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19 June 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

ABL

Black Pearl Sports Group (BPSG) to take over Sydney Blue Sox license

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.

18 June 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

ABL Feature Stories

Vale Don Knapp | In memory of an influential figure in Australian Baseball

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.

AS A PLAYER


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.

As a Coach


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 

As an Administrator


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.

AS A PERSON


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.

02 April 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

ABL

NO MORE Day returns to Women's Championships to make stand vs Domestic & Family Violence

On Wednesday 16 April 2025, the power of sport will once again be harnessed to drive change, as NO MORE teams up with Baseball Australia at the Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Baseball Championships for the annual NO MORE Day.

Now in its eleventh year, this powerful partnership continues to shine a light on domestic and family violence while celebrating the strength of community, leadership, and action.

Players, umpires and coaching staff will proudly link arms before each game today, with teams wearing orange NO MORE sweatbands, umpires in orange shirts.

As part of the campaign, a ‘Spirit of the Game’ Award will be presented to one player from each team, an umpire and a scorer at the end of the tournament who embodies fair play, teamwork, community, and respect on and off the field – setting a positive example for all.

This year’s theme – “What Can I Do?” – reminds us that change starts with each of us.

Whether on the field, in the crowd or watching from home, everyone can take action.

Speak up. Show respect. Start a conversation. Offer support. Challenge harmful attitudes. Small actions create big change.

HOW TO TAKE ACTION


Pledge your action today.

Head to nomore.org.au – or directly to https://tinyurl.com/2025AWYWC – and share your commitment on the pledge board. Join players, officials and fans in showing the world that you are part of the solution.

You can also support this important work by making a donation to NO MORE.

Every contribution helps fund community-led education, prevention and awareness programs across Australia. Visit https://www.nomore.org.au/donate to donate and help create safe homes and communities.

ABOUT NO MORE


NO MORE is a national Aboriginal-led initiative founded by Dr Charlie King AM, working with communities to prevent domestic and family violence through education, awareness, and grassroots action.

For more information, useful links or to support NO MORE’s pages below.

Domestic Violence Action Plan: https://www.nomore.org.au/create-your-own-domestic-violence-action-plan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOMORE.org.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomore.org.au/

Web: No More | Link up and say ‘No More’ to family violence

Toolkit & Resources: https://www.nomore.org.au/no-more-toolkit-and-resources

If you or a person you know is in immediate danger, call 000. If you or a person you know needs support, please contact the below direct service providers.

VIOLENCE1800RESPECT I 1800 737 732 (24/7)

www.1800respect.org.au – call or chat online

National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling, information and support service.

THE OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS


For a flyer on official proceedings in PDF form, click here. 

– Orange sweatbands for the players and coaches, who will sport them throughout the day

– Linking of arms before each game;

– Spectators encouraged to wear orange

– Spirit of the Award winners announced at closing ceremonies;

– Baseball community encouraged to take the pledge and donate;

24 March 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

ABL

Team-first, dream-driven: Molly Paddison is focused and raising the bar

by baseball.com.au writer Eliza Wood, for more stories visit www.baseball.com.au/women.

Molly ‘The Business’ Paddison is giving all new meaning to the nickname that was bestowed upon her at last year’s nationals.

The 17-year-old from Queensland was a breakout star of the 2024 Australian Women’s Championships.

In her first year at the senior level, Paddison co-led the tournament in hits (15), recorded a staggering .536 average, drove in eight runs and helped Queensland win a bronze medal – their first since 2016.

It consolidated her performance in the Under 16 division just a year prior, a tournament where she claimed MVP honours.

She was rewarded with selection to the Brisbane Bandits squad for the professional Australian Women’s Showcase and is firmly on the radar of national selectors.

But the truth is, Molly is only just getting started.

Relentlessly dedicated to the game she’s loved since the age of four, the now 17-year-old has her sights set higher.

Aspiring for greater success is one thing; holding yourself accountable and committing to it, is another.

Paddison is the latter.

Levelling up her game not only to pursue her own dreams of being an Emerald one day, but most importantly to revel in and share success with her teammates.

