From T-Ball to the Hall of Fame: For David ‘Goofy’ Sutherland, baseball will always be a kid’s game.

Sep 4, 2026

At five years old, David Sutherland didn’t know where this sport could take him.

He just wanted to play baseball.

His older brother had started playing T-ball with school friends at Mitchelton, now Pine Hills Baseball Club, and David went along to watch.

He wasn’t quite old enough to play, but he knew immediately that he wanted to be part of it.

The following year, he got his chance.

“They let me play and I was just hooked from the start,” David said.

From then on, baseball became the thing David couldn’t wait for.

The time between school finishing on a Friday and the play ball call at his weekly game seemed like an eternity.

“I do remember sitting there waiting in my uniform and stuff from the time school finished to when the games were at like 6:00 that night.”

While his two brothers eventually stopped playing as juniors, David kept going. He wanted to play the next season, and then the next one, and the one after that.

“I just wanted to play and I loved it.”

That simple love of the game would eventually become a career spanning the highest levels of Queensland and Australian baseball — and now, more than three decades after that five-year-old first stepped onto the diamond, it has taken David all the way to the Baseball Queensland Hall of Fame.

The kid who couldn’t wait to play

There was never much need to convince David to get ready for baseball.

The excitement was already there.

Even as his career progressed, that eagerness remained. He describes himself as someone who was always organised and always ready to go, but his approach on game day was deliberately calm.

Rather than spending hours thinking about the game ahead, David preferred to switch off, relax and save his energy for when the first pitch arrived.

“I just actually tried to be as relaxed as possible and as low-key as possible and just save it off when the game starts.”

Once the game started, though, there was a plan.

David always wanted to know what he was facing and what he wanted to do, but perhaps most importantly, he wanted to stay in the moment.

“The most important thing for me was just being in the moment all the time.”

That approach would serve him throughout a career that eventually took him far beyond the fields where it began.

From Pine Hills to the Bandits

As a teenager, opportunities began to emerge.

After representing Queensland and attending the Australian Academy, David attracted interest from several Major League organisations, including the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers.

As a young player, however, those possibilities weren’t necessarily what drove him.

He simply remembered watching the Brisbane Bandits play at the RNA Showgrounds and QE2 Stadium and thinking how incredible it would be to one day take the field himself.

That dream eventually became reality.

When the Australian Baseball League entered its new era around 2010, David was part of the Brisbane Bandits’ return, playing alongside many of the players he had shared the field with throughout his Queensland career.

“There was just a lot of excitement at the start,” he said.

The Bandits didn’t immediately find success, but David remembers those early years fondly.

“Having all these people get to watch us play at that level was a lot of fun.”

The moments that stay with you

For David, some of his greatest baseball memories aren’t necessarily about individual achievements.

They’re about the teams.

The teammates.

The moments when everyone played their part.

He remembers Queensland’s Claxton Shield victories and one dramatic comeback against Victoria, when the team found itself six or seven runs behind late in the final before fighting its way back to level the game.

David contributed a triple before Queensland eventually completed the comeback.

“Everyone just played their part.”

There were individual moments, too.

One of the most memorable came during his time with the Bandits, when David hit a walk-off home run against the Melbourne Aces in a dramatic one-game playoff.

It remains a moment his former teammates still bring up whenever they catch up.

“I’ve never been one to talk myself up, but yeah, guys love that moment.”

For David, there was always satisfaction in making a big contribution when his team needed it.

While he took great pride in his defence, there was still nothing quite like coming up with a big hit.

“There’s no better feeling than hitting a home run or coming up with a big hit, to be honest.”

Stay in the fight

If baseball gave David a career, it also gave him lessons he could carry into life.

The sport is humbling. There will be days when the ball doesn’t bounce your way, when you don’t get a hit or when you make an error.

But there is always another opportunity.

As many teens are as they grow and learn how to use their new limbs, David was easily distinguished out on the diamond for his tall lanky appearance. An attribute lending itself to a few stumbles and ‘goofy’ moments.

A name that he would take in his stride for the rest of his career.

“It’s not going to be awesome the whole time. It’s going to be hard.”

