Hard-throwing Queenslander Luka Moore commits to college

18 November 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Hard-throwing Queenslander Luka Moore commits to college

One of Australia’s hardest-throwing pitching prospects has committed to college.

Queenslander Luka Moore, a Redcliffe Padres pitcher who can throw up to 92 miles-per-hour, has committed to Midland Community College — a JUCO in Texas.

It’s one of the top junior colleges in the baseball landscape, ranked No. 10 to start the 2025 season.

Moore says his strength is his velocity and mound presence.

“I’m tall. I’m 6’4, 100kg and I get a lot of reach,” says Moore. “I have a good pitch mix that produces a lot of swings and misses.”

Moore has a five-pitch mix: four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, Vulcan change-up, slider and curveball.

He says he hopes to become a more complete pitcher at Midland.

“While I’m away, I hope my velocity will jump but more importantly my strike-to-ball ratio will improve,” says Moore. “I also hope that as I progress, my mentality and attitude improve also. It’s a different game in the States and if I want to succeed then I will need to be at the top of my game physically and mentally. Being around a bunch of new faces and having a whole different lifestyle means that I can improve as a teammate and person.”

Moore follows in the footsteps of fellow Aussie Luke Hayhow, who transferred to Midland this year after redshirting his freshman year at San Diego State University.

Moore will study STEM and Engineering.

Baseball Australia Player Development Manager Andrew Riddell says he is happy that Luka was able to commit to a top ten program with a history of moving players on to Division I universities and professional baseball.

“He had a number of full scholarship offers from some really good schools that we were able to work through and narrow down his focus to the best fit for him,” says Riddell. “After discussion with the coaching staff – and also Luke Hayhow – Luka and his parents decided that Midland will best prepare him for the rest of his career.”

Moore missed out on national team selection this year despite attending camp. Riddell says he was very impressed with how he bounced back and earned himself opportunities in baseball.

“Luka remained positive and went straight back to training to keep improving his command and secondary pitches,” he says. “That’s a big credit to his work ethic and determination to be successful. He knows what he needs to improve on and it’s going to be fun watching him keep developing at college.”

Moore says his experience at the Australian Youth Championships helped prepare him for this opportunity.

He also attended the U18 National Team Camp with 34 other top Australians.

“Facing the best of the best in Australia meant I had to be on my A-game and get comfortable with the fact that everyone in a line-up can hit,” says Moore. “It’s a different feel from club ball. I also felt it at national team camp because I was narrowed down to the best 30–35 players in Australia, which meant I had to be even better and more efficient in what I do.”

Moore says he would like to thank everyone in the Redcliffe community, his mum, dad, Chris Maguire, Barry Kairl, Ted Roebuck and Phil Overlack.

Australian debuts and career firsts highlights return of Australian Baseball League

The Australian Baseball League returned over the weekend.

Plenty of young Australians had career firsts. Let’s take a look below.

Don’t forget, you can watch and support these athletes by attending a game or by purchasing an ABL Access on Baseball+.

ADELAIDE GIANTS

Sean Maple: The South Aussie utility man returned from four years at college. He made his first career start and went 2-for-6 on the weekend and picked up his first career hit and RBI.

Cooper Morgan: First appearance since returning from college (Cumberlands). The U23 Team Australia member from Canberra delivered big time. He threw 2.0 shutout innings on Friday and struck out the first five batters he faced.

James McFarlane: The Team Australia U18 outfielder from West Torrens wrote his final Year 12 exams on Tuesday. He played his first game Thursday as a pinch-hitter and recorded his first hit on Saturday.

Liam Scott: The right-hander out of Goodwood pitched in the ABL for the first time. He just returned from four years at college. Scott registered his first strikeout in a two-inning outing on Thursday.

AJ Verastegui: Venezuelan-born Verastegui came to Australia in 2019 with five years experience in the Rays organisation to play club ball. Now a resident, he’s played seven seasons of South Australian Baseball League for Golden Grove Central Districts and Woodville. He made a long-awaited ABL debut on the weekend, throwing 3.0 innings of shutout, hitless baseball with just one walk. He struck out six.

BRISBANE BANDITS

Luke Krkovski: The lefty made his ABL debut after returning from NCAA Division I (Lamar). The New South Wales product tossed 1.1 scoreless innings on Thursday. He pitched a perfect 1.0 innings in a shutout win on Sunday. In a cool connection, he threw to his Cronulla junior baseball tournament Jake Burns on Sunday.

Jackson Grounds: The 20-year-old Queenslander pitched in his first ABL game since being released from the Pittsburgh Pirates, and first for the Bandits. He did pitch 2.0 innings a couple years ago, but this was a return to his home ground and organisation he grew up with. He threw 3.1 shutout innings on Saturday.

Liam MacDonald: Liam stepped in for a pinch-hit with bases loaded on Saturday. His first ABL hit? A grand-slam.

PERTH HEAT

Kristian Hauesler: Fresh off an appearance at the 2025 U18 World Cup, Kristian tossed 2.0 innings in his debut and registered his first strikeout.

Ben Nesbit: After playing for Australia at the 2025 U18 World Cup and the 2025 U23 Oceania Championships, Nesbit drove in his first career run in front of a hometown crowd on Saturday.

