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This story is written by Eric Balnar, with photos from Scott Powick. We are filing daily stories from Australia’s ten-day training camp in Fuchu, Japan as they prepare to play in the Premier12. For more stories, visit www.baseball.com.au/premier12.

The last time we saw Australian right-handed pitcher Ky Jackson was September, 2024. He was carving up opponents while wearing the Green & Gold at the Under 23 World Cup in China.

In fact, you could make the argument Jackson has been Australia’s U23 ‘Ace’ over the last three years. 

In two World Cups, Jackson has posted a 1.69 ERA across six games and 20.2 innings.

But today, he was his own national program’s opponent.

Ky was playing for his professional team in Japan, but against Australia.

“I’m not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous,” said Jackson. “Nerves, but the excitement part of it wins because I obviously know all the boys. It was weird. Because you never get an opportunity to pitch against Team Australia, I’ve always been with them. It was weird. But exciting.”

Above: Jackson pitching for Australia at the U23 World Cup

Australia is playing a series of five exhibition games against five different Industrial Japanese League opponents as part of their 10-day training camp in Fuchu City.

These teams are effectively baseball playing divisions of companies owned by mega-Japanese companies, featuring a groundswell of young Japanese talent and former NPB professionals.

Jackson, a 23-year-old who was born, raised and developed in the New South Wales baseball system, moved to Japan when he was 18-years-old to pursue his baseball dream.

His mother is Japanese, his father in Australia, so he has a passport.

At 18, Ky moved to Japan to attend university, to play baseball, and to earn sports psychology degree.

Now, Jackson finds himself playing for Nippon Express – today’s Industrial League opponent for Team Australia.

He opened the game, tossing 2.0 innings allowing a couple hits and a run.

Above: Ky Jackson on the mound on Friday for Nippon Express. Photo: Scott Powick.

He says he was maybe more nervous to face his friends than he was to play with them at a World Cup.

“It’s waaaay different nerves,” says Jackson. “But yeah, probably more. It’s just because I know all the boys. This was really fun and probably a one-of-a-kind experience. Bragging rights, you know?”

His Aussie mates were ‘heaps keen’ to face a fellow national team brother.

Solomon Maguire, Rixon Wingrove, Coen Wynne, Alex Hall, Will Sheriff, Blake Townsend & Jarryd Dale were all once U23 World Cup teammates with Jackson, either in 2022 or 2024, in addition to their Aussie domestic exploits.

Now that group is on Australia’s Premier12 roster.

Ky’s first at-bat of the game was against Travis Bazzana – a player he played charter baseball at Ryde with growing up.

“I saw [Travis] before the game and I asked him what pitch he wanted. He said give me a fastball. So, I said ‘you got it’ and I gave him a fastball,” laughs Jackson.

Bazzana ambushed the pitch of the game and found himself on base.

“That’s what he does,” says Jackson.

“Yeah, it was kind of a cheap one,” says Bazzana. “But Ky, he’s always been such a great and competitive player growing up. One of the best pitchers in the state kind of thing.”

Outfielder Solomon Maguire says it was a cool moment for him on a personal level. It was another instance in an ever growing list of moments the two have helped each other out. He shares insights as to just how Australian baseball players help each other out.

“Me and Ky are close so whenever we end up back [on the same team], we talk about what we’ve been working on, talk about the path we are on and if we can get pointers from each other. We are in two different baseball countries that play the game completely different,” he says.

Maguire says this game felt special for a number of reasons.

“At the last World Cup, I sat down and asked him how he would pitch to me knowing my weaknesses,” says Maguire. “He broke it down for me and I was like, ‘yeah you would completely get me out.’ But those conversations are healthy because now I can go away and work and figure out how to overcome that. I know for me and a lot of guys it’s a fun experience to test your stuff at this level against a mate.”

Above: Blake Townsend, Solomon Maguire, Ky Jackson, Travis Bazzana and Will Sherriff have all played for Australia together at the U23 or junior levels. Photo: Scott Powick.

Jackson and his Aussie mates all shared a hug and laugh before the game.

“We grew up together, we love each other, yeah it was special,” he says.

Jackson is draft eligible for the NPB next season. He says that’s what he’s working towards right now.

 That, and reaching the senior national team.

“Since I was 12 or 13 I’ve always wanted to play for Australia. I always do and still want to play for Australia. One day hopefully I am good enough to be on one of these senior teams in the future. That’s definitely on my mind. I just have to keep working towards it,” he says.

LENDING A HELPING HAND

Jackson has a big smile on his face when reflecting on the experience.

“Everybody was so pumped,” says Jackson of the Nippon Express. “They were all asking me about all the players and the level. I would say this is a big memory for a lot of them.”

Above: Group Photo – Nippon Express x Team Australia. 

