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recap by Eric Balnar, photos by Scott Powick

You wouldn’t say Team Australia was particularly sharp in their 9-3 Premier12 opening game loss to Japan.

You need to be clean if you have hopes of defeating a world number one team, like reigning Premier12 champions Japan. Especially in their house.

The Japanese line-up took advantage of an Australian team that wasn’t at their best.

Australia’s head coach Dave Nilsson called the day “disappointing.”

Japan piled on early and pulled away late in the Group B clash in Nagoya in front of an enthusiastic and supportive sold out crowd.

Although, Australia did find themselves within a pair of runs in the late stages of the game, thanks to Travis Bazzana’s second hit of the night, and homers to Ulrich Bojarski & Rixon Wingrove.

Japan, though, were persistent and consistent.

All nine batters in Japan’s starting nine reached base. Six of them reached twice. Japan scored in six of their eight offensive innings.

Australia didn’t help themselves.

They made a crucial error, saw wild pitches and were caught out on the base baths.

Japan scored five of their runs in the first four innings, scoring at least once in each frame, to race out to a 5-0 lead.

One of those runs came off a wild pitch, another two of them came off a Robbie Glendinning throwing error.

“I’m disappointed with today,” says Australia’s manager Dave Nilsson. “The moment was maybe a bit too big for the guys early. The first few innings we weren’t really sharp. We let ourselves down with a few errors. When you give a team like that opportunities, it makes it hard.”

For Australia, Travis Bazzana had two hits and a stolen base in his senior team debut.

Rixon Wingrove and Ulrich Bojarski hit home runs in the sixth inning to cut the margin to 5-3. Bojarksi’s was a 452 foot monster shot. Rixon powered his to 436 feet.

At the post-game press conference, Bazzana wasn’t interested in talking much about his two-hit performance.

“It’s a team game,” Bazzana said. “Two hits was good in this environment but it’s disappointing the way we played so it only means so much.”

Bazzana accounted for two of the five hits vs 21-year-old Japanese starter Haruto Inoue.

The Tokyo Giants pitcher, who had a 2.76 ERA in the NPB this season, tossed 5.0 innings with eight strikeouts, five hits, no walks and two runs.

Australia provided a glimmer of home in the sixth. To their credit, they worked themselves right back in the ballgame to give themselves a chance.

Ulrich Bojarski led off the inning with a solo shot off Inoue. Rixon Wingrove put an exclamation mark on it with a two-run homer of his own of their first relief pitcher.

“We did show a bit of fight and did some good things. And we can build on that in Taiwan,” says Nilsson. “[That] was encouraging. Some good swings of the bat. It was a tough night. We will get back after it.”

Japan’s relentless batting was led by Hanshin Tigers superstar Shota Morishita who had three hits and two RBI.

Japan, laced with a team of NPB All-Stars, also benefitted from multi-hit contributions from Kaito Kozono, Ryoya Kuhihara, Shugo Maki and Shoji Sakakura.

Those collection of stars helped blow the game open late.

The crowd was whipped into a frenzy most of the night. They were singing, chanting and cheering their Japanese heroes with vigour.

Japan scored one run in the seventh and pulled away with a crooked eighth inning, scoring three runs.

9-3 is your final score from Nagoya.

Of note, Australia used 12 pitchers in the game: Lewis Thorpe (below), Sam Holland, Blake Townsend, Mitch Neunborn, Jon Kennedy, Todd Van Steensel, Tim Atherton, Coen Wynne, Dan McGrath, Will Sherriff, Josh Guyer and Steve Kent.

“I wanted to make sure our pitching staff was ready for the rest of the tournament. We need to make sure we are set up for the next four games and I can understand who they are a bit better,” Nilsson said.

Australia continues their tournament in Taiwan on Friday night when they’ll face the Dominican Republic. 

They’ll use Thursday as a travel day.

Nilsson isn’t panicking.

“Losing one game doesn’t derail us or take us off course. We know every team will probably have some losses along the way,” says Nilsson. “It’s about being able to bounce back and stay on target and that’s what we’ll do.”

For Bazzana and the players, it’s time to regroup.

