After a big week of Queensland State Titles, we are pleased to announce the players selected for the 2025 Queensland Women’s Squads. The squads include 48 Women’s players, 31 Youth Women’s players, and 22 in the Youth Women’s Elevate Squad.

Preparations are underway for the 2025 Australian Women’s Championships, held from 13-19 April, and the Australian Youth Women’s Championships (U16), from 15-19 April at Melbourne Ballpark. Training begins in January 2025, with tournament teams to be named in early February.

Congratulations to all selected players. We look forward to a big 2025 and an exciting year of women’s baseball ahead. 

🔗 2025 Australian Women’s Championship: baseball.com.au/events/2025-awc
🔗 2025 Australian Youth Women’s Championship (U16): baseball.com.au/events/2025-aywc

baseball Queensland Gender Equity Action Plan Workshop

Creating an inclusive baseball environment for women and girls

Baseball Queensland is hosting a Gender Equity Action Plan (GEAP) Workshop on 18 January 2025, from 9:30am – 2:00pm at the Sports House Meeting Rooms, 150 Caxton St, Milton. Virtual participation is also available, with registrations for the virtual option closing on 13 January 2025.

This workshop invites stakeholders to collaborate on actionable strategies for fostering inclusivity and equity in baseball, focusing on increasing opportunities and representation for women and girls.

Baseball Queensland recognises the importance of achieving gender equity and ensuring that women have a strong voice in our sport.

The National Gender Equity in Sports Governance Policy, a collaborative effort between the Australian Sports Commission and State and Territory Agencies for Sport and Recreation, aims to address the persistent under-representation of women in governance roles within the sports sector. The new policy establishes clear targets for national and state-level sports bodies across Australia, requiring them to achieve the following standards by 1 July 2027:

• 50% of board directors are women and/or gender diverse
• 50% of board chairs are women and/or gender diverse
  50% of key board sub-committee members are women and/or gender diverse

The Queensland Government has set similar targets for funded state-level sporting bodies (including Baseball Queensland) by 2029.  To identify and set our gender equity goals and actions, we will be preparing the Baseball Queensland Gender Equity Action Plan (GEAP) in 2025. It is critical that this plan takes account of input from a broad cross section of our members, including players, coaches, administrators, officials, board and committee members and other volunteers.

Therefore, as an important member of the Baseball Queensland family, you are warmly invited to attend our GEAP workshop, either in-person at Sports House in Brisbane or online via Zoom.

Register your attendance and learn more at Baseball Queensland – GEAP Workshop. Let’s build a stronger, more inclusive future for baseball together.

Please register using the link above no later than Monday 13 January 2025.
Any questions regarding the workshop can be directed to info@cprgroup.com.au or gareth@baseballqld.asn.au. 

Following on the success of the Junior Girls’ Skills Development program hosted by Mudgeeraba Redsox Baseball Club and Gold Coast Baseball Association, it was time to focus on the younger girls. Bad weather couldn’t keep these girls, aged 5-9 years, away. They turned up with smiles and enthusiasm and were met by the same from their coaches.

Led by Kim and Tammy McMillan, Gold Coast Division 1 players Lila Hall, Grace White and Taliyah Paolo put the girls through their paces. Some were new to the game, others had some playing experience under their belt.

Looking forward to seeing some of these girls give it their best at the upcoming Baseball Queensland Girls’ State Titles.

The Queensland U18 Baseball Team depart for Taiwan today, embarking on their second consecutive trip to play in the 2024 New Taipei City International U-18 Baseball Invitational Tournament. This exciting journey offers a blend of cultural exploration and high-level competition, providing an exceptional opportunity for players to grow both on and off the field. The tour serves as a vital part of the team’s preparation for the upcoming Australian Youth Championships (AYC) in January 2025.

The team is set to arrive in Taiwan tomorrow and will dive into an action-packed week of games, sharpening their skills and experiencing baseball in a challenging international environment.

Game Schedule (QLD Time):

• 9 December 2024 @ Sanchung Stadium – 7:00 am
• 10 December 2024 @ Tianmu Stadium – 7:00 am
• 11 December 2024 @ Sanchung Stadium – 7:00 am

Beyond the diamond, the players will have the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Taiwan. This combination of competitive play and cultural exposure makes the tour a truly enriching experience.

