Victoria Point State High School Welcomed as the 4th Official Baseball5 Academy

Victoria Point State High School Welcomed as the 4th Official Baseball5 Academy

Victoria Point State High School joins the Baseball5 Family as Queensland’s 4th School Academy
Baseball Queensland is thrilled to announce that Victoria Point State High School has officially become the 4th Baseball5 Academy in Queensland! Over the past month, our team has been working closely with the school’s Vikings Academy, delivering development sessions that introduced and nurtured a love for the exciting world of Baseball5.

With over 70 students from Year 7, 8, and 9 participating, these sessions were more than just an introduction; they were a launchpad for growth. Students embraced the challenge with energy and enthusiasm, showing remarkable progress as they transitioned from beginners to budding Baseball5 athletes within the space of a few short weeks. Their commitment and passion were evident in every play, setting up a strong foundation for the sport within the school’s academy. 

Victoria Point SHS is now positioned as a pillar for Baseball5 in the Redlands, reflecting not only the students’ dedication but also the incredible support from the school staff, who welcomed our coaches and championed this initiative. Victoria Point SHS joins our existing Baseball5 Academies at Robina State High School on the southern Gold Coast, Runcorn State High School in southern Brisbane and Earnshaw State College on the northside of Brisbane. A clear demonstration of the growth of Baseball5 within Queensland schools at a time where the format has, notably, surpassed T-Ball in total Sporting Schools bookings in Queensland.

A huge thank you to the staff and students for making this journey possible. We are excited to see Victoria Point SHS thrive as part of the Baseball5 family. 

Congratulations and welcome aboard, Victoria Point State High School! 

Learn more about Victoria Point’s Vikings Sports Academy here:

Need to learn more about Baseball5? It’s the fast-paced, 5 vs 5 format that can be played anywhere, focused around four of Baseball’s key skills, condensed into 20-30 minute games.

Visit our Baseball5 page by clicking the button below and find out more!

2025 New Zealand 15U Tour Wrapup

2025 New Zealand 15U Tour Wrapup

Baseball, Culture and Lasting Mateships Highlight Queensland’s First 15U NZ Tour

November 2025

Baseball Queensland’s inaugural 15U New Zealand Tour brought together two squads — the Wahoos and the Mud Crabs — made up of athletes from Cairns to Lismore for an eight-day international development experience across Auckland and Hamilton from 25 September to 2 October 2025. 

The tour was more than baseball. It was about building culture, forming friendships, and representing Queensland with pride. Competing against New Zealand’s 15U Development Team and Auckland’s 17U Representative Team, the group faced quality opposition, embraced cultural exchange, and created memories that will last well beyond the final inning.

Development Focus 

The tour formed part of Baseball Queensland’s Performance Pathways calendar and was designed as a stepping stone between local programs and international play. Each squad trained for eight weeks at Bannister Park in Brisbane before departing — refining their fundamentals, teamwork, and game understanding. 

The Wahoos, led by Head Coach Daniel Turner and supported by Assistant Coaches Luke Ardill and Brendan Vassallo, finished 2–5 across tightly contested games. Turner praised the group’s commitment and connection: 

“This group showed what Queensland baseball is all about. They played the game the right way, supported each other through challenges, and represented their state with pride.”
 Daniel Turner, Head Coach (Wahoos) 

 

For the Mud Crabs, managed by Head Coach Tyson Loetzsch alongside Coaches Jay and Daniel Nilsson, the focus was on development and resilience against older opposition. Loetzsch reflected on the team’s growth throughout the tour: 

“Our players faced some real tests against quality competition. The way they adjusted, supported one another, and stayed positive was outstanding. This trip will shape their future as athletes and teammates.” 

– Tyson Loetzsch, Head Coach (Mud Crabs) 

Culture, Connection and Shared Experience 

Both teams balanced high-tempo baseball with opportunities to experience New Zealand’s culture and community. Visits to the Aratiatia Community Marae, Sky Tower, Rotorua Luge, The Fieldhouse Batting Cages, and The All Blacks Experience gave athletes a unique insight into New Zealand’s sporting and cultural heritage. 

Evenings were spent together over team dinners — a simple ritual that became the heartbeat of the tour. Executive Officers Taylor Devine (Wahoos) and Kyla Collyer (Mud Crabs) coordinated logistics, meals and communication, ensuring every detail was covered so players could focus on connecting and growing as a group. 