The appreciation and gratitude she has for the support system around her can’t be faulted.

“I know I wouldn’t be in the spot I am today without them,” says Paddison. “They’ve all helped me get to where I am.”

Her team-first mentality is what sets her apart, a quality that shines bright according to Queensland’s head coach Lisa Norrie.

“She’s not just focused on her own success, she genuinely cares about the growth and success of everyone around her,” says Norrie. “Despite her talent, she is always the first to credit her teammates for their achievements, understanding that baseball is a team sport where success is built on collaboration.”

The Business™️ does it again!

Diving catch one inning? This the next! Molly Paddison cashes in a run and Queensland are mounting a comeback!

Watch on Baseball+: https://t.co/JWtvPMXYie pic.twitter.com/QG7R0pbbls

— Team Australia ⚾️ (@TeamAusBaseball) April 8, 2024

In other words, she just tries to be one ninth of the equation.

Less than a month out from the big dance, it’s all starting to ramp up, up north.

Molly’s current training week is totalling 20 hours of combined on and off-field work and playing 2-3 games on weekends.

She devotes herself to the game by capitalising on every minute of every hour.

“Molly’s work ethic is exceptional, showcasing a blend of dedication, discipline, and passion for the game. She approaches every practice and game with tireless commitment to improvement,” affirms Norrie (below).

A gifted talent, Paddison has been working hard on many aspects of their game to elevate it further.

She’s already a strong hitter and while she has continued to hone in on her craft, she is pushing her self to become a lethal dual threat.”

“I’ve always worked hard on my hitting but I’m also working hard on my pitching, so I can bring another aspect to the team if needed,” says Paddison.

Norrie is very aware of this too.

“It’s exciting to see her evolve into such a well-rounded player, constantly pushing herself to grow. That drive is a big part of what makes her such a special talent,” says Norrie. “Adding pitching back into her game shows how dedicated she is to being the best version of herself, both for her team and for her own growth.”

Paddison has also learned a lot about the importance of recovery and nutrition, areas that haven’t been commonly emphasised in the past due to her age.

Now equipped with a better understanding of how you take care of yourself off the field, it allows you to perform at your best on the field.

This is pivotal knowledge for any athlete – especially when you’re about to compete day in and day out against the country’s best.

Not only has Molly enhanced her focus in these parts of her game, but she is also making strides in her mental game. Learning how to cope and manage the pressure that comes with having the talent she possesses and backing up past performances.

“I’m pretty nervous I’m not going to lie… there’s that level of pressure… I performed so well last year how can I top that this year? How can I help my team to go one better this year,” expresses Molly.

For Paddison, the key to navigating this is the simplicity of what sport is all about: enjoyment.

“I play better when I’m having fun,” she says.

Proudly repping the Queensland maroon alongside her teammates, an honour that means so much to her, is what forms her love for the game. By bringing herself back to the importance of that, is when Molly knows she can perform at her best.

In times of learning and growth, it’s clarity like this that can truly impact the most.

It’s safe to say heads will be turning yet again, when this teen sensation enters Melbourne Ball Park this coming April, as in case it wasn’t clear – Molly means business.

MORE STORIES


For stories, podcasts and tournament information, visit www.baseball.com.au/women.

  • All-Female Umpiring Crew Appointed at Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships for First Time
  • A Newbie’s Guide to Women’s Baseball: Six Takeaways from a chat with Amy McCann

 

Tag Cloud:
2025 AWC

18 March 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

ABL

A Newbie's Guide to Women's Baseball: Six Takeaways from a chat with Amy McCann

by Baseball.com.au writer Eliza Wood

Eliza is a student at La Trobe University doing a writing placement with Baseball.com.au. She is an elite football player for Carlton in the VFLW, an avid sports fan, athlete, and learning the wonderful world of women’s baseball.

—-

As we gear up for what is set to be a thrilling Women’s and Youth Women’s Championship in April (13-19), I sat down with the one and only Amy McCann to talk all things women’s baseball.

Amy is an Australian Emerald veteran, a 6-time WBSC World Cup representative, podcast host, and Australian baseball broadcaster.