“When we found out we were playing Team Australia it was such a huge honour for everyone. You know, we watch those tournaments in our dorm rooms, with each other, at work. Everyone knows this is Team Australia,” he says.

Jackson says he could tell it meant a lot for those on Nippon Express to play today.

“It’s a surreal thing for my teammates too. Now we’ve played them, now we can go cheer for them knowing we’ve done our part to help get them ready to play [a major tournament],” he says.

Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams says it is another great example of how the Japanese community rallies around Team Australia. 

He says these exhibition games are crucial in preparing the team.

“We give Fuchu City a schedule and say we would like to play five games in these time slots and they go and get it done,” he says. “It’s remarkable because some times games are at funny times. They’re not on weekends. They go out of their way for us.”

Players from SegaSammy, another Industrial League team, working on the field pre-game to help Australia prepare for the Premier12. Photo: Scott Powick.

Williams says the games are an important part of the process.

“Guys need to play. They need to have at-bats, they need to face high quality opponents and that’s the quality of the opposition we are facing. We are very appreciative,” he says.

But for Ky, it was a merging of two worlds.

“Japanese people love the game, respect the game, support the game and respect the opponent,” he says. “Now we are part of the journey.”

“For me it was good. Kind of felt like I was in both my homes.”

This story is written by Eric Balnar, with photos from Scott Powick. We are filing daily stories from Australia’s ten-day training camp in Fuchu, Japan as they prepare to play in the Premier12. Here you will find our daily story and a recap of the day’s activities. For more stories, visit www.baseball.com.au/premier12.

Most brothers who live far apart from each other catch up at a family reunion or occasional visits home.

For Josh & Liam Spence, two Aussie baseballers from Geelong, their family reunion comes at one of the biggest baseball tournaments in the world.

Infielder Liam and assistant pitching coach Josh saw each other for the second time in 20-months this week in Tokyo, as the Australian national team prepares for the Premier12.

They’ve only seen each other just once since March 2023, when they both represented Australia at the World Baseball Classic.

“This means everything to me,” says Liam, the youngest of three boys. “[Josh] is the guy I looked up to when I was growing up – him and my other brother Nic. So, this is pretty special.”

Josh is the 29th Australian to ever play Major League Baseball. The 36-year-old lefty pitched two seasons with the San Diego Padres from 2011-2012.

Liam is playing on his second senior men’s team. He played for Australia at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

“It’s a one of a kind of experience and I don’t take it for granted,” says Liam.

Both Spence brothers have crafted a full-time life in baseball. Josh is a pitching coach in the Milwaukee Brewers’ system, spending 2024 with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

Liam is a former Chicago Cubs draft pick who now plays for the Adelaide Giants in the ABL and the Sioux Falls Canaries in the American Association.

“It’s always a privilege to represent Australia but there’s something special to be able to do it with my brother,” says Josh.  “We’ve been able to navigate our way through America’s pastime and our paths don’t always connect through the year, so it’s just nice to be able to be in the same dugout right now and enjoy this experience together.”

There’s a tender age gap between Josh and Liam – 10 years to be exact. When Josh was playing college baseball and in the Major Leagues, Liam was growing up in Geelong.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t close. They regularly chatted and supported each other on their respective journeys.

“Skype was the thing back in the day,” laughs Josh. “We would catch up playing video games online. And [my family] would come over to visit and see me play a couple times a year.”

Above: Liam travelling to the USA to watch his brother Josh play in the Major Leagues.

When Liam began his baseball career in the United States, Josh was there the offer guidance.

Liam attended Central Arizona Junior College before transferring to the University of Tennessee. When Liam was at Central Arizona, Josh was a pitching coach at a high school not too far away.

Liam was eventually selected by the Chicago Cubs in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Josh was able to help him navigate that experience, too.

“I was able to experience things that he wanted to get out of baseball. It’s been fun for him to lean on some of my past experiences, help him shorten the learning curve,” says Josh.

Glenn Williams, CEO of Baseball Australia, says it’s cool to see family members reunite in a family environment.

“I can’t imagine how special this must feel to them,” he says. “Especially to do it in an environment that feels like one big family reunion. It’s very reminiscent of the environment we have here. It’s pretty cool.”

Now, with their national team brothers, they’re both experiencing the madness and fanfare of Japanese baseball together.

The city of Fuchu has embraced the Australian team. The players are treated like rockstars at local schools and have been treated to many special performances. Fans have even assembled to create ‘fight songs’ and cheering sections for the national squad.

Don’t believe us? Scroll through our X account or @teamaustraliabaseball on Instagram.

“It’s pretty wild. There are so many people out here. They’re just coming out here, singing, cheering you on and giving you all this love and support even when you are so far from home. It’s pretty unbelievable,” says Liam.

