02 July 2025
Two sisters – Claire O’Sullivan and Elodie O’Sullivan – have signed on to play in the top women’s competition in Japan.
While not playing for the same team, both players will compete in the 2025 All Japan Women’s Baseball Championship.
26 June 2025
2025 U12 WORLD CUP HUB: Grab results and stories via the U12 Hub
Team Australia’s youngest squad is ready to represent us all at the 2025 Under 12 World Cup.
After successfully qualifying in a tournament in Guam in 2024, they’re now tasked with facing the rest of the world in Taipei from July 25 – August 3.
The roster has been revealed. You can read about each player below.
Make sure you follow us on social media (@Team Australia Baseball) and via our Tournament Hub for complete coverage of the event: www.baseball.com.au/2025u12worldcup/
26 June 2025
The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announced the official schedule of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2025 presented by RAXUS, which will take place from 5 to 14 September in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.
Here’s what you need to know:
– There are two groups of six. The top three teams in each group will advance to the Super Round following pool play;
– Australia is in Group B with China, Germany, Panama, Chinese Taipei and the USA;
– Group A consists of Cuba, Italy, Japan, Korea, Puerto Rico & South Africa
– Australia qualified for the U18 World Cup by defeating New Zealand in a best-of-five qualifying series last December;
– Australia will host a camp on the Gold Coast in August to finalise their roster before flying out to Japan. The list of the 29 players invited to camp can be found here;
– The coaching staff will be led by Jason Pospishil. You can read the full announcement here.
– All games will be available to watch through WBSC’s streaming platform Gametime.sport;
Team Australia’s schedule is as follows (all times AEST):
– September 5, 11:30AM vs Germany
– September 6, 11:30AM vs Panama
– September 7, 11:30AM vs China
– September 8, 3:30PM vs Chinese Taipei
– September 9, 11:00AM vs USA
– September 11, TBD – Super Round / Placement Round Game #1
– September 12, TBD – Super Round / Placement Round Game #2
– September 13, TBD – Super Round / Placement Round Game #1
– September 14, TBD – Gold Medal & Bronze Medal Games (if necessary)
25 June 2025
The Australian baseball community shifts their attention to Redcliffe, Queensland for two tournaments running side-by-side in July.
It’s time for one of our favourite weeks of the year – the 2025 Little League Girls National Championships & 2025 Little League Invitational.
A flock of baseball loving 9-12 year-olds will be coming to experience a week long tournament in a beautiful part of the world.
Here you will find schedules and information for each division for the event running from July 8-12, sponsored by the City of Moreton Bay.
Games scheduled on Diamond 1 will be broadcast live & free on Baseball+. You can follow along the rest of the action on GameChanger.
COMBINED SCHEDULE: Download the PDF
Age Group: 9-12
Tournament Hub: www.baseball.com.au/littleleagueredcliffe
Tournament Date: Tuesday 8 July – Saturday 12 July
Tournament Location: Redcliffe, Queensland
Tournament Schedule: Below and available here
GameChanger Scoring Link: Coming soon
Broadcast: Baseball+ (free) / GameChanger
2024 Champion: NSW Blue
This is the only event of its kind around the world. No other country has a national championship for the Little League age group that is exclusively for girls.
The event is building off the success of the 2024 tournament – a world first. You can read about last year’s tournament in a great story by the ABC here.
Teams are entered by their states – there are no qualifying events.
In 2025, there are six teams in the Girls Division. Each team will play each other once and the top two teams will play-off for a national championship on the final day.
Games are limited to two hours. Teams can score a maximum of six runs in an inning until inning after the fourth inning when the limit is removed. Games can end in ties.
Age Group: 9-12
Tournament Hub: www.baseball.com.au/littleleagueredcliffe
Tournament Date: Tuesday 8 July – Saturday 12 July
Tournament Location: Redcliffe, Queensland
Tournament Schedule: Below and available here
GameChanger Scoring Link: Coming soon
Broadcast: Baseball+ (free) / GameChanger
2024 Champion: None (new event)
A Little League Invitational tournament makes its debut on the Australian baseball calendar.
