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If you need a job done, you can probably just call one of the Emeralds.

That’s not meant in the baseball sense. When it comes to everyday life, the Australian Women’s National Team has your metaphorical bases covered.

This group of World Cup athletes is made up of engineers, lending managers and students. There are myotherapists, floor tilers and teachers. They are mothers, partners and sisters. Need an insurance analyst? We have one for you. Want a birthday party coordinated? No worries. There are even excavators, compliance managers, truck drivers and massage therapists.

Need a building designed? Morgan Doty is an architect. Want to look at some sort of…er…rock? Well, Carly Moore is a geologist.

For the next two weeks, every member of the team will put their everyday occupations aside. It’s time for the pinnacle of women’s baseball.

The Women’s World Cup of Baseball is in Canada from August 8-13 and training camp starts tonight in Sydney.

For the next two weeks, the 20 humans on the Emeralds are baseball players…and only baseball players.

Heck, who are we kidding? They always have – and always will be at heart – only baseball players.

Representing your country in any sport will always be a special thing. But it feels a little bit different when it comes to the Emeralds, Team Australia and the upcoming Women’s Baseball World Cup.

The sacrifices made to play on this team are phenomenal. They have to work around complicated work schedules, demanding training and family time. Each of them finds time to play baseball. Scratch that. Not just play baseball – compete at a high level – a world class level.

Follow Team Australia on Instagram to get behind-the-scenes footage from Emeralds player Ticara Geldenhuis: Click to follow.

For these women, there is not a level of baseball higher than the Women’s World Cup. Training must reflect that.

Here is what centrefielder Morgan Doty’s preparation has looked like:

• 3x on-field & hitting sessions a week with the Baseball Victoria high performance team
• 3x strength / speed sessions a week
• 1x bullpen session
• 1-2 club ball games a week, where she works in time in the outfield and on the mound

“It adds up to about 20 hours a week,” says Doty. “And this is on top of working full time. It’s been mental but I feel like it’s the best preparation I’ve ever had.”

Head coach Jason Pospishil says he is amazed by how much the Australian women give to be on this team. They juggle a hectic life, a demanding high-performance schedule and have to pay to play.

MEET THE EMERALDS: 20 players and their bios.

“These are players in user-pay programs in high performance programs. They all sacrifice a lot to do this,” he says.  “You can tell how much it means to them. The emotion was real when they got the call that they were on the team. They work so hard for this.”

The reward to the sacrifice is here.

Men’s team head coach Dave Nilsson sums up what it means to put on the Team Australia uniform beautifully in the recent “Skin in the Game” documentary.

It’s no different for the Emeralds.

“I’m pretty comfortable that our players make more sacrifices than any other country. That’s not a complaint at all – it just is what it is,” he says. “When you’re talking about representing your country – and your families – this is in the truest form. They’re just trying to achieve something special, just as people. It takes a special person to buy into the Team Australia Culture.”

So it begs the question: “Why bother?”

Why play this game? Why give up so much? Why do you want to be the best?

We just asked them. Here are their responses.

The Women’s World Cup starts officially next week. We look forward to sharing these players stories.

The Emeralds – Our “Why”

Kelsey Brennan: “My ‘why’ for baseball is for the feeling it brings me when playing – I find myself become a leader, coming out of my shell, and feeling free. My ‘why’ is the countless hours I’m putting in for the athletes younger than me who can find a pathway through baseball. My ‘why’ is knowing I have the ability to be a strong female figure for junior girls and help ignite a spark for the love of the game. My ‘why’ is doing it for 12 year old me, and my ‘why’ is knowing any goal is achievable and no one can stop me no matter what.”

Gen Beacom: “I’ve played baseball my whole life and haven’t ever been more passionate about anything else. There’s always something to get better at in baseball, you can never be comfortable at the level you’re at”

Allie Bebbere: “I play because when I do I feel powerful. I also really like being in a predominantly sport and keeping up with the guys and showing them that GIRLS CAN TOO!”