Liam says he and his teammates are appreciative of the Japanese support.

“It was beyond my expectations,” he says. “It feels like every time we come here support just grows.”

TRAINING CAMP UPDATE & Match Report

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Australia hit three homers in a 7-4 win over Kasuzo Magic in an exhibition game in Fuchu today.

Alex Hall, Aaron Whitefield and Darryl George all hit homers, while the team used nine pitchers on the mound. Solomon Maguire had also an RBI.

The pitchers who saw some work were: Mitch Neunborn, Jon Kennedy, Lewis Thorpe, Will Sherriff, Tim Atherton, Coen Wynne, Blake Townsend, Dan McGrath and Josh Guyer.

Australia has three more practice matches to play before their tournament opener November 13 in Nagoya.

There was certainly a buzz around training camp. Four major Japanese outlets, including Yahoo, the Answer, Japan Times and Pacific League TV, all attended training. A swarm of fans came to grab signatures too.

Above: Travis Bazzana slides into base. Fans swarm around Team Australia. Photo: Scott Powick.

Below: Alex Hall hits a homer, Tim Kennelly interviewed by the Japan Times. Photo: Scott Powick.

Around Camp

Here’s what’s been happening the last three days for Team Australia.

On Monday, Australia had a four hour practice and a two-hour clinic for local Fuchu baseball players.

On Tuesday, the team trained in the morning and visited a local school in the afternoon. They were greeted by a gymnasium full of elementary school students, a performance from the band, and a game of catch.

Wednesday featured training, a practice match vs a local company team, and a visit to the Australian Embassy in the evening.

In the game itself, Australia used the opportunity to bring game action to a whole slew of pitchers. The arms that threw were

 

 

 

story by Eric Balnar, photos by Scott Powick. 

The Japanese locals of Fuchu sure know how to make Australia’s national baseball team feel the love.

Make no mistake – this was a big day.

The formula looked like this: Three hours of practice + a welcome ceremony + exhibition game + visit to shrine = a 10+ hour day for Team Australia.

But that’s what Fuchu Camp is all about. Today was particularly special for many reasons.

Australia was greeted with a wonderful Japanese fan support – from song, dance, and a section of fans singing fight songs.

Let’s bring you along our Day 2 journey. Here’s what happened.

For archived stories of the Fuchu Premier12 training camp, please visit www.baseball.com.au/premier12.

Story by Eric Balnar / Photos by Scott Powick

Welcome to Fuchu – a Tokyo suburb and the home of Team Australia Baseball for the next ten days.

Scratch that. It is our second home.

Australia’s national baseball squad has arrived for a training camp to prepare for one of the biggest baseball tournaments in the world – the Premier12.

Consider it baseball’s equivalent of a Senior Men’s World Cup, where only the top twelve ranked countries are invited to play ball.

First up? A November 13 clash with World #1 Japan and a team loaded with all-stars from their top-level of competition (NPB).

The tournament opener will be played in Nagoya, a city about 300km south west of Tokyo, in front of over 50,000 baseball mad Japanese fans and a TV audience that should eclipse 25 million.

Then, both Australia and Japan will join the rest of their group in Taiwan for the remainder of the group stage portion of the tournament.

Want more Premier12 stories? Head to our Premier12 Hub!

The stakes are high so the preparation is important.

That’s where Fuchu comes in.

Team Australia has ventured to Fuchu to train since 2018 and the city has become an important part of planning for any major tournament.

They’re here now before voyaging to Nagoya.

PAST STORY: How a Japanese Town is helping Team Australia prepare for the WBC

So, what does Fuchu look like? What does the training camp entail? What will the players be doing? What is the city itself like? Where do the players eat?

We hope this article helps bring you here with us to Fuchu, Japan.

The Schedule and Preparation

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“It’s designed to be hard,” says Australia’s national team manager Dave Nilsson (below).

“It’s a physically hard camp. It’s about creating fatigue. It’s about creating stress and then attention to detail under that stress. It’s become a location that all the guys know and they love it, says Nilsson. “But there are no distractions. There’s no outside people they go away to. They go to the hotel, they hang out with each other. They go to the field, they hang out together. It’s baseball and bonding. Everybody is all working together but Fuchu [camp] does not provide an easy day.”

It’s a jam packed schedule for Australia’s Roster of 28.

On November 1, Australian baseball players from baseball leagues all over the world flew in at various points of the day to reunite under the Green & Gold banner.

Above: Catcher Ryan Battaglia with hustle. Photo: Scott Powick

From November 2 – 10, there is at least one practice a day. Australia will play five practice matches against local Japanese company teams on top of their regular training schedule.

On Monday 4 November, they’ll host a baseball clinic for local junior players.