SYDNEY BLUE SOX

Josh Bishopp: After returning from college, Bishopp threw 3.1 innings in his ABL debut with nine strikeouts.

Ky Jackson: Made his return to Australia after spending five years in Japan. He threw 1.1 shutouts in his ABL debut.

Josh Nati: In his first career game, the two-time Team Australia U18 World Cup rep, delivered. His first hit? A three-run homer.

11 November 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

College Baseball

From Blacktown to Texas: Ethan Bickel commits to North Central Texas College

He’s a national champion, a state league winner, and a U18 World Cup representative.

Now, Ethan Bickel is a college commit.

The Blacktown Workers pitcher from New South Wales has confirmed his commitment to North Central Texas College, capping off what has been an impressive 2025 campaign across club, state and international levels.

Bickel was a key contributor to New South Wales’ U18 National Championship in January and a member of Blacktown’s premiership-winning State League side.

His success carried onto the international stage, where he threw 8.0 shutout innings across three appearances at the recent U18 World Cup, including 3.1 scoreless frames against the powerhouse USA lineup.

Bickel was one of 11 Australians selected to attend an MLB College Showcase Tour immediate following the U18 World Cup.

“I think the Australian Youth Championship tournaments we have every year have really helped me develop and learn the standard of baseball and talent around our country,” Bickel said. “That’s helped me find things to work on and get better. Playing in events like the World Cup has shown me that I can compete at that level.”

A right-hander with a four-pitch mix — fastball, sinker, slider and change-up — Bickel is known for his ability to throw strikes with any pitch in any count. He says his next goal is to add velocity as he transitions to college baseball.

“That’s a big goal of mine to move onto the next level,” he said. “I’m always refining my pitches in a way that will help me compete at the next level.”

Baseball Australia Player Development Manager Andrew Riddell says Bickel has been on the radar for the last few years.

“It’s been great getting to know him and his family better throughout the years,” says Riddell. “He was part of the Team Australia U16 camp in Canberra in 2023 which really put his name on the map with how many strikes he threw with multiple pitches and his poise on the mound.”

Riddell says Bickel’s work ethic and determination stood out.

“He made improvements to jump to the U18 bracket at the AYC as a first-year player and was selected in the U17 squad to head to Fort Myers for the WWBA Underclass World Championship. He continued to refine and develop his secondary pitches.”

“At the World Cup, we saw what he was able to do with eight scoreless innings in really pivotal and high-leverage situations. I’m really looking forward to continue watching his development in college. Big congratulations to him, his family & all the coaches throughout Sydney that have helped him become the person and pitcher he is today.”

Bickel will study Sports Business Management at North Central Texas College.

He credits his family, community and coaches for shaping his journey so far.

“I’ve had some amazing coaches throughout my journey,” he said. “My dad taught me the basics and really got me into baseball. The coaching staff at Blacktown Workers changed the way I approach the game and helped me understand the fundamentals behind everything. I’ve also been very fortunate to have great coaches at both state and Australian level who’ve helped me develop over the years.”

11 November 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Little League Community

From Cairns to Williamsport: Daniel del Nido’s Little League Dream

feature story by Connie Rowe

Time stood still for Daniel del Nido.

The 18,000 strong crowd faded into white noise.

He had been umpiring baseball for the best part of 20 years, yet never faced scrutiny like this before.

Forty seconds felt like a lifetime as he held his breath for the verdict of his first challenged call.

“Call stands,” echoed across the stadium as del Nido let out a sigh of relief and a little smile.

It was a surreal feeling.

The stadiums were packed out with upwards of 20,000 spectators. In them, some of the best baseball the world has seen. The athletes aged out at 12 years old.

It was the Little League World Series and del Nido was there to call the shots.

“These kids were doing things with baseballs that I had never seen before,” del Nido admits.

From 80 mile an hour fastballs to curves that broke further than he’d ever seen, del Nido was in awe of the sheer talent exhibited by the players.

They weren’t selected to play though.

Each team was made up of Little Leaguers playing alongside their teammates from back home. They had started a journey together at the start of the season, beating everyone in their region to progress.

The umpiring crew didn’t get there by chance either.

Every umpire had been through rigorous testing and scrutiny prior to their selection. del Nido was there to represent the entirety of Asia-Pacific. He too had been selected over some 500 comrades in black.

With ESPN cameras following their every move and major sponsors galore, it made everyone feel like they were a part of the major league. Umpires too.

“I couldn’t believe it when they wanted to make us all custom uniforms,” he said.

For years he’d been funding his own and knew a good pair of pants aren’t exactly cheap.

Del Nido had been a part of numerous national and state tournaments but this was a spectacle unlike anything he had ever witnessed before. It only added to the pressure to perform.

“I knew that any call I made had the potential to be replayed over and over again,” he said.

Despite feeling a few fractions off the mark, del Nido went on to call his first no hitter. Not that he realised.

“I was so locked in throughout the game, it wasn’t until my crew chief told me,” del Nido said.

The intensity of umpiring at this level meant he was riding one pitch at a time. Everything else became a blur.

To prepare for such an event was just as much of an exercise.