“I think we need to learn what we did poorly tonight, but not take it into the next game,” he says. “Play with confidence. Trust the players next to us. But we have to play with confidence and not let this game lower our expectations of winning. Refresh, learn from mistakes, but play with great confidence.”

You can find the schedule at www.baseball.com.au/premier12 

You can view the Box Score here. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – GAME UPDATES AS IT HAPPENED

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– Travis Bazzana led off the game with a full-count single to open his account as a senior men’s team player

– A persistent Japanese batting line-up scored one run in each of the first three innings. By the end of the third, seven Japanese batters had already reached. Kaito Kozono and Ryosuke Tatsumi had RBI. One of those runs was on a wild pitch.

– A throwing error by Robbie Glendinning allowed two more runs to score in the fourth. 5-0 Japan.

– Australia managed just two hits in the first four inning.

– 21-year-old starter Haruto Inoue has tossed 5.0 innings, allowing just three hits & no walks with eight strikeouts. Inoue had a 2.76 ERA in 101.1 innings for Tokyo Giants in his first full NPB season.

– Australian pitching coach Jim Bennett told us before the game that every pitcher’s job was to ‘be ready’. True to his word, he used a lot of pitchers. Through six innings, Australia used seven arms: Lewis Thorpe, Sam Holland, Blake Townsend, Mitch Neunborn, Jon Kennedy, Todd Van Steensel & Tim Atherton

– New life in the sixth! Great fight! Ulrich Bojarski and Rixon Wingrove each hit a homer and Australia is now just down 5-3!

– Japan has started to pull away. They score one in the seventh and seemingly blow it out in the eighth with another three runs.

– Turns out, Australia used twelve of their fourteen pitchers. The only arms who haven’t thrown today are Luke Wilkins and Warwick Saupold.

– We have a final score in Nagoya. On to Taiwan.

BROADCAST / COVERAGE DETAILS

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In Australia, you can watch on either WBSC’s streaming platform Gametime.Sport or through DAZN.

We recommend following @TeamAusBaseball on X for updates. Our Instagram and Facebook Pages will have updates, too.

We will post a post-game recap with highlight links where we can, and send a press-release to our national database.

LINE-UP

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USEFUL LINKS & STORIES

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Let’s gear you up.

We’ve been working with Trent Schwarz to produce some behind the scenes stories and videos.

Here is Episode 1 & 2 of ‘Out of Left Field: The Story of Australia’s Best Kept Sporting Secret’:

And one from Todd Van Steensel. Get your tissues ready.

Other stories

Great news! Fox Sports wrote a huge feature: –  “Like Nothing I’ve ever Seen”: How these Australian baseballers become sporting royalty in Japan

Here is a story on Austrlalia’s pitching strategy: “Be Ready” | Behind the role & mentality of every Team Australia pitcher at the Premier12

And here’s a heartfelt one on Mitch Neunborn: “For Mum” | The story of the remarkably brilliant Mitch Neunborn

Here is a pre-game press-conference transcript: Transcript of Pre-tournament Press Conference featuring Dave Nilsson, Tim Kennelly, Shusei Togo and Ibata

Story on Lewis Thorpe, our starting pitcher: ‘Friendship, Fatherhood & Finding Joy | The story of Australia’s major league rookie Lewis Thorpe’ at baseball.com.au.

In fact, you can find all our stories we’ve written at www.baseball.com.au/premier12.

This story is written by Eric Balnar, with photos from Scott Powick. We are filing daily stories from Australia’s ten-day training camp in Fuchu, Japan as they prepare to play in the Premier12. For more stories, visit www.baseball.com.au/premier12. You can watch the tournament in Australia on WBSC streaming platform Gametime.Sport. 

Local Japanese TV broadcasters and writers for the Premier12 have been asking me one particular question a lot over the past week.

Who will be Australia’s starting pitcher when they take the field vs World #1 Japan in Nagoya at one of the biggest international baseball tournaments?

There are fourteen pitchers listed on Team Australia’s roster. Any one of them could be. It makes Australia difficult team to prepare for.

Pitchers will tell you first hand there is no pre-defined roles, although an update to this story – we know who will open the game vs Japan (more on that at the bottom).

