The Emerging Athlete Program is now open for registration, offering young athletes aged 10 to 16 a remarkable opportunity to advance their baseball skills within Baseball Queensland’s Performance Pathway.

To secure a spot in the program, the registration fee is $253 (incl GST).  This includes a personalised shirt featuring their chosen number and a cap bearing the new EAP logo.

EAP will run for 8 weeks and players will be able to attend the location closest to them, selecting from the below options on the registration form:

The Emerging Athlete Program is dedicated to delivering targeted instruction, and to achieve this, participants will be divided into groups based on their age and skill level. This grouping strategy ensures that each athlete receives instruction tailored to their specific needs and progress.

The program encompasses a wide range of baseball training components, including speed, agility, throwing, infield and outfield drills, hitting, and strength and conditioning. These comprehensive sessions aim to improve fundamental skills, enhance overall performance, and foster well-rounded athleticism.

Registrations close Midday, 23rd June.

Exceptional 9-Year-Old with Cerebral Palsy Inspires Through Love of Baseball

Alexis (Lexi) Kalofonos, an exceptional 9-year-old with a heart of gold and an unwavering passion for baseball, is defying all odds and inspiring others with her incredible journey. Lexi, who has cerebral palsy, has proven that limitations can never dampen the spirit of a determined athlete.

Photo Credit: Nigel Hallet (The Sunday Mail)

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a cognitive disorder affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture, Lexi faced challenges early on. In Year 1, she was excluded from playing tag at school, prompting her parents, Linda and Nik, to search for a sport that would enable their daughter to participate without significant limitations. It was then that they discovered baseball, and both Lexi and her younger brother Tyler instantly fell in love with the game.

Despite being the sole girl on her team, Lexi’s passion and determination propelled her forward. Now in her third season, she recently showcased her skills as part of an all-girls Gold Coast team at the Queensland Little League Development Shield Tournament held at the Western Districts Baseball Club in Brisbane. During the tournament, Lexi faced adversity when she was hit hard with a ball on her back, momentarily shattering her confidence. However, with the support and encouragement of her mother and her teammates, Lexi triumphantly returned to the field, ultimately catching a fly-ball that ended the game (see video below).

While Lexi participates in other sports such as karate, soccer, and surfing, it is baseball that truly captures her heart. Despite her physical challenges, she has adapted her techniques to minimise limitations and maximise her enjoyment of the game. Notably, Lexi has taught herself to catch the ball in her glove, toss it in the air, and then catch it without the glove, allowing her to throw with precision and skill.

Lexi’s mother Linda said their family motto is, “Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits” and is so proud of Lexi and Tyler for doing that at every opportunity possible.  She says some opportunities have been taken from Lexi because of her cerebal palsy so she makes sure that she challenges and crushes every limit she faces.

Speaking about Lexi’s incredible journey, Kevin Fenn, Regional Director of Coaching for the Gold Coast Baseball Association, expressed his admiration, stating, “Lexi is an inspiring and dedicated young lady who never backs away from a challenge. Her inner strength and determination serve as valuable lessons for many players in the GC Cougars program.“

Baseball Queensland, dedicated to promoting and developing baseball throughout the state, is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all participants. With a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and excellence, the organisation actively nurtures the love of the game while supporting aspiring athletes in reaching their full potential.

Recently, Baseball Queensland established an advisory council dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, exemplifying their commitment to creating a supportive framework. Board Director Andrea Marshall recognises Lexi as the epitome of a member thriving within this inclusive environment, further reinforcing the organisation’s values and says, “Creating opportunities for broader participation in the sport is key to promoting inclusion and celebrating the diversity that exists in our community”.

Beyond her achievements on the baseball diamond, Lexi has also authored her own book, “The Friendship Book,” at the tender age of five. This heartfelt story of self-acceptance encourages children to embrace their uniqueness and challenges society’s definition of “normal.”

Lexi Kalofonos’s incredible journey is an inspiring testament to courage, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Her story motivates others to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences, showing that with passion and determination, anything is possible. She is a shining example of the transformative power of sports, inspiring future generations to overcome obstacles and reach for greatness.

Lexi was also featured by The Sunday Mail on the 28/05/2023.

To get involved, contact your local baseball club or for further inquiries, please contact Baseball Queensland at [email protected].

Gold Coast Baseball Association offers programs specifically designed for players with diverse abilities who may encounter additional barriers to entry.  Contact GCBA at [email protected] for more information.

SRV Baseball is an organisation that currently runs inclusive baseball programs in collaboration with special schools in Queensland, further fostering an environment of unity and accessibility.  Contact SRV Baseball at [email protected] for more information.

Watch local, national and ABL baseball action at On Demand Baseball.

Baseball Queensland, in association with the Brisbane Bandits, is excited to announce the Futures League Junior competition for 2023.

Futures League is an incredible platform for young baseballers to develop their individual skills and elevate their game sense awareness.

“I am immensely proud of the dedication and determination displayed by the aspiring athletes looking to continue with their ongoing development. Collaborating with the Futures League working group, this program is planning to evolve as we introduce an U18 division for the first time along with ‘Power Plays’ and ‘Leader Boards’ that extend beyond the Wins and Losses column of a baseball game” says Performance Program Manager, Shayne Watson. 

This year’s format will better align with the BQ Performance Pathway Programs.

AGE GROUPS:

U14: Born between Jan 1, 2010 and Dec 31, 2011
U16: Born between Jan 1, 2008 and Dec 31, 2009
U18: Born between Jan 1, 2006 and Dec 31, 2007

Note: U16 and U18 State Development and State Performance Participants have already submitted their EOI for Futures League as part of their program.

DATES:

Games will start in mid-August and run through to the September School Holidays.

U16 & U18: Doubleheaders on Sundays

U14: Single games and Doubleheaders on Sundays with potential night games on Wednesdays

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW!

To register your interest in playing in the Futures League Junior Competition, or being a coach, please click on the relevant button below.

Venue EOI:  All clubs have received information on how to nominate to host games for the Futures League Junior Competition – if you would like to see games hosted at your club, please reach out to your Club Secretary.

Published May 17, 2023

The Queensland Government’s Emerging Athlete Pathways (EAP) program supports eligible young athletes, coaches and officials aged 10-18 years to progress on a development pathway by providing financial assistance to help alleviate the costs associated with attending state, national and international events.

We encourage if you are eligible to apply via the Qld Government website: Emerging Athlete Pathways Program Website

The Senior League, Junior League and Intermediate League Nationals currently appear in the list of eligible events available from their website.

The Little League Nationals has only recently been accepted due to the venue change to Blacktown.

Please note the EAP eligible events list may experience delays in the event being listed, and in this instance encourage applicants to apply in the Enquire system.  If you have any further questions, please email [email protected].