With a focus on enhancing Little League’s position as Australian Baseball’s primary participation competition program, the Little League Invitational is aimed at providing existing Little League charters who do not regularly qualify for the four international tournament pathway national championships chance to experience competing against their peers form across the country in a national tournament.
You can read about the tournament in the initial announcement story.
Teams are entered by their states – there are no qualifying events.
The six teams will play in one division. They’ll play each other once and the top two teams will play-off for a national championship on the final day.
Games are limited to two hours. Teams can score a maximum of six runs in an inning until inning after the fourth inning when the limit is removed. Games can end in ties.
Discover the hidden gems and sun-soaked adventures waiting for you in Moreton Bay.
Just up the road from Brisbane, this is where the coast meets hinterland adventure, and the laid-back Queensland lifestyle takes centre stage. Whether you’re looking to dive into clear blue waters, explore lush green trails, or simply relax by the shore, Brisbane’s Playground (aka Moreton Bay) has something for everyone.
Head to www.visitmoretonbayregion.com.au to plan your adventure while visiting for baseball.
Want to know what’s on in Moreton Bay? Visit www.whatsonmoretonbay.com.au/.
Baseball Australia has a zero-tolerance policy for online abuse directed at the organisation, its members, or affiliated individuals. Such behaviour is unacceptable and will be addressed with appropriate action.
19 June 2025
The Sydney Blue Sox have a new license holder.
The Black Pearl Sports Group (BPSG) will take over the license, assuring the Sydney Blue Sox commitment to the Australian Baseball League for 2025-26 and beyond.
“At the heart of everything we’re building is a belief in opportunity, community, and integrity,” said Cole Sherertz, Managing Director of Black Pearl Sports Group.
“My deepest passion is serving people. I love people, and I love culture — especially when it’s rooted in great baseball. What we’re building in Sydney has the power to inspire far beyond the diamond. We’re laying the foundation for a new era of baseball in Australia.”
The team will be run in partnership with Baseball New South Wales (BNSW).
Although BNSW will not be providing financial support, they will be offering strategic, promotional, and community engagement support to help elevate the team’s presence and strengthen ties with the grassroots baseball community.
“The Sydney Blue Sox’s participation in the Australian Baseball League is vital for the growth and visibility of baseball in New South Wales,” said James Morley, Interim CEO of Baseball NSW. “It provides a clear pathway for our homegrown talent to compete at the highest level nationally, inspires the next generation of players, and strengthens community engagement with the sport. We are eager to be working with Cole and the Black Pearl Sports Group for the coming ABL season.”
Australian Baseball League General Manager Paul Gonzalez says it’s exciting news as the league continues to finalise plans for the upcoming season.
“Sydney is our biggest market and represents a great opportunity going forward,” he says. “The Blue Sox, Baseball New South Wales, and their fans have a great foundation to build off of after winning the minor premiership in the 2024-25 season.”
The Australian Baseball League will be proceeding with four teams in 2025-26 as the professional competition continues to reset.
The Sydney Blue Sox, Adelaide Giants, Brisbane Bandits and Perth Heat have all committed to the upcoming season.
The schedule and competition details are expected to be announced in July.
19 June 2025
Three weeks after the tournament was scheduled to finish, the Junior and Intermediate League Championships reached a conclusion in Melbourne with two national champions crowned on Friday 20 June, 2025.
After the originally scheduled finals were washed out due to heavy rain in Lismore & Gold Coast, Baseball Australia flew in the remaining teams in each division to Melbourne to finish the tournament.
Today, we played two semi-finals & a Gold Medal match in Junior League, plus a Preliminary Final and Gold Medal Game in Intermediate League.
Congratulations to Hills (Intermediate League) and Brisbane North (Junior League) on winning your respective national crown.
