Baseball - Baseball Queensland

2023 Hall Of Fame Announcement

Dear Valued Members of the Baseball Community,

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your enthusiastic participation in the 2023 Hall of Fame nomination and voting process. Your dedication to recognising outstanding achievements and contributions within the Queensland baseball community is truly commendable.

As of 18 August, the 2023 Hall of Fame ballot has officially closed. The Voting Process that sees every BQ affiliated club and region, the Queensland Baseball Umpires Assoc, the Scorers Committee, the Brisbane Bandits and all living BQ Life Members and BQ Hall of Fame Members cast a vote as part of the voting panel, has determined that there will not be any inductions into the Hall of Fame this year. We understand the anticipation and excitement surrounding this event and we congratulate the candidates on their nomination to the ballot and thank them for their contributions to the sport.

We are pleased to announce that under the current rules, all candidates who were nominated this year will remain on the ballot for subsequent years in accordance with the guidelines. We encourage you to continue supporting and recognising those who have made significant contributions to Queensland baseball by nominating deserving individuals in the coming years. We also encourage those on the voting panel to continue to embrace their role and cast their vote when next it is called, your participation is vital to validating the voting process.

Despite the absence of inductions into the Hall of Fame this year, we are excited to inform you that the BQ Hall of Fame and Awards dinner will proceed as planned on 16 September. This event provides a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate various accomplishments and contributions within Queensland baseball. Among the achievements to be celebrated are the GBL Club of the Year, the 2023 Queensland U18 and Queensland Youth Women National Championships, the BQ Contribution of the Year Awards, and the presentation of our new Hall of Fame Challenge Coins to all Hall of Fame Members in attendance. We also commemorate 40 years since the first Queensland back to back Claxton Shield victories of 1982 and 1983.

Your presence at the Hall of Fame and Awards dinner is highly anticipated and greatly appreciated. Tickets are currently available to the public with all welcome to attend. It is through these gatherings that we strengthen the bonds of our baseball family and continue to foster a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to Queensland baseball. We look forward to celebrating together at the upcoming Hall of Fame and Awards dinner on 16 September.

Buy Tickets Now

2023 Hall of Fame Candidates Announced and Voting Process Underway

2023 Hall of Fame Candidates Revealed!

The eagerly awaited 2023 Hall of Fame Ballot is now well underway, following the completion of the Heritage Advisory Panel’s meticulous vetting and validating process. After careful consideration and evaluation, a selection of prominent candidates has emerged, representing the pinnacle of achievements in Queensland baseball history.

2023 Candidates

The candidates set to grace the 2023 Hall of Fame Ballot are: Fay Bettridge, Meredith Brealey, Karina Connors, Keith Land, Mal Mackay, Tammy McMillan, and Mark Ready. This diverse group of individuals has showcased extraordinary contributions to the sport of baseball in Queensland, leaving an indelible mark on the local and national baseball landscape.

Learn more about the 2023 Candidates

Voting Panel

The next phase of this process will see the Voting Panel tasked with the responsibility of determining the next inductees into the Queensland Baseball Hall of Fame. Comprising various stakeholders from affiliated clubs and regions, as well as representative bodies such as the Queensland Baseball Umpires Association and the Queensland Baseball Scorers Committee, the Voting Panel represents the wide-reaching impact and influence of baseball across the state.

Moreover, the Brisbane Bandits, living Baseball Queensland Life Members, and living Baseball Queensland Hall of Fame members also form integral parts of the Voting Panel, ensuring a comprehensive and representative decision-making process.

Baseball Queensland will soon dispatch detailed information to all Voting Panel Members via email, providing them with the necessary instructions and access to the digital voting application. This platform will streamline the voting procedure, enhancing efficiency and transparency in the selection process.

To be inducted into the Baseball Queensland Hall of Fame, candidates must receive 75% of the total votes cast by the Voting Panel. Additionally, to ensure the validity of the ballot, it is required that at least 80% of the Voting Panel submits their votes.

In a bid to accommodate the diverse perspectives of the Panel Members, the electronic ballot allows for a range of choices. Members are encouraged to cast their votes in favour of any or all of the nominated candidates. Importantly, those who opt not to support any of the candidates are advised to utilise the “abstain” option on the electronic ballot paper. This will contribute to meeting the necessary 80% threshold for validating the poll.

