News

A star of Australia’s U18 National Team at the recent World Cup Qualifying Series has committed to a leading junior college baseball program.

Victorian infielder Andrew Land has committed to Arizona Western Junior College, a prominent program coming of a 37-17 season.

Land says he chose Arizona Western on reputation.

“It has a a reputation for player development and the reputation for Aussies and moving them on to bigger and better things,” says Land. “My goal is to eventually go D1 and then professional and I believe Arizona Western will be the best fit for me to achieve my goals.”

Other Australians like fellow Victorians Felix Brunner and Bronson Neave already attend Arizona Western.

Melbourne Aces utility man, and former Mariners prospect, Jarrod Belbin attended Arizona Western as did two-time U23 World Cup representative Jack Waters.

Land will head to college in August, 2025. He intends to play summer ball before the school season starts.

Land is a left-handed bat with a smooth swing. He has power to all parts of the field. He has some speed, so he can steal base paths.

“I’I’m a versatile and reliable fielder who can play any position if needed,” he says. “My [strength] is my contact attribute as I work on hitting the most. I have also had lots of success in previous tournaments because of my hitting.”

He recently played in the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Tournament in Fort Myers and for Australia at the U18 World Cup Qualifiers.

He went 8-for-18 with six RBI and 3BB in five games vs New Zealand.

“I believe these events prepared me for the speed of play as well as the level of play that I will need to reach in order to perform at the college level,” he says.

In the meantime, Land will compete for Victoria at the upcoming U18 National Championships.

Land is from Newport Baseball Club. He follows in the footsteps of his father who he calls a “huge inspiration.”

He’s also worked with ex MLB player Gift Ngoepe.

“He was the first African Born MLB player and I take inspiration from him as well,” says Land.

At Arizona Western, Land says he hopes to develop some physical aspects.

“My development at Arizona Western will consist of me getting bigger, faster and stronger by lots of gym work, running, and lots of games and training on the field,” he says.

“I hope to become more consistent in all fields of baseball and get more power in my hitting and more velocity across the diamond. I want to cement myself as the Arizona Western shortstop and make a name for myself and for Australian baseball. I want to inspire the next generation to Chase their dreams and never give up if they really want it.”

Do you have news of an Australian baseball player abroad or committing to college? I’d love to hear about it! Email me at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au.