Dan del Nido hails from Cairns, a town in the far north of Queensland, Australia, more known for its rainforests and coral reefs than for its baseball.

But when del Nido received the call that he’d been selected, the baseball community rallied around him.

“Our local team, the Cairns Cubs, ran situational trainings,” he said. “They would hit the ball randomly. No one knew where it was going. This meant that I could work on my reactions and mechanics.”

Except for one fundamental issue. They played on a full sized diamond. Little League is played out on 60ft base paths.

So, every time he stepped out a rotation, visualisation took over as he mentally corrected how far he would have to go.

Distance wasn’t the only difference.

At the World Series, umpiring crews were made up of four. In Cairns, you’d be fortunate to work with one other qualified umpire.

But again, the local community were quick to step up with fellow umpires putting their hands up to run extra games to give him bigger crews to work with.

Despite his rigorous commitment to training, del Nido still had doubts.

The league of World Series umpires is an exclusive club. The likes of Mark Gilmour who had been before him were invaluable.

“I could ring him with any question, no matter how trivial,” del Nido said gratefully.

No matter how much they tried to describe the experience to him, nothing could truly prepare him until he experienced it himself.

The Little League World Series is a purely volunteer run exercise. Given the grandeur of the event, it’s no wonder that gratitude flows thick.

Above: A pin that del Nido made for an exchange with other umpires.

In fact, for del Nido, it was almost as though he’d been elevated to celebrity status. From the moment he landed in the US, he could barely walk 10m without being stopped for a chat.

“People really appreciate you,” he said. “They recognise that if you’ve been chosen as a World Series umpire, then you have given up many years of your own time and money towards training opportunities and gear.”

From being fast tracked through security at the airport to free bus rides, everyone wanted to show him and his crew their support.

There was a form of currency at the event, however. Pins.

“Everyone had their own unique pin,” del Nido said.

His was among the rarest.

Players, officials and volunteers alike would collect, trade and barter to extend their collection of pins.

To umpire at the Little League World Series was a goal ten years in the making for del Nido.

A Queensland Baseball Umpires Association accreditation course in Cairns opened a door to an experience he had never fathomed.

While it is one that he would eagerly repeat over and over, del Nido is humbled to now be there to help make someone else’s dream come true.

“Being appointed for the World Series is an incredibly competitive opportunity,” he said. “After applying, you have to be endorsed by your region, then your state, then your country before finally being appointed by Little League as the single representative for Asia-Pacific.”

“I have had such incredible mentors,” he said. “I hope to be that for someone else, to help them have the same experience.”

For del Nido, umpiring is more than a pastime. It has opened so many doors. But whether he is umpiring internationally or at his home ground in Cairns, every time he steps on the diamond he does so with the utmost professionalism.

His mantra – every call means something to someone.

04 November 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

- Team Australia College Baseball

Team Australia U18 pitcher-catcher combo Riley Puckett and Cooper Teichmann commit to Galveston College

Australia’s battery at the 2025 Under 18 World Cup will attend college together.

Queensland catcher Cooper Teichmann and New South Wales pitcher Riley Puckett both confirmed their commitment to Galveston College this week.

They both join a growing list of Australians attending the Texas based junior college. Nic Paparella (SA), Ben Karakasis (NSW) and Flynn McKee (SA) are already in the program.

“I mean it’s pretty special,” says Teichmann. “To have a guy who I first met at the U18 World Cup training camp to then have him throw to me at the World Cup for our country to now getting the opportunity to get to the next level together, I think it’s something not many people get to do. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Both Teichmann and Puckett are promising prospects.

Puckett (below) is a crafty right-handed pitcher out of MacArthur Orioles. He has a six pitch mix in his arsenal – a four-seam fastball, sinker, cutter, knuckle curve, change-up and slider.

It was Puckett’s ability to keep batters off balance that helped him win the Golden Arm at the 2025 U18 Australian Youth Championships en route to helping NSW win a gold medal and earning an invite to the U18 national selection camp.

He says he hopes to take his game to the next level at junior college.

“I’m super excited to work with the coaches at Galveston to continue to develop strength and velocity,” says Puckett. ” My strengths are being able to make batters feel uncomfortable and reading hitters. I am hoping to extract the most out of my body whilst continuing to maintain great control over my pitches. I think the coaches there will help me achieve this.”

Teichmann is a reliable catcher out of the Pine Hills Lightning in Queensland. He threw out multiple runners for Australia at the U18 World Cup.

“My strengths are my arm strength, power with the bat and game IQ when it comes to quick thinking,” says Teichmann, who will study Sports Psychology.

Teichmann grew up close family friends with legendary Australian catcher and Team Australia Manager Dave Nilsson, calling him one of his idols and mentors. Teichmann has grown up around the Brisbane Bandits and was their bullpen catcher the last two seasons.

He says he hopes to become more well rounded at college.

“I want to improve overall game play, fitness and further develop my bat-to-ball skills for my overall toolset as a catcher,” he says.

After the U18 World Cup in September, both players attended the MLB International College Showcase Tour.

Both trips played a key part in their recruitment.

