24 July 2023
Australia has four representative teams heading to the United States for the Little League, Intermediate League, Junior League and Senior League World Series.
These prestigious tournaments are broadcast on ESPN and garner huge crowds and media attention across the USA.
Here’s what you need to know.
21 July 2023
- Team Australia Women's Baseball
We’re not far away from seeing how Australia’s national women’s team stacks up vs the rest of the world.
Nicknamed “the Emeralds”, the best female baseball players from the land Down Under will jet off to Thunder Bay, Canada for the Group Stage of the Women’s Baseball World Cup.
The World Cup format has been totally revamped by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and will take place over two years. We are about to enter the “Group Stage” of the event.
Teams have been split into Pool A and Pool B. Australia is in Pool A with Canada, United States, South Korea, Hong Kong and Mexico. These games will take place August 8 – 13 in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Pool B takes place in Japan in September with the likes of the Japanese, Chinese Taipei, Venezuela, Cuba, Puerto Rico and France.
If a team finishes in the Top 2 of their Pool, they automatically advance to the final round of the World Cup to be held in 2024. There are also two wild card spots available for teams that finish outside the Top 2, so finishing third still keeps you in with a chance.
All games will be broadcast via WBSC channels, likely via their Game Time App, and we will post out links out on game day so Australian fans don’t miss a second of action! Fans should be able to purchase a tournament pass through WBSC. Stay tuned.
The Emeralds haven’t competed in a major international tournament since a seventh-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. In the last five years, there has been a big roster turnover, with 14 of the 20 rostered players set to make their international debuts.
Emeralds head coach Jason Pospishil says although the team is young, he thinks the data and baseball analytics shows that Australia should be able to swing it with the best in the world on paper.
“We need that belief that we are a good baseball team, because we are,” he says. “I’m looking forward to seeing how this team will form their own identity. This is a new chapter of Australian women’s baseball and there are all the makings of this being a very good one.”
The travelling squad will meet in Sydney on August 1 for a five-day training camp before flying to Canada for the tournament.
It’s a team worth supporting. None of the women are full-time baseball players – they all work, have families, and play the sport out of pure passion.
“These women compete in user-pay high-performance programs across the state, they’ve all sacrificed a lot to play at this level and get themselves ready for an international tournament,” says Posphisil. “You can tell how much it means to them to have the chance to play in this tournament – the emotion is so real. They work so hard for this and to be here.”
Without further ado, let’s meet the 2023 Emeralds Squad…
Gen Beacom (VIC – Sandringham) – Pitcher / 1B: It’s the 18-year-old’s international debut. Beacom was recently filmed throwing 85 miles per hour. To put that in perspective, the average velocity of pitchers on the top international women’s teams is a little over 70. She also possesses a powerful bat with exit velocities flying off the charts. Beacom famously pitched a professional game for the Melbourne Aces in the 2022 pandemic impacted ABL season. It’s Beacom’s first taste of World Cup action and no matter the outcome, it’s sure to be a great learning experience in her development as a player and person.
Allie Bebbere (VIC – Doncaster) – Pitcher: You could make a case that Bebbere has been the top pitcher across the last two women’s national championships – she’s mighty consistent. She allowed just one run in eight innings of work at the recent Nationals, while allowing less than one walk or hit per inning pitched. It was an effort strong enough for her to win the “Golden Arm” award. Bebbere is a strike thrower with a sinker/slider combination and can touch 70mph on the gun.
Kelsey Brennan (WA – Wanneroo) – OF / Pitcher: She can play all positions in the outfield and throw off the mound. Brennan is a plus thrower, a solid defender, and can be used in multiple positions. She was part of the Western Australian squad that won the 2023 National Title. Look out for Brennan on the bases – she swiped six bags at Nationals to share in the team lead.
Lili Cavanagh (VIC – Springvale) – OF / Pitcher: After an esteemed junior career, including winning a Golden Glove and Golden Bat at the Australian Youth Championships, Cavanagh has cracked the senior squad. She can run. She can throw. She can play all across the outfield. Cavanagh hit .524 for Victoria at Nationals and led the team in runs with 10.
