Baseball - Baseball Queensland

Ignite Your Baseball Journey with our Emerging Athlete Program (EAP)

Join us in the 2024 Emerging Athlete Program and take significant steps forward in your baseball journey.

Registration portal now open, for dates and times for your region, see the table below:

Dates: Begins 31st July

Location: Mudjimba Baseball Club, 701 David Low Way, Pacific Paradise QLD 4564

Time: Wednesdays 4:30PM – 6:30PM

Coordinator: Nick Bachono
Developing his baseball skills starting at the Mooloolaba Sharks, Nick Bachono went on to play college baseball at Trinidad State Junior College and Oklahoma Panhandle State. Nick now coaches with the Brisbane Bandits and Baseball Queensland Women’s Programs. His experience and dedication make him a vital part of our team.

Dates: Begins 27th July

Location: Redcliffe Padres, Redcliffe

Time: Saturdays, 9:00AM – 11:00AM

Coordinator: 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.

Dates: Begins 27th July

Location: All Stars, Bannister Park, Hendra

Time: Saturdays 9:00AM-11:00AM

Coordinator: Luca Rostagno
Hailing from the Windsor Royals Baseball Club, Luca Rostagno is a dedicated Brisbane Metro Coach. With experience as a Futures League U18 and Women’s Coach, as well as a member of the Open Women’s Maroon Coaching staff, Luca brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the Emerging Athlete Program. His commitment to player development and his expertise across various levels of competition will be invaluable in nurturing the potential of our emerging athletes.

Dates: Begins 27th July

Location: Ipswich Musketeers, Tivoli / Indians, Runcorn / Redlands Rays, Capalaba (2 weeks per location)

Time: Saturdays 9:00AM-11:00AM

Coordinator: Lyndsey Campbell
Coaching at the ABL Women’s 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.

Dates: Begins 27th July

Location: Runaway Bay Dolphins, Paradise Point (2 weeks) / Nerang Cardinals (3 weeks), / 1xlocation TBC

Time: Saturdays 9:00am – 11:00am

Coordinator: Martin Waters
Long-term coach with Gold Coast Baseball and former Baseball Queensland U16 Coach at the Australian Youth Championships, Martin Waters brings extensive experience to the Emerging Athlete Program. His involvement in the Baseball Queensland Youth Women’s, Development, and Open Women’s Programs showcases his dedication to fostering talent across various levels. Martin’s expertise and commitment will be instrumental in guiding our emerging athletes to reach their full potential.

Dates: Begins 27th July

Location: All Stars, Bannister Park, Hendra

Time: Saturdays 2:00PM – 4:00PM

Coordinator: Noel Tate
Noel Tate has been a key contributor to Baseball Queensland’s High Performance Programs for the past four years. As a central figure in the women’s development space, Noel has served as the assistant coach of the Queensland White team at the Australian Women’s Championships. Additionally, he is the Female Coordinator for both Brisbane North and Narangba Demons, where he plays a pivotal role in fostering talent and promoting female participation in baseball. Noel’s extensive experience and dedication to player development make him an invaluable asset to the Emerging Athlete Program.

Baseball Queensland is thrilled to announce the return of its highly successful Emerging Athlete Program (EAP) for a second year, commencing at the end of July this year.

This seven-week initiative is your opportunity to join a community dedicated to high-quality baseball development and to take your skills to the next level.

The Baseball Queensland Emerging Athlete Program (EAP) is designed to develop young athletes aged 10 to 16 who are aiming to progress in Baseball Queensland’s Performance Pathway. The program provides comprehensive training in essential baseball skills such as speed, agility, throwing, infield and outfield drills, hitting, and strength and conditioning. Each session is crafted to offer personalised coaching, helping every young athlete maximise their potential.

With training sessions held across multiple locations, including the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, the program is accessible to aspiring baseball stars from all over South-East Queensland.

This year’s program features exciting new developments, including a dedicated youth female stand-alone program, ensuring that our talented young female athletes also receive focussed training and support.

Based on participant feedback from 2023, the program will now feature reduced session sizes to provide more personalised coaching, better support, and effective communication with players and parents. A wider variety of engaging drills, including game-like scenarios and skill-specific activities tailored to different levels, will be introduced to ensure continuous improvement and maintain interest. Additionally, expert guest coaches will be invited to offer specialised one-on-one training in skills such as pitching and batting, along with motivational talks to inspire participants.

