13 May 2025
One of Australia’s most decorated junior baseball players is going to college.
Jack Ratcliffe, a two-time Australian Youth Championship MVP winner, has committed to Iowa Central Community College.
It’s a high-end Junior College who just won their regional championship.
12 May 2025
feature story by Eliza Wood
It felt like poetic justification when New South Wales shortstop Lisa Nakashio recorded the final out in her team’s Gold Medal game win at the Australian Women’s Championships.
Three years prior, in 2022, she was watching her team win it all while masked up and parked in a hotel room while isolating with COVID.
“As that pitch went up, I thought back to Maddie McGuire’s winning catch in 2022, watching on the stream in the hotel,” Lisa Nakashio reminisces.
“So many emotions rushed through my head: excitement, relief, and so much gratitude for my team… that winning catch is a moment I’ll never forget,” she beams.
Destiny in motion – destiny fulfilled.
A euphoric moment for Nakashio, who has been dreaming of winning gold since her women’s national’s debut in 2022 – a tournament that saw her sidelined midway through with COVID-19.
Things didn’t get easier for Nakashio.
In 2023, New South Wales shockingly finished outside the medals. In 2024, their Gold Medal game was washed out due to rain, with the title awarded to Victoria.
But back in 2022, isolating in her hotel room with fellow teammate Violet Gruppelaar, Nakashio admits it was a tough time both mentally and emotionally not being out there with the team.
However, Nakashio wouldn’t change a thing about her 2022 campaign.
Despite not physically being on the field that day, Nakashio couldn’t have been prouder of her teammates as she shared in the joy with them through FaceTime.
Nakashio was awarded the Spirt of the Game medal, a well-deserved recognition from her coaches and an honour she holds dearly.
“[That nationals] was pivotal for me,” she says.
“Watching from the sidelines gave me a new perspective. I saw the level I needed to reach, and it left me more motivated than ever to train hard,” she adds.
And train hard she did.
“The past couple of years she has worked out with our first-grade squad and got to learn and work with the likes of [ABL third baseman] Jo Stevens and Max Brennen (Sydney Blue Sox),” explains Matt O’Neill, Nakashio’s Club Ball coach at Ryde Hawks.
“She is always asking questions and wanting to learn, wanting to get better,” he adds.
Unfortunately for Nakashio and NSW, arriving at Melbourne Ballpark in 2023 as the reigning champs and a strong medal contending team, didn’t guarantee anything.
Finishing the tournament in 5th place.
With Nakashio left still chasing that gold medal dream, it was here the road to redemption for NSW began.
“[Our] 2024 team had such great chemistry and drive,” says Nakashio.
Playing hard against fierce competition, the Blues earned their spot in the gold medal game in a tight 10-9 win over Queensland Maroon.
However, just like the unpredictability of a baseball game, Melbourne’s unpredictable weather rained on everyone’s parade, with the championship game washed out.
Forcing the tournament bylaws to be enacted, resulting in gold for Victoria and silver for NSW.
“It was bittersweet because we felt we had what it took to win, and it only made me more determined for 2025,” expresses Nakashio.
Hardworking by nature both on and off the field, her determination and desire to be the best she can be and chase her dreams fuels her.
Working closely alongside local NSW Japanese import Ayano, Nakashio gained a wealth of knowledge from the middle infielder.
She developed her fielding style and honed her craft, rep after rep, bolstering her confidence on the diamond.
“This made me excited to showcase everything I’d learned at nationals,” says Nakashio.
“I came into the tournament with the goal of being the best fielder I could be and supporting my pitchers as much as possible,” she adds.
Safe to say Nakashio hit her goal out of the park.
An absolute standout at short stop, she led the tournament with 31 assists.
She hit. 348 with the bat, driving in eight runs and scoring ten times.
In the Gold Medal Game, Nakashio was in the middle of two crucial, run-preventing double-plays for New South Wales.
“You get to be creative, make fun plays, you’re always thinking and constantly engaged,” says Nakashio. “This tournament reminded me why I love playing shortstop so much.”
A true team-player, Nakashio is just glad she could play her role and contribute to the team’s success.
A testament to the time, effort and dedication she gives the sport she loves so much.
A drive that doesn’t go unnoticed to those around her, including NSW veteran Claire O’Sullivan.