Leah Cornish (WA – Melville) – Utility: Keep your eye on this 16-year-old who has burst on to the Australian baseball scene. She is the real deal. Cornish won the Golden Bat at Nationals, something that paired well with the championship that her team also took home. She also won the WA State League Most Valuable Player Award. Coaches like to talk about how complete a player she is, especially for a teenager. She can throw 72mph as a pitcher and can play nearly anywhere on the diamond. She was WA’s catcher at Nationals. Versatility is the name of the game for Cornish. She is a name to remember.
Morgan Doty (VIC – Newport) – OF / P: They say that earth is 30% land and the rest is covered by Morgan Doty. She will likely be Australia’s starting centrefielder and could be used in a high leverage situation on the mound. She can throw mid-70s, after all. Doty already has World Cup experience, is a multiple-time national champion, has played in the Australian Women’s Showcase and is a genuine star of the game. Head coach Jason Pospishil says Doty is likely in the Top 10 female players on the planet.
Maddie Erwin (ACT – Weston Creek/Blacktown) – Pitcher: Erwin is a strike throwing machine who has really improved her craft over the past couple seasons. Playing in two Australian Women’s Baseball Showcases would have helped with that. It’s her first time as an Emerald, earning her way there after a great Nationals with New South Wales.
Caitlin Eynon (WA – Melville) – SS/P: Eynon has some excellent skills that should translate to the international game. Eynon can play solid short stop, can pitch with a fastball touching 74mph off the gun when she pitches. She’s a great all-around athlete and a good option as a late reliever. Eynon batted .481 at Nationals including a three-hit, three-run performance when it mattered the most – the Gold Medal game.
Ticara Geldenhuis (NSW – Blacktown) – OF: A genuine, all-around athlete. Geldenhuis can hit, play defense and can she ever run. The Geldenhuis name has been coming more to the forefront after two excellent Showcases and a National Championship where she drove in eight runs and stole six bases in her six games played. Ticara has won five national titles across the senior and junior levels combined.
Meaghan Haggart (WA – Wanneroo) – P: She has some experience in the senior national squad prior as a catcher. Recently she’s honed in on the pitching side of things. It’s the off-speed stuff opposition batters need to be wary of. Haggart has a high spin rate on the breaking ball with analytics showing it’s in the Top 10% in the world. There are lots of tools to like and work with here.
Maddison Heath (NSW – Blacktown) – C: A fantastic story of hard-work and perseverance. Australia will usher in a new era behind the plate, after longtime catcher Tahnee Lovering has stepped away. Heath is one of two options and has been on the radar for a few years. Heath needed a major hip surgery in 2022 but has rehabbed well-enough to push her way into national selection. She can bring the thunder with the bat and is top notch at receiving and blocking.
Abbey Kelly (VIC – Essendon) – 3B / P: Kelly was the starting pitcher for the Emeralds upset victory over the USA at the 2016 World Cup – a win that sent them to the super round. She won the Golden Arm at the 2022 Nationals. She is elite in the field, handy with the bat, and a proven dynamo in clutch moments. A big time presence for a young Australian squad.
Shae Lillywhite (VIC – Springvale) – DH: Australia’s most capped international player and a living legend of the game. Lillywhite has played in all eight previous World Cups and has an illustrious career. This is tournament number nine for Shae. She was a 2006 World Cup All-Star, and in 2013 she became the first Australian to sign in the Japan Women’s Baseball League. For a team that has so many debutants, it’s nice to have the most experienced international player in Aussie baseball history in the squad.
Abbey McLellan (VIC – Footscray) – 1B /DH: A return member from the 2018 team, McLellan brings a booming bat to the squad. She recently required a personal best in exit velocity so despite all her experience, McLellan is still getting better. She hit .571 at the recent National Championships and is consistently among the leading batters in any tournament she plays in.
Carly Moore (SA – Woodville) – C: Moore is about to become the first South Australian woman to play in a World Cup game. Moore had a phenomenal 2023 season. She won Best & Fairest honours in the SA Women’s League, guided Woodville to a maiden title and captained the SA State Team to a Bronze Medal. She is known for her leadership, vision at the plate, and knack for calling a game.
