Curtis Mead traded to the Washington Nationals

29 March 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Curtis Mead traded to the Washington Nationals

Australian Major Leaguer Curtis Mead is about to embark on a new adventure.

The 25-year-old from Adelaide was traded today from the Chicago White Sox to the Washington Nationals in exchange for catcher Boston Smith.

Mead was designated for assignment earlier this week after narrowly missing out on Chicago’s opening day roster spot.

Mead has played parts of three seasons in the Major Leagues since debuting in 2023 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He was traded to the White Sox at the deadline last season.

When he was called up, he became the 37th Australian to reach the Big Leagues and the fourth South Australian.

Mead starred for Team Australia at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, hitting a go-ahead homer vs Czechia.

Mead has a career .238 average in 155 career MLB games.

27 March 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad Aussies Sign Pro

Queensland teenager Patrick Crotty signs with Philadelphia Phillies after journey defined by resilience

Patrick Crotty grew up in a house that asked a lot of him early.

The youngest of four boys, raised by his mum after his dad passed away when he was just one, Crotty learned quickly what it meant to keep going.

That same quality carried him through a major shoulder surgery that took him off the mound for six months in 2024 and a freak injury 2025.

All those experiences have led him to a professional baseball contract.

The 17-year-old right-hander from Queensland has signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, officially putting pen to paper on Friday 27th March.

His professional journey starts now.

Crotty will return to Brisbanefor a week on Monday and will head back to the Dominican Republic for a short stint, before joining the Phillies complex in Clearwater, Florida.

A product of Redcliffe Baseball Club, Crotty becomes one of 23 Australians on MLB-affiliated contracts. More than 40 Australians are playing professionally overseas, with over 120 in the US college system as the game continues to grow nationally.

Crotty’s talent has been clear for some time.

His fastball sits above 90 miles per hour and works alongside a slider that has become his go-to pitch combination. It was that mix that drew scouts in, particularly at the Australian Youth Championships (AYC).

In a tight game against Victoria, with more than a dozen scouts watching, Crotty threw three shutout innings with conviction and pace. It was the kind of outing that shifted conversations from interest to intent.

“I knew I was getting scouted for a while. I just knew I had to be at my best at all times, on and off the field,” Crotty said. “I then knew AYC was around the corner which has a lot of scouts there watching. After my first outing against Victoria I met with the Phillies. This started a great relationship which then led to having zoom calls about potential signing. Then comes the day of getting a contract. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

The road to that moment did not move in a straight line.

In 2024, Crotty suffered a tear in his throwing shoulder. Six months away from pitching meant missed opportunities and time to watch from the side. When he returned, he knew he had ground to make up.

“I had a tear in my throwing shoulder which stopped me pitching for about 6 months,” he said. “Once I was ready to pitch I knew I had to work harder than everyone else as I was a step behind. Thankfully I got a late invite to the U18 Australian camp. This was a great accomplishment that led to many more opportunities.”

Even then, there was another moment that could have slowed him down. A week before the 2026 national tournament, a ball came back at him in live batting practice and struck his wrist.

Scans cleared him, and by the third day of competition he was back on the mound.

“Thinking back on these parts of my life makes me more determined to keep working hard even after rough obstacles like injury,” Crotty said.

He carried that persistence onto the international stage at the 2025 U18 World Cup, where he made three appearances against USA, China and Italy, allowing just two runs in 5.2 innings.

Australia U18 National Team coach Jason Pospishil saw both the present and what could still come.

“His fastball and his slider are his best pitches hands down,” Pospishil said. “He is a really great kid. Have a lot of time for him. Great story to come back from the injury he had in 2024 and get himself ready for the World Cup. He is a big, tall lean frame and I think he has some more in the tank once he physically develops.”

The story around Crotty stretches beyond the field.

“I’m the youngest of four. Having three older brothers to look up to everyday has shaped me into the person I am today. I am very close with all of my brothers. All four of us grew up playing baseball at Redcliffe. We have a competitive side to us. So there was definitely arguments growing up on who was better,” Crotty said.

His mum Joanne sits at the centre of that story. A baseball player herself at Redcliffe, Joanne is credited for a lot of Patrick’s baseball upbringing.

“Mum had to raise four boys on her own, which was very hard for her. But she always found a way to provide. She has been by my side through all of my adventures, and now she gets to see her youngest play professional baseball. A dream come true for the both of us. All of my achievements in baseball have been for her.”

His dad remains close to him in a different way.

“Dad passed away when I was one. I wear the number 43 to honor the age he passed away. This is something very special to me because I am able to take him with me when I step on the field,” said Crotty.

His cousin, Connor MacDonald, has been a constant influence.

A former Houston Astros minor leaguer and now the ace of the Brisbane Bandits, MacDonald has watched the journey up close.

“Connor has been my biggest role model,” Crotty said. “From when he signed to when he recently played in the WBC. Seeing all the things he could experience was a dream of mine.”

Another influence sits alongside that.

“Liam has also been a role model for me. Playing college was my first choice for what I wanted to do. Seeing Liam play college ball showed me that both pathways are definitely possible.”

Connor MacDonald sees those same traits reflected in the way Crotty has handled his journey.

“I believe the word Crotty can be described as resilient,” MacDonald said. “It starts at the top of the family. My aunty was dealt the challenge of raising four young boys under the age of five when my uncle passed away. The word resilient is definitely a part of the Crotty family story and I believe my aunty’s resilience has rubbed off on all her boys.”

He remembers where it started.

“I remember the Crotty boys always loved baseball, especially Patty. They were always in the backyard playing catch or hitting balls around,” he said. “It was awesome to watch him pitch in the U18 World Cup when he started against USA and when I heard the news that he was signing with the Phillies I was so happy for him. I know my aunty and all his brothers are so proud of him, especially his dad, wherever he is watching from.”