“I’ve seen the rewards of her taking extra time to work on her skills outside of team trainings, which made all the difference as she played one of the best defensive tournaments I’ve seen,” says O’Sullivan.
“She understands that there is always more to learn in this game and is very willing to put in the time and go through the hard parts to make herself better for the team,” she adds.
Doing all that she could to prepare herself and a story three years in the making, the time had finally come.
“This year, 2025, felt different from the start,” states Nakashio.
“The experience in the team, the coaching, and the shared goal. We all knew what had to be done. We weren’t just chasing a medal this time, we were focused on winning gold,” she adds.
The rivalry between NSW and Victoria is one that has existed since the beginning of time.
With the bitter taste of last year’s result, it was now that the feeling of redemption truly kicked in for NSW.
Coming down to final inning in what was a championship worthy game, the Blues brought it home in a stellar 6-3 win.
18-year-old Isobel Lambert broke a three-three tie in the final frame.
“We weren’t going to let the opportunity slip,” affirms Nakashio.
“From the very first training, I believed we had the team to do it, and that final game showed it,” she adds. “It was nothing but quality baseball.”
With the game-winning catch landing in her glove, Nakashio’s journey through trials and tribulations had finally reached its deserving, golden end.
“It was everything I had dreamed of since watching from the hotel room back in 2022. It was a full-circle moment,” says Nakashio, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
11 May 2025
FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION VISIT THE TOURNAMENT HUB AT WWW.BASEBALL.COM.AU/JUNIORLEAGUE
IMPORTANT UPDATE, MAY 26: TWO FIELDS HAVE OPENED UP AT LISMORE, THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE SPLIT BETWEEN GOLD COAST AND FAR NORTH COAST. Click the link for updated schedule
IMPORTANT UPDATE MAY 22: Baseball Australia is making plans to move the tournament to Gold Coast due to heavy rains in Lismore.
A trip to Taylor, Michigan and the 2025 Junior League World Series is on the line for ten Australian teams who have qualified locally for Junior League Championships.
Welcome to your hub for the 2025 Australian Junior League Championships (AJLC).
Age Group: 12-14
Tournament Date: Wed 28 May – Sun 1 June
Tournament Location: Gold Coast
New Tournament Schedule: Below and PDF Available Here
GameChanger Scoring Link: Click here or search ‘Australian Junior League National Championships 2025’
Broadcast: Baseball+ (free) / GameChanger
2024 Champion: Cronulla (NSW)
For a list of qualified teams across all tournaments, visit www.baseball.com.au/nationals.
Ten teams from around Australia advanced to the national titles by winning a series of qualifiers at a state level.
From here, they are divided into two groups (pools) of five.
Each team in a given pool will play each other once.
The top two teams at the end of pool play advance to the semi-finals with a spot in the Gold Medal Game on the line.
The winner of the Gold Medal Game? They head to the 2025 Junior League World Series to play the best teams from around the globe from August 3, 2025 – August 10, 2025.
Brisbane North (QLD): Brisbane North moved through the qualifiers undefeated, outscoring opponents 56-13. But it wasn’t easy winning gold. They defeated Brisbane Metro 2-1 in a tense Gold Medal Game, breaking a 1-1 tie in the fifth inning. Archer Peterson allowed one run in his start. The Brisbane North charter has become prolific in recent years and were runners up at Junior League Nationals 2024. They are made up of players from the Narangba Demons, Redcliffe Padres and Pine Rivers Rapids.
Melbourne Mets (VIC): The Mets were Even Steven in the runs department in their qualifiers – going 3-3 with a 37-37 scoreline. They beat the Mariners 9-4 on the final day to clinch their spot, before falling to the undefeated Athletics in the final game of the tournament. The Mets are made up of clubs from Melbourne’s West.
Southern Hills Warriors (WA): – Southern Hills Warriors qualified for Junior League Nationals as runners-up in the State Tournament. They finished pool play with a 3-1 record to move into the semis as the #1 seed and managed a hard-fought win, punching their ticket for Lismore. They fell to the Eastern Phantoms in the Gold Medal game. The Warriors are made up of Byford, Gosnells, Harrisdale, Kelmscott and Roleystone clubs
Hills Red (NSW): Even though they finished second at State Championships, this Hills team is probably the team to beat. This group of players won the 2023 Little League Championships and 2024 Intermediate League Championships. They’ve represented Australia at two World Series and are going for a rare feat – a three-peat. Hills finished second at the New South Wales Championships, losing to eventual champion Cronulla Black. They had a 5-2 lead entering the final inning, before falling 9-5. They outscored opponents 76-35 in the tournament, but had to squeak by Cronulla Blue (11-9) and Hills Blue (8-4) just to qualify. They are made up of players from the Hills region in Sydney.