Claire O’Sullivan (NSW – Greenaway) – P/INF/OF: Likely a starting pitcher for one Australia’s games, while playing multiple positions in the field. She’s played a lot of her time at first base but could see action in right field, where she’s been working out like she’s been there her whole life. O’Sullivan is another veteran leader on the squad with experience at all levels. She’s been part of Senior Squads since 2011 and is a two-time National Championship winner.
Maddy Patrick (VIC – Springvale) – “Almost Everything”: She is a genuine, genuine utility player. It would be easier to list out the positions she likely won’t play – catcher and first base. Patrick can slot in so many different positions and gives the Emeralds line-up flexibility by being able to fill a few roles. She’ll tell you herself…Patrick only knows how to play the game one way – hard.
Ashley Patton (ACT – Blacktown) – Pitcher: A 16-year-old who earned her way onto the squad. She hits 73mph on the gun – above average velo for the top teams at the World Cup. Patton has a very live arm who keeps refining her command. A solid breaking ball to compliment the velocity. She won the MVP of the ACT’s Grand Final in 2022.
Jordan Richardson (NSW – Greenaway) – INF / P: Show us your power! Richardson slugged a homer at Nationals and that power will suit a Thunder Bay ballpark where the ball carriers. She has experience at lots of positions across the diamond. On the bump, she has a strong command and throws all her pitches for strikes.
Maddison Tabrett (NSW – Blacktown) – INF / P: Tabrett made her Emeralds debut as a 15-year-old at the 2012 World Cup. She’s also a World Cup bronze medalist. Tabrett returns for her fourth World Cup and brings a lot of experience. She is a side-arm pitcher with a point-of difference in the Australian staff. She can play multiple positons in the infield.
Jason Pospishil – Manager (NSW): “Pops” brings a wealth of experience as coach. He spent several seasons as the manager of the Sydney Blue Sox, coached the U18 National team, has time as the NSW High Performance Manager and even coached in the Minnesota Twins organisation. He played professionally in the Twins’ minor leagues, represented NSW in the Claxton Shield, and played for Australia at the junior level
Chris Oxspring – Pitching Coach (NSW): There aren’t many more accomplished players than Chris Oxspring. He played in the Major Leagues, KBO, and Japanese Big Leagues in a professional playing career that’s lasted more than 23 years. He’s still got it. He pitched with great numbers for the Sydney Blue Sox this past season at age 46.
Samantha Hamilton – Assistant Coach (VIC): Hamilton is part of the most decorated era of women’s baseball in Australia. She was famously part of the 2010 World Cup squad that won a silver medal in Venezuela. She is a 10-time national champion with Victoria. Hamilton is the coach of the Victorian state team.
Lisa Norrie – Assistant Coach (QLD): Norrie made international headlines when she became the first female coach in Australian Baseball League history (Brisbane Bandits). Her coaching career has since launched, becoming a coach in the American instructional leagues, affiliated with MLB clubs.
Ursula Howard – EO (VIC): The real boss of the Emeralds, Ursula is in charge of everything that happens on the road as we bring the Emeralds across the globe for this tournament. Ursula has recent experience as the EO for the Victorian state team that competes at National Championships. She also has great experience as a player – a three-time national champion, a championship as a youth coach, and was part of the support staff at the 2018 WC.
Tammy Ong – Physio (NSW): Tammy has been working as a full-time women’s health physiotherapist in a private practice for nearly five years. She treats anything musculoskeletal, neurological and women’s health related. She’s also a Pilates instructor and uses this in her practice. Tammy has experience with Western Magic AFC and has been working with the Sydney Blue Sox since the 2018-19 season.
14 July 2023
The Emeralds will depart for the WBSC World Cup – Group A Qualifier with a fresh squad of 20 players, with 14 players set to make their official international tournament debut.
The touring team was selected from a training squad of 25 players selected from the 2023 Australian Women’s Championships in April.
Players and coaches will be heading to Sydney on the 1st of August for a training camp prior to departing for Thunder Bay Canada on the 6th of August. The Emeralds will take on Canada, Hong Kong, South Korea, Mexico and the USA from the 8th to the 12th of August with the top two teams progressing to the World Cup, and an additional wild card from the group determined based on results across the week.
