23 March 2026
Queensland's Paddy McLoughlin commits to college at Dodge City
Paddy McLoughlin says an experience playing against the United States helped shape his path to college baseball.
In 2024, as a member of Australia’s U16 squad, McLoughlin toed the rubber vs the United States’ prolific Under 15 squad.
He said he felt like he belonged.
“For every pitcher that comes off the mound they bring on another one equally as good,” McLoughlin said. “Playing at that level really helped me to see where I need to be when I get to the USA.”
Now, the Redcliffe Padres product is heading there himself after committing to Dodge City Community College, where he will begin in August 2026.
McLoughlin’s pathway has been shaped through Queensland representation and consistent exposure to high-level competition.
He has been part of the state team at the Australian Youth Championship for four consecutive years, while also gaining international experience through tours to Taiwan and Perfect Game events in the United States.
He says each opportunity added perspective.
“The level was high,” he said. “You meet really good players and you start to understand what it takes.”
His time with Team Australia at U16 level proved especially important. Facing elite opposition gave him a benchmark, and a clear direction for his development.
Listed as both a pitcher and outfielder, McLoughlin’s immediate impact at college is expected to come on the mound.
His pitch mix includes a fastball, two-seam fastball, curveball, slider and changeup, with a strong emphasis on feel and movement.
“My off-speed pitching and movement of the ball are my strengths,” he says.
The next step is building on that foundation.
“I’m looking to improve my velocity and overall mechanics,” adds McLoughlin.
Behind the scenes, McLoughlin’s development has been shaped by strong support at Redcliffe Padres. From Little League through to A-grade, he credits his coaches and family for helping guide his journey.
“My Mum and Dad have always supported me,” he said. “My coaches at Redcliffe have believed in me since I was young.”
Coaches such as Phil Overlack played a key role in providing opportunities at A-grade level and introducing strength training, while former Major Leaguer Travis Blackley helped refine his understanding of pitching and ball movement.
Dodge City has become a familiar destination for Australian players, with Queenslander Hayden Dingli currently in the program and existing connections through Baseball Australia pathways.
READ MORE: Stories on Aussies going to college
“It is great to see the connection with Dodge City and Australian players continue over the last 10-15 years and Paddy will be the next part of that,” says Baseball Australia player development manager Andrew Riddell. “They have had the likes of Brayden Schuler, Scott Hillier, Tim Wakefield, myself and currently with Hayden Dingli there which will make the transition for Paddy even easier.”
Ridell adds that he’s been loving Paddy’s progression over the last few seasons.
“We have seen him for multiple years now compete,” he says. “Paddy’ ability to mix speeds on the mound and keep hitters off-balance has always been a big part of his game. As he starts to mature physically, his velocity will continue to improve. He has also shown the ability to put the ball in play a lot at the plate and will be able to continue his offensive development while at Dodge City.”
For McLoughlin, the move is about more than just performance.
“I’m excited to compete at a high level and improve my game,” he said. “As well as living away from home, becoming independent and being part of the school community.”
With a deep pitch mix, international experience and a clear plan for development, McLoughlin now takes the next step, heading to Kansas ready to test himself at the junior college level.