Northern Territory Buffaloes (NT): The NT Buffaloes are ready to make a statement at the 2025 Junior League National Championships in Lismore, with 4-time NT coach Peter Porambo at the helm. Comprising of three players from Darwin and nine from Alice Springs, this united squad brings together ten returners, boasting a combined 23 Nationals appearances. After months of rigorous training and a successful build-up through the Outback Super Series, the Buffaloes are primed for success. Fueled by the team mantra, Why not us?
Cronulla Black (NSW): The Cronulla Black charter will look to repeat as Junior League Champions with another intriguing prospect group coming through the ranks. They defeated defending Intermediate League Champions Hills Red in the Gold Medal Game at the NSW Titles by scoring 7 runs in the last to come back from 5-2 down. They went 6-1 in the NSW Tournament, outscoring opponents 57-21. They are made up of players from Cronulla Sutherland Junior Baseball Association.
Canberra Rangers (ACT): The Rangers are made up exclusively of kids playing junior baseball in the Canberra Region. While there was no qualifying state tournament, players had to try out and be selected to represent their state.
Melbourne Athletics (VIC): The Athletics were the team to beat at the Victorian State Championships – and nobody could do it! They went 5-0, outscoring opponents 79-29. They scored over 15 runs on three occasions before closing out the tournament with a narrow 4-3 win over the Mets. They are made up of players from the Eastern Region of Victoria.
Eastern Phantoms (WA): The Phantoms began their WA State Championships journey with a 1-2 start, but the Phantoms showed a lot of resilience to prove they were not done. With everything on the line, the team roared back to life in the final pool game, delivering a gritty display to finish on top of their group. From there, the Phantoms were unstoppable. Riding a wave of momentum, the Phantoms controlled the semi-final with a dominant display, securing their ticket to the 2025 Australian Championships. And in a grand final showdown, the Phantoms rose to the occasion once more, sealing the deal with a brilliant all-round performance to become the 2025 Western Australian Junior League Champions. They are made up of players from the Morley Eagles, Perth and UWA Magpies Baseball Clubs.
Adelaide Rays (SA): The Rays, made up of Adelaide’s Western Clubs, were the only undefeated team in the South Australian Championships. They went 4-0 and outscored opponents 39-13. They scored a remarkable 28 runs across their final two games to secure their spot.
06 May 2025
A pair of Australians will be attending Redlands Community College later in 2025.
Outfielder Jake Scott (QLD) and first-base/outfielder Oliver Flokstra (NSW) will head to the Oklahoma-based school together.
Both are exciting prospects.
Scott was part of Queensland’s 2023 Under 18 National Championship win.
“It’s really special to be going over with another Aussies,” says Scott, a product of Surfers Paradise Baseball Club. “Redlands has a a great location, plus the baseball program and head coach will help ensure my progression as a player.”
Redlands is coached by Trent Troxell, a former teammate with Andrew Riddell, Baseball Australia’s player development manager.
Riddell says the process
“Both Jake and Oliver went through the process of getting on calls with different programs and coaching staffs and decided that Redlands was a fit for them. Ultimately it has worked out they will get a chance to go together and have another Australian with them – even without knowing each other prior,” says Riddell.
“I played with Coach Troxell when I was in junior college and have continued our relationship since so when he reached out to find out about players for 2025, I sent him the videos of both Jake and Oliver which he loved the look of. He was able to speak with them and their families about his program and how it’s run, which both the boys were happy with before receiving their scholarship offers to make it all official.”
Flokstra says he’s keen to jump right in when he heads over in August this year.
“I truly see myself thriving and developing within their program,” says Flokstra. “The new head coach has already demonstrated incredible growth, and I’m excited to be a part of that progress and development.”
Jake Scott (below) grew up through the Queensland system. He played with Surfers Paradise, Queensland Development Programs and Queensland State Teams.
“I see my development at Redlands making me a more consistent and well rounded player both offensively and defensively being on the field and in the cages every day,” says Scott.