On Tuesday 5 November, they’ll spend the afternoon visiting a school.

Mixed in there is a dinner at the Ambassador’s House, a local ceremony or two, and a lengthy list of media request from Japanese outlets.

All up it’s nine trainings, five games, a school visit, a clinic, and some functions to attend to.

These sorts of activities help the locals feel connected to Australian baseball, according to Shugo Mukoyama, the chairman of the All Fuchu Baseball Club

“By watching the game at Fuchu Field, fans become more familiar and more supportive of Team Australia,” says Mukoyama. “The most famous team for Fuchu kids is now Australia. We feel closest to them.”

On November 11, the team travels to Nagoya ahead of their November 13 clash with Japan.

But until then, Fuchu is home.

The Community

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There are about 260,000 residents of Fuchu.

They pride themselves on being a sports town, home to two top rugby teams, the race course and of course a vibrant baseball community.

Fuchu is lined with restaurants of all styles of foods. From ramen shops, to steakhouses, to curry restaurants, to burgers…there’s something for everyone.

There’s even a Wendy’s outside the team’s hotel.

Streets are lined with Australian colours and flags.

“We hope the team feels welcomed and at home,” says Daisuke Minagawa a manager at of one of the local companies (Aida Chemical Industries), helping to coordinate Team Australia’s Fuchu experience.

The residents are friendly and inviting. Shop employees go out of their way to help translate. It’s not uncommon to have a few friendly hellos from locals on the streets.

A beautiful park is nearby. It’s home to Okunitama-jinja Shrine, one of the oldest in Japan with a history dating back 1900 years.

“Fuchu is a wonderful city, the location is great. We have access to everything. The people are incredible. They embrace us and the team embraces them. It has everything we need,” says Nilsson.

Toshiba has a base in Fuchu, and iconic beverage giant Suntory is here too. Japanese multinational information technology and electronics corporation NEC employs a large number of people in the area too.

The Stadium – Fuchu City Baseball Field

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Residents come to watch Australia practice in March, 2023 ahead of the WBC. Photo: Scott Powick

“Baseball is really connected to the citizens life here in Fuchu,” says Daisuke Minagawa.

The centre to that life is the Citizens Stadium. The ballpark is owned by the community and has been the home to Fuchu baseball since 1950.

The stadium, which fits about 5,000 people, supports everything from grassroots baseball, to kids, to local clubs, to women’s competition to adults leagues.

“The facilities are great. It has everything we need,” says Nilsson.

The Tokyo Giants women’s team even calls Fuchu home.

“It is a baseball field for all citizens,” says Mukoyama of All Fuchu Baseball Club.

“It is for kids, for adults, for all people. It is an important part of life here.”

The Adult Team is called ‘All-Fuchu.’ They are comprised of high-level players who live and work in the community, including many retired NPB players.

These baseballers work full-time and play on weekends. If you’re in Australia, it’s the equivalent of club ball except it’s played in a stadium of 5,000.

All-Fuchu competes in the Kanto Region League against other communities.

There are two games that can’t be missed: a rivalry with the Tokyo Mets and a clash with Oshikaga.

The women’s team is called the Mares, named after the neighbouring Tokyo Racecourse.

“Women’s baseball is one of the first cities to support women’s baseball,” says Daisuke. “The community really wants to support the community and boost more activities.”

In fact, the stadium was in need of upgraded change rooms as women’s programs were expanding.

The City of Fuchu supported, but the baseball community launched a large crowd funding campaign that raised over $7.6 million yen (76,000AUD)

“The target was five million yen but we raised more in just three months,” says Daisuke.

It’s hard not to be impressed by the facilities. Hand crafted wood locker rooms, fresh showers and work out rooms give an aura of clean history.

Above: Players meet in one of the newly renovated locker rooms.

Where they eat, and what the players do

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Food is an important part of life in Fuchu.

Lion Ramen, right near the train station (above), is a big hit amongst players.

“That’s the spot right there,” says Australian pitcher Sam Holland. “Order the number two.”

Other popular spots include the many Japanese Curry restaurants, local Japanese style Barbecues, the Takoyri Steakhouse, and of course many of the local convenience stores – Family Mart, Lawson and 7/11.

Daisuke even brings in a large basket of gummies unique to Japan for the players to try.

And no – these convenience stores aren’t like we have in Australia. You can purchase a hot, fresh, delicious meal for as low as $4 AUD.

The restaurants get in the spirit too. A bar called ‘Fuchu Fan Zone’ has completely rebranded in Team Australia baseball colours – from the signs out front, to branding inside.

“We have a chance to bond,” says Darryl George, one of Australia’s infielders. “We don’t see each other for large stretches of the year so at the field, at the hotel, at the restaurants, we have a chance to connect and get to know each other. We offer support for each other – you often see guys help each other out with whatever they’re going through in life.”

