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The term “legend” is a loosely used term in Australian vernacular. The word gets tossed around a lot.

But a 17-year-old South Australian teenage pitcher has just committed to a US college that literally churns out legends. Hall-of-famers, record setters, household names, you name it.

Ali Tanner has just committed to Arizona State University, home of the Sun Devils.

They’re also home to notable Sun Devil baseball alumni including Barry Bonds, Reggie Jackson, Dustin Pedroia, Bob Horner, Paul Lo Duca and one of Australia’s own Big Leaguers Josh Spence.

It’s a powerhouse baseball program that produces baseball stars.

“When ASU reached out to me in July, I was definitely keen to hear more,” says Tanner. “I had introductory Zoom meetings with Coach Gillich (Assistant Coach/Recruitment) and Coach Peraza (Pitching Coach) before meeting Head Coach Bloomquist. All three were unified and super passionate about the baseball program at ASU.”

Why wouldn’t they be passionate? This program has a history of winning on the field and developing Major League talent.

ASU has the highest winning percentage of any Pac-12 Conference team since the Sun Devils joined.

They have been in the NCAA Championship Tournament 17 times since 2000. There are 105 alumni who have moved on the Major Leagues.

If there’s a place to go to develop your baseball skills, ASU might be it.

“Pitching coach Peraza has a great reputation for developing pitchers, which is super important to me as ultimately my goal is to keep improving and be drafted and play professionally,” says the ambitious South Aussie teen. 

The team is coached by 14-year MLB player Willie Bloomquist. He’s also an ASU alumnus.

“He has great presence, and everyone describes him as an amazing leader, coach and mentor,” says Tanner. “His past experience playing at ASU and in the big leagues will help give me knowledge about the best steps to put forward in my future.”

Tanner says the recruitment process was a whirlwind.

After contact was made with the Sun Devils in July, Tanner went with other Australians to the MLB International Select Showcase in September in Arizona. He arranged a trip to visit to coincide.

From there, he met everyone in person including the coaching staff and players.

“I got to see the baseball stadium, pitching lab, locker rooms, and tour the grounds,” says Tanner. “Mum and I were also lucky to attend a sellout football game between ASU and Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes where we definitely saw what Div 1 college sport was all about.”

The facilities are rivaled by few. It is one of the envies when it comes to baseball fields. 

Tanner’s experience will be the next step in his baseball development. He started playing at Kensington Baseball Club as an 11-year-old.

He’s been through little league charters and played on U16 and U18 state teams. In August, Tanner played for Australia’s U18 squad at the World Cup.

Austin Gallagher, Tanner’s teammate and coach at Kensington and BaseballSA High Performance Manager, says it’s Ali’s love of baseball that has propelled him to this opportunity.

“Every time he goes out there, he gives it his all and you can always see the smile on his face,” says Gallagher. “He loves the grind and embraces the hard work. He is a great kid who speaks to everyone, is respectful, and has all the tools to make it at the highest level he wants to play at.”

He’s currently training with the Adelaide Giants, as he did in the 2022-23 season when the South Australian professional side took home their first flag in 43 years.

“Many people from my community have influenced my baseball journey,” says Tanner. “From my family who encouraged me to start playing, through to my Club, Charter and State team Coaches. I’ve also been lucky to have some great coaching through Baseball SA’s High Performance Programs and more recently with Baseball Australia as part of the U18 Team Australia roster.”

Tanner will remain in Adelaide for now. He won’t head to the USA until May or June 2025 to take part in the college summer program.

Afterall, Tanner is in Year 11 and has to finish his school. He says study is an important part of the journey and is excited that baseball can take him somewhere else in the world.

“Academically, ASU has a great Technology and Innovation focus and I’m keen to pursue a degree in engineering, media studies or entrepreneurship, so that post baseball I have an alternative career path up my sleeve,” says Tanner.

For now, it’s about hard work and getting himself ready for being a Sun Devil.

“I’d like to think that the ASU baseball program can help me improve my mechanics and assist me in developing a greater baseball IQ. I know that I have to improve in all areas and understand that there will be the odd tough time to get through….but I am up for it! To have an opportunity to spread my wings, be independent and keep developing as a person is super important too,” says Tanner.