The outfielder has been a key part of Queensland’s success at recent Australian Youth Championships. He was a big contributor in their 2023 Gold Medal win.
He’s been plying his trade in the Greater Brisbane League with Surfers Paradise.
Flokstra is from Ryde but recently starred for Country New South Wales at the Australian Youth Championships.
He is a tall, powerful first baseman with the ability to make solid contact. Flokstra is a reliable defender in the outfield and at first base.
“My key strengths are my ability to hit for power and my skills as a first baseman, both of which allow me to make a significant impact on the game,” he says. “I’m eager to develop every aspect of my game and excited for the opportunity to do so in a new, competitive environment.”
Flokstra started playing baseball at Ku Ring Gai Stealers and played there until he was 16. He has been playing representative baseball with Ryde Hawks since the Age 11 and competes in the NSW State League.
He also competed in multiple Australian Youth Championships and travelled to the United States with Baseball Australia to play in a Perfect Game Tournament in front of college scouts.
“Throughout this journey, I’ve been shaped and supported by many, from my parents and siblings to my very first T-ball coach. I want to give a special thanks to Matt O’Neill, the head coach of Ryde Hawks, for providing me with countless opportunities in representative baseball and helping to shape the path for my future. I also want to express my gratitude to all of my coaches and teammates from every team I’ve been a part of as each of you have played a role in my baseball career,” he says.
Now, the work begins. Flokstra says he wants to elevate every aspect of his game.
“Redlands’ well-structured program focuses on all aspects of baseball, with an individualised approach designed to target and improve each player’s weaknesses, helping them become a complete athlete. The opportunity to train every day, both on the field and in the weight room, will benefit me in countless ways, and I’m excited to grow as a player at Redlands CC,” he says.
Riddell says it’s another two Australians he’s keen to follow.
“I’m looking forward to watching two players continue to develop in a program that is run very well and driven on hard work and work ethic, which fits both Jake and Oliver,” he says.
05 May 2025
IMPORTANT UPDATE, MAY 26: TWO FIELDS HAVE OPENED UP AT LISMORE, THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE SPLIT BETWEEN GOLD COAST AND FAR NORTH COAST. Click the link for updated schedule
IMPORTANT UPDATE MAY 22: Baseball Australia is making plans to move the tournament to Gold Coast due to heavy rains in Lismore.
A trip to Livermore, California and the 2025 Intermediate League World Series is on the line for eight Australian teams who have qualified for the Intermediate League Championships.
Welcome to your hub for the 2025 Australian Intermediate League Championships (AILC)
Age Group: 11-13
Tournament Date: Wed 28 May – Sun 1 June
Tournament Location: Gold Coast, QLD
New Tournament Schedule: Below and available here
GameChanger Scoring Link: Click here or search ‘Australian Intermediate League National Championships 2025’
Broadcast: Baseball+ (free) / GameChanger
2024 Champion: Hills Red (NSW)
For a list of qualified teams across all tournaments, visit www.baseball.com.au/nationals.
Eight teams from around Australia advanced to the national titles by winning a series of qualifiers at a state level.
From here, they are divided into two groups (pools) of four.
Each team in a given pool will play each other once. That’s three total games over the first two days.
From there, the top two teams in each pool advance to a double-elimination tournament to determine who advances to the Gold Medal Game.
The winner of the Gold Medal Game? They head to the 2025 Intermediate League World Series to play the rest of the world in Livermore, California from July 27 – August 3.
Brisbane North (QLD): Brisbane North were a run-scoring machine in the Queensland State Championships, outscoring opponents 104-26 in just six games during the week. They finished the tournament with a big 26-0 win.
Melbourne Athletics (VIC): The Athletics look like poised for a big tournament. They outscored opponents 90-4 in six terrific games en route to a Victorian Intermediate League title. They finished with a 19-0 win over runners up Mariners in the final game.
Eastern Phantoms (WA): They entered the Easter tournament at state titles as defending champions but faced a tough start. In their first game against the Central Firebirds, they lost 18-13 after both teams struggled with their pitching. They regrouped and won their next two pool games, advancing them to the semi-finals where they defeated Wanneroo 18-6. They dropped the grand final against the Firebirds, losing 12-3 due to outstanding pitching from opposing pitcher Summer Hiscock.