The players will be supported by a skilled and dedicated coaching staff, including David Badke, Scott Porter, Keith Land, and Rickey Lo. Their expertise and guidance will be invaluable as the team tackles the challenges of international competition and prepares for the AYC.

This international tour provides a unique opportunity for the Queensland U18s to refine their game, build team camaraderie, and gain valuable experience against international opponents. It’s an important stepping stone as they gear up for the Australian Youth Championships in January.

Official Facebook Page for 2024 New Taipei City International U-18 Baseball Invitational Tournament: https://www.facebook.com/NTPCxFUBONxU18

The Queensland Women’s State Titles are nearly here! This much-anticipated event runs from 13–15 December, with Division 1 hosted at the Narangba Demons Baseball Club and Division 2 at the Runcorn Indians Baseball Club. Following this, the Youth Women and Girls State Titles take place from 16–18 December, also at Narangba Demons Baseball Club.

More than just a competition, these state titles are a true celebration of the baseball community. Teams from across the state, including those travelling from North Queensland, come together for a few special days of connection, shared passion, and unforgettable moments. This tournament shows how baseball brings communities closer while highlighting the incredible talent in the sport.

These state titles are a rare chance to witness not just Queensland’s best, but some of Australia’s finest female baseball players in action. From seasoned competitors to emerging stars, the level of skill on display is nothing short of inspiring.

The game schedules are now available via links below:

Partnerships Driving Inclusion

The Role of the EDI Advisory Panel

Andrea Marshall, Director of Projects, Diversity and Inclusion says:

“There should be a place for everyone within our sport. Inclusive approaches to the delivery of baseball will not only strengthen our sport but the broader Queensland community. “

How Clubs and Volunteers Can Make a Difference

Looking Ahead

Her coach, Tahnee Lovering, praised Mackenzie’s contributions to the team both on and off the field: “Having Mackenzie as an interstate pick-up was great for us. She came in to pitch when we needed her to and had some solid hits throughout the week. Most importantly, she really bonded with her teammates with ease. Watching her interact and laugh with the girls made it clear how much she enjoyed it and how valuable building friendships in tournament baseball can be.”

Baseball NSW Communications Manager, Georgia Marino says,  “The Barclay Cup offers an opportunity for young girls to follow in the footsteps of Jacinda Barclay, a pioneer not only in Women’s baseball, but women’s sport as a whole. Her spirit lives on in the players who participate in this event and get to learn about the impact she had in baseball. We especially appreciate Jacinda’s family and all the coaching staff who had the pleasure of knowing Jacinda and have been integral in continuing and sharing her legacy with the next generation of female baseballers!”

Tony McPhail has been recognised with Baseball Queensland Life Membership for his extensive contributions to baseball across Queensland.

Tony has served as President of the Surfers Paradise Baseball Club for over two decades, from 1996 to 2019 and then from 2020 to the present. During this time, he has led all major facility upgrades at the club, including enclosing the second diamond, building new amenities, modernising the clubhouse, and constructing batting cages. His efforts have helped develop the club into a key hub for baseball in the region.

In addition to his leadership at the club, Tony has been an executive member of the Gold Coast Baseball Association Committee, with terms from 1999 to 2008, 2011 to 2015, and again from 2020. He has been a consistent supporter of players competing in both Gold Coast Baseball Association and Greater Brisbane League competitions.

Tony has been a strong advocate for improving access to baseball for all, particularly women and girls. This includes the establishment of a dedicated female change room for umpires at Surfers Paradise Baseball Club, supporting inclusivity in the sport.

His contributions extend beyond the club. He has played a key role in organising major baseball events in Queensland, including the inaugural and subsequent Queensland Masters Tournaments, hosting the first Barclay Cup, and coordinating the Pan Pacific Masters Games from 2002 to 2022. These events have been important in growing the sport, with the Pan Pac Masters Games introducing a women’s division under Tony’s guidance.

Tony’s work has helped strengthen engagement among players and volunteers at Surfers Paradise Baseball Club. His efforts in regional and state events like the Queensland Masters, Barclay Cup, and Pan Pacific Masters Games highlight his wider impact on the sport.

In recognition of Tony’s exceptional service, his Life Membership will be celebrated during a special presentation at the Brisbane Bandits home series against the Perth Heat on Saturday, 21st December. This momentous occasion, taking place between the doubleheader games at Viticon Stadium, will honour Tony’s legacy and his enduring contributions to baseball in Queensland.