Lili Cavanagh: “I’ve always loved playing baseball, but I continue to play for the friends I’ve made through the sport. If working harder means I get to play in the same grades as my friends, or on the same representative teams as my friends, then working harder feels so much more worth it.

Carly Moore: “Baseball provides me with a clarity, it’s something I’ve spent a lot of time doing, it’s something I really understand. Baseball has brought me some of the happiest memories and closest friends I’ve ever had.”

Shae Lillywhite: “It’s the best game in the world. You never feel like you have it figured out and its makes you keep coming back for more. Plus, the incredible friendships you make.

Claire O’Sullivan: “Baseball challenges me to be better and to do better. It enables me to keep perspective of the things that matter in my life. I love the challenge of working to become better and I love playing in a team environment.”

Abbey McLellan: “I love the combination of individual and team performance. I love that there’s different roles for different kinds of players, power hitters, base stealers, and that it takes a little bit of everything to be a successful team. Personally, my club, Footscray, is a big contributor to my why. They have been a home away from home since I started playing, I wouldn’t be where I am today without everyone at that club.”

Maddy Patrick: “The people, friendships that are formed it is like family. As well as an outlet, it’s a break and step out of day to day routine where you can showcase yourself and push yourself to be better and challenge yourself. You can have a whole new identity in the sport and so much more.”

Maddison Heath: “My family, we have been devoted to this sport for a very long time. We have all played baseball and i felt as though it really was a way we connected. I set myself goals, this being my biggest one, and my family have done everything they can so i have that support. The team environment and the endless support from team mates and coaches makes this such a great game to love.”

Lisa Norrie (Coach): “I coach baseball as I love giving back to the game. I love helping athletes become the best they can be.”

Meagan Haggart: “I love the challenge the game brings to me. Every time you step on the field, you never know what to expect or how the game is going to go. I love playing with my mates and having a good time”

Caitlin Eynon: “I love being a part of a team who can work together to achieve a goal. I love the hard work that goes into bettering myself and improving my skillset. I also love that there is always something to be working towards or striving for, whether that be a position, a team or skill improvement.”

Maddison Tabrett: “Baseball is everything and has been since I was a little kid. It’s what I did whenever I could and still what I do whenever I can. It’s apart of my family and my daughter loves coming and supporting me each week. ”

Ashley Patton: “I like to compete”

Sammantha Hamilton (Coach): “Coaching baseball brings me an incredible sense of fulfillment and joy. It’s not just about the game itself, but the opportunity to mentor and inspire athletes to grow both on and off the field. Seeing their progress and witnessing their passion for the sport ignite makes every moment worthwhile. I love being a part of their journey, helping them develop their skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Being a coach allows me to give back to the sport that has given me so much, and there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing I play a role in shaping the next generation of baseball players.”

Maddison Erwin: “The game I love has bought me lifelong friends and given me so many opportunities and continues to do so.”

Ticara Geldenhuis: “I do everything with my parents in mind. They made the tough decision to move their whole lives in their mid 30s, to leave their families and friends to move to Australia to give my brother and I better opportunities. I wouldn’t be able to have this opportunity if it wasn’t for them. I also love the spirit of competition and the accomplishment that follows success, for myself or for my teammates. I have met some of my best friends through baseball and these one day will be the aunties and uncles to my children.”

Leah Cornish: “To travel the world playing baseball”

Morgan Doty: “Competing at the highest level – what we are about to do, representing Australia at the world cup – I want to beat the best of the best, I want to win. This is my why.”

Japan has handed Australia it’s fourth straight loss to open the 2023 Under-12 World Cup.

The formidable Japanese bats could not be contained, as the power house baseball nation raced to a 15-0 win in Taiwan on Tuesday

Japan exploded for nine runs in the second inning.

Kengo Wada led the way for the winners, going 3-for-3 with a grand slam and six RBI.

Archer Peterson had Australia’s only hit of the game.