Hills (NSW): This is the team to beat at Intermediate League. This collection of Hills players is looking for a three-peat after winning Little League Division II in 2023 and Little League Division I in 2024. They represented Australia at the Little League World Series in 2024. They went 3-1 in the NSW State Titles to finish top and punch their ticket to nationals again.
Gold Coast Cougars (QLD): The only undefeated team, and the Queensland Intermediate League state champions. Gold Coast went 6-0 during the tournament and scored 122 runs in the process. Their biggest win came over fellow powerhouse Brisbane North in a 15-6 triumph.
Melbourne Mariners (VIC): They finished 3-3 in the Victorian State Titles, clinching a spot to nationals with a dramatic 10-6 win over the Rangers to seal their spot. They scored 60 runs during the tournament – an average of ten per game!
Central Firebirds (WA): This is an excellent collection of talent. Many of these players went to the Australian Little League Championship Gold Medal Game in 2024, falling just short of a ticket to Williamsport. The team had an amazing WA Championship weekend going undefeated for the tournament 5 – 0 and winning the Grand Final for the first time. It was a great team effort by all.
Cronulla (NSW): Always a Little League powerhouse, Cronulla went 2-2 in the three-team qualifier in NSW. One of their wins was a gutsy 12-5 victory over powerhouse and defending champion Hills.
29 April 2025
There are 35 Australians with professional contracts in North America or Asia.
Of those, 23 of them have contracts affiliated with a Major League Baseball club, one is in Japan, one is in Korea and the rest are playing independent baseball.
An updated list will always be kept via our Aussies Abroad Page.
We’re a month into the US professional season.
I’m here with an update on how Australians are performing as of night of Tuesday 29 April in Australia.
28 April 2025
April 28, 2025, by Eric Balnar
There are over a hundred Australians playing college baseball in the United States.
Here are some Australians punching some big numbers as we push the end of April and the finish of the college season.
Did I miss a big performer? I sincerely apologise – it’s hard keeping up. You can email me at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au with any players or stories I should know about.
There are a record 24 Australians playing Division I baseball in the NCAA.
Billy Baker (QLD) – Georgia Tech: Hit his fourth homer of the season on the weekend. He is hitting .258 with four homers and 19RBI in 29 games played in 2025.
Blake Cavill (NSW) – Troy: The man is hot. He had three homers in a four game stretch over the weekend. His batting average sits at .340 through 42 games with eight homers and 43RBI. Perhaps his best number is his 49 walks he’s worked.
Ben Fierenzi (VIC) – Long Island: Fierenzi has caught fire recently, going 5-for-12 with six RBI in three games over the weekend. Fierenzi has upped his average to .292 in 25 games this season.
Nick Hosie (ACT) – Bradley: Hosie racked up a three hit game on Sunday vs the UIC Flames. He now has eight hits over his last five games. He has 15 RBI on the season.
Brent Iredale (NSW) – Arkansas: He’s one of the best players on one of the best teams in the country. It’s possible to see him go in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft. Iredale has 11 homers, 52 RBI an OPS of over 1.000 and a .297 batting average on the year. He also leads the league in cleats, which are featured in our cover photo.
Luke Krkovski (NSW) – Lamar: Luke continues to be one of the most effective arms for Lamar. He has a 2.27 ERA in 21 appearances and 31.2 innings. He has 33 strikeouts to go along with those numbers. Luke hasn’t allowed a hit in his last three outings and has conceded just three XBH in 2025.
John Lemm (QLD) – Southern Illinois: Show us your power! Lemm has hit five more homers in April to push his total to 12 on the year. He also has 33 RBI in 26 games. He’s driven in a run in six of his last seven games.
Liam McCallum (NSW) – Winthrop: He’s only had 14 plate appearances but they’ve been very effective. He is 6-for-14 with nine RBI. Talk about efficiency.
Ryan Morrison (VIC) – Seattle: Morrison has settled down nicely as April pushes on, having not allowed a run in his last four outings. In 7.2 innings in April, Morrison has allowed just three runs with nine strikeouts.
Jimmy Nati (NSW) – Stanford: What a senior season for Nati. He’s now hitting .316 with 10 homers and 36 RBI in 39 games. He has base hits in all but three games this year.