This is the day’s recap story filled with stats, game reports and information. Keep scrolling for your divisions recap if you don’t see it initially.
The winners of the tournament now advance United States and represent Australia at the their respective World Series event.
Make sure you visit the respective Tournament Hub for archived scores, stories and information.
JUNIOR LEAGUE HUB: www.baseball.com.au/juniorleague
INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE HUB: www.baseball.com.au/intermediateleague
INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE – @ Essendon
Preliminary Final – Melbourne Athletics 4 def Central Firebirds 3
Gold Medal Game – Hills 12 def Melbourne Athletics 2
JUNIOR LEAGUE – @ La Trobe
Semi Final 1 – Brisbane North 5 def Cronulla Black 2
Semi Final 2 – Melbourne Athletics 11 def Melbourne Mets 1
Gold Medal Game – Brisbane North 11 def Melbourne Athletics 2
On the Chris Lane Field in Melbourne, Eva Lane shone bright for the Athletics. Lane went 3-for-3 with a homer, two RBI and two runs in the Athletics win.
She launched a two-out go-ahead homer in the bottom of the third to put the Athletics up 3-2 at the time.
The Firebirds levelled the score at three in the fifth inning.
But Lane (bel0w) kickstarted the Athletics’ rally in the bottom of the sixth. She singled to left field to get on base, before Leo Moulton delivered a game-winning RBI base-hit to put the Athletics up 4-3.
Moulton had two hits on the day.
The Athletics outhit the Firebirds 12-1 but left nine runners on base. Summer Hiscock had the only hit for the Firebirds.
Phil Toye threw 3.2 innings, allowing just one hit and two unearned runs in his start. He walked four and struck out six. Hao Huang threw 3.1 innings on no hit ball, allowing one walk and one run with three strikeouts in relief.
The Central Firebirds struck first in the third inning by capitalising off Athletics’ walks and errors.
The Athletics turn around quickly and play Hills in 30 minutes for the national title.
MELBOURNE ATHLETICS
Hits (12): Eva Lane (3), Leo Moulton (2), Jack Downs, Jackson Berg, Charlie Fegan, Haydn Dogonay, Hao Huang, Phil Toye, Josh Moulds
HR: Lane
RBI: Lane (2), Moulton, Berg
CENTRAL FIREBIRDS
Hits (1): Summer Hiscock
RBI: Hiscock, Taj Humble, Jack Johnston
Tell you what – this is a special group of players from New South Wales’ Hills.
Nearly the same squad who won the 2024 Little League Championships has just won the 2025 Intermediate League title.
They’ll represent Australia at the 2025 Intermediate League World Series in Livermore, California from July 27-August 3.
Sayre Howick racked up twelve strikeouts & Hugh Graham hit a key homer in the mercy rule victory in Melbourne on Friday.
Melbourne held a 2-0 lead after the first two innings, but Hills ripped off four runs in the third, fifth and sixth innings.
Ten different players combined for 12 hits.
Pitching was a big story of this game. Sayre Howick (below) threw 5.0 innings, allowing five hits & two runs. He struck out 12.
But things didn’t look easy early. Charlie Fegan hit an early homer for the Athletics and had Melbourne up 2-0 after two.
Hills found their spark through the bat of Hugh Graham in the third.
He levelled the game at two apiece with a monster two-run bomb. Sayre Howick compounded the inning by adding a fourth run off an RBI single just a few batters later 4-2.
Hills pulled away with a two-out rally in the fifth.
Graham, Anton Jacovides, Harry Hobbs and Justin Jang ripped off four straight singles – all with a pair of outs on the board – to push the scoreline to 8-2. Jang had the most damaging swing with his two-RBI single.
Spencer Dobb and Ethan Cross opened the sixth inning with RBI singles. Emma Gainsford put the nail in the coffin with a two-out, two-RBI single to increase the lead to 12-2 and put the scoreline in run rule territory.