“Riley and Cooper were both on the MLB trip this year and with the relationship that Baseball Australia has formed with the coaching staff at Galveston, they come across to Arizona to see our players every year,” says Andrew Riddell, Baseball Australia’s Player Development Manager. “They loved what they saw from both of them and immediately started the process with their families to get on calls to discuss scholarships.”

The two new recruits both think the trips helped develop themselves as players and people.

“I think the World Cup and the MLB trip helped prepare me the best because I knew what the talent was going to be like,” says Teichmann. “To see myself be able to compete at those levels helped me to believe I was ready for the next step.”

For Andrew Riddell, there is high praise for both players.

“Both Riley and Cooper have come a long way and overcome adversity as players and as young men in the last 12-18 months to get to this point,” he says. “Riley missed out on NSW selection as a first-year U18’s player and did a really good job for Country New South Wales in 2024 while still under-sized and at a relatively low velocity. He then went away and got more physical with his body which translated into an uptick in velocity and we saw the hard-work he put in all year by throwing 12 shutout innings at AYC the next year and winning the Golden Arm.”

As for Teichmann, Riddell says he is blown away by his progression too.

“Cooper was with the U16 National Squad last year in Atlanta and is one of those players who was a first year U18 this year. He also currently is in Year 12 so he needed to put in a lot of work on both his body and his game to be successful this year. He definitely did both of them, which we saw at our national camp, the World Cup and the MLB trip where he put on a show throwing runners out in-game and was also able to drive in some huge runs in pivotal situations with the bat.”

Both players are incredibly thankful to their communities for their development.

“I’ve had many coaches and mentors all of whom I am extremely grateful for,” says Puckett. “They’e all helped me out in so many ways – from my early days with the Macarthur Colts, to the more recent years with the Macarthur Orioles, NSW Australian Youth Championship Teams and the national U18 team. Thanks to my mum, dad and sister for all the sacrifices they made to give me this opportunity.”

Teichmann says he’s super thankful for all the opportunities from his community but was quick to highlight his dad Russell as his biggest baseball influence.

U15 Qualifiers Hub + Recaps | Australia stays perfect, Qualifies for U15 World Cup

Welcome to the Tournament Hub of the 2025 U15 Oceania Championships / World Cup Qualifiers.

Here you will find tournament information, roster, recaps and scores.

ABOUT AND SCHEDULE

Team Australia will seek qualification in the 2026 U15 Baseball World Cup via the 2025 U15 Oceania Championships in Hagatna, Guam from November 28 – December 1, 2025.

The winner of the tournament, contested by three nations, will receive automatic entry to the 2026 U15 World Cup in Italy in 2026.

WBSC Tournament Hub: Click here.

Australia, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands will compete in triple round robin, meaning each team plays each other three times.

The team who finishes top of the group will be declared U15 Oceania Champions and qualify for the World Cup in Italy in 2026.

The schedule is as follows:

– Game 1: Australia 15 def Northern Mariana Islands 0
– Game 2: Australia 9 def Guam 0
– Game 3: Australia 13 def Guam 7
– Game 4: Australia 17 def Northern Marian Islands 0
– Game 5 : Australia 23 def Guam 0

– Game 6, December 1 – Australia vs Guam, 12:00PM AEDT

The games will be streamed on Facebook by WBSC Oceania. For Live Scoring, can follow along here.

STANDINGS

1. Australia 5-0
2. Northern Mariana Islands 3-2
3. Guam 0-6

RECAPS

GAME 5: HARRISON THOMAS-MCLEAN HOMERS AS AUSTRALIA IMPROVES TO 5-0 WITH WIN OVER GUAM

Box Sore

Australia put together their biggest offensive outburst of the tournament, cruising to a 23–0 run-rule win over Guam in four innings.

After a steady start, the Aussies absolutely erupted in the middle frames—eight runs in the third inning followed by thirteen more in the fourth—to blow the game wide open.

Harrison Thomas-McLean added the exclamation point, smashing a two-run homer in the third.

At the plate, the hits were coming from everywhere. Noah McCabe led the way with three hits. Zavier Leigh, Hugh Kelly, Benji Baitch and Thomas-McLean all tallied two hits. Kelly and McCabe each finished with 4 RBI

Archer Petersen reached base all day with a team-high three walks

On the mound, Australia was fairly clean.
– Finn Fuller – 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R
– Rylan Ottaway – 1.0 IP, 0 H, 1 BB
– Aaron Hsieh – tossed a clean fourth to close things out

GAME 4: AUSTRALIA PILE IT ON IN WIN OVER NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS TO SECURE PLACE IN WORLD CUP

BOX SCORE

Australia rolled to 4–0 at the Oceania U15 Championships and officially clinched top spot, securing their place at the 2026 U15 World Cup.

The Aussies piled on the first 12 runs of the game, exploding for six in the second inning, then adding five more in the fourth to push the game into run-rule territory.

Big Performers at the Plate:
Finn Fuller: 2-for-2, 3 RBI, reached three times
Zavier Leigh: 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 3 runs
Cruize Chase-Tukapua: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
Edison Bush: reached twice, scored twice
Harrison Thomas-McLean: 1-for-1, 2 RBI
Oliver Breach: 1-for-2, RBI
Ben Baitch: 1-for-3, RBI
Jakob Cruz: scored twice

On the mound:

Cale Morris and James McCabe worked 2.0 innings each, combining for 7 strikeouts and keeping the momentum entirely on Australia’s side.