Cayden Nicoletto (WA) – Missouri: The numbers keep rising. Nicoletto is now hitting .286 on the season with five homers and 20 RBI in 27 starts this season.
Zak Skinner (VIC) – Lamar: He’s an RBI machine! Zak Skinner has 48 RBI in 47 games. His numbers look like this: 47 GP, .276 average, 4 homers, 48 RBI – all while catching and playing third base.
Jarryd Wood (VIC) – Pacific: He’s a two-way threat. He has a 2.95 ERA in 18.1 innings and is on a run of 8.2 innings without allowing a run. Wood has chipped in with a .237 batting average in nine starts this year.
Max Mrakovic (NSW) – Arkansas Monticello: One of the top starters, Mrakovic has a 3.84 ERA in 13 starts and 70.1 innings. His latest effort saw him allow just one run off four hits in 7.0 innings.
Aidan Torpey (NSW) – Augustana: Torpey has a 3.86 ERA in his first year at Augustana across 21.0 innings of relief work. Impressively, he’s allowed just 19 hits and three walks in that stretch.
Brock Wollin (QLD) – Emmanuel: One heck of a season for Mr. Wollin. He has a .323 average with nine homers and 53 RBI in 49 games played. Last week, he went 4-for-5 with three homers in a game.
Brett Allen (NSW) – Reinhardt: On a team that just won their conference championship, Brett Allen has starred. He has 11 saves to go with his 3.09 ERA in 43.2 high leverage innings this season. His 11 saves are a new school record.
Andrew Hurrelbank (WA) – Houston-Victoria: A solid 2.16 ERA with a 13 K/9 rate in just over 16 innings of work this season.
Charlie Collins (VIC) – Southeastern: A big season with a .414 average, 54 RBIs, 8 HRs, 34 BBs, 63 runs scored and 16 SBs in 50 Games for Southeastern to lead them to Champions of the Sun Conference in 2025.
Darcy Barry (SA) – Dakota State: He’s emerged from a mini-slump over the weekend, picking up seven RBI over his last five games. Barry has gone deep 12 times in 45 games with a .233 average.
Trent Buchanon (ACT) – Campbellville: A consistent season, hitting .287 with a .406 OBP in 39 starts behind the plate this season. Nice production from a catcher.
Connor Hickey (VIC) – Oklahoma Weslayen: A .385 average in 45 games this year, with a ridiculous 17 homers and 55 RBI. Hickey has three multi-homer games this season. He had a walk-off bomb on the weekend to help inch his team close to a title.
Sean Maple (SA) – MidAmerica Nazarene: Maple has a .359 average in 46 games this season with ten homers and 43 RBI. He’s been consistent since they said “PLAY BALL” the first week of February.
Jake Green (NSW) – Lewis-Clark State: A 2.06 ERA in 17.1 innings out of the bullpen this season.
Kailen Hamson (QLD) – Cumberlands: He boasts some of the best swing and miss stuff in college. Hamson has 96 strikeouts in 64.1 innings with a 2.04 ERA. He threw seven shutout innings with just one hit and nine strikeouts in his last start. Hamson has twice won the Pitcher of the Week for his conference.
Cooper Morgan (ACT) – Cumberlands: He allowed no earned runs in 6.0 innings during his last start, lowering his ERA to 4.22 in 32.0 innings. He has 41 strikeouts on the year.
Ethan Stacey (NSW) – Bushnell: Went 4-for-9 with three RBI over the weekend, upping his average to .289 in 47 games this season.
George Cooper (VIC) – Bay College: Has a .307 average with four homers and 32 RBI in 38 games this season. He was named a Conference Player of the Week in mid-April.
Bronson Neave (VIC) – Arizona Western: A remarkable .365 average with four homers and 61 RBI in 55 games on the season for Neave.
Max Stagg (SA) – Central Arizona: Took a world class catch in right field to end a game that you just have to see (below). On the year, Stagg is hitting .362 in 45 games with eight homers and 34 RBI.
Nic Bertucci (VIC) – Central Arizona: Has been pitching and hitting this season, but recently flourishing with the bat. Bertucci has four homers and ten RBI with a .350 average in 20 at-bats this year.
Tom Chessell (QLD) – Clarendon: He’s hitting .347 in 44 games played with four homers and 37 RBI. He’s been consistent with numbers all season.