One thing is for sure – whoever’s name is called, they’ll be ready.

“This is not a pro ball season. This is a tournament,” says Jim Bennett, Australia’s pitching coach.  “If you ask any of [our pitchers] what their roles are, they’ll say: ‘To Be Ready’.”

“That’s a tough role but they don’t look at it that way. They look at it as that’s the way we are going to win so that’s what we’re going to do. Just be ready.”

Above: Jim Bennett at Nagoya Dome training. Photo: Scott Powick.

I put that mentality to the test.

Hey, right-handed pitcher Josh Guyer, do you know your role for the Premier12?

“I guess the short answer is no, but the long answer is yes. Absolutely we do know,” he says. “In a tournament like this it’s all hands on deck. Someone will get a tap on the shoulder and start the game. That could mean two outs. That could mean seven innings. But, everybody is ready from pitch one. Our job is to go out there and win each pitch. That will lead success for us.

Thoughts, lefty pro-ball pitcher Blake Townsend?

“The biggest thing for these tournaments is to be ready. Everybody is going to be relied upon. Be available. One out, three innings, just be ready,” he says.

How about 27-year-old former MLB pitcher Lewis Thorpe, making his senior Team Australia debut after starting an entire season of top-tier Mexican League Baseball in 2024.

“Go out there. Compete. Get outs,” says Thorpe. “It doesn’t matter when. Whatever they want me to do, whenever they want me to do, give me the ball and I’ll do it.”

A veteran pitcher like Jon Kennedy (below), who has pitched in two World Baseball Classics and a Premier12 must have his role carved out, right?

“We don’t have [typical] roles. My job as a pitcher here is to be ready. We’re available first pitch to last pitch. Whenever we’re called upon we’ll be out there to do our best,” he says.

MORE: Go behind the scenes of Team Australia at our Premier12 Hub – Stories, Roster, Broadcast Details and more. 

Sam Holland has served a number of roles in the Green & Gold. At the World Baseball Classic, he came into the game as a reliever. Australia had a one run lead in the eighth inning vs Korea. The bases were loaded.

He delivered an epic strikeout to get Australia out of a jam as a reliever in what became an iconic moment of the game.

At the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championship, Sam Holland started a game, working four innings.

“I have no preference. I love them all,” says Holland. “Just have to be ready at all times. From the first pitch of the first inning it’s an all hands on deck mentality to get the job down.”

I think you get it.

Guyer is another glowing example of versatility. At the WBC he was entrusted with the final three outs of Australia’s biggest game. He got the job done.

Three days later, he pitched in a middle inning.

“It’s one of those things where we are not defined by your standard typical roles – starter, middle relief, set-up, closer, long relief, whatever – the biggest inning of the game could be third inning. Or maybe it’s the seventh or ninth or first,” he says. “We don’t know. Dave Nilsson and Jim Bennett do a good job of reading the situation and figuring out what guy is ready for each inning.”

“Everybody is ready to fight for whatever out they can get.”

FUCHU PREPARATION

Team Australia is now in Nagoya, completing their second on-field training at the famous Ventalin Dome.

Their first task is against World #1 Japan who quite literally owns the trophy of every major international tournament at every level.

To help them prepare, Australia assembled in Fuchu City for a 10-day training camp.

Everybody pitched across their five games vs Industrial League Japanese teams. They also worked out, running defensive plays and pitching bullpens.

Bennett says he was just hoping to see everybody build up to their best.

“The first thing I’m looking to make sure is if everybody is in the position to be at their best, whatever that means to the individual, because everybody brings something to the table,” says Bennett.

Bennett says the preparation is individualised. Some pitchers are coming off pro-ball seasons, others are building back up after last pitching in the Hanhwa Series in February, 2024.

“I think we’re in a good spot,” says Bennett. “The Fuchu camp showed me that people put in the work.”

The secret to it all though, according to Bennett, is communication.

This extends beyond the pitchers but also to the catcher who are tasked with managing the staff, personality and moments.

Dave Nilsson, Australia’s head coach & most prolific catcher, says this is one of the reasons the Fuchu is so important.

