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.