Australia wraps up pool play tomorrow with a game vs the hosts Taiwan.

The consolation round will occur after, with a schedule to be announced soon.

Some highlights for Australia include:

• A nifty double play turned by Archer Peterson at shortstop
• After allowing a grand slam, Harry Roberts showed some nice toughness by bouncing back and striking out the next batter
• Harrison Thomas-McLean made a fantastic trap and throw at third to retire the Japanese batter

Korea rode a terrific team pitching performance to defeat Australia 5-1 at the Intermediate League World Series in Livermore, California.

Australia, represented by the Brisbane North Vikings charter team, were struck out 13 times by the Korean outfit from West Seoul. They also limited the Aussies to just two hits, both by Alonzo Zaire Griffin.

Australia’s pitching also combined for 13 strike-outs.

Alonzo Zaire Griffin put forward a tremendous start on the mound for Australia. He had ten strike-outs in 4.2 innings and gave up just four hits.

The loss sends Brisbane North to an elimination game at 9:00AM local time, or 2:00AM AEST on Wednesday 2 August, vs Puerto Rico. If Australia can win that game, their tournament will continue.

Game Recap

It was never going to be easy for Australia. Their Korean opposition entered the game in phenomenal form – a 5-0 win over Europe where they tossed a no-hitter.

Their pitching looked good in this one, too. Doyun Yi started the game for Korea and allowed just one hit with no walks and no runs in 2.1 inning effort. He also struck out five batters.

Alonzo Zaire Griffin had his special moments as the Australian starting pitcher. He struck out seven batters in his first three innings of work while allowing just four hits.

Doyun Yi then made it happen on the basepaths. He surprised the Australians by stealing home to give Australia the lead.

Korea loaded the bases in the third inning and added two more runs, thanks to a ground ball up the middle.

Zaire Griffin left the game with a stat line to be proud of: 4.2 innings pitched, 4 hits, 3 runs, two walks…and an astounding 10 strikeouts.

The Aussies didn’t have much luck vs Seunghyeon, the Korean relief pitcher. He went the next 1.2 innings without allowing a hit while striking out two.

In the bottom of the fifth, Australia finally put some pressure on the team from West Seoul. Xavier Honsa worked a lead off walk, Zaire Griffin picked up his second hit of the day and suddenly it was runners on the corners and no outs.

Australia gave Korea a taste of their own medicine. Honsa stole home itself to put Australia on the board.

Australia kept the pressure going but Park Jihoon induced a pair of strike-outs to keep the Korean lead at two.

Tirrell Waiwai pitched well in relief for Australia. He pitched 1.0 innings of 1-hit ball with three strike outs.

A two-out, two-run homerun from Park Jihoon helped Korea pull away in the top of the seventh.

Australia will look to rebound tomorrow vs. Puerto Rico.

BOX SCORE

ASIA PACIFIC (KOREA):  5 Runs, 6 Hits, 1 Error.
0-1-2-0-0-0-2

AUSTRALIA REGION (BRISBANE NORTH):  1 Run,  2 Hits, 1 Error.
0-0-0-0-0-1-0

Hits: Alonzo Zaire Griffin (2)

Pitchers
Alonzo Zaire Griffin: 4.2IP, 4H, 3R, 2BB, 10SO
Tirrell Waiwai: 1.0IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 3SO
Lachlan Richards: 1.0IP, 1H, 2R, 2BB, 0SO
Fletcher Adams: 0.1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 0SO

Mexico scored a big 14-0 victory over Australia during Monday’s action at the Under-12 World Cup.
The win was Mexico’s first of the tournament. Australia falls to 0-3.

Mexico wasted no time finding the scoresheet. They shot out of the gate with four quick runs in the first inning. The dagger was from a 2-RBI knock from Alejandro Ibarra.

They added four more in the third, a pair in the fourth and four in the fifth.

Team Australia News: Ryde Hawks score famous victory over Mexico at Senior League World Series.

Rey Beltran led the offensive attack for Mexico with three hits and a pair of RBIs. Andre Salvador also had three hits.