You can find Australian players walking the streets, trying local food, exercising, visiting baseball stores and relaxing when they aren’t training.

Training Day 1 – Report

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Heavy rains overnight, and a steady downpour in the morning, forced Australia to alter their originally scheduled five hour practice.

The team still worked out at a track and field facility next door to the Fuchu Stadium.

“The guys had to move around,” says Nilsson. “There was some conditioning that needed to be done.”

Players threw and worked out in the field. Nilsson says he and the team embraced the conditions.

“There’s a good chance we have conditions like this in Taiwan,” he says. “This offered an opportunity to work out in tough conditions with similar circumstances.”

The team is scheduled to work on their swings at local batting cages in the evening.

Above: Sam Holland. Below: Alex Hall & Graeme Lloyd

 

 

Sydney will host the Oceania chapter 2025 WBSC U18 World Cup Qualifiers from December 5-8, 2024.

Australia will duke it out in a five-game series with New Zealand.

The winner of the tournament will represent Oceania at the 2025 U18 World Cup in Japan.

UPDATE: There has also been a roster adjustment. Queensland outfielder Liam Kiddle and Queensland catcher Cooper Teichmann have been added to the squad ahead of the qualifying event. The updated roster is below.

You’ll be able to attend the games at Blacktown International Sportspark.

We’ll provide updates when the tournament is on.

Here are the players on the qualification roster:

Team Australia has confirmed their roster for the 2025 U12 World Cup of Baseball qualifiers.

Australia will fly to Guam to compete with Guam and Northern Mariana Islands in games between November 29, 2024 and December 2, 2024.

Here’s how it works:

– Each team will play each other twice;
– If one team goes undefeated (four wins), they will be declared the winner of the qualifier;
– If no team is undefeated, the top two teams will play in the finals

18 players have been named to the Qualification Squad. The list is below.

Hungry for Team Australia action? The senior men’s national team is off to the Premier12 this week to compete in the World Championship equivalent. Tournament information and streaming details are here. 

Don’t forget – the Australian Baseball League is bringing some of the best players in the world to this country, including five teams from the NPB (Japan), three teams from Korea, 14 from Major League Baseball and six from the CPBL (Taiwan).

We’ll provide updates and scoring links come tournament time.

 

Australia has finished their campaign at the WBSC Premier12, presented by Raxus.

It’s an international baseball tournament for the best twelve senior national mens baseball programs in the world.

Watch in Australia on the WBSC official streaming platform, Gametime.Sport, or for free on DAZN.

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

SCORES & RESULTS

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Wednesday 13 November – Japan 9 def Australia 3
Friday 15 November – Australia 5 def Dominican Republic 0
Saturday 16 November – Cuba 4 def Australia 3
Sunday 17 November – Chinese Taipei 11 def Australia 3
Monday 18 November – Korea 5 def Australia 2

Schedule, scores, stats, standings and results can be found here: www.wbsc.org/en/events/2024-premier12/

STANDINGS (remaining games in parenthesis)

1. Japan 4-0
2. Chinese Taipei 3-1
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3. Korea 3-2
4. Cuba 1-3
5. Dominican Republic 1-3
6. Australia 1-4

Scenario: If Japan beats Dominican Republic, and Chinese Taipei beats Cuba, Australia will finish T7 at the Premier12.

STORIES

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by Eric Balnar

Game Recap – Korea takes advantage of Australian miscues as Premier12 concludes

Game Recap – Chinese Taipei power past Australia to punch ticket to Super Round

Game Recap – Deja Vu: Australia falls by same scoreline to Cuba as at the World Baseball Classic 

Game Recap – Australia one-hits Dominican Republic, Perkins drives in four, to improve record to 1-1 at Premier12

Game Recap – “We weren’t really sharp” – Japan defeats Australia 9-3 to open Premier12

November 13 (FOX SPORTS) –  “Like Nothing I’ve ever Seen”: How these Australian baseballers become sporting royalty in Japan

November 13 – Transcript of Pre-tournament Press Conference featuring Dave Nilsson, Tim Kennelly, Shusei Togo and Ibata

November 12 – “Be Ready” | Behind the role & mentality of every Team Australia pitcher at the Premier12

November 11 – “For Mum” | The story of the remarkably brilliant Mitch Neunborn

November 11 – Travis Bazzana eager to make his senior Team Australia debut (Japan Times)

November 10 – Check out all the media buzz around Australia at the Premier12

November 9 – Fuchu becomes home away from home for Australian national team, wonderful feature by Japan Times

November 8 – From Ace to Opposition: U23 Aussie ace Ky Jackson faces senior squad as member of Japanese pro team 

November 6 – It’s a special Spence brothers family reunion at Team Australia training camp

November 4 – Friendship, Fatherhood, Finding Joy | The story of Australia’s Rookie, MLB pitcher Lewis Thorpe

November 3 – Unique Japanese welcome ceremony blows Australian national team away ahead of team’s first practice game

November 2 –  What does Fuchu City, and Team Australia’s training camp, actually look like?

