University – West Plains

Sydney infielder and pitcher Max Miotto has become the latest Australian to commit to college.

He’ll be heading to Missouri State University – West Plains, a junior college in the United States.

Max, who plays for Petersham Leichhardt in the winter and Manly-Warringah in the summer, has an accomplished junior career Down Under.

He was on the New South Wales team at the Australian Youth Championships in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

He travelled to Florida with Team Australia’s U18 squad in 2024. He even played in the Little League World Series in 2019 with Cronulla.

“Playing for Australia in the Little League World Series when I was 12 really inspired me to work harder to push myself to compete at the highest level,” says Miotto. “More recently, being part of those three NSW Teams at AYC has given me valuable experience and shown me what it’s like to be part of a highly competitive and committed team.”

He draws further influence from players like Max Brennan, a Blue Sox player and successful state league player in Sydney.

“He has definitely been a big influence on my baseball journey. He’s a great role model in the way he plays the game and is a fierce competitor. I have learned a lot from him both mentally and physically,” says Miotto.

As a baseballer, Miotto has a big frame. He possesses a compact swing with good bat-to-ball skills and a strong plate discipline.

He can also pitch. He can command various pitchers with decent velocity.

“I’m a strong all-around player that will do whatever it takes for the team,” adds Miotto.

Going the JUCO route allows Miotto to gain valuable play time to improve as a baseball player.

He’ll be able to both hit and pitch at West Plains.

“I see my baseball development as a two-way player as being really strong,” he says. “The coaches have been great and are on board with the goals I want to achieve. I know they’ll push me to improve every part of my game. I’m excited to keep learning, work hard, and grow both as a player and teammate.”

There’s one particular element of his game he’s circled.

“I’m hoping to improve my mental toughness and going through failures and also overall consistency on and off the field,” adds Miotto.

Congratulations, Max!

CARVE Eyewear extends partnership to reward peak performance at National Little League Championships

After rewarding peak performance at the Australian Youth Championships, Australian Women’s Championships and Australian Youth Women’s Championships, CARVE Eyewear will do the same at the upcoming Little League National Championship Events.

On Day 1 of the Senior League, Intermediate League, Junior League and Little League titles, the performance eyewear company will award a pair of sunglasses to one player on each team.

13 May 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Team Australia

Australia's schedule at the 2025 Under 12 World Cup has been revealed

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has revealed the groups and schedule for this year’s Under 12 World Cup in Taiwan.

13 May 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

College Baseball

Decorated junior baseballer Jack Ratcliffe announces commitment to Iowa Central Community College

One of Australia’s most decorated junior baseball players is going to college.

Jack Ratcliffe, a two-time Australian Youth Championship MVP winner, has committed to Iowa Central Community College.

It’s a high-end Junior College who just won their regional championship.

12 May 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Women's Baseball

From Isolation to Triumph: Lisa Nakashio's Golden Baseball Journey

feature story by Eliza Wood

It felt like poetic justification when New South Wales shortstop Lisa Nakashio recorded the final out in her team’s Gold Medal game win at the Australian Women’s Championships.

Three years prior, in 2022, she was watching her team win it all while masked up and parked in a hotel room while isolating with COVID.

“As that pitch went up, I thought back to Maddie McGuire’s winning catch in 2022, watching on the stream in the hotel,” Lisa Nakashio reminisces.

“So many emotions rushed through my head: excitement, relief, and so much gratitude for my team… that winning catch is a moment I’ll never forget,” she beams.

Destiny in motion – destiny fulfilled.

A euphoric moment for Nakashio, who has been dreaming of winning gold since her women’s national’s debut in 2022 – a tournament that saw her sidelined midway through with COVID-19.

Things didn’t get easier for Nakashio.

In 2023, New South Wales shockingly finished outside the medals. In 2024, their Gold Medal game was washed out due to rain, with the title awarded to Victoria.

But back in 2022, isolating in her hotel room with fellow teammate Violet Gruppelaar, Nakashio admits it was a tough time both mentally and emotionally not being out there with the team.

However, Nakashio wouldn’t change a thing about her 2022 campaign.