The important thing, David learned, is to stay in the fight.

“There’s always the chance to bounce back and come back and just stay in the fight.”

It’s a philosophy he now takes into coaching, encouraging young players to remember that one difficult moment doesn’t define their game.

There’s always another ground ball.

Another at-bat.

Another chance to contribute.

A full-circle return

After years playing at the highest levels, David eventually returned to Pine Hills, taking on the role of player-coach for two seasons.

It was a fitting return to the club where his baseball journey began.

“I’ve always wanted to be at Pine Hills. I never really wanted to leave.”

For David, the opportunity to coach at his original club was a chance to give something back to a place that had given him so much.

“It was a really cool thing to be able to do that.”

A Hall of Fame honour

David’s induction into the Baseball Queensland Hall of Fame came as something of a surprise.

He knew he had been nominated, but when Rob Moden contacted him with the news, he wasn’t expecting it.

“It was a pretty big shock. I didn’t expect it at all.”

He spent the evening talking to his parents and messaging friends, sharing the news with the people who had been part of his journey.

The reaction was one of overwhelming happiness.

“They all believe I deserve this.”

For David, the honour is made even more meaningful by what it represents.

He has watched the names already in the Hall of Fame throughout his baseball life, and now his own name will sit alongside them.

“It’s the coolest thing I think about it — just that they’ve recognised what I’ve done and what I’ve done to help Queensland Baseball.”

It is an extraordinary full circle for the kid who once came home from school, put his baseball uniform on and waited by the door for hours until it was time to leave.

He didn’t know where baseball would take him.

He just knew he wanted to play.

And he never stopped.

FROM BAT BOY TO QUEENSLAND GREAT: BRAD DUTTON’S STORY COMES FULL CIRCLE

Sep 1, 2026

Long before Brad Dutton pulled on a Queensland jersey, he was standing on the other side of the diamond – watching his idols wear it.

As the son of Queensland Under 18 coach Peter Dutton, Brad grew up around the baseball field living out many kids dream – of being bat boy for the players he considered his heroes.

“It was awesome,” Brad said.

“I just couldn’t wait to put on that uniform.”

Those Queensland players left an impression on young Brad, who started playing at the age of 5.

They were the athletes he looked up to, the players he watched endlessly and eventually playing like them became his ultimate goal.

Then, in under 14s the moment finally came.

Brad pulled on the Queensland jersey for the first time – and from there, he never looked back.

What followed was a remarkable 20-year representative career, spanning 1994 to 2014 that would take Dutton around the world.

While more than handy with the bat, it was Brad’s impeccable fielding that he prided himself on.

Brad didn’t simply want to be a good fielder. Elite defence was his mantra – something he worked at relentlessly.

Every day of his career, he pushed himself to be better with the glove.

It was a craft that demanded preparation, repetition of the basics and an unwavering commitment to getting the little things right.

That work ethic translated into performances that set him apart.

Performances like the 2006 Claxton Shield, when Brad helped lead the Queensland Rams to an undefeated championship victory.

He played every game in its entirety. But that’s not the bit that sticks.

Brad provided an errorless defence at shortstop, all while leading the league in batting average, hits, total bases and slugging average.

It was a performance that perfectly captured the type of player he had worked so hard to become – reliable, composed and elite defensively, while capable of making a major impact offensively too.

It didn’t matter what jersey Brad wore or who he played for, he always played the game the same way.

“I gave it everything,” he said.

“It didn’t matter who I was playing against. It could have been my best friend, but if he was standing at second base and I had to slide into him I would.”

“Baseball is a confidence game,” Brad said.

As a player and coach at Pine River Rapids to this day, it is a message that he passes on to those he coaches.

“It’s such a mental game, you must be so mentally strong.

“It’s okay to fail, so long as you fail aggressively and learn from it.”

A lesson he admits, he learnt much later in his career.

He played college ball, competed semi-professionally and represented Australia, experiencing opportunities that many young players could only dream of.

Yet for Dutton, there was nothing like coming home.

“Playing in front of friends and family,” he said.

“The state was just what I loved and nothing else compared.”