The voting period will span seven days, providing Panel Members with ample time to assess the candidates’ achievements and contributions to the sport before casting their votes. The results will be closely monitored, and the inductees into the 2023 Queensland Baseball Hall of Fame will be announced shortly after the conclusion of the voting period and subsequently inducted into the Hall of Fame at the BQ Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner on 16 September 2023.

As the Queensland baseball community eagerly anticipates the forthcoming Hall of Fame inductees, this year’s nominees have already etched their names in the annals of baseball history. The tireless efforts, dedication, and passion demonstrated by these individuals have not only elevated the sport but have also left an enduring legacy for generations to come.

Current Hall of Fame

Our BQ Heroes

Vetting and Validating Process

Hall of Fame Criteria

BQ Award Nominations now open

Baseball Queensland’s 2023 Award Nominations are now open!

Who in your club or region is a stand-out?

The Baseball Queensland Awards aim to recognise and honour exceptional members in our community who have made significant contributions to the growth, organisation, and overall success of baseball in Queensland.

NOMINATE NOW!

Nominations close 18th August 2023.

NOMINATE NOW!

Nominations close 18th August 2023.

BQ AWARD CATEGORIES

COACH OF THE YEAR

The Baseball Queensland Coach of the Year Award is designed to recognise and honour outstanding coaches who have made significant contributions to the development and success of baseball in Queensland. This prestigious award aims to acknowledge coaches who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to their athletes and the sport of baseball. Nominations for this award are open to coaches of all levels within the state, from grassroots to elite, who have achieved remarkable results during the eligibility period.

Coach of the Year Criteria

UMPIRE OF THE YEAR

The Baseball Queensland Umpire of the Year Award aims to recognise and honour the significant contributions made by umpires to the sport of baseball in Queensland. This prestigious award seeks to acknowledge umpires who have consistently demonstrated exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication to ensuring fair play and sportsmanship during baseball games. Nominations for this award are open to umpires at all levels of involvement, including local, regional, and state-level competitions.

Umpire of the Year Criteria

SCORER OF THE YEAR

The Baseball Queensland Scorer of the Year Award aims to recognise and honour the invaluable contributions made by scorers to the sport of baseball in Queensland. This prestigious award seeks to acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skills, accuracy, and dedication in recording and maintaining accurate scorekeeping records during baseball games. Nominations for this award are open to scorers at all levels of involvement, including local club scorers and those involved in regional and state-level competitions.

Scorer of the Year Criteria

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

The Baseball Queensland Administrator of the Year Award aims to recognise and honour exceptional administrators who have made significant contributions to the growth, organisation, and overall success of baseball in Queensland. This prestigious award seeks to acknowledge administrators who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, efficiency, and dedication to the sport. Nominations for this award are open to administrators involved at all levels within the state, from local clubs to regional and state organisations.

Administrator of the Year Criteria

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The Baseball Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award aims to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by volunteers to the sport of baseball in Queensland. This prestigious award seeks to acknowledge individuals who have selflessly dedicated their time, skills, and efforts to support and promote baseball within the community. Nominations for this award are open to volunteers at all levels of involvement, including club volunteers, event volunteers, and those contributing at the state level.

Volunteer of the Year Criteria

HALL OF FAME

Nominations for HALL OF FAME is still open!

The Heritage Advisory Panel is inviting nominations for prospective Hall of Fame candidates. The community is encouraged to nominate individuals who have left an indelible mark on Queensland baseball. To facilitate a thorough assessment, nominators are requested to provide detailed information, images, statistics, and records that substantiate their nominations.

NOMINATE NOW

Introducing the Queensland Crocs

Introducing the Queensland Crocs!

This team of talented young female athletes, is gearing up to compete in the 2023 Barclay Cup in Perth. Led by an exceptional coaching staff, this will be a tournament to remember!

We asked Head Coach, Lyndsey Campbell, why they chose a crocodile as their logo:

“As a older female baseball player who is passionate about the development our sport, I am very excited to take an amazingly talented group of young ladies to Barclay Cup. These ladies are proof that the future of baseball in Queensland is very bright.

The team has chosen to adopt the crocodile logo for this years tournament. The crocodile is known for its strength, agility and tenacity which are all important characteristics that align with baseball players’ qualities. Just like crocs, baseball players exhibit resilience, quick reflexes and a fierce competitive spirit on the field. By identifying as ‘Crocs’, our team embraces the animals natural traits as inspiration for their performance, aiming to dominate the game with a formidable presence and unmatched skill.