Justin Jang pitched a shutout sixth inning to seal victory.
Hugh Graham finished with a 2-for-3 stat line with a homer and three RBI. Emma Gainsford and Justin Jang also drove in a pair.
Congratulations to Hills! The players on the winning team are: Anton Jacovides, Fletcher Dobb, Spencer Dobb, Hudson Dobb, Justin Jang, Sayre Howick, Emma Gainsford, Harry Hobbs, Archer Connelly, Ethan Cross, Hugh Graham, Talen Lachmund-Davis. Coaches: Adam Dobb (Manager), Dylan Wright, Scott Wright, Jarrad Salmon, Fiona Cross (EO)
HILLS
Hits (12): Anton Jacovides, Harry Hobbs, Justin Jang, Sayre Howick, Talen Lachmund-Davis, Spender Dobb, Ethan Cross (2), Fletcher Dobb, Emma Gainsford, Hugh Graham (2)
HR: Hugh Graham
RBI: Graham (3), Gainsford (2), Cross, S. Dobb, Jang (2), Hobbs
ATHLETICS
Hits (5): Charlie Fegan, Leo Moulton (2), Haydn Dogonay, Nixon Dikranis
HR: Fegan
RBI: Fegan, Josh Moulds
Brisbane North may have only had three hits but they made the most of their opportunities during there semi-final win on Friday morning.
The Vikings worked eleven walks and systematically rolled over the scoreboard in their win. Brisbane North tallied a single run in each of the first four innings and one in the seventh for good measure.
Chase Crew (below) was solid on the mound. He tossed a complete game: 7.0 innings, 2 runs, 4 hits, 4 walks and 8 strikeouts.
Ten different players reached base. Kenneth O’Brien led Brisbane North with three walks. Logan Lokeni, Edward Jones, and Tyler Wilson had RBI.
Zac Jacenko had a triple for Cronulla while Liam McGuckin-Anderson and Ben Napier had RBI.
Brisbane North will advance to the Gold Medal Game to play the winner of the Melbourne Mets and Melbourne Athletics. The game will be played half-an-hour after the second semi-final concludes.
BRISBANE NORTH
Hits (3): Logan Lokeni, Tyler Wilson, Barry Hunter
RBI: Lokeni, Edward Jones, Wilson
CRONULLA BLACK
Hits (4): Aiden Southcombe, Zac Jacenko, Liam McGuckin-Anderson, Samuel Regan
RBI: McGuckin-Anderson, Ben Napier
A pair of prolific performances has helped secure a place in the Gold Medal Game for the Melbourne Athletics.
Jacob Tayler went 3-for-4 with four RBI and a triple & Maximillian Lord (below) went 3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs.
The Athletics pulled away from their Melbourne counterparts with a six run fourth inning to push out the score to 8-0.
Tayler (below) had two RBIs in the inning, but he was added by a bases loaded walk from Finn Welte, and a two-RBI triple by Harper Pitts.
Oliver Allen was terrific on the mound. The 2023 U12 World Cup pitcher tossed 5.0 innings with nine strikeouts, allowing just four hits, one run, three walks.
Patience paid off for the Athletics, who worked ten walks in the game.
Flynn Scargill led the Mets with two hits. Cruize Chase started on the mound for the Mets.
It’s a quick turnaround for the Athletics, who now face Brisbane North in the Gold Medal game for a spot in the Junior League World Series.
MELBOURNE ATHLETICS
Hits (8): Jacob Tayler (3), Maximillian Lord (2), Harper Pitts, Kella De Sylva
RBI: Tayler (4), Pitts (2), Peter Baade, Lord
MELBOURNE METS
Hits (4): Flynn Scargill, Cale Morris, Hayden H
RBI: Morris
Brisbane North out-hit, out-pitched and out-scored them in a dominating Gold Medal Game display.
Brisbane North collected 14 hits to Melbourne’s four and had a big pitching performance from Tyler Wilson in the win.