“It’s all in the preparation. At Fuchu a big focal point for the catchers is spending that one-on-one time. At the hotel, at the field, in bullpen, when you’re catching each other. When you get in the game, hopefully it’s a smooth transition. That’s a big thing in Fuchu.

He says simplifying things is key.

“You just have to trust that you prepared the right why. It can be hard catching a lot of guys, but you just have to trust you have the ability or you have all sorts of demons in your head. You have to move past it and just be in the moment,” he says.

A DAUNTING ENVIRONMENT

What’s tough to prepare for, however, is the environment Australia is about to enter. Just look at the atmosphere below.

Being in the moment, staying present, is a key to success.

There will be 25 million Japanese diehard baseball fans watching on TV. The Ventalin Dome seats 40,000 people. It will be at capacity.

When Japan is up to bat, Australian pitchers will be greeted with loud ‘fight songs’ for each of the players.

It’s a different animal for any human tasked with getting a big out.

“Yeah, you can feel [the noise],” says Kennedy. “It can overwhelm you to the point you can’t hear your own internal dialogue. Make sure you’re aware that can happen because if it catches you off guard you’re in trouble.”

Kennedy says it’s about building an awareness to what is coming so it doesn’t catch you off guard. That’s what he says he is trying to share with the younger players.

“It’s about keeping them in the moment and handling big situations when they arise,” says Kennedy. “I struggled with that when I was young and leant on senior guys when I was coming up. The game can speed up on you, you move away from your game plan and strengths and can let the other team dictate the pace.”

Blake Townsend (below) is a 23-year-old pitcher entering his second major senior tournament with Team Australia.

He says there are huge takeaways from the last World Baseball Classic (WBC).

“I definitely want to come in the dome in a different approach. At the WBC, I wasn’t really in the moment. I don’t know if you could call it overwhelmed, but I think I’ve learned more about myself, which pitches I can throw, and what I can do to put a guy away. That’s been super beneficial,” says Townsend.

For Sam Holland, it’s all about embracing your surroundings.

“The adrenaline is going and you enjoy the moment,” says Holland. “Bases loaded with two outs in the eighth inning and you get that out? It’s a big momentum swing and an awesome feeling.”

EMBRACING THE TEAM

There’s a genuine belief among the Aussie pitching staff that the power of the collective can navigate them through a tournament.

“It’s no secret we [used] a lot of pitchers in at the World Baseball Classic,” says Bennett. “But we had success because guys were ready, they worked hard to be ready, and they were ready.”

There’s also the pride of playing for Team Australia.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the daily lifestyle of the minor leagues,” says Townsend, who pitched for both the Mariners and the Pirates in the minor leagues.

“Here [with Team Australia] you just have to win every day. You play more for yourself in the minor leagues. Here we just need a win. We don’t care who is out there at the time. Every guy is the best guy in every opportunity,” he says.

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Team Australia plays Samurai Japan at 9:00PM AEDT (7:00PM in Nagoya). Fans in Australia can watch via the WBSC streaming service Gametime.Sport.

For more stories, articles and news about Australia at the Premier12, visit www.baseball.com.au/premier12.

GAME 1 STARTER – LEWIS THORPE

We wrote about Lewis Thorpe earlier in the week.

He is one of 38 Australians to ever play Major League Baseball. But, this is the first time he’s pitched for a senior men’s Australian team.

Thorpe took a short break from baseball to clear his head and recover his body. He’s returned refresh, hungry and motivated.

“It means everything to me,” says Thorpe. “This is what it’s all about. I want to put this team in a good position to win this ballgame”

I encourage you to read the story ‘Friendship, Fatherhood and Finding Joy | The story of Australian starting pitcher Lewis Thorpe’

 

 

This story is written by Eric Balnar, with photos from Scott Powick. We are filing daily stories from Australia’s ten-day training camp in Fuchu, Japan as they prepare to play in the Premier12. For more stories, visit www.baseball.com.au/premier12.

The last time we saw Australian right-handed pitcher Ky Jackson was September, 2024. He was carving up opponents while wearing the Green & Gold at the Under 23 World Cup in China.