There was also a sense, even then, that Crotty would find a way.

“When Patty was young, maybe six or seven, one of my uncles said you could drop that boy in the middle of the CBD and he would find his way home,” MacDonald said. “That describes him and the Crotty boys well. They have all helped in raising one another and I think that strength will help him overseas.”

For Crotty, the next step comes with purpose.

“College was always an option for me, but professional scouts showed more interest in me,” he said. “Having the opportunity to sign first is a big step, but that is something I am prepared for.”

Whatever happens next, Crotty knows he isn’t there without his village.

“Friends and family are most important to me. Having their support by my side was huge.”

26 March 2026 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Aussies Abroad Aussies Sign Pro

Where Australians are expected to begin their 2026 professional baseball seasons

Play ball! It’s go time for the top professional baseball leagues in the world this weekend.

While there are no Australians on active MLB rosters, there are three on KBO (Korea) squads.

But what about the other full-time professional baseball playing Australians? In total, there are 43 Aussies who call baseball their job.

Here is a list of where they are expected to begin their 2026 season. While minor league rosters haven’t been announced yet, if you see a * next to a player’s name it means it is unconfirmed but expected.

We keep a log of all Aussies playing pro-ball via the Aussies Abroad section of our website.

There are also a large number of Australian coaches in the professional systems.

KOREAN BASEBALL LEAGUE (KBO)

Regarded as a Top 3 professional league in the world, and the best in Korea. Games are played in front of 20,000-30,000 people. Fans can find streams via SOOPTV through https://www.sooplive.com/

– LHP Lachlan Wells (NSW)…LG Twins
– INF Jarryd Dale (VIC)…KIA Tigers
– LHP Jack O’Loughlin (SA)…Samsung Lions
– C Alex Hall (WA)…Ulsan Whales (Minor Leagues)

TRIPLE-A (MLB Affiliated)

The level below the Major Leagues

– INF Travis Bazzana (NSW)…Columbus Clippers (Cleveland)
– RHP Brandan Bidois (QLD)…Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh)
– INF Curtis Mead (SA)…Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox)

DOUBLE-A (MLB Affiliated)

A league where most top prospects play. Many players get called up straight to MLB from here.

– LHP Blake Townsend (VIC)…Frisco Roughriders (Texas)*
– RHP Mitch Neunborn (WA)…Reading Fighting’ Phils (Philadelphia)*

HIGH-A (MLB Affiliated)

A league for more polished prospects.

– RHP Kai-Noa Wynyard (QLD)…HubCity Spartanburgers (Texas)*

SINGLE-A (MLB Affiliated)

Generally, a league for younger prospects finding their footing with their first experience in professional travel ball.

– INF Clayton Campbell (NSW)…Lakeland Flying Tigers (Detroit)*
– RHP Adam Bates (NSW)…Salem RidgeYaks (Boston)*
– INF Brent Iredale (NSW)…Bradenton Marauders (Pittsburgh)*
– INF Max Durrington (QLD)…Stockton Ports (Athletics)*
– LHP Kailen Hamson (QLD)…Delmarva Shorebirds (Baltimore)*
– OF Drew Davies (SA)…Daytona Tortugas (Cincinatti)*
– INF Nikau Pouaka-Grego (VIC)…Clearwater Threshers (Philadelphia)*
– INF B-Jay Cooke (WA)…Stockton Ports*

ROOKIE BALL (MLB Affiliated)

An introduction to professional baseball, generally used for younger players aged under 20. They will be based in complexes in Florida, Arizona, or Dominican Republic.

– RHP Rubens Romero (QLD)…Pittsburgh Pirates*
– RHP Juan Manuel Ramirez (QLD)…Toronto Blue Jays*
– RHP Jack Bushell (SA)…Detroit Tigers*
– RHP Alistair Tanner (SA)…Detroit Tigers*
– LHP Mitch Evans (SA)…Detroit Tigers*
– INF Jayden Kim (VIC)…Pittsburgh Pirates*
– RHP Robinson Smith (VIC)…Pittsburgh Pirates*
– RHP Patrick Crotty (QLD)…Philadelphia Phillies

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL LEAGUE (WPBL)

Part of the new professional women’s league in the USA, scheduled to begin in August 2026

– RHP Maddison Erwin (ACT)…New York
– OF Ticara Geldenhuis (NSW)…Boston
– RHP/1B Claire O’Sullivan (NSW)…New York
– OF Elodie O’Sullivan (NSW/WA)…Los Angeles
– OF Molly Paddison (QLD)…Boston
– RHP Allie Bebberre (VIC)…Boston
– RHP/INF Caitlin Eynon (WA)…Los Angeles
– C Leah Cornish (WA)…Los Angeles
– C Chloe Atkinson (WA)…New York

INDEPENDENT LEAGUES

Non-affiliated professional leagues in North America. These seasons begin in May, so expect to see a few more Australians picked up between now and then.

– LHP Cooper Morgan (ACT)…Quebec Capitales in the Frontier League
– RHP Jackson Grounds (QLD)…Down East Dawgs, Frontier League
– RHP Billy Parsons (VIC)…Sussex County Miners, Frontier League
– OF Briley Knight (WA)…Billings Mustangs, Pioneer League
– UTIL Robbie Glendinning (WA)…Kansas City Monarchs, American Association
– LHP Josh Hendrickson (WA)…Kansas City Monarchs, American Association

BANANA BALL

The new craze, played in front of tens of thousands of people

– Brett Allen (NSW)…Texas Tailgaters
– Liam Spence (VIC)…The Firefighters

—-

26 March 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad Aussies Sign Pro

Opening Day news: Three Australians set for Opening Day in the KBO, none crack MLB rosters

Three Australian baseball players will start the season in the top level of Korean Baseball (KBO).