They’ll now represent Australia at the 2025 Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan.
Coby Holt led Brisbane with a three hit performance. Tyler Wilson, Barry Hunter and Chase Crew also picked up a pair of hits.
Tyler Wilson (below) threw 5.0 innings, allowing just one run, three hits, four walks and had eight strikeouts.
It looked early as if Melbourne Athletics would chuck a lopsided number on the ledger. They loaded the bases with nobody out in the second inning.
Enter Tyler Wilson.
The right-handed Brisbane North pitcher struck out the side and walked just one batter. He escaped the inning with just one run on the board and the bases full of Athletics.
It seemed to spark the offence.
Brisbane North scored three runs immediately following in the third inning. Coby Holt tied the game with an RBI single to right-field. Two batters later, Patrick Fogg hit a ground ball and reached on an error by the pitcher which caused two more runs to score on the play.
3-1.
Aaron Bell drove in a pair with a two-RBI single to left in the fifth. Barry Hunter and Kenneth O’Brien picked up RBI singles in the fifth.
7-1.
Meanwhile, Wilson was cruising. His final stat line read 5.0 innings, with three hits, one run, four walks and eight strikeouts.
The Athletics pegged one back in the sixth but Brisbane North sailed away to a Golden sunset in the top of the seventh. They plated four runs thanks to a bases clearing triple from Logan Lokeni and a line drive RBI from Logan Larkin.
Patrick Fogg recorded the final three outs.
Brisbane North will represent Australia at the 2025 Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan from August 3-10.
The players are: Chase Crew, Joey Perkins, Tyler Wilson, Barry Hunter, Archer Peterson, Logan Lokeni, Patrick Fogg, Kenneth O’Brien, Coby Holt, Aaron Bell, Logan Larkin, Eddie Jones. Coaches:
BRISBANE NORTH
Hits (14): Patrick Fogg, Logan Lokeni, Chase Crew (2), Logan Larkin, Barry Hunter (2), Kenneth O’Brien, Tyler Wilson (2), Aaron Bell, Coby Holt (3)
RBI: Lokeni (2), Bell (2), Larkin, Hunter, O’Brien, Holt
MELBOURNE ATHLETICS
Hits (5): Edison Bush, Peter Baade, Oliver Allen, Joel Roberts
RBI: Harper Pitts, Reiley Marshall
Games played at Chris Lane Field at Essendon Baseball Club
9:30AM: Preliminary Final – Central Firebirds vs Melbourne Athletics
11:45AM: Gold Medal Game: Hills vs Winner of Preliminary Final
—-
Central Firebirds: The Western Australians posted a 2-1 record in in Pool B to finish second, losing only to Cronulla. In the first final, the Firebirds fell 10-4 to a strong Hills outfit. In a must win game in the Elimination Final, the Firebirds came out hot by defeating Cronulla 10-5. Their 54 runs scored is second in the tournament. Haruki Yamamoto leads the team with nine hits in five games while Taj Humble fronts the Firebirds with six RBI.
Melbourne Athletics: The Athletics went through Group A in second place, losing only to Hills by one run in their opening game. In the first final, the Athletics rode great pitching from Charlie Fegan and Philip Toye, who combined to allow just two hits to a dangerous Cronulla offense in a narrow 3-1 win. The Athletics were overpowered 19-3 in a rain interrupted Qualifying Final.
Hills: This group of players are looking to do something special – repeat as champions. This collective represented Australia at the Little League World Series in 2024 and have been rolling that momentum over in the next age group up. They went through the group stage undefeated and then beat the Firebirds in the first final and the Athletics in the Qualifying Final. Hills had to do it the hard way early. They narrowly defeated the Athletics in their first game (5-4) before mounting an eight run comeback vs the Eastern Phantoms in a 12-11 win. They’ve outscored opponents 60-22. Justin Jang leads the team in hits (9) and RBI (8).