Group B will be held in Japan during September. Six teams in total will progress to the Women’s World Cup Final to be held in Thunder Bay July 15th – 21st next year.
The Emeralds will be led by Manager Jason Pospishil, supported by Lisa Norrie (assistant coach), Sam Hamilton (assistant coach), Chris Oxpring (pitching coach), Ursula Howard (executive officer) and Tammy Ong (physiotherapist).
Photo: Shae Lillywhite – Credit: SMP Images.
2023 Emeralds:
Genevieve Beacom (VIC/Sandringham)
Allie Bebbere (VIC/Doncaster)
Kelsey Brennan (WA/Wanneroo)
Lili Cavanagh (VIC/Springvale)
Leah Cornish (WA/ Melville)
Morgan Doty (VIC/Newport)
Maddison Erwin (ACT/Weston Creek/Blacktown Workers)
Caitlin Eynon (WA/Melville)
Ticara Geldenhuis (NSW/Blacktown Workers)
Meaghan Haggart (WA/Wanneroo)
Maddison Heath (NSW/Blacktown Workers)
Abbey Kelly (VIC/Essendon)
Shae Lillywhite (VIC/Springvale)
Abbey McLellan (VIC/Footscray)
Carly Moore (SA/Adelaide)
Claire O’Sullivan (NSW/Greenaway)
Maddy Patrick (VIC/Springvale)
Ashley Patton (ACT/Blacktown Workers)
Jordan Richardson (NSW/Greenaway)
Maddison Tabrett (NSW/Blacktown Workers)
Staff:
Jason Popsishil (Manager – NSW)
Chris Oxpring (Pitching Coach – NSW)
Samantha-Jane Hamilton (Assistant Coach – VIC)
Lisa-Anne Norrie (Assistant Coach – QLD)
Ursula Howard (EO – VIC)
Tammy Ong (Physiotherapist – NSW)
SportsLink, Baseball Australia’s preferred travel partner, invites you to support the Emeralds in their 2023 Group A World Cup tournament in Thunder Bay, Canada.
Baseball.com.au event hub – click here.
WBSC event hub – click here.
03 July 2023
A talented team of youngsters will put on the green and gold for the first time in their baseball careers as they represent Australia in the 2023 WBSC Under 12 Baseball World Cup in Taiwan from July 28th to August 6th.
The Australian squad finds themselves in Group A, featuring powerhouses Japan, Mexico and Chinese Taipei. The top three finishers of each group in the Open Round will then advance to the Super Round, while the other six teams will play the Placement Round.
The first and second-place teams of the Super Round will play for the U-12 World Title, while the third and fourth-place finishers will compete for a bronze medal.
Fresh off the 2023 Australian Little League Championships, the World Cup provides an opportunity for Australian players to showcase their abilities and cement their status as global baseball contenders.
WBSC event hub – click here.
30 June 2023
Team Australia will depart for the 2023 Under 12 World Cup with 18 talented young players set to make their international debut. The team, selected across the Australian summer of baseball, will take up the final wild card spot within the event issued by the WBSC.
30 June 2023
The Australian Baseball League (ABL) is delighted to announce a new ownership agreement with the Sydney Blue Sox.
The Sydney Blue Sox are a foundation member of the Australian Baseball League have been acquired by Darren Macbeth, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Five Star Distribution, and Robert Hazan, Co-Founder of Guzmany Gomez.
A prominent member of the Australian baseball community since the inception of the ABL in 1989, the Blue Sox under the guidance of Darren Macbeth and Robert Hazan are poised to build on the teams outstanding baseball legacy and take the team and sport across New South Wales to new heights.
With a deep-rooted understanding of the sport and business, coupled with a shared commitment to excellence, Macbeth and Hazan are determined to return the Blue Sox to their rightful place as one of the premier teams in the ABL.
Macbeth, the majority owner of the Sydney Blue Sox, is no stranger to the baseball scene having previously played grade for the Canterbury Vikings and the Sydney Zephyrs, the experience providing him with a deep appreciation for the sport and its fans. Thrilled to have secured ownership of the new team, Macbeth now has his sights set on the 2023/24 ABL season.