As someone whose life has revolved around sport but is relatively new to the world of baseball, I knew I’d come to the right person the minute I started interviewing Amy.

Her passion, love and knowledge for the game shone through in every way possible. I could have sat there for hours listening to her share her wealth of baseball wisdom.

Above: Amy McCann (middle) with the 2024 Australian Women’s Baseball Championships broadcast team of Emeralds – Gen Beacom (left) and Amy Cannington (right). Amy hosts a podcast on women’s baseball called ‘The Inside Pitch’.

I formed my top six takeaways about women’s baseball in Australia after sifting through my energetic conversation with the legendary Amy McCann.

Here we go.

TAKEAWAY ONE: EVOLVING (AND LONG) HISTORY OF THE GAME


Did you know the first recording of women playing baseball in Australia dates back to the early 1900s? 1909 to be exact. This predates the first recording of a women’s AFL match (1915).

The thought in your head right now is 100 percent correct – yes, Australian women have been playing baseball in Australia for over a century.

The game continued to grow in popularity. The All-Australian Women’s Baseball Association was formed in the early 1930s. History was made on the 17 of April 1934, when the first ever All-Australian Women’s Baseball Championship series was played across three days with New South Wales claiming victory.

The series continued annually until 1940; when, however, due to the Great Depression, WWII and debate over whether women should be playing the game, women’s baseball was unfortunately forced into a 50-year hiatus.

When I asked Amy what drew her to start playing baseball, she simply replied, “Watching A League of Their Own,” the 1992 box office film, and well, she wasn’t the only one.

Around the world, interest in women’s baseball began to boom in the early 1990s, resulting in a resurgence for the women’s game here in Australia.

The turn of the century saw more history. An inaugural Australian Women’s Team traveled to Canada to compete in the first Women’s World Series in 2001.

Above: The Emeralds at the 2004 Baseball World Cup event.

The Australian Team rightfully covered themselves in sporting history for our country, returning home with a bronze medal to their name.

The national women’s team renamed themselves to the Emeralds in 2013 and have tasted a lot of success on the international stage. They won a silver in 2010 and a bronze at the 2014 World Cup.

Their grit and fighting spirit have continually kept them contending amongst the best in the world for so many years.

TAKEAWAY TWO: BASEBALL IS NOT SOFTBALL


“If I had a dollar for every time someone said, don’t you play softball… no, I do know what I play but thank you,” quipped Amy.

It is such a common assumption amongst the general population that women play softball, not baseball, and more-so that the two sports are the same.

Aside from the fact the two games are diamond sports (referring to their diamond shaped fields), the differences are dramatic.

Everything from the size of the field, the size and feel of the ball, the distance between bases, the bats used, the number of innings played, to underarm pitching from a flat mound in softball vs overarm pitching from a raised mound in baseball sets the two worlds apart.

These sports are independently their own; they are distinct for the way they are played, not by the gender that chooses to play them.

TAKEAWAY THREE: A SPORT FOR ONE, A SPORT FOR ALL


Until now, I never realised how accommodating baseball was to its players. A simple concept, but a very beneficial one for the longevity of the sport.

“What’s really great is it [baseball] doesn’t discriminate,” said Amy.

“You could be a really great fielder, a really great hitter, a really great runner, a really great thrower, you can be tall, you can be short, you can be fast, not so fast and the field will find a position for you,” she added.

There are two seasons for baseball – one in Summer and one in Winter.

One of Amy’s favourite seasons of baseball to date was a ‘Winter Ball’ League last year.

Amy and her partner, Sam Hamilton, coached a team of women aged between 32-60 at Monty Baseball Club (Below).

Only one of the players on the team had ever played baseball before and thirteen of the 14 players were mums. She also enlisted the help of current Emeralds Gen Beacom and Allie Bebbere to assist with coaching duties.

“It was amazing” she beamed, a smile on her face.

No matter who you are, how old you are, if you live and breathe sport, or if you’re purely wanting to try something new. Step up to the plate and give baseball a go!

TAKEAWAY FOUR: WOMEN AND MEN PLAY THE SAME GAME


This may sound obvious but the more you delve into it, the more you realise how unique this is to baseball.