Australia stays perfect — and World Cup-bound. 🇦🇺⚾

GAME 3: AUSTRALIA EXPLODE FOR TEN LATE RUNS IN COMEBACK WIN OVER GUAM

BOX SCORE

Australia stayed unbeaten at the U15 Oceania Qualifier, erupting late to claim a 13–7 comeback win over Guam thanks to a 10-run burst across the fifth and sixth innings.

Guam stunned Australia early with three runs in the top of the first, forcing the Aussies onto the back foot for the first time in the tournament. But Australia immediately chipped away, tying the game 3–3 by the second inning.

Archer Petersen launched his second home run of the tournament, while Aaron Hsieh added a key RBI to pull things level.

Guam briefly regained control with a run in the fourth to make it 4–3 — but that’s when Australia’s offence woke up for good.

A four-run fifth inning flipped momentum entirely. Beau Stockdale, who entered as a pinch-hitter, smashed a 2-RBI triple. Rylan Ottaway followed with an RBI single as Australia surged ahead 7–4.

The Aussies then blew the game wide open with a six-run sixth inning, powered by Jacob Tayler (RBI single), Edison Bush (RBI single), Archer Petersen (another RBI knock, finishing with 2 hits and 2 RBI) and Rylan Ottaway (second RBI of the game).

It was a tough start, but Australia’s bullpen settled and locked things down: Zavier William Leigh started. His line: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 SO.

Jack Bowden followed: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO.

Jacob Tayler: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 2 SO — closed the final innings under pressure

Bowden’s outing was the turning point, allowing the offence time to roar back.

Australia’s lineup delivered production top-to-bottom:

Archer Petersen: 2-for-4, 2 R, 2 H, 2 RBI
Patrick Fogg: 2-for-3, 2 R
Rylan Ottaway: 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 RBI
Edison Bush: 1-for-1, R, RBI
Aaron Hsieh: 2-for-4, RBI
Jacob Tayler: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI
Beau Stockdale: 1-for-2, 2 RBI triple
Jack Bowden: 1-for-3, R

GAME 2: AUSTRALIA FINISHES DAY 1 PERFECT AFTER WELL ROUNDED PERFORMANCE OVER GUAM

BOX SCORE

Australia has closed out Day 1 of the 2025 U15 WBSC Oceania Baseball Championships in perfect fashion, defeating hosts Guam 9–0 to improve to 2–0 and take early control of the three-nation qualifier for the 2026 U15 World Cup.

After taking a 2–0 lead through the early innings, scoring one run in the second on an Edison Bush RBI double and another in the third, Australia broke the game open in the fourth courtesy of a game-changing swing from Archer Petersen.

With two on and two out, Petersen belted an inside-the-park three-run homer stretching the lead to 5–0 and giving Australia a decisive cushion.

Australia continued to build from there, capitalising on errors and wild pitches to plate three more in the sixth and put the contest out of reach. The Aussies finished with 12 hits while holding Guam to just one.

The pitching combination of Harrison Thomas-McLean and Jet Creamer was outstanding, allowing just a single baserunner all game.

Thomas-McLean struck out seven across 3.0 innings, giving up only one hit.
Jet Creamer followed with 4.0 perfect innings, striking out five and retiring all 12 batters he faced.

The lineup delivered consistent production across the board. Archer Petersen supplied the biggest moment of the game with his inside-the-park three-run homer.

Bodhi Evans had a two-hit night, helping set the table early. Beau Stockdale also collected two hits. Oliver Breach added a hit and two RBI. Jack Bowden came off the bench and produced two hits and an RBI. Rylan Ottoway added two hits from the middle of the order. Edison Bush contributed an RBI double as part of Australia’s early scoring.

Additional hits came from Jacob Tayler, while Cruize Chase-Tukapua, Jakob Cruz,

Noah McCabe, Zavier Leigh, and Cale Morris all contributed quality plate appearances.

Across two games on Day 1, Australia outscored opponents 24–1, showcasing elite pitching depth and consistent offensive pressure.

A newly adjusted schedule means Australia will now play two games tomorrow as they continue their push toward securing a spot in the 2026 U15 World Cup.

GAME 1: AUSTRALIA OPENS TOURNAMENT WITH DOMINANT 15-0 WIN OVER NMI

BOX SCORE

Australia has begun its 2025 U15 WBSC Oceania Baseball Championship campaign in emphatic fashion, recording a 15–0 run-rule victory over the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) in Guam to open the three-nation tournament that also serves as qualification for the 2026 U15 World Cup.

The Australians set the tone immediately, scoring four runs in each of the first three innings and continuing to apply pressure throughout.

A final three-run burst in the fifth sealed the victory and capped a complete performance on both sides of the ball.

Australia’s lineup produced 13 hits, with contributions coming from all over the order:
– Aaron Hsieh led the attack with three hits and three RBI.
– Edison Bush also drove in three, finishing with two hits.
– Patrick Fogg collected two hits and an RBI.
– Jet Creamer added a pair of hits
– Benjamin Baitch chipped in one hit and two RBI
– Beau Stockdale opened the game with a hit and two RBI from the top of the order

Cruize Chase, Rylan Ottoway, and several others continued to keep the pressure on as Australia piled on runs early.