Infielder Jarryd Dale (Victoria), left-handed pitcher Jack O’Loughlin (South Australia) and left-handed pitcher Lachlan Wells (New South Wales) have all cracked the Opening Day Rosters of their respective KBO teams.

The KBO season is scheduled to begin on Saturday 28 March. Fans can find free Korean streams on SoopTV via https://www.sooplive.com/

You can read about each of the players below.

Unfortunately, no Australians have made an Opening Day Roster in Major League Baseball (MLB). Liam Hendriks was released by the Minnesota Twins earlier in the week, while Curtis Mead was optioned to Triple-A by the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.

Major League Baseball, the premier competition in the sport, begins its regular season on March 27. Sixteen (16) players with Australian Baseball League experience are on Opening Day Rosters.

Curtis Mead, Brandan Bidois (Pirates / Queensland) and Travis Bazzana (Guardians / New South Wales) are all considered high chances of playing in Major League Baseball at some point this season.

In total, 22 Australians are currently affiliated with MLB organisations, while more than 30 players are competing professionally around the world.

In Korea, three Australians will feature in the KBO’s Opening Day slate.

Victorian infielder Jarryd Dale will make his Korean professional debut with the Kia Tigers when they face SSG Landers on March 28. The 2026 World Baseball Classic representative enters the highest level of his career to date.

Left-hander Lachlan Wells has been named to the defending champion LG Twins roster. The Newcastle product, who also starred for the Adelaide Giants in the Australian Baseball League, returns to Korea after time with the Kiwoom Heroes in 2025. The Twins open their title defence against KT Wiz on March 28, with games available via SOOP.

South Australian Jack O’Loughlin will begin the season with the Samsung Lions. The left-hander joins on a six-week injury replacement contract but has the opportunity to extend his stay across the full campaign. O’Loughlin, Australia’s most recent Major Leaguer, will face the Lotte Giants on Opening Day, with coverage also available on SOOP.

While several Australians have secured Opening Day spots, a number of rising talents remain within reach of the game’s top levels.

Top prospect Travis Bazzana is set to begin the season in Triple-A with Columbus, one step below the Major Leagues. The 23-year-old is widely expected to make his MLB debut with the Cleveland Guardians later this year.

Right-hander Brandan Bidois is another name to watch. The Brisbane product enjoyed a breakout 2025 season in the Pittsburgh Pirates system, earning Minor League Pitcher of the Year honours. He is expected to open in Triple-A and could be among the first call-ups.

Infielder Curtis Mead is likely a first call-up by the Chicago White Sox this season. The 25-year-old from Adelaide has spent parts of three seasons in Major League Baseball with the Rays and White Sox.

Veteran Liam Hendriks is currently a free agent after being released by the Minnesota Twins earlier this week. The 37-year-old remains one of Australia’s most accomplished pitchers and is seeking his next opportunity in Major League Baseball.

23 March 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Community

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.

“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.

23 March 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Women's Baseball

Roos Roster Revealed for 2026 Australian Women's Championships

The Roos are set to make their Australian Women’s Championships debut, with the inaugural roster now confirmed.

So, who are the Roos? We’ve published a full breakdown, but in short, they are a national composite team made up of emerging players from across Australia who narrowly missed state selection.

The initiative gives those athletes the opportunity to compete at the Australian Women’s Championship, while strengthening the overall level of competition.

The program also creates a clearer pathway, exposing the next tier of talent to high-level national play.

The Roos have featured at the past two Australian Youth Championships, and now transition into the women’s competition.

“Following the success of the ACT Roos at the recent Australian Youth Championships, it’s exciting that we’ve been able to apply similar principles within the Australian Women’s Championship,” said Baseball Australia General Manager of Performance Pathways and Player Development Michael Crooks.

“We believe this initiative will not only lift the quality of the AWC, but over time will further support player development within home states and strengthen the Emeralds program for international competition.”

There is no shortage of talent on the roster.

Bronwyn Gell headlines the group, having represented the Emeralds at five international events. Maddy Patrick also brings international experience, featuring at the 2023 World Cup.

Among the next generation, two-time national champion and 2025 Australian Youth Women’s Championship MVP Reagan O’Rielley steps up to the senior level.

Emma Sullivan, Kendra Rutgers, Ashleigh Young, Reagan O’Rielley, Alyssa Jamieson, Mariam Arifaki, Breearna Zavec, MacKenzie Prentice-Evans and Lily Dal-Corrobo are are all aged 19 or younger and will have the chance to test themselves at the next level.

The roster also features three players from the Northern Territory.

“This is a group full of youthful energy, balanced with experience,” said manager Dave Paddison. “It’s a team of passionate women eager to compete and continue developing on the biggest stage for women’s baseball in Australia.”

The Women’s Championships begin April 12 in Melbourne. You can view the schedule and read about it here.

19 March 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Community Women's Baseball

Schedule Released: Everything to know about the 2026 AWC and AYWC | Women's Baseball

One of the best weeks in Australian baseball is less than a month away.

The 2026 Australian Women’s Championship (AWC) and Youth Women’s Championship (AYWC) are coming to Melbourne Ballpark from April 12–18.

There’s a lot to play for.

Not only is the AWC is set to feature one of its most talented line-ups in several years, the Women’s World Cup is later this year and this tournament will be crucial in selecting that team.

On top of that, all nine Australian women selected in the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) in the United States are expected to play.

The AWC is the only open-level state vs state championship in Australian baseball.

The Youth Women’s Championship runs from January 14–18. This Under-16 event offers a chance to see what the next generation looks like while introducing younger players to a national championship environment.

Here is everything you need to know.

SCHEDULE & FORMAT

A PDF of the 2026 Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Schedule is available here.

The Women’s Division features six teams:
– Western Australia
– South Australia
– Victoria
– New South Wales
– Queensland
– The Roos

The Roos are a composite team, made up of the next best available players across the country. It’s designed to expand opportunities for emerging female athletes and strengthening the depth of competition at the premier national women’s event.