“Both Rob and I are extremely excited to take over the license for the Sydney Blue Sox. We want to create a professional ball club that has success on and off the field and gives back to the NSW baseball community.” “Returning Sydney to the top of the ABL is obviously a high priority for us, but equally, it is about engaging the fans and creating a wonderful and entertaining environment for everyone to come out and enjoy their time at the game.” Macbeth said.
Macbeth’s company, Five Star Distribution, is a respected partner of renowned baseball equipment brands, solidifying his dedication to the growth and development of baseball in Australia and New Zealand.
Robert Hazan, known across both business and baseball worlds, joins the ownership group as a minority owner. As a Co-Founder of Guzman y Gomez, Hazan has demonstrated his entrepreneurial capabilities and his involvement with Baseball Australia and the Cronulla Junior Association showcases his strong commitment to the sport’s grassroots development.
The acquisition of the Sydney Blue Sox by Macbeth and Hazan signals an exciting new era for baseball in New South Wales with Baseball Australia Chief Executive Officer Glenn Williams applauding the new ownership deal.
“We are thrilled to see Darren and Robert take over the Sydney Blue Sox for the next five years. Having been successful in multiple business ventures previously, coupled with Darren’s strong baseball pedigree and connections through the brands he represents across Australasia, we are extremely confident in the long-term success of the Sydney Blue Sox.”
On behalf of Baseball Australia and the ABL, Williams expressed gratitude to Mark Wilton and his team for their dedication and contribution to the Sydney Blue Sox.
28 June 2023
- Team Australia Women's Baseball
The Australian Women’s World Cup team face a difficult but exciting challenge as the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announced the group formats for the Women’s Baseball World Cup tournament in 2023.
The WBSC announced a new format that will see the Women’s Baseball World Cup played under a two – stage schedule resulting in 30 games during the group stage. Two groups (A & B) will play in Thunder Bay Canada (Group A) and Miyoshi City Japan (Group B) across August and September 2023. At the end of the Group Stage each group’s top-two finishers will qualify for the 2024 Finals in Thunder Bay plus two Wild Card Teams.
Number 8 ranked Australia has been placed in Group A to be hosted in Thunder Bay, Canada, from 8 to 13 August, along with No. 3 Canada; No. 4 USA; No. 10 Korea; No. 11 Hong Kong, China; and No. 12 Mexico.
The 3rd ranked Canada and 4th ranked USA will provide the biggest challenges to Australia, who’ll be seeking early wins to guarantee a top 2 finish and an automatic bid to the Championship series in 2024.
SportsLink, Baseball Australia’s preferred travel partner, invites you to support the Emeralds in their 2023 Group A World Cup tournament in Thunder Bay, Canada.
Baseball.com.au event hub – click here.
WBSC event hub – click here.
19 June 2023
August, Williamsport Pennsylvania – the date and location on the mind of every participant in the Australian Little League Championship 2023. A win at this tournament punches the ticket for a trip to the United States to compete for the World Championship!
The Hills baseball club entered the Gold Medal game with a sparkling 6-0 record thanks to the good work of an offensive line-up that saw over half the squad hit .400 or above. The trio of Adrian Jankuloski, Beau Stockdale and Isaac Meighan all cracked out batting averages of .500 across the tournament while Jett Creamer hit .429 with 3 doubles and 7 rbi’s. The team batting average came in at .356 while plating 54 runs in 7 games. The pitching staff were nothing to sniff at either, once again led by Jankuloski and Stockdale who combined for 33 punchouts in 20 innings of work!
16 June 2023
The Perth Heat have solidified their place in the Australian Baseball League signing a five-year license extension with Baseball Australia and the Australian Baseball League (ABL).
Baseball Australia Chief Executive Glenn Williams saying the agreement highlights the Heat’s dedication to the league and their ongoing contribution to the Australian baseball community.
“We are thrilled to see Rory Vassallo and his group extend their commitment to the Perth Heat for another five years. The Heat has been one of the most successful teams in ABL history, and their outstanding performance during the 2022/23 season truly showcased their dedication and skill. We anticipate further growth and success for the West Australian team in the coming years.”