When the Australian Baseball League returned in its new format, Brad was at the forefront of the Brisbane Bandits campaign.

The team may have taken its time to establish but for Brad it was the atmosphere and energy of the home crowd, paired with sharing the stage with Queensland’s newest rising stars.

Brad admits that the first few seasons were tough but by this point his career had taken on a completely different role.

“The experience that the young kids got in those first few years with us oldies around I think really helped them mature and become the players they are today.”

That love for Queensland baseball has remained at the heart of Brad’s story.

“It’s been a hell of a journey. I’ve travelled everywhere in the world playing the game that I love and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

And now, decades after first watching his Queensland heroes from the sidelines, Brad has received one of the highest honours in the sport, being inducted into the Baseball Queensland Hall of Fame.

It’s a moment made even more special by the fact that his father, Peter, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001 – 25 years earlier.

When Brad received the news, he knew exactly who he wanted to call.

“I called my old man and we shared a couple of tears,” he admits.

It was a fitting moment for a journey that began with a young boy carrying bats for his Queensland heroes and dreaming of one day joining them on the field.

“It means a lot to know that past players, coaches, officials, the whole voting panel respect how you contributed to the game and how they saw you as a player,” Brad said.

“It’s just a great feeling to know that besides your own bubble, other people saw what you did for the game.”

He built a career around making himself the best fielder he could be.

He travelled the world playing the game he loved.

And he never looked back…. Until now.

Now, taking a trip back through memory lane, Brad Dutton takes his place next to his father and amongst Queensland baseball’s greats in the Hall of Fame.

From GoPro to Global

Aug 21, 2026

It started out with a GoPro on the backstop to improve his game.

Today, baseball fans from across the world tune in and watch his livestreams. But becoming baseball broadcaster was never part of the plan.

John Reimers never set out to be in the live streaming game.

He was content watching his favourite video games play out online. In fact, if you ask how it all started, the answer is surprisingly simple if not a little cheeky.

“It’s my wife’s fault!” he jokes.

There was no grand plan to invest in equipment, no career mapped out to enter sports media, and certainly no intention of becoming the person to bring baseball to the world.

Instead, it started with the kids trying out a new sport. As many parents do, Reimers turned from passionate sideline supporter at his kids t-ball games to coach.

Reimers real passion was for golf, with a guilty pastime watching video games livestreams on Twitch and Youtube.

“I wanted the kids to play golf,” he admits.
“It was my sport of choice at the time.”

Baseball, however, quickly became a much bigger part of family life as the community at Surfers Paradise Baseball Club welcomed them in with open arms.

“I was ‘coaching’ my kids’ team in a sport I hardly knew how to play,” he said.

What began as a way to support his children soon introduced him to a community that would change the direction of his sporting life.

With a little encouragement from the people he met along the way, he became increasingly involved with the club, eventually deciding to step out onto the diamond himself.

“I was eventually convinced to give baseball a go myself, and I was instantly hooked.”

A few seasons into playing, he wanted to find a way to improve.

Enter the era of the GoPro.

Like many a baseballer, Reimers started recording his games.

He would watch them back, analyse what he was doing and better understand the game. His first set up was about as simple as it gets, a single camera on the backstop.

But if sitting through a seven innings game isn’t long enough the first time, sitting through it again led to hours of extra work long after the final out.

“I’d have to go through the footage, edit everything together and then spend many hours uploading it, sometimes overnight.”

There had to be a better way.

Where two unlikely worlds collide, the influence of watching video games proved to have the answer.

“Being able to broadcast the games live meant I could take away all that post production and uploading time,” he says.

What he didn’t realise was just how deep a rabbit hole he had just created. Soon, recording a baseball game wasn’t simply a matter of putting a camera behind home plate.

He began researching cameras, streaming technology, connectivity, and production techniques, constantly looking for ways to make the broadcasts better.

That eventually led him to Sydney-based live-streaming professional Matt Jeavons.

“I came across a very knowledgeable guy from Sydney, Matt Jeavons, who runs a live-streaming business and has filmed a lot of baseball broadcasts.”

After seeing Jeavons ask on Facebook whether anyone was interested in baseball live-streaming, he reached out.

