– Story by Connie Rowe (BQ Media Volunteer)
Baseball is more than just a game—it’s a lifelong journey filled with learning, growth, and community. Beyond the field, passionate individuals embrace the sport’s magic and share it with the next generation. In North Queensland, over 1,700 km from Baseball Queensland HQ, two new Game Development Officers are ready to inspire young ballplayers and elevate the game in the region.
Meet Townsville’s New Game Development Officer: Luke Ardill (Coach Ardy)
Luke Ardill grew up in a baseball-loving family, admiring his dad and granddad before joining his first t-ball team at five. “Seeing the joy baseball brought to my dad and those around him—that was special, and I wanted to be part of it,” he says. Having played across Townsville and Toowoomba, baseball always gave him a sense of belonging. “Some of my closest friends have been by my side for decades thanks to this sport,” he shares.
Luke believes baseball teaches valuable life lessons. “There’s so much that applies on and off the field, but the biggest lesson? Fun,” he says. As a coach, his three pillars—attitude, effort, and fun—define his approach. “When a player loves the game, teaching them is easy and rewarding.” Watching young players develop their passion keeps him motivated. “Seeing them fall in love with the game and where it takes them—that stays with me.”
Now, as Game Development Officer, Luke is eager to grow the sport in Townsville. “When I was younger, Brisbane felt so far away, and a baseball career seemed out of reach. But the game is growing, and opportunities are expanding,” he says. With rising talent in Cairns and the success of the North Queensland Storm teams, young players now have a clearer pathway.
Luke teams up with Mila Bender, who is leading development in Cairns—her story coming soon!
Free Baseball Clinics for North Queensland Schools
Baseball Queensland’s Development Officers, Luke Ardill (Townsville) and Mila Bender (Cairns), are offering free T-Ball and Baseball5 clinics for schools this March! Open to Prep–Year 6, these fun, active sessions will be run by accredited coaches to introduce kids to baseball in a safe and engaging way.