Games Played at La Trobe University Baseball Club
9:30AM: Semi Final 1 – Cronulla Black vs Brisbane North
11:45AM: Semi Final 2 – Melbourne Mets vs Melbourne Athletics
2:00PM: Gold Medal Game – Winners of Semi Finals
—
Cronulla Black: Cronulla were 3-0 in Pool A, finishing top. Their last game vs Canberra was called off due to rain and was unable to be played but had no implications on group placings. The Cronulla charter won the 2024 Junior League Championship. They’ve outscored opponents 33-6 in their three games with 11-4 being their narrowest margin of victory. Every player on the team has a hit. Hugh Kelly turned in a remarkable 5.0 innings allowing just one base runner in an early Pool Play victory.
Brisbane North: Finished Pool B with a 3-1 standing, although the record has an * next to it. That’s because in their fourth game – a battle of the undefeated teams with Melbourne Mets – the game was called off in a second extra inning with the Mets leading 22-12. In fact it was one of the wildest games of the tournament – you should read about it here. They’ve scored a tournament high 46 runs in four games, led by Archer Peterson who has 7 hits, 10 RBI and a homer. Patrick Fogg has not allowed a run in 8.0 innings pitched so far this tournament.
Melbourne Mets: Finished top of Pool A with a 4-0 record while scoring 43 runs including a 22 run effort in their final pool play game. Their 17 runs allowed is second lowest in the tournament. The Mets have won in different ways – like a 4-2 pitcher’s duel over Southern Hills Warriors, a 10-0 shutout win and a 22-12 shootout victory. Cruize Chase leads the team with six hits, a homer and four RBI.
Melbourne Athletics: This collection of players finished runners-up in Intermediate League in 2024. They went 3-1 in Pool Play, losing only to Cronulla. They had to defeat Adelaide on the final day just to get in. They did so with a 10-3 win in a game that featured an eight run inning and solid pitching from Peter Baade. Every player has reached base multiple times.
18 June 2025
with excerpts from Baseball Western Australia
An outstanding contributor to Baseball in Australia has passed away.
Don Knapp – an Australian Baseball Hall of Fame member, Helms Award winner, and Baseball Australia CEO – left his mark on our sport at every level.
He was an MVP, a Team Australia member, a champion coach, a visionary administrator, a tremendous leader and a friend loved by all.
Don’s influence was widespread.
It’s impossible to characterise the influence he had. But here are just a few of the things Don was known for.
Don arrived in Australia in 1971 as a player from Oregon, USA.
He made an instant impact with dominating displays with his bat and and behind the plate.
“Base stealers stopped trying to run on his strong arm and quick release. Pitchers learned to throw the ball low in the zone with runners on base because Knapp’s blocking ability made passed balls almost non-existent,” said a Baseball WA article.
Knapp won the Helms Award in 1972.
He was the Western Australian team captain from 1972-1979, 1982-1983 and in 1985.
Western Australia won the Claxton Shield in 1972, 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1985 with Knapp’s strong influence.
His playing efforts saw him named to Team Australia where he competed for his country at the 1978 World Championships , in the 1978-79 Korean National Team Tour of Australia and the 1979 tour of Korea & Japan.
Knapp was named to BaseballWA’s Diamond Anniversary All-Star Team in 2008 and received a WA Baseball League Outstanding Achievement Award in 1985.
He was inducted in the Baseball Australia Hall of Fame in 2008 and the BaseballWA Hall of Fame in 2021.
Murray Westphal a BaseballWA Hall of Famer told the BWA website of Knapp’s baseball exploits.
“Don Knapp had a major impact on the sport of baseball in Australia. His knowledge of opposing batters’ strengths and weaknesses was comprehensive as was his ability to extract the very best out of every pitcher that threw to him. With emotions running high and the result of the game on the line, there was no better catcher, hitter, or teammate to play with than Don Knapp,” says Westphal.