In fact, you could make the argument Jackson has been Australia’s U23 ‘Ace’ over the last three years. 

In two World Cups, Jackson has posted a 1.69 ERA across six games and 20.2 innings.

But today, he was his own national program’s opponent.

Ky was playing for his professional team in Japan, but against Australia.

“I’m not gonna lie, I was pretty nervous,” said Jackson. “Nerves, but the excitement part of it wins because I obviously know all the boys. It was weird. Because you never get an opportunity to pitch against Team Australia, I’ve always been with them. It was weird. But exciting.”

Above: Jackson pitching for Australia at the U23 World Cup

Australia is playing a series of five exhibition games against five different Industrial Japanese League opponents as part of their 10-day training camp in Fuchu City.

These teams are effectively baseball playing divisions of companies owned by mega-Japanese companies, featuring a groundswell of young Japanese talent and former NPB professionals.

Jackson, a 23-year-old who was born, raised and developed in the New South Wales baseball system, moved to Japan when he was 18-years-old to pursue his baseball dream.

His mother is Japanese, his father in Australia, so he has a passport.

At 18, Ky moved to Japan to attend university, to play baseball, and to earn sports psychology degree.

Now, Jackson finds himself playing for Nippon Express – today’s Industrial League opponent for Team Australia.

He opened the game, tossing 2.0 innings allowing a couple hits and a run.

Above: Ky Jackson on the mound on Friday for Nippon Express. Photo: Scott Powick.

He says he was maybe more nervous to face his friends than he was to play with them at a World Cup.

“It’s waaaay different nerves,” says Jackson. “But yeah, probably more. It’s just because I know all the boys. This was really fun and probably a one-of-a-kind experience. Bragging rights, you know?”

His Aussie mates were ‘heaps keen’ to face a fellow national team brother.

Solomon Maguire, Rixon Wingrove, Coen Wynne, Alex Hall, Will Sheriff, Blake Townsend & Jarryd Dale were all once U23 World Cup teammates with Jackson, either in 2022 or 2024, in addition to their Aussie domestic exploits.

Now that group is on Australia’s Premier12 roster.

Ky’s first at-bat of the game was against Travis Bazzana – a player he played charter baseball at Ryde with growing up.

“I saw [Travis] before the game and I asked him what pitch he wanted. He said give me a fastball. So, I said ‘you got it’ and I gave him a fastball,” laughs Jackson.

Bazzana ambushed the pitch of the game and found himself on base.

“That’s what he does,” says Jackson.

“Yeah, it was kind of a cheap one,” says Bazzana. “But Ky, he’s always been such a great and competitive player growing up. One of the best pitchers in the state kind of thing.”

Outfielder Solomon Maguire says it was a cool moment for him on a personal level. It was another instance in an ever growing list of moments the two have helped each other out. He shares insights as to just how Australian baseball players help each other out.

“Me and Ky are close so whenever we end up back [on the same team], we talk about what we’ve been working on, talk about the path we are on and if we can get pointers from each other. We are in two different baseball countries that play the game completely different,” he says.

Maguire says this game felt special for a number of reasons.

“At the last World Cup, I sat down and asked him how he would pitch to me knowing my weaknesses,” says Maguire. “He broke it down for me and I was like, ‘yeah you would completely get me out.’ But those conversations are healthy because now I can go away and work and figure out how to overcome that. I know for me and a lot of guys it’s a fun experience to test your stuff at this level against a mate.”

Above: Blake Townsend, Solomon Maguire, Ky Jackson, Travis Bazzana and Will Sherriff have all played for Australia together at the U23 or junior levels. Photo: Scott Powick.

Jackson and his Aussie mates all shared a hug and laugh before the game.

“We grew up together, we love each other, yeah it was special,” he says.

Jackson is draft eligible for the NPB next season. He says that’s what he’s working towards right now.

 That, and reaching the senior national team.

“Since I was 12 or 13 I’ve always wanted to play for Australia. I always do and still want to play for Australia. One day hopefully I am good enough to be on one of these senior teams in the future. That’s definitely on my mind. I just have to keep working towards it,” he says.