Since their inaugural game on October 27, 1989, where they faced the Adelaide Giants at Parry Field, the Perth Heat has established a strong presence in Australian baseball, winning 15 Claxton Shields, including six ABL championships, in short, the Heat is synonymous with success. Building on the momentum from the memorable 2022/23 ABL Championship series against the Adelaide Giants, the Heats license extension ensures their continued participation in the Australian Baseball League for the next five years with owner Rory Vassallo pleased to have secured the extension.
“We are super pleased to have extended our license agreement with this iconic West Australian team. As the longest-serving ownership group in the ABL, we remain fully committed to the Perth Heat and our local community. Preserving the essence of the Perth Heat is of utmost importance to us, and we eagerly look forward to collaborating with Baseball WA to provide an elite pathway for all West Australian baseballers.”
The Perth Heat’s legacy in Australian baseball is exemplified by their passionate fan base and their numerous accomplishments. From their memorable participation in the first-ever ABL game to their recent success in the finals, the Heat continues to captivate baseball enthusiasts.
This license extension not only reinforces the Perth Heat’s prominent position in Australian baseball but also demonstrates their unwavering commitment to the Australian Baseball League. The ABL looks forward to witnessing the Heat’s continued contributions to the sport and their invaluable role in shaping the future of Australian baseball.
13 June 2023
Baseball Australia and the ABL have joined forces with Gold Coast based Creative, Marketing and Digital Agency Mad Panda Media. Established in 2016, the MPM team have, and continue to work with a number of elite sporting teams and franchises, along with a suite of local, national, and international brands and businesses.
Mad Panda Commercial in collaboration with The Sponsorship Group have also been retained to assist with commercial sales for BA & THE ABL. Working closely with Chief Executive Officer Glenn Williams and Australian Baseball League General Manager Paul Gonzalez, MPM & The Sponsorship Group have been assessing, evaluating, and creating a number of commercial partnership opportunities for the league. TSG owner Paul Robinson & MPM Managing Director Jason Sintome have worked and collaborated for more than a decade facilitating a number of key sporting sponsorship partnerships including a major partnership for the Cronulla Sharks in Aramex and Front of shorts Partner Pilot Men’s Health.
Robinson has also achieved recent success with Supercars, A League Women’s, Richmond Football Club, Hobart Hurricanes, North Melbourne, World Surf League, Surfing Queensland & Tough Mudda.
The partnership was launched after lengthy discussions with Baseball Australia’s Executive Leadership team and with Paul Robinson saying The Sponsorship Group and MPM Commercial were excited to be working with the sport as it enters an exciting new phase.
“We are delighted to be working with Glenn, Paul and the broader team at Baseball Australia during what is a very exciting time for both the sport and the upcoming ABL season and feel that the time is right for the sponsorship community to embrace a product which is not only growing at an impressive rate here in Australia, but also internationally.”
Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams welcomes Mad Panda Media and The Sponsorship Group to Baseball Australia in what is an exciting time for the sport after the success of the World Baseball Classic and ahead of Australian Baseball League 2023 / 2024 Opening Day.
“Baseball Australia has seen significant growth and opportunity across Baseball in Australia, Team Australia and the Australian Baseball League, it is an exciting time to be able to work with a group such as Mad Panda Media to achieve commercial growth and to keep telling the stories of our athletes and what we do as a sport. To be able to share this news to key stakeholders, our partners, fans and a new international audience is a space we are motivated to achieve growth.”
Boasting decades of high-level marketing, media and digital experience, the Mad Panda Media team will collaborate with the Australian Baseball League to continue to grow and expand the sport domestically and internationally. With extensive experience working across NRL, AFL, NBL & Super Rugby, the Mad Panda Media team bring a wealth of knowledge to BA and the ABL, with Managing Director Jason Sintome pleased to be working alongside baseball Australia’s current Marketing, operations, and Executive team.
“We undertook a lengthy discussion and exploration phase to gain a greater understanding of the sports goals, operations and goals, and to ensure that as a business we were the right fit for Baseball Australia and the ABL, We were certainly encouraged by the administrations professionalism and drive to grow the sports reach and profile and we very much look forward to working with Kaitlin, Glenn, Paul and the team.”