Knapp took over as a manager of Western Australia in 1984, a position he held for three seasons. He helped guide the Western Australians to a 1985 Claxton Shield win.
He continued to coach and lead at club & state levels, including involvement at the 1996 Olympics.
He played a pivotal role in steering the Perth Heat, both as a manager/coach and in administrative capacities, contributing to the team’s success and professional development
Don Kyle stated the following on Baseball WA’s Hall of Fame induction page:
“I have known, played and coached alongside Don Knapp for 46 years. He was a power hitting catcher with outstanding arm strength. Pitchers lined up for him to call and control their games. Don was a general on the field demanding excellence with a sense of humour. He had the respect and admiration of all members of the baseball and sporting community. He has always shown exceptional leadership skills and as a player and coach had the ability to meld a squad of players into a professional unit.”
Above: The 1975 Western Australia Claxton Shield team
Following his playing career, Knapp served in leadership roles with the Perth Heat, WA Baseball and Baseball Australia.
He had a wide range of multi-faceted contributions to our sport.
He was instrumental in the initial start-up of the Australian Baseball League in 1989.
Knapp became the CEO of the Australian Baseball Federation in 1995 – a position he held for 12 years. His leadership focused on professionalising the sport and fostering its development at various levels – from grassroots to elite competition.
His administrative efforts supported the national team’s participation in global events, building on his earlier experience as a player and manager. He facilitated opportunities for Australian players to compete abroad, contributing to the sport’s global integration.
Knapp was the CEO when Australia won the 1999 Intercontinental Cup and 2004 Olympic silver medal.
He was appointed with Life Membership in the Baseball WA community – a reflection of the esteem in which he was held.
Knapp was a noted historian. In 2003, Knapp authored A History of Australian Baseball, documenting the sport’s development in the country.
In recent years, Don remained active in the baseball community through his work on the Baseball WA Heritage Committee, helping to preserve the stories and legacy of our game.
“Don Knapp was more than a player or administrator — he was a great friend, a valued mentor, and a man of the highest integrity. His leadership was principled and generous, and he leaves behind a legacy that will guide and inspire for years to come,” said Baseball WA.
Don is one of the most respected figures in Australian baseball.
“Don Knapp was more than a player or administrator — he was a great friend, a valued mentor, and a man of the highest integrity. His leadership was principled and generous, and he leaves behind a legacy that will guide and inspire for years to come,” said Lachlan Dale, CEO of Baseball WA. “I know many people hearing this sad news will find themselves reminiscing and sharing stories with friends and colleagues about the ways Don made a lasting, positive impact on their lives. That in itself is a true measure of the man.”
David Hynes, Baseball Australia’s president, echoes those sentiments. He calls Don’s contribution to Australian baseball “remarkable.”
“He made a difference in every facet of our game and was an amazing influence on me personally, and our sport as a whole. His last text to me said ‘all I ever wanted to do was to be a positive influence on young people’s lives – keep the dream alive!’ Don, rest assured that your incredible legacy to Baseball in Australia will live on,’ says Hynes.
—-
We offer our condolences to Don’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.
He truly made baseball better in Australia.
Rest in peace, Don.
18 June 2025
- Aussies Abroad Aussies Sign Pro
as of 10:30AM AEST, Wednesday 18 June, by Eric Balnar
There are 36 Australians playing professional baseball somewhere in the world.
Whether they are one of two players in the Majors, or one of the eighteen grinding away in the minors, or the handful plying their trade in Asia, we’re very proud of them all.
Here is an update of how they are performing so far, as of the morning of Wednesday 18 June.
18 June 2025
- Little League Corporate News
A new partnership between City of Moreton Bay and Baseball Australia will see the Little League Girls and Little League Invitational National Championships in Moreton Bay for the next three years.
In 2025 and beyond, the two national tournaments will be held at Redcliffe Baseball Club.
These are two exciting tournaments on the Australian baseball calendar.
The Little League Girls National Championships is the first of its kind anywhere in the world.