October 10 – Australia reveals roster for Premier12

HOW TO FOLLOW

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Broadcast: In Australia, the Premier12 tournament will be available on Gametime.Sport. and also for free on sports streaming app DAZN.

Social Media: Follow us for regular updates every day. Instagram – @teamaustraliabaseball. Facebook – Team Australia Baseball. X – @teamausbaseball

SCHEDULE

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ROSTER

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PDF Version: Click here.

Team Australia features a roster of:

– Three (3) players with MLB experience;
– The 2024 MLB Draft first-overall selection;
– 25 players with World Baseball Classic or Premier12 experience;
– 13 players with Triple-A experience;
– 26 players with minor league baseball experience;

All have played in the Australian Baseball League.

To learn more about Team Australia’s Premier12 roster, visit this link.

Australia has revealed their roster for baseball’s equivalent of the 2024 World Championships.

From November 13 – 24, Australia will duke it out with the world’s best at the WBSC Premier12, presented by RAXUS, in Japan and Taiwan.

This includes the opening game vs Japan in Nagoya, which is expected to have a Japanese TV audience of 30 million+.

The international competition is reserved for the top twelve ranked baseball countries in the world at the end of the 2023 calendar year. It is currently the most important international baseball tournament outside the MLB-run World Baseball Classic.

All teams can name a 28-man roster, however no players on a 40-man Major League Baseball roster are permitted to play.

Australia brings an intriguing roster, mixed with some of the biggest rising stars in the game and Major League talent.

You can view the roster in the graphic below.

The roster includes:
– Three (3) players with MLB experience;
– The 2024 MLB Draft first-overall selection
– 25 players with World Baseball Classic or Premier12 experience;
– 13 players with Triple-A experience
– 26 players with minor league baseball experience
– 7 players who played minor league baseball in 2024
– 28 players with Australian Baseball League time

You can read about each player below. Details of coaches are also included.

Australia is in Group B, hosted primarily in Taipei, with Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Dominican Republic and Cuba.

However, Australia will open the tournament in a one-off preliminary stage game in Nagoya vs World #1 Japan in front of a sold-out crowd, in a baseball hot bed, and with an anticipated Japanese television audience of over 30 million.
Australia will travel to Japan on October 31 for a 10-day training camp.

They’ll fly to Taiwan the following day to join the rest of Group B.

Group A features Panama, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, the USA, Venezuela and hosts Mexico.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, held in Tokyo from November 21-24.

Team Australia is looking to build on a sixth-place finish at the 2019 Premier12 and quarterfinal finish at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

The team will travel to Fuchu City, Japan for a ten-day training camp as a group on November 1.

MEET TEAM AUSTRALIA

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C – Robbie Perkins: Perkins played for Team Australia the last two World Baseball Classics and the 2019 Premier12. The 30-year-old has hit homers on the biggest stage for his country while catching significant games behind the dish. He spent six seasons with the Colorado Rockies, reaching as high as Triple-A. Perkins is entering his 12th season with the Canberra Cavalry in the ABL where he has a career .264 batting average. He slashed.288/.347/.424 in 37 games in 2023-24.

C – Alex Hall: 25-year-old Alex Hall has already won an Australian Baseball League MVP award, after a dominating season in 2022-23. He played for Australia at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and Asia Professional Baseball Championships. He spent five seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, playing as high as High-A. Hall has a career .284 batting average in the ABL with the Perth Heat.

C – Ryan Battaglia: 32-year-old Battaglia brings experience from a Premier12, two World Baseball Classics, four minor league seasons with Cleveland and a thirteen-year ABL career where he won four championships with the Brisbane Bandits. Known for his presence behind the plate, Battaglia famously helped guide Australia to victory over the USA in the 2019 Premier-12.

1B – Rixon Wingrove: Wingrove has turned into one of Australia’s premier hitters. The 24-year-old is coming off a minor league season with the Minnesota Twins where he played at High-A. In 2023, he reached as high as Double-A with the Phillies. Wingrove hit a homer for Australia in the 2023 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals vs Cuba during his senior tournament debut. Wingrove has anchored first base for the Adelaide Giants during their 2023 and 2024 ABL Championship wins.