07 June 2023
A few short days ago, the Indonesian Women’s Baseball Team achieved a feat that had seemed unimaginable just seven years prior. From May 21st to 30th, they proudly represented their nation in the 3rd Women’s Baseball Asian Cup held in Hong Kong, China, winning their Group B pre-qualifier to progress to the second round of the tournament.
Team Indonesia faced a challenging second round facing India as the winner of Group A, who only played two games in the pre-qualifier, while the other four teams they played against were fresh, having not competed in the pre-qualifier due to pre-qualification.
Everyone who watched Indonesia play were impressed with their skill, professionalism, approach, and their joy at being part of the tournament. This included the world’s best female pitcher, Ayami Sato (Japan), publicly reflecting on their performance on a social media post.
Indonesia finished 8th out of 12 teams, securing their first-ever ranking points and showing the world that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. This accomplishment was even more remarkable considering that women and girls were once restricted and discouraged from participating in baseball.
Thanks to initiatives like Diamonds in the Rough, a program aimed at empowering Indonesian girls through baseball, and the dedication of many local individuals, including the late Mr Djulondin Djang, (a passionate supporter of women in baseball), the landscape of women’s baseball in Indonesia has experienced a transformative shift, creating opportunities for these exceptional athletes to showcase their talents on a global stage.
For years, baseball in Indonesia was seen as predominantly a men’s sport, leaving limited avenues for women and girls to pursue their passion. However, in 2016, the Diamonds in the Rough program emerged, aiming to provide equal access and encourage female participation in baseball.
Led by Narelle Gosstray and a group of committed coaches and advocates, with support from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Baseball Australia, the Diamonds in the Rough program identified and nurtured talented Indonesian girls.
What began as a small group of aspiring players quickly gained momentum, attracting numerous young women eager to break free from societal norms and embrace the world of baseball.
A key component of the program was equality, respect and leadership, and these aspects were supported by the NO MORE Campaign, an Aboriginal initiative created by Charlie King, AM, aimed at ending family violence.
While NO MORE is primarily a Northern Territory initiative, the issues faced in the NT and Australia are no different from those faced by girls and women in Indonesia.
Each program delivery included workshops and information sharing to raise awareness, and public demonstrations of linking arms to show a united approach to ending violence against women.
Diamonds in the Rough became a catalyst for change, reshaping perceptions and empowering female participants to overcome barriers. It also fostered a strong bond between Indonesian players, coaches, and their Australian counterparts. This collaboration paved the way for cultural shifts and inspired future generations to pursue their dreams in the game.
Diamonds in the Rough played a crucial role in creating a foundation for the team that participated in the Asian Cup. The inaugural program took place in Jakarta in February 2016, and two players from that program were part of this inaugural team. The program’s initial funding enabled two more successful deliveries in Indonesia in 2017 and 2018.
This all led to the formation of a girls team that competed in a series of friendly games in Brisbane in 2017, and then the Australian Youth Championships in Canberra in 2019. Seven players from the 2019 team competed in this Asian Cup.
Building on these achievements, Paul Mead, co-founder of She Maps, a program empowering girls in STEM fields, secured funding once again through DFAT to run a combined drone and baseball program in Indonesia. The first program under this funding took place in 2018, just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Another She Maps – Diamonds in the Rough collaboration is planned for the end of June 2023, returning to Bali to expand on previous work and expanding to Surabaya at the request of the Indonesian Federation, the proposed location for the Indonesian Junior Girls National Championships later this year.
The dedication and perseverance of these extraordinary athletes, along with the support of programs like Diamonds in the Rough and She Maps, have transformed women’s baseball in Indonesia and serve as an inspiration to individuals breaking down barriers and pursuing their dreams.
Watch this space to see the Indonesian women’s program continue to flourish. The Indonesian team has two new short-term goals
1) To have women’s baseball included in the Indonesian National Sports Week (Pekan Olahraga Nasional – PON) held every 4 years. The next edition of PON will be held in 2024 in Solo, Central Java.
2) To participate again in the Australian Youth Women’s Championships as an invitational team in April 2024.
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