Commonly, men’s and women’s games of the same sport have slightly adjusted rules. Nothing overly major, but still a difference, such as ball size, size of the playing field, numbers on the field, etc.

However, in baseball, the men’s and women’s are interchangeable.

Let’s paint a picture.

Take Shohei Ohtani, the best baseball player in the world, and compare him to girls playing in junior competitions. You wouldn’t think they were playing the same field, running the same bases, throwing the same ball, pitching the same distance, would you?

My mind was utterly blown when Amy pointed this out to me, I couldn’t fathom it. I had never heard of a sport where this was the case. The only true difference is that men use wooden bats and women do not, however, if you are a woman playing with the men, you must use a wooden bat.

Women and men commonly play together in baseball community leagues nationwide. If you want to break it down into simple terms, it looks something like this:

• Tee-ball to U/18s can be mixed gender;
• Senior women’s baseball is women and girls aged 13 and up;
• Senior “men’s” is mixed gender and anyone over the age of 14 can play;

I will note, the ages of 13/14 can be state and league dependant.

“It’s much harder and it’s very humbling [playing with the men], but it makes you better… the fact the girls have that opportunity is great,” says Amy.

TAKEAWAY FIVE: A STRONGER TOGETHER COMMUNITY


Above: Girls from Brisbane celebrate after playing in the world’s first Little League Girls National Championship in Lismore, 2024. Read the story here. Photo: Erin Honsa.

What became so clear to me throughout my interview with Amy, was baseball is so much bigger than just a sport to the women who play it.

The community they have built, is the heart and soul of it all.

“What I love most about it, is just the power of all of us that play together. We just have this amazing community… we bring the sport up ourselves,” shared Amy.

When you pursue baseball, you aren’t just joining a team. You are welcomed with open arms into a fun, caring, network of people, where the same energy radiates through everyone.

A united front, who just want to play the game they love and to share that with as many people as possible.

“We don’t step on the field to try and prove you wrong, we just want to step on the field,” she affirmed.

With participation numbers on the up and up at the grassroots level, the gaps that were once there throughout age brackets are starting to fill, favouring the future of this sport that means so much, to so many.

Above: The Belles, a trailblazing Little League Girls Team, trains with the Victorian senior women’s state team.

TAKEAWAY SIX: 2025 NATIONALS IS COMING IN HOT


My final takeaway is that this year’s women’s and youth women’s championships are an absolute, must-see event!

With the best talent in the country all descending upon Melbourne Ball Park, it’ll be no holds barred as we see Emeralds vs Emeralds and the clashing of state rivalries.

Electrifying young talent will be aplenty as they begin to pave their way, and rising stars will shine brighter than ever before.

Names like Caitlin Eyenon (WA), Claire O’Sullivan (NSW), Molly Paddison (QLD), Allie Bebbere (VIC) and Jess Maslin (SA) are sure to have spectators on the edge of their seat as they take to the field and set it alight.

You’ve got women playing baseball for a week, with both the youth and women’s finals taking place on the final day – it doesn’t get much better than that.

You can find out more information about the two events at www.baseball.com.au/women.

WHERE TO NEXT


Baseball is truly a sport of layers.

It has so much to offer, there is so much to learn and numerous ways to get involved.

If you want to explore the world of baseball further, start by looking into the state associations, finding local clubs near you, watch games on TV and Baseball+, tune in to the women’s championship series (April 13-19), or better yet, get your feet on the ground and come on down, and immerse yourself in what it’s all about!

Additionally, you can listen to the intellectual powerhouse herself Amy McCann, on her very own podcast Women’s Baseball – The Inside Pitch.

I’ll leave you with this quote from Amy McCann.

“You run, you throw, you field… and the hard [of the sport], is what makes it great.”

 

16 February 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

ABL

Team Australia and Hanwha Eagles Inseparable Through Nine, Draw Series

In a low-scoring affair, Team Australia and the Hanwha Eagles battled through nine innings, with their exhibition matchup ending in a deadlock.

While both teams fought to find offensive momentum, a third contender—Mother Nature—played a key role in shaping the game. Persistent winds created challenging conditions, keeping hitters and fielders on edge throughout the contest.