1B – Jake Bowey: 28-year-old Bowey returns to the senior squad after debuting at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He spent two seasons with the Houston Astros before making a name for himself as one of the ABL’s best hitters in ten years with the Perth Heat. Bowey is versatile, with experience also as a pitcher in the ABL. Bowey slashed .301/.400/.896 with five homers and 27 runs batted in over 37 games in 2023-24.

INF – Travis Bazzana: Bazzana made history in July when he became the first Australian to be selected first overall in the MLB Draft. The 21-year-old Cleveland Guardians’ prospect his senior team debut after playing for Team Australia at Under 18 and Under 23 World Cups. He is currently Major League Baseball’s #11 overall prospect.. Bazzana had a standout career at Oregon State where he was a 2024 finalist for player of the year. Bazzana slashed .238 / .369 / .765 in 27 High-A games this season and helped the Lake County Captains win the championship.

INF – Jarryd Dale: At 24, Dale already has a mountain of experience. It includes games at Triple-A with the San Diego Padres, six seasons in the minor leagues, nine years in the ABL, and two Claxton Shields with the Melbourne Aces. Dale last played for Australia at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championships. Dale is versatile and able to play second, short and third.

INF – Robbie Glendinning: 29-year-old Glendinning famously hit a homerun in Australia’s win over Korea at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He spent seven seasons in the minor leagues with Philadelphia, Baltimore, Kansas City and Pittsburgh from 2017-2023, reaching as high as Triple-A with Baltimore. He spent 2024 with three different teams in the Mexican League. Glendinning boasts a career .308 average in seven ABL seasons with Perth and Melbourne.

INF – Darryl George: The 2021 Australian Baseball League MVP returns to Team Australia with experience from the 2023 World Baseball Classic and 2019 Premier12. In addition to his four minor league seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, George spent a season in the Japanese minor leagues with Orix Buffaloes in 2015. He has ten seasons of ABL experience where he’s won a Claxton Shield, played in over 350 games, and hit 39 home runs.

UTIL – Liam Spence: 26-year-old Spence played for Australia at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and 2023 Premier12. Spence was a fifth-round draft pick of the Chicago Cubs in 2021. He reached as high as Triple-A before spending the 2024 season with the Sioux Falls Canaries in the American Association. Spence is part of the Adelaide Giants’ back-to-back ABL Championship teams. He has a career .281 average and .408 on-base-percentage in two ABL seasons while playing seven different positions on the field.

OF – Tim Kennelly: The team’s captain returns bringing as much tournament experience as almost anyone else in the Premier12. Kennelly has played in three World Baseball Classics and two Premier12 tournaments. He also holds almost every record in Australia’s professional league. He is the modern day ABL’s all-time leader in games played, home runs, hits and runs batted in. He has won four ABL titles and three MVP awards over his 14 seasons with the Perth Heat. The 37-year-old spent nine seasons in the minor leagues, reaching as high as Triple-A.

OF – Aaron Whitefield: Whitefield owns accolades few Australians currently possess. He is one of 38 Australians to ever reach the Major Leagues, doing so in 2020 with the Minnesota Twins and 2022 with the LA Angels. Whitefield has also represented Australia at the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classics, the 2019 Premier12 and the Asia Professional Baseball Championship. Whitefield has won an ABL MVP with the Brisbane Bandits, the Adelaide Giants and collected three championships with Brisbane. He now plays for the Melbourne Aces and is known for his standout defensive play.

OF – Ulrich Bojarski: Ulrich spent five seasons in the minor leagues with the Detroit Tigers and brings seven years of ABL experience with the Perth Heat to the fray. He played for Australia most recently at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Bojarski has a career .281 average in 191 games for the Perth Heat, collecting 28 homers and 113 RBI.

OF – Solomon Maguire: 21-year-old Maguire is set to make his senior tournament debut. He starred for Australia at the 2024 Under-23 World Cup where he led the tournament in homers (2) and RBI (9). Maguire is currently affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates where he spent his first full healthy season with the club in 2024. Maguire played for Australia in the Japan Series in 2022 and boasts multiple seasons of experience with the Sydney Blue Sox in the ABL.

RHP – Tim Atherton: 35-year-old returns to the senior squad with a serious international resume. Atherton famously pitched Australia to a win over the USA at the last Premier12 and will be looking to replicate his performance in 2024. He also pitched for Australia at the 2013 & 2017 World Baseball Classic. Atherton has five seasons of minor league experience, reaching as high as Triple-A. He has a 3.68 ERA in 11 ABL seasons, is the modern-day strike out leader and has won two championships.

RHP – Sam Holland: Holland has a string of Team Australia appearances to his name including the 2019 Premier12, 2023 World Baseball Classic and Asia Professional Baseball Championships. He is a four-time Claxton Shield winner with the Brisbane Bandits. The 30-year-old pitched five years in the minor leagues, reaching as high as Double-A with the San Diego Padres and boasting a 2.70 ERA. In 192.1 innings across nine ABL seasons, Holland has worked both as a starter and reliever, compiling a 3.46 career ERA.