Each team will play each other once in a Round Robin format between April 12-15. The top four teams will advance to a double-elimination format Finals. The format is designed to test depth of a state’s talent.

The defending champions are New South Wales.

Download the schedule now!

The Youth Women’s Division features five teams:
– Western Australia
– South Australia
– Victoria
– New South Wales
– Queensland

Between April 14-16, each team will play each other once in a Round Robin Format. The top three teams will advance to Finals.

The Finals Format features another round robin. Records reset. The top three teams will play each other once, with the top two teams advancing to the Gold Medal Game.

South Australia has won the last two championships.

BROADCAST, MEDIA AND COVERAGE

BROADCAST

You can watch many of the games free on Baseball+ – Australian baseball’s broadcast platform, home to nearly 60,000 subscribers. There is an App available but it’s also available on desktop at plus.baseball.com.au.

For those games not on Baseball+, you can watch a single-camera feed on Game Changer.

Commentators include World Cup silver medalist, long time Emerald and WBSC commentator Amy McCann, World Cup bronze medalist and three-time Emerald Amy Cannington, and 3-time ABL Broadcaster of the Year Eric Balnar.

Special guests, further award winning commentators and high profiled players will join the coverage throughout the week.

Amy McCann and Amy Cannington are also hosting a podcast (search Women’s Baseball: The Inside Pitch) profiling each state in the build up.

SCORING

Games will be live scored via GameChanger. The links are below:

– Women’s
– Youth Women’s

Last year’s data and hub can be found at www.baseball.com.au/women.

PHOTOS AND VIDEO

Erin Honsa from Studio Honsa will be the events official photographer. Baseball Australia will provide access to a photo folder that all players and parents can access to download action photos for free.

Izzy Lilburn from Izzy Grace Studios will join the event over the last four days as the official videographer, capturing exciting moments from finals and to profile women’s baseball.

If you would like to take photographs at the event, you require approval. Please email Eric Balnar (eric.balnar@baseball.com.au) with your Working With Children Check, and your intention with the photos.

COVERAGE

Baseball Australia will be posting frequently on social media via Baseball.com.au. Coverage will include:
– Previews
– Stories
– Highlights
– Reels
– Photos
– Game Recaps
– Tournament Scenarios
– Tournament Updates

PODCAST

Amy McCann and Amy Cannington are running a weekly Podcast on Women’s Baseball – The Inside Pitch. Subscribe to them wherever you get your podcasts to listen to previews, analysis and to hear from key players from each team.

ROSTERS

Below are links to each state’s roster announcements:

Western Australia: AWC Roster | AYWC Roster

South Australia: AWC Roster | AYWC Roster

Victoria: AWC Roster | AYWC Roster

New South Wales: AWC Roster | AYWC Roster

Queensland: AWC Roster | AYWC Roster

Roos: AWC Roster

17 March 2026 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Aussies Abroad College Baseball

Gold Coast pitcher Tyson Wardrop commits to NJCAA Division I program Chattanooga State

When Tyson Wardrop pulled on a green and gold uniform and toured the United States with the Australian U16 squad in 2024, something clicked.

“After touring that year, I was motivated to get to the next level,” Wardrop said. “We visited some incredible ball fields through Baseball Australia – Auburn and Clemson to name a couple – and faced an exceptional USA 15U team. From then, I knew I wanted to get back over there and take my shot.”

That process led to more than 20 calls with schools across NCAA, NAIA and the JUCO landscape. Now, the Surfers Paradise Baseball Club right-hander, who turns 18 in March, has found his fit: Chattanooga State Community College.

It’s a Tennessee-based Division 1 Junior College program with a proud history of developing players and sending them on to four-year universities.

Wardrop carries what scouts describe as “high projectability.” He has a 6’3” frame that, with additional power and weight, is built to generate considerably more velocity.

But those who have watched him closely are equally impressed by what is already there: a high baseball IQ, advanced command, and a mature understanding of what it means to get hitters out.

“This season has been a lot about command, especially after I was promoted to Division 1 starting pitcher in the Queensland Men’s State League (GBL) for Surfers Paradise,” he said.

In addition to representing Australia at the U16 level, Wardrop has worn the Queensland state colours on multiple occasions, including the U16 side that claimed a silver medal in 2024, and earned back-to-back selection in the Queensland U18 team.

The choice of Chatt State was driven by more than baseball alone.

Wardrop will major in Civil Engineering, and the program’s strong academic pathways were central to his decision – a place at Griffith University was his domestic fallback, underlining that his ambitions extend well beyond the diamond.

“It’s a combination of strong baseball and academic pathways,” he said. “Completing those credentials while over there was really important. My fallback was studying Engineering at Uni here at home, but this is the best of both worlds.”

Chatt State is a proven JUCO program. Under Head Coach Greg Dennis, now in his 23rd season, the Tigers have produced 13 NJCAA All-Americans over the past nine seasons and consistently placed players at four-year programs including Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas Tech and Central Florida.

The calibre of the TCCAA conference is no secret – rivals Walters State were runners-up at the 2025 NJCAA World Series.

Wardrop will work under Pitching and Player Development Coach Mike Spears, who brings professional-level experience and a data-informed approach to pitcher development – including work with Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia.

“Tyson is an intriguing addition to our 2026 class. He has the frame, the baseball IQ and the competitive makeup we look for, and there is plenty of development still ahead of him. I’m keen to work closely with him to maximise those gains and see him play a real role in our pitching staff,” said Spears.

For Wardrop, the move to the United States is also about immersing himself fully in the game and finding out exactly how far his ability can take him.

“We only manage to get one or two games a week here in Australia,” he said. “I’m ready for it to be 24/7. I want to find out what I’m capable of when baseball is the priority every single day.”