“The dinners and team meetings brought everyone closer together,” said Devine. “It wasn’t just about baseball — it was about belonging.” 

Pride in the Journey 

The Queensland contingent earned respect for their professionalism and sportsmanship throughout the event. Parents and families were equally integral, providing strong support both in New Zealand and from home — including live streams, local assistance, and constant encouragement. 

At the midway point of the tour, players, staff and families shared lunch at the Aratiatia Community Marae, bringing everyone together in a memorable celebration of culture, connection and the shared love of baseball. 

Laying Foundations for the Future 

Baseball Queensland extends its thanks to the coaching and support staff — Daniel Turner, Tyson Loetzsch, Luke Ardill, Brendan Vassallo, Jay Nilsson, Daniel Nilsson, Taylor Devine and Kyla Collyer — for their leadership and care throughout the tour. 

A special congratulations goes to Baseball Queensland athletes Max Arlow and Jake Molander, who, following their standout performances, were selected to represent New Zealand on the U15 National Team. Both Queensland-based athletes hold New Zealand citizenship, and their achievement is a proud reflection of the shared pathways and growing connection between the two baseball communities. 

This inaugural 15U tour marks an exciting milestone for Baseball Queensland’s international development pathway. The experiences, lessons and mateships formed in New Zealand will echo well beyond the diamond — shaping the next generation of Queensland athletes. 

Baseball Queensland congratulates all players and families on a memorable first edition of the BQ 15U New Zealand Tour. 

Wahoos 

  • Callum Turner 
  • Hudson Applefield 
  • Sammy Plumb 
  • Jack Neaves 
  • Jake Molander 
  • Billy Wharton 
  • Finn Wollin 
  • Seth Lutton 
  • Hamish Trotter 
  • Brayden Deemal 
  • Jackson Schneider 
  • Spencer Strutt 
  • Lachlan Gale 
  • Callum Schramm 

 

Manager: Daniel Turner 
Assistant Coaches: Luke Ardill, Brendan Vassallo 
Executive Officer: Taylor Devine 

Mud Crabs 

  • Eli Collyer 
  • Cooper Jones 
  • Malakai Pearson 
  • Max Arlow 
  • Evan Peters 
  • Charlie Power 
  • Shuta Kobayashi 
  • Mitchell Loetzsch 
  • Daniel Bremner 
  • Phoenix Morton 
  • Owen Frazer 
  • Max Cruickshank 
  • Jackson Ronan 
  • Nate Tranter 
  • Brock New 

Manager: Tyson Loetzsch 
Coaches: Jay Nilsson, Daniel Nilsson 
Executive Officer: Kyla Collyer 

Now Hiring: Administration Officer

Now Hiring: Administration Officer

Baseball Queensland is seeking a dedicated and organised Administration Officer to join our team and support the delivery of key operational and communication services across the organisation. Based at our Milton office, this full-time role offers the opportunity to work closely with the CEO and staff in a dynamic, member-based environment, helping to strengthen baseball’s reach and impact throughout the state. You’ll play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of Baseball Queensland through a mix of administrative, secretarial, and stakeholder support tasks.

The successful candidate will be a motivated and detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Strong communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities amongst fluctuating workloads, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential. If you’re passionate about sport and want to contribute to the growth and success of baseball in Queensland, we encourage you to apply.

🔗 Apply now via SEEK: https://www.seek.com.au/job/88220212

Annual General Meeting Notice | 2025

Annual General Meeting Notice | 2025

October 31, 2025
Updated:
November 12, 2025

Dear Region Members,

Please find attached a copy of Notice of the 2025 Baseball Queensland Annual General Meeting.

Director positions up for election/re-election in 2025 are currently held by:

David Badke, Director – Deputy Commissioner and Director Game Development

Andy Utting, Director – Communication & Partnerships

 

Director Nominations

Candidates are encouraged to review the information available from this link and to complete and return the Skills Matrix with their Application (Form A) by CoB 12 November 2025.

Life Membership Nominations

To nominate someone for Baseball Queensland’s Life Membership, the form can be found HERE. Please submit Life Membership nominations by 20 November 2025.

Candidates Nominated for Election

Please click on Nomination Form, Skills Matrix and Supporting Information links to review each respective document for the candidates.