Will Page-Allen (ACT) – Feather River: A dominant 0.70 ERA in 25.2 innings with 34 strikeouts and a WHIP of 0.74. Page-Allen is committed to D1 school Fresno in 2025.
Adam Mustow (NSW) -Hutchison: A .374 average in 45 games this season. He also has nine homers, ten stolen bases and 47 RBI.
Lachlan Rosser (NSW) – Hutchison: Over his last two starts, Rosser has allowed just one run in 13.0 innings with 11 strikeouts. His season ERA has lowered to 4.31 with a 0.97 WHIP in 56.1 innings. Great first year for the tall lefty.
Owen Glover (NSW) – McCook: In 36 games, Glover has a .314 average with four homers and 36 runs batted in.
Logan Fielder (NSW) – NOC Enid: In 24 games, Fielder is posting a .314 average with a homer and 15 RBI.
Quinn Johnson (NSW) – Pratt: A phenomenal .380 average with nine homers and 36 RBI in 48 games played this season. His on-base percentage sits at .495.
21 April 2025
Team Australia and Sydney Blue Sox pitcher Coen Wynne has signed a contract with the LG Twins in the Korean Baseball Organisation (KBO) – South Korea’s top league and a power three professional baseball competition in the world.
He was signed to a Temporary Foreign Replacement Player contract to step in for wounded import Elieser Hernandez
The Twins kept tabs on Wynne at international events during the last ABL season. They invited him to Spring Training in February over in Arizona.
“Spring training was intense and saw me throwing bullpens, participating in team defence, throwing live at bats against hitters and I finished off with me throwing a few innings in a scrimmage game,” said Wynne. “The feeling I got from the head of scouting department and coaches were that they were impressed with my performance during spring and wanted to keep in touch throughout the season.”
Sydney-born Wynne, 26, has been one of the feel of the Australian baseball world over the last two years.
He returned Down Under from a standout career at Grand Canyon University in NCAA Division I and has progressively taken a leap each of his three ABL seasons.
In 2022-23, he started ten games and was one of the best rookies. He earned an emergency call-up to Australia at the World Baseball Classic and famously pitched the national team to a win over China just a day after landing in Japan.
In 2023-24, he was once again relied on as a key Blue Sox starter and earned a spot with Team Australia at the Premier12.
But 2024-25 was when he really took off. He was used as both a starter and a reliever, compiling a 2.35 ERA in 38.1 innings with a WHIP of .934. He was nominated for the Pitcher of the Year and helped the Sox win the minor premiership.
He famously threw a near-perfect outing just hours after returning from his Nan’s funeral in December.
His ABL season made the LG Twins take note, inviting him to Spring Training in Arizona in February 2025.
“The Blue Sox have been a large part of my development for the last three seasons,” said Wynne. “It’s given me a chance to sharpen my skills as both a starter and a reliever.”
Wynne flies out to Korea later this week to join the team.
“Coen Wynn is a starting resource from the Australian national team, and he has maintained his sense of competition by digesting actual games until recently, and he judged him to be the right person to replace Hernandez considering his training with the team for the purpose of actual test for the Asian quarter during the Arizona Spring Camp,” said a Twins official.
We will be watching eagerly.
19 April 2025
The 2025 Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships has come to an end.
Here is a summary of all the award winners.
For archived stories and results, visit the tournament hub at www.baseball.com.au/women
19 April 2025
feature by Connie Rowe from the Australian Women’s Championships
Pristine turf and manicured cut outs, booming commentators and roaring crowds. Just a few ways you know you’ve made it to the big league.
But how do you get to be here?
Outside of hours of training, strength and conditioning, and studying the game there is also an element of understanding the new environment that is an Australian Women’s Championships.
Emma Reid lives for tournament ball.
“It’s the pinnacle of the sport for me, especially at this level,” said Reid. “You get to compete day in day out, pushing through the physical and mental fatigue. It’s where you get to test your skills against the best in the country,
“For me it’s also a chance to learn more about the game.”
Reid knows this all too well.
The mother of three, businesswoman and student admits to the sacrifices she has made on her journey to representing her state.
“There’s something about receiving your jersey that makes it all worth it.”
She was primed and ready to deliver.
Alas, early in the Queensland White campaign, horror struck.
Emma put her body on the line, stretching beyond the limit to get her team a critical out. Suddenly her footing slipped and the worst imaginable thought crossed her mind.