LENDING A HELPING HAND

Jackson has a big smile on his face when reflecting on the experience.

“Everybody was so pumped,” says Jackson of the Nippon Express. “They were all asking me about all the players and the level. I would say this is a big memory for a lot of them.”

Above: Group Photo – Nippon Express x Team Australia. 

“When we found out we were playing Team Australia it was such a huge honour for everyone. You know, we watch those tournaments in our dorm rooms, with each other, at work. Everyone knows this is Team Australia,” he says.

Jackson says he could tell it meant a lot for those on Nippon Express to play today.

“It’s a surreal thing for my teammates too. Now we’ve played them, now we can go cheer for them knowing we’ve done our part to help get them ready to play [a major tournament],” he says.

Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams says it is another great example of how the Japanese community rallies around Team Australia. 

He says these exhibition games are crucial in preparing the team.

“We give Fuchu City a schedule and say we would like to play five games in these time slots and they go and get it done,” he says. “It’s remarkable because some times games are at funny times. They’re not on weekends. They go out of their way for us.”

Players from SegaSammy, another Industrial League team, working on the field pre-game to help Australia prepare for the Premier12. Photo: Scott Powick.

Williams says the games are an important part of the process.

“Guys need to play. They need to have at-bats, they need to face high quality opponents and that’s the quality of the opposition we are facing. We are very appreciative,” he says.

But for Ky, it was a merging of two worlds.

“Japanese people love the game, respect the game, support the game and respect the opponent,” he says. “Now we are part of the journey.”

“For me it was good. Kind of felt like I was in both my homes.”

In a memorable evening at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo, Team Australia’s senior men’s national team was honoured in a gathering that highlighted the powerful role of sports diplomacy in strengthening ties between Australia and Japan.

Hosted by Australian Ambassador to Japan Justin Hayhurst, the event showcased how baseball, one of Japan’s most beloved sports and a growing force in Australia, builds unique connections and offers significant opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.

Team Australia is in Japan preparing to play in the Premier12, one of the most significant international baseball events. They’ve been well received in Japan, gaining over 7 million impressions on X in the first 10 days since arriving, with 97% of the audience coming from Japan.

Australia’s tournament opening game on November 13 is expected to be watched by over 25 million people in Japan. For context, the NRL Grand Final and AFL Grand Final had a combined audience of 7 million in Australia in 2024.

To see all the media coverage Team Australia has attracted in Japan, visit here. 

For businesses in both countries, the event at the Ambassador’s house emphasized the possibilities for leveraging the cultural and economic bridges that baseball creates.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Hayhurst welcomed guests from government, business, and the sporting community, acknowledging the shared values that underpin Australia-Japan relations.

Baseball, with its deep following in both nations, provides a strong platform for cross-border connections. The recent 2023 World Baseball Classic, where Team Australia and Japan went head-to-head, exemplified this connection. With sell-out crowds and millions tuning in across Japan and Australia, the game showcased the sport’s powerful reach and influence.

Australia has been living and working in Fuchu City, a Tokyo suburb, exemplifying the power of cross-country relations for positive outcomes.

There are also five teams from the NPB, Japan’s top level of professional baseball, sending 14 players to compete in the upcoming Australian Baseball League season from November 15 onward. This includes current NPB Champions DeNA Baystars and the biggest professional sports brand in Japan, the Tokyo Giants.

Sports Diplomacy as a Gateway to New Partnerships

Glenn Williams, Baseball Australia’s CEO, spoke to the significance of Team Australia’s growing popularity in Japan.

“Australia’s popularity in Japan has never been higher,” he said.

Williams emphasized how games like the World Baseball Classic and Premier12 create pathways for new relationships.

“The platforms developed through games we play in Japan are prime opportunities for business to host their current or prospective Japanese partners to an engaged and enthusiastic audience,” he added, underscoring how such events drive business conversations, cultural exchanges, and investment possibilities that extend far beyond the field.

The 2023 World Baseball Classic matchup between Australia and Japan drew millions of viewers and sell-out crowds, highlighting the demand for high-stakes international baseball.

Baseball Australia’s longstanding partnerships with Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and connections with cities like Fuchu demonstrate how sports diplomacy can drive meaningful engagements.