“He was a massive help in teaching me the ropes and showing me what was possible with live-streaming.”

From there, the setup evolved. Year after year, new equipment was added, technology improved and the production has become more sophisitcated.

But the most important lesson he learned wasn’t about expensive cameras or complicated equipment. “You really don’t need all the fancy equipment to get started.”

His advice to clubs, parents and baseball enthusiasts who might be considering live-streaming their own games is straight forward.

“You can literally start with a phone, a battery pack and a way to clip your phone to the fence and you can livestream a game.”

Of course, making it look professional is another matter.

For Reimers, the pursuit of better production has become part of the fun – and occasionally the frustration.

“Technology is advancing so quickly that it’s amazing to see how far live-streaming has come and how accessible it has become.”

The learning curve has also come with its fair share of disasters.

“There have been livestream crashes, lagging, buffering and plenty of moments where I’ve wanted to throw the equipment in the bin!” he admits.

Yet despite the setbacks, he has never been willing to lower his standards.

“I’ve always set the bar VERY high for the quality I want to provide.”

That standard isn’t about the equipment for equipment’s sake. It is about the people watching.

“Whether someone is watching from the other side of the world or sitting at home unable to make it to the ballpark, I want them to have the best viewing experience I can possibly give them.”

And people are watching.

What began as a way to record his own games has grown into a broadcast that reaches far beyond the local Surfers baseball community.

“I’m blown away by how many people look forward to tuning in to watch my livestreams,” he says.
“From France to America and people from nearly everywhere in-between have tuned in.”

That international audience is perhaps the most unexpected part of the journey.

A local baseball game, played at a local ballpark, can now be watched by someone thousands of kilometres away. Family members who can’t attend can still follow the action.

Supporters can watch from home. And people who may never have visited the ballpark can experience the atmosphere of the game.

For the person behind the camera, that’s where the real reward lies.

“It combines baseball, technology, creativity and being part of the club and its community that brings people together.”

What started as a practical solution to save time has turned into a genuine passion.

“If I could make a living doing live-streaming and spend my days around sport, cameras and technology, I’d be a very happy man.”

For now, he continues to learn, experiment and find new ways to bring baseball to audiences wherever they may be and wants the rest of the baseball community to join him. https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CS4pN1BoG/

Reimers is the driving force behind Baseball Queensland’s latest community of practice. A media community designed to knowledge share, support and grow coverage of baseball across our state.

While he may have entered the sport thanks to his wife signing the kids up for t-ball, what began as an unexpected detour has become something much more meaningful.

One GoPro became a livestream.

A livestream became a global audience.

And somewhere along the line, a reluctant baseball dad became a passionate baseball broadcaster.

“That’s my dream,” he says. “And I’m slowly working towards it.”

Oh – and don’t forget to subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/@spbctv

DAVID PADDISON AM Elected Deputy Commissioner

Aug 13, 2026

Baseball Queensland is pleased to announce that David Paddison AM has been elected Deputy Commissioner of Baseball Queensland, by the Baseball Queensland Board of Management.

Mr. Paddison joined the Baseball Queensland Board of Management following his election at the 2025 Annual General Meeting bringing extensive experience in leadership, governance, community service and sport to the position. His time working in the defence industry and more recently the tertiary education sector, coupled with time on the baseball diamond bring valuable insights to Baseball Queensland.

His election as Deputy Commissioner strengthens Baseball Queensland’s leadership and governance as the organisation continues to support the growth and development of baseball throughout Queensland.

David has a long association with baseball and has made a significant contribution to the sport through administration, leadership and service. His broader professional and community experience provides valuable perspective to the Board as Baseball Queensland continues to strengthen its operations, support its clubs and regions, expand participation opportunities and build sustainable pathways for the future.

The Board of Management also acknowledges David Badke for his service as Deputy Commissioner of Baseball Queensland and thanks him for the commitment, leadership and support he provided during his time in the role.

While concluding his tenure as Deputy Commissioner, David remains a member of the Baseball Queensland Board of Management.