Lachlan Wells took the mound for Team Australia and delivered an impressive six-inning performance, limiting Hanwha to just one run while tallying four strikeouts. The bullpen trio of Liam Doolan, Matt Beattie, and Dan McGrath combined to close out the remaining three innings, allowing just three hits, one run, and adding one strikeout to the tally. McGrath sealed the game with consecutive pickoffs, snuffing out Hanwha’s hopes of a late-inning walk-off.

Team Australia struck first in the top of the second, capitalizing on a pitching miscue to bring home the opening run. Hanwha responded swiftly, as Park Sung-un drove in a run with an RBI single in the bottom half of the inning to even the score.

In the seventh, Australian catcher Robbie Perkins delivered an RBI single to plate captain Tim Kennelly, giving his side a temporary 2-1 advantage. But Hanwha answered right back in the bottom of the frame, with Park crossing the plate again on another RBI single to tie things up at two apiece.

Despite late-game opportunities, neither team could break the deadlock, leaving the exhibition contest to conclude in a hard-fought draw.

15 February 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

ABL

Hanwha Steal Win from Aussies in Game 2 of the Series

In a thrilling contest, Hanwha staged a late-game rally to snatch a 6-5 victory over Team Australia in Game 2 of the series. Despite an early lead and strong performances from key players, Australia couldn’t hold off Hanwha’s late surge.

Connor MacDonald took the mound for Australia and delivered another solid outing. Although he had to navigate some traffic on the bases, he largely limited the damage, keeping his team in the game. MacDonald’s efforts were rewarded in the bottom of the third when Tim Kennelly sparked the offense with a single to left field. That set the stage for Jesse Williams, who continued his breakout season with a line drive into right-center field, bringing Kennelly home for a 1-0 lead.

Australia’s defense stepped up in the fourth inning when Jalen Ray grounded into a 5-4-3 double play, helping the Aussies escape trouble. Sam Holland took over on the mound and got some assistance from George Callil, who made a stellar diving stop to prevent Hanwha from gaining momentum.

However, Hanwha found a way to break through later in the game. A ground ball rolled through the right side, driving in two runs after an attempted throw home by Briley Knight came in just late. This gave Hanwha their first runs of the series and a 2-1 lead.

Crush it Callil!!!

We take the lead back! pic.twitter.com/x7gyvesm5F

— Team Australia ⚾️ (@TeamAusBaseball) February 15, 2025

Australia responded in dramatic fashion in the bottom half of the inning. Hometown hero George Callil crushed a two-run home run to left-center, flipping the score back in favor of the Aussies at 3-2. They extended their lead further when Rixon Wingrove shot a ground ball past the diving Hanwha first baseman, scoring both Hall and Williams for a 5-2 advantage.

WINgrove breaks it open! pic.twitter.com/y01DI68Nx5

— Team Australia ⚾️ (@TeamAusBaseball) February 15, 2025

Hanwha refused to back down, executing small ball to perfection in the sixth inning. With runners on second and third, they plated two runs on consecutive RBI groundouts, cutting the deficit to 5-4. Then, in a stunning moment, pinch-hitter Choi launched a rain-soaked home run in his first at-bat of the year to tie the game at five.

WOW! What a grab! pic.twitter.com/z0rYqZzEvo

— Team Australia ⚾️ (@TeamAusBaseball) February 15, 2025

The ninth inning proved decisive. Hanwha’s catcher lined a clutch RBI single, allowing a run to score all the way from first base, giving Hanwha their second lead of the night at 6-5. Australia had a golden opportunity in the bottom of the ninth with a runner on third and nobody out, but Hanwha’s closer delivered three consecutive strikeouts to slam the door shut and secure the comeback victory.

It was a tough loss for Australia, who had the game within their grasp, but Hanwha’s resilience and execution in key moments ultimately made the difference.

14 February 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

ABL

Team Australia Stun Hanwha Eagles in Rain interrupted series opener

Team Australia put on a dominant performance in the first game of their series against the Hanwha Eagles, securing a 5-0 victory before rain brought an early end to the contest after just four innings.