In 2024, Australian baseball helped push through barriers by becoming the first country to host a national Little League title exclusively for girls.
The Little League Invitational is aimed at providing existing Little League charters who do not regularly qualify for the four international tournament pathway national championships a chance to experience competing against their peers form across the country in a national tournament.
This year, both tournaments run side-by-side from July 8 – 12, with a schedule expected to be announced shortly.
There aren’t many places better to host than the Redcliffe Padres, one of Queensland’s most successful clubs.
Families of the 12 teams will love visiting the City of Moreton Bay.
Just under an hour from both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay invites you to discover its diverse offerings.
From the peaceful hinterland retreats of Woodford and Dayboro to the lively buzz of the Redcliffe Peninsula and the relaxing shores of Bribie Island, there’s something for everyone, just waiting to be uncovered!
Families can visit www.visitmoretonbayregion.com.au/ and plan their trip, discover day trips, find places to go and book accomodation.
13 June 2025
It’s the final day of the 2025 Little League Championships.
It’s one for the history books.
Brisbane North defeated Ryde Red in the Gold Medal Game to book a ticket to the famous Little League World Series later this year.
Manly won Bronze. Northern Territory won their first game. What a day.
Relive it all here.
The story includes:
– Mini-match highlights of the Gold Medal Game;
– Scores of the Day;
– Select photos from Hugh Whittle;
– Recaps;
If you’re looking for something, it’s probably here. Just keep scrolling.
Watch tournament replays on Baseball+
TOURNAMENT HUB (Archived scores, standings, scores): www.baseball.com.au/littleleague
12 June 2025
UPDATE: The schedule and venue is below.
A national Junior League and Intermediate League champion will be crowned in Melbourne on Friday 20 June.
Baseball Australia will resume two national junior tournaments which both saw the final day washed out due to heavy rains in Gold Coast and Lismore.
The winners of each respective tournament will represent the Australian Region at their respective World Series event in the United States in July.
Here’s what you need to know about each tournament and where things stand:
INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE
– Two games remain and will be played: the Preliminary Final and the Gold Medal Game.
– Games will be held at Essendon Baseball Club on Chris Lane Field.
– Preliminary Final at 9:30AM: Melbourne Athletics vs Central Firebirds. The winner advances to the Gold Medal game to face Hills.
– Gold Medal Game at 11:45AM: Hills vs Winner of Preliminary Final.
– Winner advances to the Intermediate League World Series in Livermore, California at the end of July.
– Tournament Hub and Archived Scores: www.baseball.com.au/intermediateleague
– Games will be streamed via GameChanger
JUNIOR LEAGUE
– Three necessary games (two semi finals and a Gold Medal match) remain between four teams: Cronulla Black, Melbourne Athletics, Melbourne Mets and Brisbane North
– Games will be held at La Trobe Baseball Club
– Little League International, Baseball Australia and Brisbane North have agreed to make a suspended game between Brisbane North & Melbourne Mets a final result. As it stands, Melbourne Mets lead Brisbane North 22-12 in the top of the ninth inning. The winner of this game goes through to the semi-finals as the #1 seed in Pool A.
– Having this become a result is important because it means a team does not need to play three games in a day. Therefore, Melbourne Mets are declared victors and finish the group first at 4-0. Brisbane North finish as second at 3-1.
– There will be two semi-finals – Melbourne Mets (A1) vs Melbourne Athletics (B2) & Cronulla Black (B1) vs Brisbane North (A2). The winners advance to the Gold Medal Game
– Semi Final 1: Cronulla Black vs Brisbane North @ 9:30AM. Semi Final 2: Melbourne Athletics vs Melbourne Mets @ 11:45AM. Gold Medal Game at 2:00PM
– The final pool standings can be found at the Tournament Hub at www.baseball.com.au/juniorleague
Coverage of the 2025 Little League Championships from Blacktown begins June 8. Follow along at www.baseball.com.au/littleleague
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