LHP – Jon Kennedy: Kennedy brings experience from the 2019 Premier12 as well as two World Baseball Classics to the squad. The tall, 30-year-old lefty reached as high as Triple-A with the Atlanta Braves during his four-year minor league career. Kennedy has a career 3.86 ERA in eleven ABL seasons with the Melbourne Aces and owns two championships. He will play for the Canberra Cavalry this season.

LHP – Steve Kent: Kent has pitched in two Premier-12s and three World Baseball Classics for Australia, including a quarterfinal start vs Cuba in 2023. The 35-year-old reached as high as Triple-A with the Atlanta Braves during his six-season minor league career. In Australia, he has pitched in 145 games in his 13-year career with Canberra and Melbourne, winning a Claxton Shield in 2013.

RHP – Josh Guyer: Guyer notably was the closing pitcher in Australia’s crucial and tense 8-7 victory over Korea at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Trusted in the biggest of situations, Guyer brings ten seasons with the Sydney Blue Sox to the squad as well as three seasons in the Minnesota Twins organisation. He has been used both as a starter and reliever in his ABL time.

LHP – Dan McGrath: One of Australia’s most experienced arms, McGrath has pitched for Australia at a Premier12 and two World Baseball Classics. The 30-year-old reached as high as Triple-A during his seven-year minor league career with the Boston Red Sox. He’s won three Claxton Shields in nine seasons in the ABL with Melbourne & Adelaide and was the Game 3 starter in the Giants’ 2024 Championship season. He has been used both as starter and back-end reliever in Australia.

RHP – Mitch Neunborn: 27-year-old Neunborn was one of Australia’s best pitchers at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and was promptly signed to a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2023, he was named to the Philadelphia Phillies’ Arizona Fall League squad. This season, Neunborn received his first ever call-up to the Double-A level. He had a dominant season in High-A in 2024, posting a 2.39 ERA across 14 starts. He is a Claxton Shield winner with the Adelaide Giants (2023).

RHP – Warwick Saupold: There aren’t many more Australians on the team with professional experience than Saupold, one of Australia’s 38 ever Major League players. He played three seasons with the Detroit Tigers from 2016-2018 and two years in the top Korean League from 2019-20. Saupold has won multiple ABL championships with the Perth Heat and has pitched in three different World Baseball Classics. Saupold is the co-captain of Team Australia.

LHP – Will Sherriff: One of Australia’s youngest members of the pitching staff, but a mountain of growing experience. The 22-year-old started a game vs Japan in Tokyo at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He played at the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championships, and for Australia in September’s Under-23 World Cup. He spent 2024 training with the NPB’s Rakuten Golden Eagles. Sherriff pitches for the Perth Heat in the Australian Baseball League.

LHP – Lewis Thorpe: 28-year-old Thorpe is one of Australia’s 38 Major Leaguers, playing 24 games for the Minnesota Twins in 2020 and 2021. After some time away from the game, Thorpe pitched for the Chihuaha’s in the hitter friendly Mexican League in 2024. He played for the Melbourne Aces in the 2023-24 ABL season, posting a 3.60 ERA.

LHP – Blake Townsend: 23-year-old Townsed pitched for Australia at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Despite his young age, Townsend has seven minor league seasons to his name with the Seattle Mariners and now, more recently, the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2024, Townsend posted a 2.35 ERA in 33 games across Double-A and High-A. He has reached as high as Triple-A.

RHP – Todd Van Steensel: Van Steensel has earned a reputation of one of the most reliable relief pitchers in Australian baseball. He has pitched for Australia at two World Baseball Classics and two Premier12s, bringing a decade of national team experience to the squad. Van Steensel has a 14-year professional baseball career that includes stops in Mexico, Venezuela and seven seasons in the minor leagues. He has pitched 14 years in the ABL and is the league’s all-time appearance leader. He is two saves shy of the All-time saves record.

RHP – Luke Wilkins: Wilkins was part of Australia’s last Premier12 and World Baseball Classic teams. A versatile arm who can start or relieve games. Wilkins announced his retirement from the Australian Baseball League at the end of the 2023-24 season after fourteen years with Adelaide and Sydney. He won two championships. Wilkins spent the 2024 season pitching with Amsterdam in the top division of the Dutch League.

RHP – Coen Wynne: 25-year-old Wynne was one of the stories of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He was the first reserve and thrust into action in Australia’s second game. He got a call and had to fly across the world to make it in time for his appearance. He delivered a victory over China. Wynne has since become one of the top Australian starters with the Blue Sox in the ABL.