Joseph Galvan pitched four shutout innings.

Archer Petersen, Harrison Thomas-McLean and Thomas Holborrow had hits for the Green & Gold.

Australia’s next game is tomorrow afternoon at 1:00PM AEST vs Japan.

Some nice highlights for Australia in today’s game:

• A nice defensive play from Litsu Tamura on a ground ball to end the second inning;
• Zavier Leigh showed some character by bouncing back after a tough first-inning to hold Mexico scoreless in the second inning and hold them to one in the third;
• A hard driven double to the wall from Harrison Thomas-Mclean (NSW) brought the crowd to its feet in the second inning;
• Archer Petersen had another hit for Australia. Not only has he pitched this tournament, but he has a .667 batting average;

BOX SCORE: Mexico vs Australia

Australia has won their first game at the Senior League World Series (U17) in South Carolina, holding off a late surge from Mexico to win 3-1.

Australia, represented by Senior League national champion Ryde Hawks (NSW), raced out to an early 3-0 lead and had to stand up to a relentless Mexican challenge late in the game.

Some tidy defense and clutch double plays helped Australia escape some tricky situations. Mexico had the bases-loaded with one-out in the sixth, and two runners on with no-out in the seventh. Australia induced inning ending double-plays on both occasions to keep Mexico off the board.

Lachlan Heap’s two-RBI single in the second inning was the offensive difference maker. Bradley Dalton also had two hits and scored.

Daniel Thwaites pitched the lion’s share of the game for Australia. He went 4.0 innings and allowed just one run.

Australia advances to the next round of this double-elimination tournament. They will play Curacao, the Carribean representative team, in the next round on Wednesday 2 August at 9:30AM AEST (Tuesday @ 7:30PM local time).

If they win that game, they will advance to the weekend’s international Championship Game, aka the semi-final of the Senior League World Series – a competition to determine the best club team in the world.

GAME RECAP

Things were scoreless early, large in part due to the efforts of Australia’s first female pitcher at the Senior League World Series. Isobel Lambert delivered a 1.2 inning performance allowing no runs, no hits and walking just two batters.

The Hawks had an initial breakthrough in the second inning. With bases loaded and two-outs, Lachlan Heap delivered a line drive single to score two runs and put Australia up 3-0.

From there, Ryde pitcher Daniel Thwaites took over. He navigated his first few innings cleanly, but Mexico started a rally in the late innings.

Mexico first pegged one back in the fifth. Back-to-back hits put the opposition in a threatening position with runners on second and third with just one out. Thwaites conceded just a sacrifice fly and Australia escaped by only allowing one run.

Then came the real pressure moment – a bases loaded jam in the sixth.

A walk and two straight singles put Australia on the ropes and juiced up the bases for Mexico. However, Thwaites induced an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play to keep Australia out of trouble.

In the end, it was a tidy little stat line for Thwaites. He tossed 4.0 innings of five-hit ball and allowed just the one run.

Australia had to work out of another tough situation in the seventh and final inning.

An error and a single and suddenly Mexico was threatening again with runners on first and second and nobody out.

Simon Slapeta induced a ground ball for a fielder’s choice, followed by a game-ending double play to seal it for Australia.

LATIN AMERICA (MEXICO): 1 Run, 6 Hits, 1 Errors.
0-0-0-0-1-0-0

AUSTRALIA REGION (RYDE HAWKS): 3 Runs, 4 Hits, 1 Errors.
0-3-0-0-0-0-x

Hits: Lachlan Heap, Christian Lane, Bradley Dalton (2)
RBI: Lachlan Heap (2)

Pitchers
M. Harris: 0.1IP, 0H, 0R, 1BB, 1SO
Isobel Lambert: 1.2IP, 0H, 0R, 2BB, 1SO
Daniel Thwaites: 4.0IP, 5H, 1R, 1BB, 1SO
Simon Slapeta (Save): 1.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 0SO,

Venezuela scored early and often in a 19-2 win over Australia in the second game of the WBSC Under 12 World Cup.