Starting pitcher Alexander Wells was in sublime form, striking out eight batters in just four innings of work. The left-hander, fresh off his ABL Helms Award win for the 2024/25 season, showcased his elite command and control, keeping the Eagles’ offense off balance from the outset.

The scoring began with Team Australia’s captain, Tim Kennelly, launching a solo home run to put his team on the board. Shortly after, Rixon Wingrove capitalized on an opportunity, sending a sacrifice fly to drive in Alex Hall and extend the lead to 2-0.

The Captain goes KABOOOOOOM! pic.twitter.com/nPnZOHcqjC

— Team Australia ⚾️ (@TeamAusBaseball) February 14, 2025

Briley Knight made his presence felt both in the field and at the plate. He delivered a rocket throw to third base to shut down an early offensive threat from the Eagles, then later launched a two-run homer, pushing the lead to 4-0.

Are you kidding me! Bomb by Briley! pic.twitter.com/h86et12Cma

— Team Australia ⚾️ (@TeamAusBaseball) February 14, 2025

Liam Spence would add the final tally, scoring off a sacrifice fly from Alex Hall before the rain started to intensify. Waves of showers halted play intermittently before ultimately forcing an early conclusion to the game in the fourth inning.

With the series opener in the books, Team Australia will look to carry this momentum into Game 2, which is set to begin at 7 PM AEDT tomorrow at Melbourne Ballpark.

 

13 February 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

ABL

All the short player stories from Team Australia at the Hanwha Series in Melbourne

Team Australia is in Melbourne playing Korean Baseball League club Hanwha Eagles in a three-game series.

It’s a KBO team loaded with talent, including longtime MLB veteran Hyun Jin Ryu, flame throwing Korean national team member Moon Dong-Ju and 2023 KBO home run leader Roh Si-Hwan.

A year out from the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Australia is taking the time to look at some fresh talent, with 14 new players on the squad compared to last year’s Premier12.

You can read about the tournament here.

This article is all about hearing from the players. Eric Balnar is on the ground, catching up with some of Australia’s players throughout the weekend.

We’ll log the stories here.

Let’s begin.

AFTER THREE YEARS OF INJURY, JESS WILLIAMS FINALLY BACK NEAR THE TOP OF AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL


A major elbow surgery and a broken leg would be enough to derail most people’s athletic careers.

Not infielder Jess Williams.

The 25-year-old from Perth is ready to suit up for the national team against Korean professional team Hanwha Eagles in a three-game exhibition series this weekend.

It’s been a long road to get here.

After the 2021 ABL season, Williams had Tommy John Surgery to repair his elbow. It’s a procedure with over a year of recovery time.

Two months after he finished his elbow rehab he broke his leg playing Australian Rules Football.

It wiped out nearly three years of a promising young player who had won the 2018 ABL Rookie of the Year, spent two seasons in the Milwaukee Brewers minors and represented Australia at the Under 18 World Cup.

After nearly three years between high-level baseball games, Williams strapped on the Green & Gold at the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championships before making his professional return for the 2023-24 ABL season with the Perth Heat.

“It’s definitely tough going through the rehab process but I was young and I had a great group of guys around the Perth Heat clubhouse so it was always the goal to get back to being playing with them,” says Williams.

“It’s been huge being back playing with them both mentally and physically for myself. So I’m just trying to enjoy it.”

Williams hasn’t just been back in the line-up, he’s been a massive contributor.

In 2024-25, his second full season back, Williams finished third in the ABL with a .324 average. The mark he set led all Perth Heat hitters.

“This year I felt a bit more like myself. In the first year back there were a fair few games I had to pop a few Nurofen to get through them,” he says. “But this year I had a good off-season in the gym and I came into the year feeling strong and healthy.”

Williams says the injuries also helped him shift his mindset and lean on his community.

“From the mental side of things, I think I’ve started to mature. I know when I first came into the ABL I had a great first year but then struggled a little bit. I didn’t know how to cope with it,” he says.

“When I was in juniors I always excelled, but then you start struggling and it’s completely different. I’ve learned to talk to coaches, and teammates about how to go through things and accept it and find my way out of it.”