For Japanese and Australian businesses, the success of such events shows the potential for cross-border collaboration through sponsorships, youth development programs, and fan engagement initiatives, all while fostering brand equity and corporate goodwill.

A Bright Future for Australia-Japan Business Relationships

The night at the embassy served as a reminder of the mutual respect and shared enthusiasm that strengthen the Australia-Japan relationship.

Glenn Williams shared his optimism about the future.

“The relationship between Japan and Australia is stronger than ever, and with more events on the horizon, this is a prime opportunity to partner with Australian baseball,” he said.

Above: Australian head coach Dave Nilsson, who spent time in his career playing in Japan

As baseball continues to bridge Australia and Japan, businesses are presented with unique avenues for growth, including tourism, education, and sports-related investments.

In closing, we extend our gratitude to Ambassador Justin Hayhurst for his hospitality and dedication to supporting Team Australia’s presence in Japan. Under his leadership, the Australian Embassy in Tokyo remains a bridge for fostering economic and cultural ties through sports diplomacy.

The evening was more than a celebration of athletic achievement; it was a reminder of the valuable opportunities for businesses willing to be part of the growing collaboration between Australia and Japan/

Baseball’s popularity creates a platform for long-lasting relationships, uniting government, business, and fans in a shared passion and mutual respect.

For more information and stories about Australia’s Premier12 journey, please visit www.baseball.com.au/premier12

#AustraliaJapan #SportsDiplomacy #BaseballAustralia #WorldBaseballClassic #BusinessOpportunities

 

This story is written by Eric Balnar, with photos from Scott Powick. We are filing daily stories from Australia’s ten-day training camp in Fuchu, Japan as they prepare to play in the Premier12. Here you will find our daily story and a recap of the day’s activities. For more stories, visit www.baseball.com.au/premier12.

Most brothers who live far apart from each other catch up at a family reunion or occasional visits home.

For Josh & Liam Spence, two Aussie baseballers from Geelong, their family reunion comes at one of the biggest baseball tournaments in the world.

Infielder Liam and assistant pitching coach Josh saw each other for the second time in 20-months this week in Tokyo, as the Australian national team prepares for the Premier12.

They’ve only seen each other just once since March 2023, when they both represented Australia at the World Baseball Classic.

“This means everything to me,” says Liam, the youngest of three boys. “[Josh] is the guy I looked up to when I was growing up – him and my other brother Nic. So, this is pretty special.”

Josh is the 29th Australian to ever play Major League Baseball. The 36-year-old lefty pitched two seasons with the San Diego Padres from 2011-2012.

Liam is playing on his second senior men’s team. He played for Australia at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

“It’s a one of a kind of experience and I don’t take it for granted,” says Liam.

Both Spence brothers have crafted a full-time life in baseball. Josh is a pitching coach in the Milwaukee Brewers’ system, spending 2024 with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

Liam is a former Chicago Cubs draft pick who now plays for the Adelaide Giants in the ABL and the Sioux Falls Canaries in the American Association.

“It’s always a privilege to represent Australia but there’s something special to be able to do it with my brother,” says Josh.  “We’ve been able to navigate our way through America’s pastime and our paths don’t always connect through the year, so it’s just nice to be able to be in the same dugout right now and enjoy this experience together.”

There’s a tender age gap between Josh and Liam – 10 years to be exact. When Josh was playing college baseball and in the Major Leagues, Liam was growing up in Geelong.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t close. They regularly chatted and supported each other on their respective journeys.

“Skype was the thing back in the day,” laughs Josh. “We would catch up playing video games online. And [my family] would come over to visit and see me play a couple times a year.”

Above: Liam travelling to the USA to watch his brother Josh play in the Major Leagues.

When Liam began his baseball career in the United States, Josh was there the offer guidance.

Liam attended Central Arizona Junior College before transferring to the University of Tennessee. When Liam was at Central Arizona, Josh was a pitching coach at a high school not too far away.

Liam was eventually selected by the Chicago Cubs in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Josh was able to help him navigate that experience, too.