Baseball runs deep in the Wardrop family.

Tyson’s father Adam is a long-time ABL player who signed professionally with the then California Angels in the ‘90s, while his uncle Ben Foster is a former Aussie representative, ABL player and ex-General Manager of the ABL.

Right up until Tyson boards the plane, he and Adam will be lining up together for Surfers Paradise on a weekly basis – a father and son sharing the field one last time before the next chapter begins.

“This is what we’ve all been working toward, and Dad understands what it means better than anyone – he’s lived it. My whole family has had my back the whole way and the club has been my home since Little League, so I’ve grown up around some legends here,” says Wardrop. “I have a lot of people to thank for getting me to this point. Now it’s time to go and see what I can do.”

The Club connection runs deeper than most.

Surfers Paradise head coach Kevin Fenn was himself coached by Adam Wardrop during his own playing days at the club, long before Tyson was born.

“To now be coaching Tyson is something pretty special. He’s a competitor who has not scratched the surface of what he is capable of, and Chattanooga State are getting a player who will make this club proud. We cannot wait to follow his journey,” said Fenn.

Wardrop becomes the latest in a long line of Surfers Paradise Baseball Club players to earn college opportunities in the United States, following the club’s Class of 2025, which saw five players head Stateside.

17 March 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad Aussies Sign Pro

Jack O'Loughlin signs deal in Korea with the Samsung Lions

Australian national team pitcher Jack O’Loughlin has signed in Korea.

Australia’s most recent Major Leaguer has inked a Temporary Foreign Replacement Player deal with the Samsung Lions in the KBO.

Foreign Replacement Player contracts run for six weeks. It is the same type of deal Coen Wynne and Lachlan Wells signed during the 2026 season.

He replaces import pitcher Matt Manning, who was ruled out for the season after rupturing an elbow ligament. It means if Jack pitches well, he has every shot at making this a permanent deal.

The contract is worth $50,000 USD for the six weeks.

The 26-year-old O’Loughlin is coming off a strong World Baseball Classic campaign. He fired 3.0 shutout innings in a win over Chinese Taipei, then followed with 3.1 innings against Korea, allowing just one unearned run. That adds up to a 0.00 ERA against two of the best baseball nations in the world.

It builds on a solid ABL season. O’Loughlin led the league with 62 strikeouts, posted a 3.91 ERA, and was a finalist for the Pitcher of the Year Award.

The South Autralian’s back half of the season was particularly eye-catching. O’Loughlin allowed just one run across his final 14.0 regular season innings. In Game 1 of the ABL Championship Series, he delivered against the Sydney Blue Sox, allowing just two hits over 7.0 innings while retiring 16 straight batters in a walk-off Game 1 victory.

O’Loughlin made his MLB debut in 2024 with the Athletics. He pitched 9.2 innings and allowed five runs. He spent the 2025 season with the Colorado Rockies.

O’Loughlin joins three other Australians signed to Korea deals. Shortstop Jarryd Dale has a full contract with the KIA Tigers. Lachlan Wells landed with defending champions LG Twins. Alex Hall will play in the Korean Futures league with the Ulsan Whales.

“I heard about Korean professional baseball through foreign players who played in the KBO league,” said O’Loughlin in an interview. “I played in the same team in Australia with left-handed pitcher Lee Seung-hyun. I want to contribute to the victory of Samsung Lions.”

Lee Seung-hyun and O’Loughlin pitched in the 2023-24 season with the Adelaide Giants en route to an ABL title.

Samsung is coming off a strong season in 2025 where they lost in the third round of the KBO playoffs. The Korean season begins March 28.

Jack is a product of Port Adelaide Baseball Club.

09 March 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia World Baseball Classic

Australia's World Baseball Classic comes to an end with agonising loss to Korea

Agony.

Australia was three-outs away from advancing to Miami, before Korea scored a dramatic run in the final inning to dash the Green and Gold’s dream of going to Miami to play in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal.

To advance, Australia couldn’t lose by more than four. They lost by five.

For Korea to advance, they needed to win by five or more and hold Australia to less than three. They did exactly that.

7-2 is the final from Tokyo.

Korea, Australia and Chinese Taipei all finish 2-2 in Pool C. Korea wins the tiebreaker by a single run.

The dagger score was in the final inning. It was unearned.

After Australia fell behind 4-0 early – and pushing the tie breaking scenarios to the brink – it was a see-saw battle of “would they or wouldn’t they.”

Australia trailed 5-0, 5-1, 6-1 and 6-2 before the dramatic final inning. Every half hour, it felt like a different team had their name written on a ticket to Miami.

In the eighth inning, it felt like Australia were through.

Travis Bazzana stepped up and came through with a massive RBI single in the eighth inning to cut a five run deficit to the required four. At the end of the eighth, if things held, Australia was advancing to Miami with a 6-2 lead.

South Korea scored the deciding run in the ninth as Hyun Min Ahn’s sacrifice fly plated Hae-Min Park. Moments earlier, a throwing error by Australian shortstop Jarryd Dale allowed Park to reach third and score the deciding run.

There was still more drama in the bottom of the ninth when right fielder Jung Hoo Lee made a diving catch off Rixon Wingrove. The ball looked like a sure double that would have gone to the wall and might have scored an Aussie runner from first to give Australia a four-run loss, which would have been enough to advance.

It wasn’t to be.

The Australian’s tournament, which included a 3-0 win over World #2 Chinese and a one run loss to World #1 Japan came to a dramatic close.

“We didn’t meet our assignment [this tournament], we kind of failed,” said Manager Dave Nilsson after the game. “At the same time, we did a lot of good things. It showed we can play on this stage but we have more work to do, more improvements to make in the big moments. We keep looking forward and to build on the program. I told the players how much I believe in them, and how much I trust them and that’s all I can do.”