It’s Australia’s second loss of the tournament after falling to Germany on Saturday afternoon, despite a valiant comeback effort.

Australia may have dropped their opening game of the Under-12 World Cup by a 7-3 scoreline to Germany but a resilient never-say-die effort, some nice defensive plays and a wonderful display of sportsmanship leaves plenty of reasons to be proud.

To be fair, Australia’s youngest national team ran into a heck-of-a-pitcher.

German starting pitcher Felipe Morales took a no-hitter into the fifth inning. He delivered a big-time performance on the global stage he’ll never forget. He struck out seven batters and was looking confident all afternoon, dancing the baseball all around the strike-zone.

Above: Felipe Morales (Photo: WBSC)

Australia could have folded over and packed it in, but they didn’t. Despite being down seven runs going into the final inning, the team grinded out some tough at-bats vs Morales. The Green & Gold punched back with three late runs to apply some serious pressure on the Germans. That’s the never-say-die attitude we love to see.

Then there’s the sportsmanship.

Morales left the game with bases loaded in the sixth after fooling the Australian batters all game. When he left the game, Australian first baseman Oliver Allen (VIC) gave the German pitcher a cool little fist bump to the opposition in a tremendous display of respect and sportsmanship.

The final line on Morales reads 5.1 innings with two hit, four walks, three earned runs and seven strikeouts. The damage came from the final three batters he faced – he allowed a walk, hit-by-pitch and a double in his final three batters – not indicative of his start at all.

In another positive note for the Green & Gold, not many German-batters were able to power a ball to the outfield. They scored most of their runs off Australian walks, infield-hits and a handful of errors.

In total, Germany had five hits and Australia had three. Litsu Tamura (QLD) was the one that broke up the no-hitter and recorded Australia’s first base knock of the tournament.

The German infield was sensational most of the game. They made a number of athletic plays to retire Australian batters off hard-hit balls in play. Perhaps the Aussies would have reached base in club ball, but not at this World Cup.

Germany jumped Australia early. A patient approach at the plate led to four walks for the Germans and lots of pressure on the base paths.

Box Score: Australia vs Germany – U-12 World Cup

There weren’t many hard-hit balls, but singles to Liam Hagen and Willem Lenhart helped bring home three first inning scores for Germany.

It could have been more if it weren’t for a nifty backhanded catch from third baseman Toby Kelman (NSW) and a sharp line-drive snag from Oliver Allen (VIC) at first. Both those plays limited damage and kept the German bats at bay.

Australia had difficulty responding to the initial German strike, thanks in large part to the pitching from Morales.

After allowing a lead-off walk in the first inning, Morales proceeded to sit down the next eleven batters in order.

Germany added four more runs in the third inning. Only one ball left the infield that entire frame – a shallow pop fly to end an inning. Once again, Germany took advantage of walks and hits.

Australia’s push back came in the sixth inning. With bases loaded and one out, Allen had a deep left-field double that bounced off the wall to score a run. Mark Howell (WA) and Litsu Tamura (QLD) both had RBIs.

The spark was just too little, too late for Australia – but lots of positive signs to build from. Let’s hope it’s a great learning experience heading into their next game.

Australia will take on Venezuela at 11:00AM local time (1:00PM AEST) on Sunday. It won’t be easy – Venezuela didn’t allow a hit in their Saturday afternoon victory over Mexico.

A mass amount of rain due to a Typhoon passing by Taiwan has forced the postponement of Day 1 of the Under-12 World Cup.

The teams are not in any danger and are safe. There’s just a lot of rain.

WBSC is working hard on a revised schedule of play. Stay tuned to this page and Team Australia Baseball channels for updates.

UPDATE (6:50AEST): WBSC is still working on a revised schedule, but Day 2 of the U12 World Cup will continue as originally planned. Australia will play one game on Saturday 29 July – Germany at 4:30PM.