“I was able to experience things that he wanted to get out of baseball. It’s been fun for him to lean on some of my past experiences, help him shorten the learning curve,” says Josh.

Glenn Williams, CEO of Baseball Australia, says it’s cool to see family members reunite in a family environment.

“I can’t imagine how special this must feel to them,” he says. “Especially to do it in an environment that feels like one big family reunion. It’s very reminiscent of the environment we have here. It’s pretty cool.”

Now, with their national team brothers, they’re both experiencing the madness and fanfare of Japanese baseball together.

The city of Fuchu has embraced the Australian team. The players are treated like rockstars at local schools and have been treated to many special performances. Fans have even assembled to create ‘fight songs’ and cheering sections for the national squad.

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“It’s pretty wild. There are so many people out here. They’re just coming out here, singing, cheering you on and giving you all this love and support even when you are so far from home. It’s pretty unbelievable,” says Liam.

Liam says he and his teammates are appreciative of the Japanese support.

“It was beyond my expectations,” he says. “It feels like every time we come here support just grows.”

TRAINING CAMP UPDATE & Match Report

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Australia hit three homers in a 7-4 win over Kasuzo Magic in an exhibition game in Fuchu today.

Alex Hall, Aaron Whitefield and Darryl George all hit homers, while the team used nine pitchers on the mound. Solomon Maguire had also an RBI.

The pitchers who saw some work were: Mitch Neunborn, Jon Kennedy, Lewis Thorpe, Will Sherriff, Tim Atherton, Coen Wynne, Blake Townsend, Dan McGrath and Josh Guyer.

Australia has three more practice matches to play before their tournament opener November 13 in Nagoya.

There was certainly a buzz around training camp. Four major Japanese outlets, including Yahoo, the Answer, Japan Times and Pacific League TV, all attended training. A swarm of fans came to grab signatures too.

Above: Travis Bazzana slides into base. Fans swarm around Team Australia. Photo: Scott Powick.

Below: Alex Hall hits a homer, Tim Kennelly interviewed by the Japan Times. Photo: Scott Powick.

Around Camp

Here’s what’s been happening the last three days for Team Australia.

On Monday, Australia had a four hour practice and a two-hour clinic for local Fuchu baseball players.

On Tuesday, the team trained in the morning and visited a local school in the afternoon. They were greeted by a gymnasium full of elementary school students, a performance from the band, and a game of catch.

Wednesday featured training, a practice match vs a local company team, and a visit to the Australian Embassy in the evening.

In the game itself, Australia used the opportunity to bring game action to a whole slew of pitchers. The arms that threw were

 

 

 

Manager David Nilsson says there is a mix of emotions after Boral Team Australia bowed out of Premier12 against Chinese Taipei yesterday.

A 5-1 loss – on four runs in the eighth inning – denied Australia a spot in today’s bronze medal game against Mexico in its tournament debut.

Boral Team Australia has finished sixth at its first-ever Premier12 tournament after falling to Chinese Taipei at the Tokyo Dome in their final super round game on Saturday afternoon.

Chinese Taipei scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth to prevail 5-1 and deny Australia a spot in tomorrow’s bronze medal game against Mexico.

Boral Team Australia will have to wait until next year to chase a spot at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo after South Korea claimed one of two spots on offer at Premier12 on Friday night.

Korea rode a seven-run fifth inning to a 7-3 win over Mexico at Tokyo Dome to advance to Sunday’s championship game and claim the spot available for the best ranked Asia/Oceania team at Premier12.

Boral Team Australia’s hopes of playing in the Premier12 bronze medal game have been given a significant boost after the US downed Chinese Taipei 3-2 at Tokyo Dome this afternoon.

Brent Rooker’s two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh lifted the US to victory and kept alive their hopes of playing for bronze, but also simplified the equation for Australia and kept alive its chances of reaching the Olympics via Premier12.

Starting pitcher Tim Atherton has heaped praise on Boral Team Australia’s defence after they played a key role in a stunning 2-1 Premier12 win over the US on Wednesday afternoon.

Australia kept its hopes of playing off for a Premier12 medal alive, setting up a massive clash with Chinese Taipei on Saturday.