Travis Bazzana was noticeably emotional in the dugout after the game.

Tip of the cap to Jack O’Loughlin. The left-hander turned in a gutsy relief appearance on the mound. The most recent Aussie Major Leaguer threw 3.1 innings to close out the game, allowing one earned run and constantly navigated threats.

An effort to be proud of, but they fall just short.

Here’s how it unfolded:

RECAP

When reading this recap, it’s important to remember context.

Australia’s formula to advance to the quarterfinals was this: A) Win. B) Lose, but by no more than four, and don’t allow 7 runs.

6-2 would be the literal edge you could live on.

Keep this in mind throughout.

It’s the game within the game that’s important here.

Here’s how it flowed.

After Lachlan Wells opened with a nine pitch first inning, Australia had an opportunity to strike in the bottom half.

With two runners on and just one out, LG Twins starter Ju Young-Son forced a fly-out and ground-out to escape the jam.

Korea pounced in the second.

Do Gyeong Moon’s two-run blast put Korea up 2-0.

They continued to threaten. With two on and two out, relief pitcher Coen Wynne entered the game and forced a ground ball to end the inning.

But Korea kept piling it on in the third.

San Francisco Giants star Jung Hoo Lee doubled to push the lead to 3-0. Moon followed with his third RBI of the night on a sharp line drive to centre field.

By the bottom of the third, Australia’s four-run buffer required had all but disappeared, with the team trailing by exactly that, four runs.

Alex Wells settled the ship a little bit in his second tournament appearance, helping Australia get out of the third, then tossing a 1-2-3 fourth.

But with a runner on and two outs in the fifth, Moon delivered his third hit and fourth RBI of the evening to push Korea to a 5-0 advantage and into the driver’s seat for a spot in Miami.

“Our pitchers were close but didn’t have that sharpness,” said Nilsson. “We fell behind in counts and they took advantage of it.”

In the race to Miami, Korea had the lead.

Australia’s offense struggled to get much going past the first.

The combination of Kyung Sun Now and Hyeong Jun So retired eleven Australia batters in a row.

Robbie Glendinning broke that up with authority.

In his first start of the tournament, Glendinning fired off a solo shot to start the fifth inning to put Australia back in ‘live’ quarterfinal position.

Korea took control of their destiny right back in the sixth.

Lead-off man Do Yeong Kim singled in a run off Alex Wells. 6-1.

It marked the end of the day for Wells, who threw 3.0 innings, giving up two runs off three hits with three strikeouts.

Enter Jack O’Loughlin.

Australia’s most recent Major Leaguer looked good in the seventh. He allowed a freak infield single, but worked an inning ending double play off the dangerous bat of Do Gyeong Moon.

It looked like Australia was going to make their move in the seventh. They had runners on first and second with nobody out. But Major Leaguer Dane Dunning induced a ground ball double play to Robbie Glendinning, and a strikeout to Rixon Wingrove, to prevent the Australians from scoring.

Agony. Korea still in control.

O’Loughlin held his nerve again in the eighth. He was tested.

Despite allowing a lead-off double, O’Loughlin struck out the next two batters and forced a ground ball to get out of the inning and hold Korea at six.

Australia, needing to score a run, finally produced some magic in the eighth. Travis Bazzana was at the centre of it.

Robbie Perkins walked. He was pinch run for by 19-year-old Max Durrington, Australia’s youngest player making his WBC debut in the grandest moment.

Tim Kennelly, in what could be his final at bat, laid down a sacrifice bunt to move him into scoring position.Travis Bazzana then drove him in to cut the deficit to 6-2 and put Australia, for the time being, in a quarterfinal spot.

That’s all they managed.

Korea responded with a lead-off walk in the ninth.

O’Loughlin forced what looked to be a double play that would have taken the runners off the base, but a bobble off his glove made the opportunity difficult for shortstop Jarryd Dale.

Dale lost grip of the ball while trying to throw to second for the lead runner, and the ball sailed to the outfield, putting the crucial seventh run at third base.

“He’d be playing fantastic defense for us all tournament,” said Nilsson of Jarry Dale. “He backed himself, thought he could get the guy at second, lost grip of it and threw the ball to right field. He tried to make a good play.”

Hyun Min Ahn’s sacrifice fly plated Hae-Min Park.

A heartbreaking effort. More to come.

——

GAME DETAILS

Match-Up: Australia (2-1) vs Korea (1-2).

Australia has defeated Chinese Taipei (3-0), Czechia (5-1) and lost to Japan (4-3). Korea has defeated Czechia (13-0), and lost to Japan (8-6) and Chinese Taipei (5-4).

First pitch: 9:00PM AEDT / 7:00PM JST

Starting Pitchers: Lachlan Wells for Australia, Son Joo-young for Korea. Incredibly, both are signed with the LG Twins this season in the KBO. More on that below.

Game Notes: Link to come here.

TV: ESPN on Foxtel, Kayo or Disney+ in Australia.

Game Notes: Click here

SCENARIOS

First, the standings. The top two advance to the quarterfinals in Miami:

1. Japan 3-0
2. Australia 2-1
—
3. Chinese Taipei 2-2
4. Korea 1-2
5. Czechia 0-3.

Australia can advance to the quarterfinals with:

1. A win over Korea; Or

2. A loss to Korea, and winning a three-way tiebreaker at 2-2 records with Chinese Taipei and Korea.

About the tiebreaker, and the potential formula:

– The tiebreaker in this event is the “lowest quotient of fewest runs allowed divided by the number of defensive outs recorded in the games in that round between the teams tied.”

– The current state of play is…Australia: 0 runs in 27 outs….Chinese Taipei: 7 runs allowed in 54 outs…Korea: 5 runs allowed in 30 outs.