Williams is still only 25-years-old and is yet to enter his baseball prime. He says the Australian jersey is a motivating factor.

“It’s huge. A big goal for mine was to try to put back on the Australian jersey,” says Williams. “Being part of the senior team this weekend is massive for me.”

—-

ABL ROOKIE OF YEAR JAYLIN RAE BRINGS ‘JUST WIN’ ATTITUDE WHEREVER HE GOES


Jaylin Rae is bringing back valuable college lessons back to Australian baseball.

“I really just learned how to win,” says the 23-year-old infielder, who just won the Australian Baseball League Rookie of the Year.

The do-it-all utility man from Sydney built up quite the resume in his four-season career in the USA.

He helped Central Arizona win a Junior College National Championship in 2022.

He slashed .357/.449/.911 at Charleston Southern in 2023.

He finished ninth nationally in sacrifice bunts in 2024 with Eastern Kentucky.

He helped Australia finish fourth at an U18 World Cup and make the super round at an U23 World Cup.

Rae parlayed success to the Sydney Blue Sox hitting .292, playing six different positions and winning Rookie of the Year.

“That’s what I wanted to bring back to Sydney in my first year. I just like being a utility guy, a guy who helps out wherever is needed. I can fill a gap wherever the team needs,” says Rae. “I can play small ball when I have to. I’m not the biggest guy so I use my tools where I can.”

His team-first, and win first, mentality should factor in well in a national team setting.

Rae says his college experience really helped develop his sense of self, figuring out how he best fits in on a field.

“I figured myself out through college. That system suited me well. Just being able to play the small ball, fit in, steal a base, do what I can to get on base and be a spark plug,” he says.

Now, he’s impressed national selectors enough to have a look at this weekend just twelve months out from a World Baseball Classic.

But Jaylin says he doesn’t want to get caught up in the future.

“I think [the WBC] is always on our mind but the important thing is to have fun and don’t put pressure on yourself because when you do that you don’t really have too much success,” he says. “I’ll just show how I’ve progressed and what I can do for the team.”

Making the series special is playing in front of loved ones – an experience he hasn’t had too often at World Cups.

“It means the world to me,” says Rae. “Putting on the green and gold…there’s nothing like it. Being able to finally share that with the whole family is really special.”

KNIGHT FINALLY FEELING AT HOME IN AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL COMMUNITY


Team Australia outfielder Briley Knight says he’s found a home in Australian baseball.

When we first met Knight, he was a bundle of anxious, excited energy. He was about to jump on a plane to represent Australia at the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championships in Tokyo.

It was a ‘0 to 100 moment’ for Briley, who re-acquainted himself with the Aussie baseball world in a confronting way.

The 25-year-old, born in Perth, has an Australian passport but grew up in Oregon.

He introduced himself to Australian fans while playing in front of 50,000 fans and a TV audience of millions wearing the Green and Gold.

“When that happened – playing in front of all those people in the Tokyo – it was like ‘woah I can’t believe this is real.’ That really lit a fire in me for what I wanted to achieve,” he says. “I’m hoping down the track I can do it again.”

Briley’s father Brooke is a prolific Australian Baseball League manager, so Briley wasn’t exactly unfamiliar with Australian Baseball.

He even played for Western Australia at an U16 National Championship. He’s followed along and knows how the system works.

After a four-year college career, Briley took his talents back Down Under.

He’s played the last two ABL seasons with the Adelaide Giants and is re-signed for a third. Knight hit .317 across his 59 ABL games so far.

He was the Game 3 hero in the 2024 ABL Championship Series – taking a run-saving diving catch and driving in the winning run.

This year’s .315 average was good for fourth in the competition.

“This year I felt way more comfortable,” says Knight. “t’s the same for anyone. You enter a new environment and team it’s going to be a little strange to start out with. But coming into Adelaide, seeing more friendly faces with Team Australia, it definitely makes me feel more comfortable because I’m friends with these guys and we all have the same goal – just win.”

Knight says Australian baseball is now home for him. He has big goals for himself, and for his country.

