QLD Masters Tournament Survey

QLD Masters Tournament Survey

We’re conducting a survey on the 2024 QLD Masters Tournament

 
We’d love to hear what you have to say.
 
It’s a chance for you to share your opinions and help us shape these events in the future.
 
We understand that filing out surveys can be a bit tedious, but it should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
 
Your feedback is anonymous and will be kept confidential, and your participation is greatly appreciated.
 
The survey will be open until Friday, 7th June so please share your thoughts before then.
 
Thanks for helping us to make these events better.
National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week

This week, we gather to honour the exceptional souls who illuminate the world of baseball with their selfless dedication and unwavering passion! Without YOU, our fields wouldn’t be as vibrant, our games wouldn’t be as electrifying, and our community wouldn’t be as tightly knit.

From the coaches who shape our players’ skills to the umpires who ensure fair play, from the scorers meticulously recording every moment to the snack bar helpers fuelling our spirits, and from the devoted team parents to the remarkable BQ board members and advisory panel members guiding our path, each of you is a beacon of light in our baseball family.

If you feel the call to join this extraordinary league of volunteers and leave your mark on the world of baseball, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local club today! There’s an irreplaceable magic in the bond we share, and there’s always room for more kindred spirits to enrich our community.

This week, we celebrate the unsung heroes whose tireless efforts, boundless enthusiasm, and steadfast commitment infuse every inning with joy and every victory with meaning.

THANK YOU for being the heart and soul of our beloved sport.

Together, we’re not just hitting it out of the park—we’re changing lives and shaping futures!

Queensland Aims for Double Representation at Barclay Cup

Queensland Aims for Double Representation at Barclay Cup

The Barclay Cup, named in honour of Emeralds legend Jacinda Barclay, is set to be an extraordinary and fun event for young female baseball enthusiasts aged 13-16. Hosted by  MacKillop Baseball Club at Chapman Gardens, Penrith from the 29 September – 5th October, this participation tournament honours Barclay’s enduring legacy and her contributions to women’s baseball in Australia.

This event is not just about competition; it’s about fostering a love for the game and encouraging participation from youth girls across the nation.

This year, Queensland is aiming to send two teams, ensuring that all players wanting to participate have an opportunity. We encourage any female player aged 13-16 to consider being a part of this amazing participation tournament.  Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

The Barclay Cup was launched through a collaborative effort from state associations in honour of Jacinda Barclay, who sadly passed away in 2020. The inaugural event took place at the Surfers Paradise Baseball Club in 2022 and received widespread acclaim.

Jacinda’s mother, Deb Barclay, expressed her pride in the tournament and its role in promoting women’s baseball. “Jacinda lived her life with an open heart. She would be tickled pink and absolutely humbled by this auspicious honour bestowed upon her. Jacinda always strived to inspire girls and women from all walks of life to participate in one of the sports she loved, that being baseball,” she shared with Baseball Queensland.

The Barclay Cup is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of Jacinda Barclay’s legacy and her passion for the sport. It embodies her belief in challenging oneself, fostering camaraderie, and creating unforgettable friendships and memories. As Deb Barclay poignantly noted, Jacinda lived by the motto, “It’s better to look back on life and say, ‘I can’t believe I did that’ than to look back and say, ‘I wish I did that’.”

This event is a wonderful opportunity for young female baseballers to come together, honour a legend, and participate in a sport they love. It promises to be an amazing experience that not only honours Jacinda Barclay’s legacy but also inspires the next generation of baseballers. By providing a platform for young athletes, regardless of gender, the Barclay Cup highlights the inclusive and progressive nature of modern baseball. This tournament is a crucial step in developing the skills, confidence, and passion of these young players, paving the way for a future where baseball is a sport for all. 

QLD Little League State Titles Survey

QLD Little League State Titles Survey

We’re conducting a survey on the Little League State Titles

 
for the Senior League and Big League weekend and
the Little League, Intermediate League, and Junior League weekend and we’d love to hear what you have to say.
 
It’s a chance for you to share your opinions and help us shape these events in the future.
 
We understand that filing out surveys can be a bit tedious, but it should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
 
Your feedback is anonymous and will be kept confidential, and your participation is greatly appreciated.
 
The survey will be open until Friday, 31st May so please share your thoughts before then.
 
Thanks for helping us to make these events better.
AYWC Wrap-up

AYWC Wrap-up

The Australian Youth Women’s Championships recently concluded, featuring notable performances from players, Lila Hall and Charlotte Stokes. These athletes demonstrated skill and determination throughout the tournament, leaving a lasting impression on spectators. Exploring their personal stories and journeys provides insight into the dedication and passion that drove their success on the diamond.

Q&A WITH LILA HALL

What position/s did you play during AYWC? 
 
Catcher and DH
 
Your proudest moment individually or as a team?
Individually– being awarded the Spirit of the Game award for the QLD Youth Team. 
 
As a team– how we played for each other on the field, we didn’t give up when we were down and made some pretty close comebacks. We got behind our pitchers which really helped them get through those high pressure moments.
 
How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?
Obviously, the competition and level of play is a lot higher and more consistent. The lead up is more intense mentally as you prepare to represent your state on a national stage.  This year was my last year in youth so on one hand I felt confident being one of the more experienced players but on the other the expectation to perform can make you get in your head a bit more.  Playing nationals makes you grow as a player though and it’s something that I look forward to every year now.
 
From your AYWC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?
Individually– I’m always wanting to better myself – physically, emotionally and mentally.   There’s always something I can be better at whether it’s behind the plate, with the bat or as a team mate. 
 
As a team Baseball is a mental sport and you need to be resilient and able to shake things off quickly to be ready for the next play. We all know how quickly the game can turn around so it’s important to always keep your head up and keep playing hard.

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).
It’s all fun. Meeting players from other states, hanging out with all my QLD friends in Opens when I could as a lot of them were in the youth team with me last year. Going out for dinner each night is always good too. 

Q&A WITH CHARLOTTE STOKES

What position/s did you play during AYWC? 
Pitcher and 1st Base
 
Your proudest moment individually or as a team?
My proudest individual moment was when I was playing first base and I took a catch in foul territory over my shoulder, leaning over the fence. It’s the first time I’ve ever taken a catch over the fence and it was in a really tight game against South Australia in the medal round trying to qualify for the gold medal game. It was the third out so I was very relieved when the ball ended up in my glove! That game was also my proudest moment of us as a team, holding on and staying calm to win in a walk off in the bottom of the last innings! When we won, we were all jumping around and hugging each other – it was SO exciting!
 
How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?
Playing at nationals is different to State Titles because you are staying with the team the whole time and it’s like living in a baseball bubble with your friends. Staying with the team and being together is a lot of fun, on and off the field.  You also get to play in the same team as girls from other clubs and regions in Queensland and get to know them better, when normally you play club ball against them. Playing against other States is great to see how we measure up to other players around the country.
 
From your AYWC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?
Overall, I’m really proud of how we went as a team. One thing I think we could work on would be with our hitting and trying to increase our extra base hits. We did hit well but our offence would be even better if we could find the holes in the field a bit more often.
 

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).
There were so many fun moments we had during the trip. One of my favourites was during the game against NSW while we were waiting on the field during a long delay. Someone got a hand warmer out of their back pocket and we played hacky sack with it and had some laughs. Another one was at the field before our game on DFV day (when we wear the orange socks) – we decided to get the whole team to stand in a circle and we tried to all jump up and click heels at the same time – including the coaches! It was pretty hilarious.