– A few internet sleuths have worked out the math. Unofficially, this looks correct. Check out this tweet below:

In simple terms, if Australia loses, they can advance as long as they:
– Lose by four runs or less AND don’t allow more than six runs.

As Dave Nilsson said after the game: “We have to play the game to win. Obviously there’s math to it, but we will just play to win. Try to stop them from getting runs. It’s as simple as it gets.”

Should be fun.

ABOUT TONIGHT’S STARTER: LACHLAN WELLS

In 2017, a barely 19-year-old Lachlan made his WBC debut as one of the youngest players in the tournament.

Nine years later, he returns to the national side as a different human and pitcher.

He’s older. He’s more experienced. He’s matured as a person and a player.

Spend a few moments with him, and you can just feel a tremendous level of gratitude he has for this game, his community, those around him and his time with the national team.

He’s having fun.

Wells has been lined up for a while to pitch in this crucial clash vs Korea.

A win? And Australia is straight through to the quarterfinals in Miami. The objective is no different to any other start: keep runs against low.

“I have more of an appreciation for the game [than I did then],” said Lachlan in an interview earlier this week. “Obviously as you go through life, things change. At one time I looked at baseball as a job instead of something you like to do, but now I really love this game and want to play it as long as I can. I love baseball.”

His new found spark for the game after taking some time away from the sport.

When he returned in the 2023-24 season, he hadn’t pitched professionally in almost three years.

He took the Australian Baseball League by storm. Lachlan won the League MVP, the Pitching Award and earned a contract back in pro ball with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Right now, he’s playing with the reigning Korean champions – the LG Twins.

Oddly enough, Korea’s starting pitcher is Lachlan’s teammate on the Twins. 27-year-old left-hander Son Ju-yeong, who boasted a 3.41 ERA in Korea last season, will not only toe the rubber for Korea tonight but exist in the same starting rotation as Wells in the KBO.

Wells has just been taking the whole experience in. He even joined the Fuchu camp before all the other affiliated players just to be with his Australian brothers.

“To be able to do [this] again and be in this situation right now, it’s something that you dream of as a kid,” said Wells in an interview earlier this week. “It’s obviously what I’ve loved doing for a very long time.”

08 March 2026 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia World Baseball Classic

Australia hangs with the best in the world, falls 4-3 to Japan at World Baseball Classic

It’s heartbreak in Tokyo, as Australia fell 4-3 to top ranked Japan in a game determined by the smallest of margins.

Australia held a 1-0 lead in the seventh inning before Boston Red Sox superstar Masataka Yoshida delivered a game defining swing, crushing a two run homer with two outs to give Japan the lead for good.

The final score: 4-3. But the Aussies put forth an effort the whole country can be proud of.

They hung tough with a roster with a combined annual salary of $301 million AUD. Australia’s combined annual salary in 2025 was less than 1.5 million – and half of that comes from one player.

They showed they belong with the best.

BOX SCORE: All the stats

Australia outhit their talented opposition 8-5, led 1-0 in the seventh inning, made tremendous plays in the field, showed tremendous fighting sprit to the final out, and came so close to knocking off Japan for the first time since the 2004 Olympics.

“We’re disappointed with the outcome. We were close with the best team in the world, and we couldn’t get it over the line,” said manager Dave Nilsson after the game. “We did a lot of good things tonight. I’m just feeling disappointed because we were that close.”

Some highlights include an emotional start three inning shutout start from journeyman Aussie Connor MacDonald, Robbie Perkins throwing a runner out at second with bases loaded, and Aaron Whitefield collecting three hits and giving Australia a late lead using his deadly speed.

Even when Australia fell behind 4-1 in the ninth, they clawed back with a pair of homers from Alex Hall and Rixon Wingrove.

Whitefield led the team with three hits. Captain Tim Kennelly had two.

“Obviously we want to win that game but you tip your cap to Japan. They’re the best for a reason. They stick with every game and are never out of it,” said Robbie Perkins after the game. “We were good. We just need to keep doing what we’re doing tomorrow and we’ll be okay.”

And remember, not all hope is lost.

Australia has one final game in Pool C of the World Baseball Classic on Monday night vs Korea. If they win that, they are through to the Quarter Finals in Miami.

If Australia lose, they will enter a three-way tie with Chinese Taipei and Korea at 2-2.   In this scenario, it would come down to a tiebreaker to determine who goes through based on runs allowed per defensive innings in games played between the three teams.

Australia is in a good spot. More on that below.

“I wouldn’t call the loss frustrating but I would call it bittersweet,” said Perkins. “We knew we had the chances today but we also know there’s one tomorrow and that’s the one that matters now. We don’t need to worry about the tiebreak scenarios. Win the game, and it takes care of itself.”

Here’s how the game unfolded:

Baseball Australia sends out a comprehensive media release to about 300 contacts with quotes, photos, highlights and game notes. If you are a media member and you’d like to be included, please email eric.balnar@baseball.com.au.

RECAP

Australia hung around with the three-time World Baseball Classic champions early.

If anything, they pressured with five hits in the first five innings. Tim Kennelly had two hits, as did Aaron Whitefield.   They hit balls hard but couldn’t find that one ball to drop with runners on base.

On the mound, three-time Japanese League MVP Tomoyuki Sugano threw 4.0 shutout innings, before Chihiro Sumida threw tossed a scoreless fifth.

But the story for Australia in the first half of the game was pitching and defense.

Connor MacDonald, in the biggest start of his baseball career, navigated through three innings vs the reigning WBC champions. The man they call ‘The Big’ left the game after 3.0 innings, allowing just two hits and two walks.

The Unicorn, Shohei Ohtani, went 0-for-2 against the Big Horse.

When MacDonald exited, he was tearing up. Not just the pitcher himself, but his brother watching proudly in the stands.