Baseball Queensland CEO Gareth Jones thanked David Badke for his service while welcoming David Paddison to the Deputy Commissioner role.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to acknowledge and thank David Badke for his contribution as Deputy Commissioner.”
“I am also pleased to congratulate David Paddison on his election as Deputy Commissioner. David brings a wealth of leadership and governance experience to the Board, together with a genuine commitment to baseball and the people who make our sport possible across Queensland.”
“I look forward to continuing to work with both Directors as we collectively focus on strengthening Baseball Queensland and supporting the continued growth of our game.”

Mr. Paddison said he was honoured to have the confidence of his fellow Board members and acknowledged the contribution of his predecessor.

”It is a privilege to be elected Deputy Commissioner of Baseball Queensland. Baseball has a proud history in Queensland, with some exciting opportunities in the immediate and near future. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the continued development of our sport.”

“I would like to acknowledge David Badke for his service in the role and the contribution he continues to make to Baseball Queensland as a member of the Board.

“I look forward to supporting my fellow Board members, along with the broader Baseball Queensland team, whilst serving our clubs, regions, volunteers, officials, coaches and athletes who contribute so much to baseball throughout the state.”

The Deputy Commissioner plays an important role in supporting the Board of Management in providing leadership, governance and oversight of Baseball Queensland and its strategic direction.

Baseball Queensland congratulates David Paddison AM on his election as Deputy Commissioner and extends its appreciation to David Badke for his service in the role and his ongoing contribution to Queensland baseball.

So long, Welcome Back, Great to Meet You

Aug 13, 2026

Over the past month, our staffing roster has seen some changes. We’ve said goodbye but not for good. We’ve Reunited with old colleagues. And we’ve welcomed new faces. Here’s the latest coming and goings, the who’s who at BQ.

WYLLIE SKETCHES OUT HIS NEXT CHAPTER

Baseball Queensland would like to acknowledge Nick Wyllie following his resignation from his staff role with the organisation as he turns his focus to the next stage of his Architecture studies and professional development.

While Nick is stepping away from his employed position, Baseball Queensland is pleased that he will remain involved with the organisation in a volunteer capacity, providing advice and support in the areas of facility development and special projects.

Nick has been a valued member of the Baseball Queensland team, contributing across a range of areas and providing support to clubs, volunteers and participants throughout the Queensland baseball community.

During his time with Baseball Queensland, Nick worked closely with clubs and stakeholders to assist them in navigating the day-to-day challenges of community sport. His willingness to engage with clubs, respond to questions and help identify practical solutions has been appreciated by both Baseball Queensland and the many volunteers he has supported.

Like many people working within community sport, Nick has balanced his role with Baseball Queensland alongside his university studies. As the demands of his Architecture studies and associated professional commitments increase, Nick has made the decision to step away from his staff position to concentrate on completing this important stage of his career development.

Importantly, Nick’s departure from the staff team will not mark the end of his contribution to Baseball Queensland.

Drawing on his developing expertise in architecture and his knowledge of the needs of baseball clubs and facilities, Nick will continue to support Baseball Queensland as a volunteer adviser on facility development initiatives and selected special projects.

Facility development remains an important priority for Baseball Queensland and its clubs, and Nick’s combination of industry knowledge, studies and practical understanding of community baseball provides an opportunity for him to continue making a valuable contribution while developing experience relevant to his future career.

Baseball Queensland CEO Gareth Jones thanked Nick for his contribution as a staff member and welcomed his continued involvement with the organisation.

“Nick has been a valued member of our team and has made a positive contribution during his time as a Baseball Queensland employee. In particular, his work supporting our clubs and volunteers has been greatly appreciated.
“We recognise that Nick has reached a stage in his Architecture studies where he needs to dedicate more time to his studies and professional development, and we fully support his decision to pursue that pathway.
“We are also very pleased that this isn’t the end of Nick’s involvement with Baseball Queensland. Nick has agreed to continue supporting the organisation in a volunteer capacity, where we will be able to draw on his developing architectural expertise and his understanding of our sport to provide advice around facility development and a range of special projects.
“It is a great outcome that Nick can continue to contribute to baseball while also building experience that complements his studies and future career. We thank him for everything he has contributed as a member of our staff and look forward to continuing to work with him in this new capacity.”

