The 2024 EU14 and U14 Futures League saw and increase in numbers again this year with just over 100 players participating in 8 teams across the two competitions. The EU14 again providing a great platform for first time U14 players to get some experience before the regular season and allowed them an opportunity to test themselves on a bigger field and adjust to additional rules that are not played in Little League. The U14 games provided a high standard of play and a great warmup for the players, allowing them to dust off the cobwebs from time off and should hit the ground running for the regular club season.

– Ben Trotter, U14FL Coordinator

U16 & U18

The 2024 U16 and U18 Futures League programs continued to go from strength to strength with more than 140 players participating in 11 teams across three competitions, including a new U16 Emerging competition. The U18s games provided a high standard of play and a great warmup for the players who went to the United States with the Australian U16 and U18 national squads. This term three development program also served as a valuable observation opportunity for the U16 and U18 Baseball Queensland coaching staffs ahead of the BQ Showcase series and eventual team selections. 

– Jim Strachan, U16 & U18 Coordinator

Women’s

Year 3 of the Women’s Futures League saw great progress, with three well-matched teams delivering competitive games throughout the season. The players embraced the debut of the new pinstriped jerseys, adding to the league’s evolving identity. Looking ahead to Year 4, we are confident the league will continue to grow, building on its strong foundation and increasing momentum. We extend our sincere appreciation to the supporters, scorers, umpires, players, and hosting clubs for their ongoing dedication. We look forward to what WFL24 will bring as we continue to elevate women’s baseball in Queensland. 

– John Pickford, WFL Coordinator

Original Story from https://baseball.com.au/news/prem12-2024/

Australia has officially announced its roster for the 2024 WBSC Premier12, considered baseball’s equivalent of the World Championships. From November 13 – 24, the national team will compete against the world’s best in Japan and Taiwan, starting with a high-profile opening game against host nation Japan in Nagoya, which is expected to attract a TV audience of over 30 million.

The Premier12 is reserved for the top 12 baseball nations, ranked at the end of the 2023 calendar year. It stands as the most important international tournament outside of the MLB-run World Baseball Classic, with all teams naming a 28-man roster. Notably, players on MLB’s 40-man rosters are excluded from participating.

Australia’s squad combines Major League experience with emerging stars, and Queensland will play a vital role in the team’s chances:

• Ryan Battaglia (Catcher): 32-year-old Battaglia brings experience from a Premier12, two World Baseball Classics, four minor league seasons with Cleveland and a thirteen-year ABL career where he won four championships with the Brisbane Bandits. Known for his presence behind the plate, Battaglia famously helped guide Australia to victory over the USA in the 2019 Premier-12.
• Aaron Whitefield (Outfielder): Whitefield owns accolades few Australians currently possess. He is one of 38 Australians to ever reach the Major Leagues, doing so in 2020 with the Minnesota Twins and 2022 with the LA Angels. Whitefield has also represented Australia at the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classics, the 2019 Premier12 and the Asia Professional Baseball Championship. Whitefield has won an ABL MVP with the Brisbane Bandits, the Adelaide Giants and collected three championships with Brisbane. He now plays for the Melbourne Aces and is known for his standout defensive play.
• Sam Holland (RH Pitcher): Holland has a string of Team Australia appearances to his name including the 2019 Premier12, 2023 World Baseball Classic and Asia Professional Baseball Championships. He is a four-time Claxton Shield winner with the Brisbane Bandits. The 30-year-old pitched five years in the minor leagues, reaching as high as Double-A with the San Diego Padres and boasting a 2.70 ERA. In 192.1 innings across nine ABL seasons, Holland has worked both as a starter and reliever, compiling a 3.46 career ERA.

Queensland’s impact on the team extends to the coaching staff as well. David Nilsson will lead the team as Manager, joined by Shayne Watson as Assistant Coach and Robert Moden as Executive Officer.

Queensland U18 Team Hosts Taiwan Delegation for Ceremonial First Pitch

Despite challenging weather conditions, the Queensland U18 baseball team and their guests from Taiwan enjoyed a memorable evening, highlighted by a ceremonial first pitch.

In the lead-up to the game, the Taiwan baseball leadership group, which included Palau Major League Baseball President Mlib Tmetuchl, Taiwan International Baseball Interchange Development Association President Randy Huang, and Tetsu Yofu, the Team Taiwan Manager and Detroit Tigers scout, met with Baseball Queensland CEO Gareth Jones. This meeting focused on exploring collaborative opportunities to enhance the growth and development of baseball within both regions.

Last night, we were honoured to welcome Baseball Queensland Commissioner Chris Norrie and Board member Brad Parsons to the event. Member of Parliament John-Paul Langbroek braved the rain to throw the ceremonial first pitch, with China Airlines Brisbane Branch General Manager Jeff Tsai stepping up as the ceremonial batter.

This exhibition game serves as a significant opportunity for our newly announced U18 squad, led by Head Coach David Badke, to refine their skills and offer the community a glimpse of what to expect this summer. As we prepare for the upcoming season, this event promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and sportsmanship.

The rescheduled game has now been cancelled due to the rain.

Pitcher of the Year: Paddy McLoughlin
Hitter of the Year: Blake McPherson
Team Culture of the Year: Cooper Teichmann
MVP of the Year: Alex Duncalfe

Pitcher of the Year: Zye Carr
Hitter of the Year: Liam Kiddle
Team Culture of the Year: Lachlan Jones
MVP of the Year: Max Durrington

PROGRAM AWARDS

Coach of the Year: David Paddison

MVP of the Year: Max Durrington

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

David West

Tony McPhail

Fay Bettridge

Meredith Brealey

Dear Region Members,

Please find attached a copy of Notice of the 2024 Baseball Queensland Annual General Meeting.

Director positions up for election/re-election in 2024 are currently held by:

Brendan Vassallo, Director – Finance

Daniel White, Director – Member Services and Events   

2024 Nominees:

  –  Shaye Fatnowna  Nomination | Skills Matrix

  –  Brendan Vassallo   Nomination| Skills Matrix

  –  Daniel White  Nomination |  Skills Matrix

Candidates were encouraged to review the information available from this link and to complete and return the Skills Matrix. 

To nominate someone for Baseball Queensland’s Life Membership, the form can be found HERE.