On the pitching side of things, Finn Fuller and Hugh Kelly allowed just three base runners.

Fuller started and struck out four across two no-hit innings, allowing just one walk. Hugh Kelly finished the final three innings, striking out seven and surrendering only two hits.

Australia continues its push toward a U15 World Cup berth with upcoming games against hosts Guam and a rematch with NMI later in the week.

ROSTER

The coaching staff is as follows:

– Manager – Andy Kyle
– Assistant Coach – Kelii Zablan
– Pitching Coach – Kai Meuronen
– Executive Officer – Andrew Riddell

Follow Team Australia social media for updates.

30 October 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Community Women's Baseball

Monica Arcuri signs with top Japanese high school - at just 12 years old!

Monica Arcuri has just secured a baseball opportunity of a lifetime. She’s just 12-years-old.

Monica has officially signed with Kobe Koryo Gakuen High School, the top women’s baseball high school in Japan.

The school caters to students aged 15 to 18 but Monica has been specially accepted into their elite baseball program. She’s the youngest Aussie to sign with a Japanese high school.

There’s an Australian connection to the school. Kobe Koryo played against Queensland earlier this year (2025), winning all their games. They’ll be returning to the Gold Coast this December, where Monica will join their team.

She has committed to a one-year training program in Japan, starting in March 2026.

It is a cherry on top of an incredible year for Monica. She represented Australia with Brisbane North at the Little League World Series (LLWS) while also competing in tournaments with Japanese teams in Tokyo and Melbourne.

Monica became the 24th girl to ever play in the Little League World Series, playing first base and pitching for Brisbane North.

“We couldn’t be prouder,” says Rodrigo Arcuri, Monica’s father. “It’s an unbelievable milestone. This wouldn’t be possible if she didn’t have the best training and support of the Narangba Demons Baseball Club, Brisbane North Baseball and Brisbane Bandits pitching coaches. We couldn’t be prouder of her dedication, passion, and
courage to chase her dream on the international stage.”

Monica leaves with her family in February where she will train six days a week.

Congrats, Monica! The whole community is so proud.

29 October 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

College Baseball Community

Team Australia U18 infielder commits to JUCO powerhouse Weatherford College

There aren’t many better junior college baseball programs than what you’ll find at Weatherford College.

Victorian national champion and Team Australia U18 infielder Will Hardy is about to be apart of it.

“I’m honoured,” says a pride filled Hardy, a product of Newport Baseball Club. “Thank you to Coach Kinzy and the Weatherford coaching staff for this opportunity. I look forward to getting on campus and playing for you.”

The Texas-based junior college has turned into a bit of a wagon.

Over the past three seasons, the Weatherford Coyotes boast a record of 146-39 (.789 win percentage). They’ve won the last three conference championships and ripped off win streaks of 20 games.

“They’re a top three to five program in the country in arguably the toughest conference and region,” says Baseball Australia’s Player Development Manager Andrew Riddell.

The program has been instrumental in developing Major Leaguers like Jake Arrieta and Ryan Brasier.

Now, the Coyotes will play a role in Hardy’s development.

The Newport Rams 18-year-old infielder largely parks himself at third base and short stop – a role he has played in the last 12 months with Victoria at the Australian Youth Championships, Team Australia at the 2025 U18 World Cup, on the MLB International Team and currently with the Melbourne Aces in Korea.

Hardy possesses strong speed, high-end defense and excellent bat-to-ball skills.

That was on display in Okinawa at the U18 World Cup in September. Hardy hit .346 with six RBI and two stolen bases in eight games.

“He was one of our best and most influential players,” said U18 national team coach Jason Pospishil after the tournament.

Hardy says he is looking to improve his overall game at college.

“I plan on getting bigger, stronger, faster and taking my game to the next level,” he says. “I’m looking to improve my power but overall my entire game.”

Riddell says Hardy is proof of what hard-work, an understanding of self-reflection and awareness looks like.

“He missed out on selection in 2024 for the Team Australia U17 trip to Fort Myers and went back home and put a plan in place with the help of Damian Shanahan and Kelii Zablan at Baseball Victoria to work on his swing, speed, strength, and athleticism and worked hard at it every day,” says Riddell. “We were able to see that progression in-game with his performance in January at AYC and it continued throughout 2025 at our national selection camp, the U18 World Cup & the MLB trip.”

Off the back of the MLB trip, Riddell travelled to Texas to meet with some of the current Australian college players. A conversation with the Weatherford staff about Will, the player, and the person he is occurred.

After a few zoom calls between Weatherford and Hardy, an opportunity popped up.

“The relationship with the Weatherford staff and Baseball Australia continues to be strong after Bjay Cooke had committed and now Will is now another part of that,” says Riddell. “He and his family were ecstatic with the developmental focus of the program and the conversations with the coaching staff and saw it as a no-brainer when the full-ride scholarship was offered.”

Hardy now has an opportunity at the current third ranked program in the country to take his game to the next level and turn the heads of Division 1 recruiting coordinators and professional scouts in the hardest conference and region in junior college baseball.