One participant shared, “The program was amazing, ALL coaches went above and beyond expectations. The children learned a lot from the program and it was an enjoyable experience for players and parents.”

Join us in the 2024 Emerging Athlete Program and take significant steps forward in your baseball journey.

National Volunteer Week

This week, we gather to honour the exceptional souls who illuminate the world of baseball with their selfless dedication and unwavering passion! Without YOU, our fields wouldn’t be as vibrant, our games wouldn’t be as electrifying, and our community wouldn’t be as tightly knit.

From the coaches who shape our players’ skills to the umpires who ensure fair play, from the scorers meticulously recording every moment to the snack bar helpers fuelling our spirits, and from the devoted team parents to the remarkable BQ board members and advisory panel members guiding our path, each of you is a beacon of light in our baseball family.

If you feel the call to join this extraordinary league of volunteers and leave your mark on the world of baseball, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local club today! There’s an irreplaceable magic in the bond we share, and there’s always room for more kindred spirits to enrich our community.

This week, we celebrate the unsung heroes whose tireless efforts, boundless enthusiasm, and steadfast commitment infuse every inning with joy and every victory with meaning.

THANK YOU for being the heart and soul of our beloved sport.

Together, we’re not just hitting it out of the park—we’re changing lives and shaping futures!

Queensland Aims for Double Representation at Barclay Cup

The Barclay Cup, named in honour of Emeralds legend Jacinda Barclay, is set to be an extraordinary and fun event for young female baseball enthusiasts aged 13-16. Hosted by MacKillop Baseball Club at Chapman Gardens, Penrith from the 29 September – 5th October, this participation tournament honours Barclay’s enduring legacy and her contributions to women’s baseball in Australia.

This event is not just about competition; it’s about fostering a love for the game and encouraging participation from youth girls across the nation.

This year, Queensland is aiming to send two teams, ensuring that all players wanting to participate have an opportunity. We encourage any female player aged 13-16 to consider being a part of this amazing participation tournament. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Player EOI Form

The Barclay Cup was launched through a collaborative effort from state associations in honour of Jacinda Barclay, who sadly passed away in 2020. The inaugural event took place at the Surfers Paradise Baseball Club in 2022 and received widespread acclaim.

Jacinda’s mother, Deb Barclay, expressed her pride in the tournament and its role in promoting women’s baseball. “Jacinda lived her life with an open heart. She would be tickled pink and absolutely humbled by this auspicious honour bestowed upon her. Jacinda always strived to inspire girls and women from all walks of life to participate in one of the sports she loved, that being baseball,” she shared with Baseball Queensland.

The Barclay Cup is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of Jacinda Barclay’s legacy and her passion for the sport. It embodies her belief in challenging oneself, fostering camaraderie, and creating unforgettable friendships and memories. As Deb Barclay poignantly noted, Jacinda lived by the motto, “It’s better to look back on life and say, ‘I can’t believe I did that’ than to look back and say, ‘I wish I did that’.”

This event is a wonderful opportunity for young female baseballers to come together, honour a legend, and participate in a sport they love. It promises to be an amazing experience that not only honours Jacinda Barclay’s legacy but also inspires the next generation of baseballers. By providing a platform for young athletes, regardless of gender, the Barclay Cup highlights the inclusive and progressive nature of modern baseball. This tournament is a crucial step in developing the skills, confidence, and passion of these young players, paving the way for a future where baseball is a sport for all.

Player EOI Form

AYWC Wrap-up

The Australian Youth Women’s Championships recently concluded, featuring notable performances from players, Lila Hall and Charlotte Stokes. These athletes demonstrated skill and determination throughout the tournament, leaving a lasting impression on spectators. Exploring their personal stories and journeys provides insight into the dedication and passion that drove their success on the diamond.

Q&A WITH LILA HALL

What position/s did you play during AYWC?

Catcher and DH

Your proudest moment individually or as a team?

Individually– being awarded the Spirit of the Game award for the QLD Youth Team.

As a team– how we played for each other on the field, we didn’t give up when we were down and made some pretty close comebacks. We got behind our pitchers which really helped them get through those high pressure moments.

How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?

Obviously, the competition and level of play is a lot higher and more consistent. The lead up is more intense mentally as you prepare to represent your state on a national stage. This year was my last year in youth so on one hand I felt confident being one of the more experienced players but on the other the expectation to perform can make you get in your head a bit more. Playing nationals makes you grow as a player though and it’s something that I look forward to every year now.

From your AYWC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?

