The 2024 Emerging Athlete Program (EAP) has been an exciting journey, bringing together 191 participants and 42 coaches across 7 locations throughout Queensland.

This year, we focused on creating an athlete-centred environment, listening to feedback, and enhancing the experience for everyone involved.

The EAP expanded its focus by evolving from foundational baseball movements into high-repetition, game-paced drills. This progression allowed athletes to build on their skills in dynamic, real-world scenarios. Shifting from skill development to game-speed execution ensured that participants were prepared to transition smoothly to higher levels of competition with enhanced technique and decision-making abilities. This approach provided a more comprehensive training environment, effectively bridging the gap between drills and on-field performance.

Reflecting on the program, Player Development Coordinator Nick Bachono shared: “I’m incredibly proud of the program we delivered this year. We’ve set the foundations for athletes to launch into their GBL season. Our coordinators, dedicated coaches, and guest instructors did an amazing job.”

In the Youth Women’s Program, Noel Tate led the way, creating an environment where female athletes could grow, develop, and feel supported. His approach to athlete-focused training helped foster confidence and skill development.

As we look ahead, North Queensland —stay tuned! We’ve listened to your feedback and are excited to roll out an updated version of our 2025 program. Exciting changes are coming to better meet your needs.

A Special Thanks to Our Coordinators, Coaches, and Guest Instructors:

Coordinators and Coaches: Bret Buckland, Ryan Manfield, David West, Eli Jones, Lee Gaskell, Nick Potter, Shaun O’brien, Luca Rostagno, Matt Watson, Cooper Thomson, Rory Spletter, Jordon Thomson, Aaron Applifield, Kai Pethic, Lyndsey Campbell, Scott McLean, Jordan Ballard, Marty Waters, Daniel Turner, Cody Harrison, Noel Tate, Sam Sullivan, Emma Tate, Neal Ragau, Holly Moellers, Jess Sullivan, Nick Potter, David Paddison, Anthony VanFleet, Daniel White, Peter Riggs, Luke Ardill.

Guest HP Coaches: Alex Skepton, Liam Mac, Scott Porter, Molly Paddison, Jordon Thomson, Luke Smith, Lisa Norrie.

The Emerging Athlete Program has set a strong foundation for the future, and we can’t wait to see how our athletes continue to grow and succeed on and off the field

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