She had damaged her hamstring.
She was gutted, but even in that moment there was something more important.
“I knew as soon as the play was completed that I’d done some damage but at that point in time, I just wanted to make sure the ball was in my glove.”
This type of experience may have floored many athletes. Not Reid.
“Being a Physio myself was both a blessing and a curse at that point,” she said.
As much as she desperately wanted to be out on the field, she knew there were two options:
– push through and risk further damage.
– take up the bench, get treatment straight away and hopefully get back as an option for the end of the week.
“I’ve put the hard work in to get here. I just had to trust that it would work out.”
In her downtime, when she’s not facetiming her kids, finalising pay runs and rosters for work or, smashing out uni assignments, she’s looking for ways to make her team that little bit better every day.
“Don’t underestimate the role that you play from the bench,
“Your voice is the one that keeps the energy and players up,
“Your attention to detail on the charts can make the difference in next innings outs,
“Staying warm could be the difference between coming on for a clutch play, right when the coaches need you the most,
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s painful not being able to be out there but the sooner you can process this and see the bigger puzzle that is your team at play, the bigger asset you will be.”
For all of the above, it’s probably the reason Emma won the Spirit of the Game Award, presented by No More.
The makings of an athlete is more than just your physical skill on the diamond. It’s the ability to process the speed bumps that come along the way. How you deal with adversity along with success, pick those around you up and recognise your role as part of the ecosystem that is your team.
Reid hopes that through her role as a mentor in the Queensland White team, she has the ability to influence up coming athletes, to help them see the game as a whole.
Players like Mea Arlow, a debutant in the Opens competition, has embraced each role she’s been given throughout the competition.
In Queensland White’s hair raising win against South Australia, Arlow was part of the contingent riding the energy from the dugout.
That was until the dying moments of the game.
After an intentional walk put Keeley Boehm on to load up the bases with two out, Arlow was called on by coach Connors.
Yet to get a hit in the tournament, it was a big moment for the teen.
If there was a time to hit, this was it.
Chasing her pitch early, she launched one to right field to drive in two runs to tie up the game.
Arlow is part of the Queensland White team, a pathway designed to give more players exposure to high level baseball in a bid to strengthen the pool of players coming through the ranks.
With the likes of Taliyah Paolo, Mackenzie Rogers, Grace White, Jess Sullivan, Sam Sullivan (Qld), Tiana Lascala, (NSW), Mackenzie Prentice-Evans (Vic) and Charlotte Yates (WA) all having roots in the White team and now making a statement for their respective states. There have been 12 players use this program as a launchpad to date.
Karina Conor’s, head coach of the Queensland White team says that this is exactly what it’s about. Providing a safe place to perform, learn and understand the level needed to compete and succeed at a National Championships.
“The game is faster, pitchers are better, and hitters smoke the ball consistently,
“Seeing that for seven days straight and playing against it can really light the fire for wanting to come back bigger, better and stronger the next year.
“We want to provide players with exposure to the next level. To see them take the opportunity and run with it is exactly what it [the program] is designed for.”
As part of this safe space, the White program has embedded a leadership aspect to their lineup.
“It’s important to have good leaders for team and individual success,” Connors said.
“We’ve always ensured we have a couple mentor players to impart their knowledge and experience, to help the younger ones learn quicker and settle in to the experience of a National Championships.
“Players like Emma Reid show leadership, experience and calmness,” Connors said.
“She’s also a fierce competitor, showing the younger ones how to compete.”
With more players exposed to high level ball than ever before, the women’s league across Australia is becoming a big league of its own.
– Feature: A Call to Change The Game – Australia’s all-female tournament umpire crew
– | How we got here: Preliminary Final Day Recap (April 18)
– Feature: A Call to Change The Game – Australia’s all-female tournament umpire crew
– Feature: Live from the best seat in the house – a scorer’s view of the AWC
– Feature: Kira Kuwamoto shines for team VIC after eleventh hour call up
19 April 2025
It’s the best day of the year. Two champions in the women’s baseball world were crowned.
Congratulations to South Australia on winning their second straight Australian Youth Women’s Championship Gold.
A big tip of the cap to New South Wales who won a thrilling Gold Medal game that game down to the final inning.
Check out the recap and highlights below. We also announced each of the award winners, which you can find below or visit this story.
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