BADKE, David

Nomination Form

Skills Matrix

 

PADDISON, David

Nomination Form

Skills Matrix

Supporting Information (Letter to the Baseball Queensland Membership)

 

STRUTT, Regan

Nomination Form

Skills Matrix

Supporting Information (Resume)

 

UTTING, Andy

Nomination Form

Skills Matrix

 

WILSON, Luke

Nomination Form

Skills Matrix

Supporting Information (Resume)

2025 Barclay Cup Wrap-up

2025 Barclay Cup Wrap-up

Queensland Crocs Wrap: Hard Work and Heart Exemplifies the Crocs Spirit at the 2025 Barclay Cup

 October 2025

The Barclay Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of women’s baseball, held in honour of trailblazer Jacinda Barclay—and once again showcased the best of our sport: community, courage, and connection. For the Queensland Crocs, Adelaide was a week-long masterclass in resilience and team spirit that will echo well beyond the final out. In the weeks leading up, the squad put in the work together: early starts, extra reps, and shared standards that quietly stitched the group into one team. By the time they jetted off on 27 September, there was a real sense of purpose in the air—bags packed, bats taped, and a collective promise to represent Queensland with pride.

Across eight tough games in a tightly contested draw, the Crocs finished 1–7, but the numbers hardly tell the story. There were inspiring flashes everywhere: gritty at-bats that stretched counts, smart base running, and defensive plays built on trust and communication. More importantly, the dugout never wavered. Huddles tightened, voices got louder (in the best way), and little moments—glove taps, quick tips, steady eye contact—kept the group connected through every inning.

“I’m immensely proud of this group. They showed up for each other, embraced the hard moments, and represented Queensland with class. The growth—in skill, confidence, and connection—was exactly what this tournament is all about.”

– Noel Tate, Head Coach

The learning didn’t stop when the games did. The team were eager to soak up knowledge and guidance from their coaching staff, in particular, assistant coaches Bella & Molly – who along with being exemplary role models are distinguished players in their own right within the Queensland program. Together they got hands-on with fresh methods—defensive footwork progressions, plan-ahead hitting routines, and the kind of small technical tweaks that make a big difference. They also leaned on tools from their pre-tournament sports psychology session—breathing cues, reset routines, constructive self-talk—and turned them into everyday habits, not just game-day tricks. Those mindset cues became anchors in tight spots and a shared language that strengthened team culture. As Assistant Coach Bella Pickford put it,

“They leaned into learning—every drill, every talk, every challenge. Their willingness to try new things and back their teammates made the biggest difference. They’ll take these tools into club ball and come back even better.”

– Bella Pickford, Assistant Coach

One moment that said everything about the group’s values came when Arielle Judd received the Spirit Award for the Queensland team—recognition for the player who exemplifies what it means to be a great teammate, showing inclusivity and true sports-‘woman’-ship all week. Arielle’s steady presence, voice of encouragement, and “team-first” choices became a quiet compass for the Crocs.

Around the diamonds and in the walkways between fields, the Crocs lived the tournament’s friendship ethos. They traded stories and smiles with players from interstate and international teams, turning post-game chats into real connections. It was evident in the handshakes that lingered, the shared cage time, and the mutual respect that carried through tough scorelines. Assistant Coach Molly Donald captured it perfectly:

“They played with heart and treated every opponent with respect. Watching them celebrate small wins, support each other after tough innings, and connect with other teams—that’s the kind of success that lasts.”

– Molly Donald, Assistant Coach

Ask the players what they’ll remember, and you’ll hear about the friendships, the shared laughter that forged new bonds, and the feeling of belonging to something bigger than just the result on a scoreboard. Many said they’d encourage any young female player in Queensland to get involved next year—because the pathway is real, the community is welcoming, and the growth (on and off the diamond) is undeniable.

To everyone who made the campaign possible—players, parents and families, and the coaching/support team of Head Coach Noel Tate, Assistant Coaches Bella Pickford and Molly Donald, and Team Executive Officer Maureen Lessmann—thank you. Your time, energy, and care brought the best out of this group. 

Baseball Queensland is incredibly proud of how the Queensland Crocs represented the state: with integrity, energy, and unity. 2025’s edition of Barclay Cup was a brilliant showpiece for women’s baseball, and the momentum is only building from here. We’re excited to see how this group grows from the experience and carries their learnings into the next challenge, together.

Go Crocs!