“I’ll be back again in Australia next season and hopefully after that,” says Knight.

“I think to be a good baseball player at this level you have to know what you’re good at and know how you can help your team win. I don’t try to do too much or be someone else that I’m not,” he adds. “I just want to contribute. I want to be part of it. And I want to win.”

FOR AUSTRALIA’S GAME 1 STARTER ALEXANDER WELLS, FAMILY MATTERS IN RETURN TO NATIONAL TEAM


Your Game 1 Starter: Alexander Wells.

The Major Leaguer and 2025 Helms Award winner is wearing Team Australia colours for the first time since the 2015 Under 18 World Cup. He gets the ball vs the Hanwha Eagles tonight in Melbourne.

It’s a family moment on many different levels.

Wells will have his wife, daughter and parents in the stands and his twin brother Lachlan on the team with him for support.

It’s a milestone for the Wells clan.

“It’s everything. My wife and daughter came with me almost every where this past season – at home, on the road,” says Wells. “It means a lot to have them with me and it’s something extra special [to share this with them] this weekend.”

Wells capped off his remarkable return to professional baseball after over two years away by winning the Australian Baseball League Most Valuable Player and Pitching Award. It’s something his brother Lachlan won the year prior.

“Keeping it in the family,” he laughs.

Alexander went 6-1 in his 10 starts with a 1.55 ERA in 58.0 innings.

He says family helped spark enjoyment in baseball.

“I am just going out there and enjoying it. This game can be stressful at time and if you don’t enjoy the game it makes it a lot harder,” says Wells. “Once I leave the field, I’m a dad again and I can forget those bad outings quickly. It helps put things in perspective.”

National team duty has been heavily on the mind of the man who pitched parts of two seasons of MLB ball with the Baltimore Orioles.

“A couple years ago when I was still pitching in the States, I always thought of putting this jersey on. Obviously, I just needed to see how things went this past season. But to wear it here in Australia, with all my family here, is pretty cool,” he says.

Wells is sharing the experience with Lachlan Wells, his twin brother. The pair last pitched together for Australia at the Under 18 World Cup ten years ago.

“That’s cool too. As soon as we found out we both made the team it was pretty instant in getting everyone here. It’s a proud feeling,” he says.

Alexander says the World Baseball Classic is very much on his mind.

“If I pitch well enough, I’m available for selection.”

Max Durrington spending 18th birthday making Team Australia debut


How did you spend your 18th birthday? Max Durrington spent his 18th birthday as a member of Team Australia.

Yesterday, Max officially became an adult while at a team training before this weekend’s three-game series vs Korean professional side Hanwha Eagles.

He could make his national team debut as soon as Friday evening.

Durrington, who signed with the Athletics in July, is the youngest member of the 27-man squad by nearly five years.

It doesn’t quite feel real for the newly turned adult.

“If you told me a couple months ago I’d be doing this, I would have told you you’re lying,” says Durrington. “It feels surreal to start my career in the ABL [as a 17-year-old] and now be playing for Team Australia. I’ve been working hard but yeah, I’d say it’s pretty cool.”

It may not feel real, but it feels deserved.

Durrington earned more play time as the recent ABL season progressed, eventually becoming a full-time starter. He was a key part of a remarkable Brisbane Bandits’ turnaround that nearly saw them push their way into the post-season.

“I believe in myself. I believe in my stuff and that I can compete against these guys. I believe I belong out here,” he says.

Durrington will report to Athletics camp at the end of February to start his professional career in the United States.

He is eligible for the Under 18 World Cup in September.

“This is a cool experience,” says Durrington. “I look forward to it. I look forward to learning and competing.”

11 February 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

ABL

Hub & Scoring: Team Australia takes on Hanwha in three-game exhibition series Feb 14-16

The Australian men’s baseball team is almost ready to play a three-game series vs Korean professional side Hanwha Eagles on home soil.

Team Australia will face the likes of former MLB pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu (Dodgers / Blue Jays) and 2023 KBO Home Run King Roh Si-Han in a three-game exhibition series at Melbourne Ballpark from February 14-16.

Here you will find links to stories, game information, and more.

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