“My brother [Liam] also bought a flight yesterday to come over to see this. And like, my family’s everything to me. My wife and two boys here, my mum and dad, my brothers are here, my uncle, my sister-in-law,” said MacDonald. “It was almost a fairytale. I’ll remember it the rest of my life.”

Dave Nilsson was also impressed by Connor’s start. Why wouldn’t he be?

“I think first of all, I’m really proud of Connor. He carried a really big load tonight. It shows how hard he worked to prepare for this moment. It’s a real testament to the work he’s put in,” said Nilsson.

It look like Japan was going to finally break through in the fourth inning.   They loaded the bases thanks to a pair of walks against reliever Warwick Saupold.

In fact, it felt inevitable.

Bases loaded. Two outs. The Tokyo Dome. Shohei Ohtani, arguably the best player of all time, up to bat.

But catcher Robbie Perkins caught Shugo Maki off the bag at second base, firing a bullet to Jarryd Dale who laid down the tag.

No damage done.

Scoreless after four.

“Everyone knows Shohei can do damage so you’re looking for any opportunity to get out of the inning. Jarryd and I were on the same page and honestly we just used our instincts,” said Perkins. “It worked out.”

Blake Townsend followed suit with a scoreless fifth, including a strikeout of Boston Red Sox star Masataka Yoshida.   Aaron Whitefield then created chaos on the base paths – and a run for Australia.

The former Major Leaguer drilled his third base hit down the line for a double. He stole third. On an errant throw he scampered home.

1-0 Australia.

Coen Wynne produced a couple outs in the bottom of the sixth.

He was removed from the game with a runner on first in favour of Jon Kennedy – one of the three Australian pitchers who tossed three shutout innings in the first game vs Taiwan.

An infield single put runners on first and second with two outs.   As they say in Australia: “No Worries.” Big Jon Kennedy forced Kenya Wakatasuki into an inning ending ground ball to short (6-4) and Australia went to the seventh inning up 1-0.

Australia was nearly out of the seventh inning as well.

But with two outs, and one on, Masataka Yoshida launched a ball over the right-field wall to put Japan up 2-1.

Sensing a chance to lock down the game, Japan went to reliever Atsuki Taneichi. He tossed a perfect eighth inning.

Terauki Sato provided an insurance run with an RBI single in the eighth. Seiya Suzuki walked to push the scoreline to 4-1.

Japan’s number one closer, Taisei, closed the door with a save.

Alex Hall did cut into the deficit with a solo shot – his second homer of the tournament.

“I thought we performed really well [for the most part],” said Nilsson. “I thought our pitchers did really well and it was a good experience for them.”

With the win, Japan clinches top spot in Pool C.

Australia turns its focus to Korea tomorrow.

“We will come here tomorrow feeling really good about our opportunity to get through to the second round,” said Nilsson after the game. “It’s right there for us.”

Lachlan Wells will get the ball for Australia.

“We have to play the game to win. Obviously there’s math to it, but we will just play to win. It’s no different to tonight,” said Nilsson. “Try to stop them from getting runs. It’s as simple as it gets.”

BONUS QUOTE

Author of the story here. I don’t know how to weave this in but as the fans were leaving the stands, I ran into Connor MacDonald who was standing there taking it all in. This is what he said:

“Oh, I don’t really even know how to describe it, mate.

I’m just proud, proud of all my teammates. I’m just proud to be Australian.

[One of my] brothers bought a flight yesterday to come over to see this. And, like…my family’s everything to me. My wife and two boys are here, my mum and dad, my brothers are here, my uncle, my sister-in-law.

It was so close to a fairytale. So close.

I’ll tell you what, mate. I’m sick and tired hearing back home that when you tell someone that we play baseball, that people are shocked when we say ‘Oh, we play baseball in Australia?”

I mean, we do.

Look, we freaking out-hit the best team in the world. We led through 6 innings and we still get asked if we play baseball in Australia.

My freaking teammates, man…I’m just so proud to be a part of the Australian baseball community. You know, we punch so much about our weight.

So just tonight, I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.

And tomorrow’s the day, right? Like that’s the big game.  It’s bittersweet because we lost by one run to the best team in the world but we also should take pride in the fact we could have beat them.

So, I think the boys are just going to take that punch and use that for confidence tomorrow.”

STANDINGS AND SCENARIOS

First, the standings. The top two advance to the quarterfinals in Miami:

1. Japan 3-0
2. Australia 2-1
—
3. Chinese Taipei 2-2
4. Korea 1-2
5. Czechia 0-3.

Australia can advance to the quarterfinals with:

1. A win over Korea; Or

2. A loss to Korea, and winning a three-way tiebreaker at 2-2 records with Chinese Taipei and Korea.

About the tiebreaker, and the potential formula:

– The tiebreaker in this event is the “lowest quotient of fewest runs allowed divided by the number of defensive outs recorded in the games in that round between the teams tied.”

– The current state of play is…Australia: 0 runs in 27 outs….Chinese Taipei: 7 runs allowed in 54 outs…Korea: 5 runs allowed in 30 outs.

– A few internet sleuths have worked out the math. Unofficially, this looks correct. Check out this tweet below:

In simple terms, if Australia loses, they can advance as long as they:
– Lose by four runs or less AND don’t allow more than six runs.

Should be fun.

PREVIEW AND GAME NOTES

Here are some useful links to prepare you for the big game.

Here’s a cool stat to get you started: Japan’s combined annual salary in professional baseball for 2026 is $301 million AUD. Australia’s is less than 1.5 million.

– Game Notes: Australia takes on Japan, Guide, Stats and Stories

– MLB.com Preview and Box Score

– Australia vs Japan: The biggest game most Australians don’t realise is happening

– Reviewing the Numbers: A look at Team Australia through two games of the WBC

– More on Connor MacDonald, Australia’s starting pitcher

– Preview: It’s time for Aussie baseball as Japan test looms

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