My coaching staff and I are also awed of the confidence and the hunger these ladies train with and are excited to see what they bring to this years tournament and all tournaments beyond.” – Lyndsey Campbell, Head Coach

LET’S GO CROCS!

EAP launch

Baseball Queensland Launches the Emerging Athlete Program to Foster Young Talent in Baseball Development

Baseball Queensland is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated Emerging Athlete Program. Designed to lay the foundation for aspiring athletes who align with Baseball Queensland’s Performance Pathway, this program aims to enhance the skills and development of players from Little League to U18.

Under the guidance of Nick Bachono, Player Development Coordinator at Baseball Queensland, the Emerging Athlete Program will provide participants with targeted improvement strategies tailored to their individual needs. By focussing on enhancing baseball tools and fundamental movement patterns, this comprehensive program will propel young athletes on a trajectory of continuous growth and progress.

Please note: Registrations are now closed, but if you have further questions, please email admin@baseballqld.asn.au

NICK BACHONO

“Our goal with the Emerging Athlete Program is to nurture the talents of young baseball players and prepare them for success within our Performance Pathway. We believe in developing the individual athlete by providing them with a supportive and optimal learning environment. Through this program, we aim to instill key characteristics such as leadership and accountability while fostering their passion for the game and building a strong work ethic.”

– Nick Bachono, Player Development Coordinator

Bachono will work alongside dedicated and experienced coordinators plus special guest appearances from members of the Brisbane Bandits throughout the program. These appearances will provide participants with the chance to interact with and learn from top-level athletes, gaining invaluable insights and inspiration to fuel their own baseball journeys.

Meet the coordinators

BRISBANE

DAVID PADDISON

With his involvement as part of the coaching staff for the Queensland Youth Women's Championship team, David is a valuable addition to the South West Region.

His expertise in coaching young athletes and his dedication to their growth and success will contribute significantly to their journey in the Emerging Athlete Program.

LYNDSEY CAMPBELL

Coaching at the ABL Womens Showcase with the Brisbane Bandits and a current pitcher for the Queensland Women's team, Lyndsey brings invaluable knowledge and experience to the program.

Her insights from both coaching and playing at a high level will be instrumental in guiding the development of our emerging athletes.

DAVID WEST

Recent champion coach at the Australian Youth Intermediate League and Padres Junior Director of Coaching, David West brings a wealth of coaching expertise to the Brisbane North Region. His commitment to excellence and his ability to foster player development will be invaluable in guiding our emerging athletes.

AARON APPLEFIELD

As a member of the coaching staff for the Brisbane Bandits, Aaron's expertise in coaching and his extensive experience with the Windsor Royals Club and Brisbane Metro make him an excellent asset for the Central Region. His commitment to developing athletes and his passion for the sport will inspire and guide our emerging athletes.

Coach 'Apples' will be supported by the new generation of Metro Coaches -Cooper Thomson, Zac Maggs and Luca Rostagno.

LYNDSEY CAMPBELL

Coaching at the ABL Womens Showcase with the Brisbane Bandits and a current pitcher for the Queensland Women's team, Lyndsey brings invaluable knowledge and experience to the program.

Her insights from both coaching and playing at a high level will be instrumental in guiding the development of our emerging athletes.

DAVID PADDISON

With his involvement as part of the coaching staff for the Queensland Youth Women's Championship team, David is a valuable addition to the South West Region.

His expertise in coaching young athletes and his dedication to their growth and success will contribute significantly to their journey in the Emerging Athlete Program.

AARON APPLEFIELD

Coach 'Apples' will be supported by the new generation of Metro Coaches -Cooper Thomson, Zac Maggs and Luca Rostagno.

DAVID WEST

EAP BRISBANE

GOLD COAST

KEVIN FENN

Serving as the Gold Coast Regional Director of Coaching and the coach for the Aussie Drop Bears, Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the program. His expertise in coaching and his dedication to player development will greatly benefit the participants in the Gold Coast Region.

KEVIN FENN

EAP GOLD COAST

SUNSHINE COAST

JAIDEN HOLLY

With experience as a college baseball player and coaching involvement with the Queensland Youth Women's Championship team, Jaiden's passion for the sport and dedication to player growth will greatly benefit the emerging athletes across both the Brisbane North and Sunshine Coast regions.

NICK BACHONO

Developing his baseball skills starting at the Mooloolaba Sharks, Nick went on to play college baseball at Trinidad State Junior College and Oklahoma Panhandle State. Nick now coaches in Brisbane Bandits as well as Baseball Queensland Women's Programs.