Despite not physically being on the field that day, Nakashio couldn’t have been prouder of her teammates as she shared in the joy with them through FaceTime.

Nakashio was awarded the Spirt of the Game medal, a well-deserved recognition from her coaches and an honour she holds dearly.

“[That nationals] was pivotal for me,” she says.

“Watching from the sidelines gave me a new perspective. I saw the level I needed to reach, and it left me more motivated than ever to train hard,” she adds.

And train hard she did.

“The past couple of years she has worked out with our first-grade squad and got to learn and work with the likes of [ABL third baseman] Jo Stevens and Max Brennen (Sydney Blue Sox),” explains Matt O’Neill, Nakashio’s Club Ball coach at Ryde Hawks.

“She is always asking questions and wanting to learn, wanting to get better,” he adds.

Unfortunately for Nakashio and NSW, arriving at Melbourne Ballpark in 2023 as the reigning champs and a strong medal contending team, didn’t guarantee anything.

Finishing the tournament in 5th place.

With Nakashio left still chasing that gold medal dream, it was here the road to redemption for NSW began.

“[Our] 2024 team had such great chemistry and drive,” says Nakashio.

Playing hard against fierce competition, the Blues earned their spot in the gold medal game in a tight 10-9 win over Queensland Maroon.

However, just like the unpredictability of a baseball game, Melbourne’s unpredictable weather rained on everyone’s parade, with the championship game washed out.

Forcing the tournament bylaws to be enacted, resulting in gold for Victoria and silver for NSW.

“It was bittersweet because we felt we had what it took to win, and it only made me more determined for 2025,” expresses Nakashio.

Hardworking by nature both on and off the field, her determination and desire to be the best she can be and chase her dreams fuels her.

Working closely alongside local NSW Japanese import Ayano, Nakashio gained a wealth of knowledge from the middle infielder.

She developed her fielding style and honed her craft, rep after rep, bolstering her confidence on the diamond.

“This made me excited to showcase everything I’d learned at nationals,” says Nakashio.

“I came into the tournament with the goal of being the best fielder I could be and supporting my pitchers as much as possible,” she adds.

Safe to say Nakashio hit her goal out of the park.

An absolute standout at short stop, she led the tournament with 31 assists.

She hit. 348 with the bat, driving in eight runs and scoring ten times.

In the Gold Medal Game, Nakashio was in the middle of two crucial, run-preventing double-plays for New South Wales.

“You get to be creative, make fun plays, you’re always thinking and constantly engaged,” says Nakashio. “This tournament reminded me why I love playing shortstop so much.”

A true team-player, Nakashio is just glad she could play her role and contribute to the team’s success.

A testament to the time, effort and dedication she gives the sport she loves so much.

A drive that doesn’t go unnoticed to those around her, including NSW veteran Claire O’Sullivan.

“I’ve seen the rewards of her taking extra time to work on her skills outside of team trainings, which made all the difference as she played one of the best defensive tournaments I’ve seen,” says O’Sullivan.

“She understands that there is always more to learn in this game and is very willing to put in the time and go through the hard parts to make herself better for the team,” she adds.

Doing all that she could to prepare herself and a story three years in the making, the time had finally come.

“This year, 2025, felt different from the start,” states Nakashio.

“The experience in the team, the coaching, and the shared goal. We all knew what had to be done. We weren’t just chasing a medal this time, we were focused on winning gold,” she adds.

The rivalry between NSW and Victoria is one that has existed since the beginning of time.

With the bitter taste of last year’s result, it was now that the feeling of redemption truly kicked in for NSW.

Coming down to final inning in what was a championship worthy game, the Blues brought it home in a stellar 6-3 win.

18-year-old Isobel Lambert broke a three-three tie in the final frame.

“We weren’t going to let the opportunity slip,” affirms Nakashio.

“From the very first training, I believed we had the team to do it, and that final game showed it,” she adds. “It was nothing but quality baseball.”

With the game-winning catch landing in her glove, Nakashio’s journey through trials and tribulations had finally reached its deserving, golden end.

“It was everything I had dreamed of since watching from the hotel room back in 2022. It was a full-circle moment,” says Nakashio, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

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