“We’ve seen it happen now with multiple hitters from the national U18 program the last few years and we can’t wait to see the name he makes for himself at Weatherford and beyond,” says Riddell.

It’s not lost on Hardy who helped him reach this point – it’s his community.

“Every single player and coach who has been part of my journey I just want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.”

He starts with his immediate family.

“My parents have been massive in my journey, they have sacrificed so much time over the years for me. My dad has played over 600 games and is still playing. I’ve being going to his games for as long as I can remember,” says Hardy. “I was the bat boy of the first grade team for five years and learnt a lot just sitting there watching. My Dad, Uncle, Nan, Pop and Great Uncle are life members at Williamstown baseball runs in my family.”

He also says the baseball community was supportive in his journey, crediting the Performance Pathways Program at Baseball Victoria led by Damien Shanahan and Kelli Zablan as well as his coaches at Newport.

“The coaching staff worked with me over the past four years and got the best of me. They made me into the player I am today,” he says. “Sean Arnott was my first senior first grade coach at Newport and he gave me confidence at a young age that I could compete at a high level. I’ve also been lucky to play at North Balwyn under Neil Burke for the past two seasons. To play with some of the Melbourne Aces guys to refine the little things about my game has [also helped].”

Congratulations, Will! We will be following with great interest.

Choose Baseball - 2026 Sporting Schools Term 1 Bookings Now Open

Sporting Schools bookings for Term 1, 2026 are now open and we are calling all schools to get involved with baseball next year.

Baseball has a rich history in Australia, having been played in this country since the 1850s.

Ranked in the top ten of the World Rankings, baseball in Australia continues to grow.

Participating in baseball has increased by 11% in the last two seasons to over 34,000 registered members in 2024-25.

The sport is fun, family-friendly and its strength lies in the power of a tight knit community.

You can join the family too at your local school.

How is baseball played through Sporting Schools?

Baseball Australia introduces students to baseball through two Sporting Schools programs:

– Baseball5 is a new fast-paced, urban version, of the game requiring no dedicated infrastructure and only requiring a ball.

– Aussie T-Ball is a modified version of baseball designed to introduce students of all abilities to the game.

Both programs teach the four fundamental skills of baseball – throwing, catching, running and striking – in a safe, fun, non-contact environment. The modified versions of the game ensure students have greater game involvement that builds social, mental and physical development.

What is Sporting Schools?

Sporting Schools is an Australian government initiative designed to provide funding to help schools increase children participation and connect them with community sport opportunities.

Research shows that quality sport and physical activity in schools has a positive influence on children’s confidence, competence and motivation to be active at school and throughout their life.

Sporting Schools fosters partnerships between basketball associations and schools to promote involvement in sport outside of school.

Designed for primary students and those in Years 7 and 8 as a free at the point of delivery program.

Sporting Schools provides teacher-led formats along with high-quality resources to empower educators in delivering effective sports programs not only building capability in the coach workforce through funding of coach delivered programs but also supporting students in building a foundation for lifelong engagement in physical activity and sport.

There is a funding component to assist eligible primary schools with additional delivery costs due to location or students with disability.

Sporting Schools is a program associated with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). Baseball Australia thanks the ASC for their support of baseball in this country.

Get Involved

We invite all schools to get involved with one of Australia’s greatest sporting communities and see both females and males and choose the Sporting Schools ‘Baseball’ program for Term 1, 2026.

To ‘choose baseball’ click the link below.

CHOOSE BASEBALL

For further information or enquiries about the Sporting Schools initiative, please contact Baseball Australia’s participation manager Mel Achten.

melissa.achten@baseball.com.au

22 October 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Community

Former BA president Ron Finlay recognised with WBSC Order of the Golden Diamond Award

Baseball Australia Life Member and former President Ron Finlay has been recognised with one of international baseball’s highest honours — the WBSC Order of the Golden Diamond Award.

Presented by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), the award celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the global growth and governance of baseball and softball.

Ron continues to serve the game as a the WBSC Chair of the Legal Commission, following decades of leadership in Australian and international baseball.

Congratulations, Ron — an incredible recognition of a lifetime dedicated to the sport.

Ron’s life membership notes from Baseball Australia are below:

———-

Ron Finlay has cemented himself as an integral part of the Australian and International baseball community by applying his formidable intellect and considerable Board and legal experience to benefit the sport he loves.

Ron joined the ABF Board in 1999 and was appointed by his peers as President in 2001. After 14 years on the Board, and after announcing his retirement this morning, Ron can be proud of the legacy that he has left the sport of Baseball.

During his five year tenure as President and 14 years as a director, Ron was instrumental in building and fostering relationships with the International Baseball Federation, Major League Baseball and other global baseball partners. Ron maintains these relationships to this day in his roles as President of the Baseball Confederation of Oceania, as a key member of the Executive of the International Baseball Federation and, as of last month, a member of the Executive of the newly created World Baseball Softball Confederation.

Ron continues to play a key role in the ‘2 for 1’ joint Baseball and Softball bid for reinstatement to the Olympic Games – a key component of Australian Baseball’s future success.