We thank Nick for his commitment and contribution as a member of the Baseball Queensland staff, wish him every success with the next stage of his Architecture studies, and look forward to his continued involvement with Baseball Queensland as a volunteer.

Behind the scenes just got better

Baseball Queensland is pleased to announce the appointments of Emily Ryan as Events and Little League Administrator, Danica Trotter as Little League District Administrator and Competitions Manager and Tambrae Maynard as Administration Officer, strengthening the organisation’s administrative capacity as preparations continue for the 2026-27 baseball season.

The appointments will provide additional support across competition administration, Little League programs, member services and the day-to-day administrative requirements of Baseball Queensland, its clubs, regions and participants.

Emily Ryan – Events coordinator and Little league administrator

Having worked and volunteered in Events since she was a teen, Emily brings a strong background in event management and coordination, with experience supporting the planning and delivery of large-scale events.

Emily doesn’t just work events, she lives them – understanding first hand what participants and volunteers look for. She has also undertaken studies in Event Management and brings strong organisation, communication and operational skills to the role.

With events like our Annual Gala just months away, Emily is excited to contribute to Baseball Queensland’s tournaments, events and community initiatives.

Danica Trotter – Little League District Administrator and Competitions Manager

Danica returns to Baseball Queensland with considerable knowledge of the organisation, its competitions and the broader Queensland baseball community.

Her previous experience with Baseball Queensland provides Danica with an established understanding of the systems, processes and relationships that underpin the delivery of baseball across the state. In particular, her experience with competition administration and the GameDay registration and competition management platform will provide valuable additional capability within the organisation.

As Little League District Administrator and Competitions Manager, Danica will have responsibility for supporting the administration and coordination of Baseball Queensland’s Little League programs and championships, while also providing administrative support across BQ’s broader competition activities.

The position will work closely with Baseball Queensland staff, regions, competition committees, clubs and volunteers to support the effective delivery of competitions and events across the state.

Baseball Queensland CEO Gareth Jones welcomed Danica back to the organisation.

“Danica brings with her a strong understanding of Baseball Queensland, our clubs and the administrative systems that support our competitions and programs.
“Her previous experience means she already understands many of the complexities associated with administering Little League across Queensland, while her knowledge of GameDay and competition administration will be particularly valuable as we continue to strengthen the support we provide to our clubs and regions.
“We are pleased to welcome Danica back to Baseball Queensland and look forward to the contribution she will make in this new role.”

Tambrae Maynard – Administration Officer

Baseball Queensland is also delighted to welcome Tambrae Maynard to the team as Administration Officer.

Tambrae will provide important administrative support across the organisation, assisting with member and stakeholder enquiries, organisational administration and the delivery of Baseball Queensland’s programs, competitions and activities.

The Administration Officer position is an important point of connection between Baseball Queensland and its members and will work across the organisation to help ensure clubs, regions, volunteers and participants receive timely and effective administrative support.

Jones said Tambrae’s appointment would add further capacity to the Baseball Queensland team.

“We are very pleased to welcome Tambrae to Baseball Queensland. The Administration Officer role touches almost every area of our organisation and is important to ensuring our members and volunteers receive the support they need.
“Tambrae will work closely with our staff across competitions, participation, pathways and organisational administration, and we look forward to supporting her as she becomes familiar with Baseball Queensland and our community.”

Strengthening Support for Queensland Baseball

The two appointments form part of Baseball Queensland’s ongoing work to ensure its staffing structure is aligned with the needs of a growing and increasingly diverse baseball community.

Community sporting organisations rely heavily on effective administration behind the scenes. Registration, competition management, communications, events, member enquiries and support for clubs and volunteers all contribute to creating positive experiences for participants.

The addition of Danica, Tambrae and Emily will strengthen Baseball Queensland’s capacity in these areas while allowing other members of the team to maintain a greater focus on their respective program and development responsibilities.

Baseball Queensland welcomes Danica and Tambrae to their new roles and looks forward to working with them as we continue to support our clubs, regions, volunteers, officials, coaches and players across Queensland.

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