Individually– I’m always wanting to better myself – physically, emotionally and mentally. There’s always something I can be better at whether it’s behind the plate, with the bat or as a team mate.

As a team– Baseball is a mental sport and you need to be resilient and able to shake things off quickly to be ready for the next play. We all know how quickly the game can turn around so it’s important to always keep your head up and keep playing hard.

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).
It’s all fun. Meeting players from other states, hanging out with all my QLD friends in Opens when I could as a lot of them were in the youth team with me last year. Going out for dinner each night is always good too.

Q&A WITH CHARLOTTE STOKES

What position/s did you play during AYWC?

Pitcher and 1^st Base

Your proudest moment individually or as a team?

My proudest individual moment was when I was playing first base and I took a catch in foul territory over my shoulder, leaning over the fence. It’s the first time I’ve ever taken a catch over the fence and it was in a really tight game against South Australia in the medal round trying to qualify for the gold medal game. It was the third out so I was very relieved when the ball ended up in my glove! That game was also my proudest moment of us as a team, holding on and staying calm to win in a walk off in the bottom of the last innings! When we won, we were all jumping around and hugging each other – it was SO exciting!

How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?

Playing at nationals is different to State Titles because you are staying with the team the whole time and it’s like living in a baseball bubble with your friends. Staying with the team and being together is a lot of fun, on and off the field. You also get to play in the same team as girls from other clubs and regions in Queensland and get to know them better, when normally you play club ball against them. Playing against other States is great to see how we measure up to other players around the country.

From your AYWC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?

Overall, I’m really proud of how we went as a team. One thing I think we could work on would be with our hitting and trying to increase our extra base hits. We did hit well but our offence would be even better if we could find the holes in the field a bit more often.

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).
There were so many fun moments we had during the trip. One of my favourites was during the game against NSW while we were waiting on the field during a long delay. Someone got a hand warmer out of their back pocket and we played hacky sack with it and had some laughs. Another one was at the field before our game on DFV day (when we wear the orange socks) – we decided to get the whole team to stand in a circle and we tried to all jump up and click heels at the same time – including the coaches! It was pretty hilarious.

AWC White Wrap-Up

The Australian Women’s Championships recently concluded, featuring notable performances from players, Brittney Finlayson, Taliyah Paolo and Storm Law. These athletes demonstrated skill and determination throughout the tournament, leaving a lasting impression on spectators. Exploring their personal stories and journeys provides insight into the dedication and passion that drove their success on the diamond.

Q&A WITH TALIYAH PAOLO

What position/s did you play during AWC?

I played shortstop and second base.

Your proudest moment individually or as a team?

I made multiple plays throughout the tournament and hit really well after coming back from a long recovery period due to injury. As a team, not everyone knew each other and we met for the first time while playing in the tournament, so I’m proud of how we spent time getting to know each other and that there was improvement in each game we played.

How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?

 In State Titles we are representing our region, whereas at Nationals, we’re proudly representing our entire State. There is alot more pressure, but that just makes the game better. You are facing the best players from across the Country and the quality of the game is higher, pushing me to play harder.

From your AWC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?

I need to learn not to doubt myself as much and to be more confident. I also need to stop putting so much pressure on myself. As a team, we worked really well with the bats and offence, however I think we can work on our defence and make less errors.

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).
My favourite fun moment throughout the experience was when we had our meals together. We all spoke to different team members at each meal, exchanged stories and shared laughs. We were a big group of friends hanging out.

Q&A WITH brittney finlayson

What position/s did you play during AWC?

Catcher and DH

Your proudest moment individually or as a team?

Being catcher when my pitcher team mates got their first nationals strike outs and the times when the team got on a hitting streak to win the innings.

How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?

Living and breathing baseball for 8 days! I loved that about nationals!

From your AWC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?

I have come home feeling very motivated after playing amongst the best in the country and I’ll spend the next 12 months with my Townsville team mates getting stronger. I think it took us a few days to get warmed up this year. Hopefully next year we can start the tournament with the momentum we started to see towards the end.

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).
Georgie’s cooking and the team dinners!

Q&A WITH STORM LAW

What position/s did you play during AWC?

I was a pitcher and 3rd base

Your proudest moment individually or as a team?

Proudest moment of was getting my first national strike out and how it made me feel.

How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?

The national competition was bigger on a different level and more competitive. It felt like a better competition as it was more on my level of skill.

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).
Making new friends and relationships with people who I knew but never had a chance to get to know personally.