Domestically, Ron was a key figure in establishing a culture of unity amongst all Australian Baseball stakeholders, ensuring an environment of cooperation and collaboration not seen before in Australian Baseball – the legacy of which is still enjoyed in the sport today.

Ron was an instrumental figure in the creation and structuring of the Australian Baseball League and has continued to play an active role in ensuring the League’s success as an ABL Director.

Ron’s ongoing commitment and tireless contribution to our sport has ensured that the ABF, amongst many other things, prioritises corporate governance and best legal practice. Ron’s standing in the International Baseball community provides Australian Baseball with a voice that is disproportionate to our membership and geographical isolation.

Ron has been a passionate advocate for the Heritage Committee and the creation and ongoing success of the Australian Baseball Hall of Fame.

Ron’s contribution to Baseball in Australia has been immense. Tonight we acknowledge and reward Ron’s outstanding commitment to our sport and award him with our highest honour, Life Membership of the Australian Baseball Federation.

Congratulations Ron.

20 October 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

College Baseball

Team Australia U18 star pitcher Damien Wilson commits to New Mexico Junior College

Damien Wilson made the most of his opportunities in Australian baseball. It’s led him to a scholarship with New Mexico Junior College, a program with a proven track record of progressing Aussie baseball players.

Wilson, a left-handed pitcher out of Baulkham Hills Baseball Club (below) in New South Wales, has already accomplished a lot at his young age of 17.

He came up clutch on the hill for Team Australia at the Under 18 World Cup, won a U18 National Championship with New South Wales, represented his country at the WWBA Championships in Fort Myers, was one of eleven Australians at the 2025 MLB International Showcase and plays Division I in the hyper-competitive NSW State League vs ABL players as a high schooler.

Now, he is set to join three other Australians – Zach Altamura (INF), Riley Hall (RHP) and Tim Yeomans (C) – at New Mexico Junior College.

Brent Iredale, an Australian prospect with the Pittsburgh Pirates, also attended New Mexico Junior College before transferring to Division 1 powerhouse Arkansas.

Wilson says it’s a chance to take a big step forward with his development through college.

“The program’s structure, coaching, and competition level will push me every day to get stronger, more explosive, expand my pitching arsenal and be more consistent on the mound. I’m focused on building velocity, sharpening my command, and learning how to dominate at the college level so I’m ready for the next stage of my career,” says Wilson.

Wilson is coming off a dominating performance of his own at the Under 18 World Cup. In two starts, Wilson tossed 10.0 innings, allowing just two earned runs with no walks, and eight strikeouts.

He helped Australia beat Panama in a must-win game, and he left the game tied 1-1 vs powerhouse Cuba in the placement round.

“My confidence definitely grew after the World Cup,” says Wilson. “By competing against top international talent, it showed me I can perform at that level, and it pushed me to trust my stuff more and focus on consistency every time I step on the mound.”

Wilson says his biggest strength is his competitiveness and work ethic.

“No matter the situation, I always want the ball and I’m going to attack every hitter with confidence. I take pride in being consistent, having good command, and competing with intensity every time I’m on the mound,” says Wilson.

“I also thrive on being part of a team and working towards getting a win as a cohesive unit. I also put a lot of effort into the small details — recovery, training, and preparation — so I’m always ready to perform at my best,” he adds.

Wilson throws a four-seam fastball, two-seam, change-up and curveball.

Baseball Australia’s player development manager Andrew Riddell says he can see the potential Wilson has, commending his performance at the Under 18 World Cup and MLB trip in October.

“It was a full circle for him to cap off an amazing junior career that includes a U16 Golden Arm and a U18 National Championship,” says Riddell. “His progression as a competitor and the ability to get hitters out continues to excel and it will be fun watching him do the same thing the next few years in college.”

Wilson had numerous offers on the table.

Riddell says he was impressed with the amount of thought went into the decision.

“The whole Wilson family were awesome through the process of deciding which program was going to be the best fit for him as we discussed the positive and negatives of each. They all had a great understanding of what he was looking for to take the next steps in his own development and continue his growth on the mound,” says Riddell.

“Damien’s coaches at Baulkham Hills and at Baseball New South Wales deserve a lot of credit with the progression we saw each year at national championships. I know with his drive and work ethic that he will have success at the next level just like he has had in Australia,” adds Riddell.

For Wilson, he says all the overseas events helped push him to become the best player he can be.

“Each one pushed me to compete against some of the best players in the country and the world, helping me learn how to perform under pressure and handle big moments,” he says. “Those experiences taught me the level of preparation, focus, and consistency it takes to succeed at the next level.”

At home, Wilson came up through the New South Wales system via his club at Baulkham Hills.

He says he wouldn’t be here without the entire baseball community. But there’s one man who leads the way.

“David White have been the biggest influence on my baseball journey. He has supported me from day one — pushing through every training, game, and tournament, and to be the best version of myself on and off the diamond,” says Wilson.

“I’ve also been blessed to have great coaches at present and the along the way who’ve believed in me and helped shape the player I am today. Their guidance and belief kept me motivated to keep improving and chasing my goals. My family have been invaluable since the beginning, have been by my side the whole journey. They are my #1 supporters.”

Wilson will be studying Business and Communications.

He departs for the USA in August 2026.

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