Baseball Queensland is excited to announce the appointment of Joe as our new Baseball5 Coordinator. With a background in game development, junior sport coaching, and a passion for sports innovation, Joe brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the role. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter in the growth and development of Baseball5 in Queensland.

In this Q&A, we sat down with Joe to learn more about his journey, what excites him about Baseball5, and his vision for the future of the sport in Queensland.

Q: Tell us a bit about your background and experience.

I’ve spent nearly ten years in game development, working across multiple organisations, and I’ve coached junior sport for over a decade. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to create and implement new programs, and I’ve always had a passion for sports, both personally and professionally. I’m excited to bring my experience and innovative thinking into the Baseball5 space.

Q: How did you get involved with baseball and Baseball5?

Although my background in baseball and Baseball5 is relatively new, I’ve always been a fan. I have family members who have played the sport, so it’s been a part of my life for a while. Now, I’m looking at it from a development perspective with fresh eyes, and I’m excited about the potential I see in Baseball5.

Q: What excites you most about Baseball5?

What excites me most is the endless possibilities Baseball5 brings to the sporting landscape. It’s a fast-paced, urban version of baseball that’s perfect for various environments, and it’s easy to see how it can engage a wide range of people. The chance to collaborate with like-minded people to create something special really motivates me.

Q: What are your goals for growing Baseball5 in Queensland?

My main goals are to increase awareness, participation, and community engagement. First, I want to raise awareness by promoting the sport in schools, local sporting clubs, and events. I plan to organise demonstration games to show people how exciting and unique Baseball5 is. I’m also focusing on increasing youth participation by partnering with schools and youth organisations to introduce Baseball5 through workshops and after-school programs. I want to ensure the sport is accessible and fun for kids.  Another goal is to develop coaching resources so we have skilled leaders who can nurture talent and create positive experiences.  Lastly, I’m focused on inclusivity. By creating a welcoming environment, I hope to ensure that Baseball5 becomes a sport that everyone, regardless of background or ability, can enjoy.

Q: How will you be promoting Baseball5 to the community?

I’m planning to host Come and Try events in popular locations across Queensland. This will give the community a chance to experience how fun, engaging, and inclusive Baseball5 really is. We’ve already got some schools across the city that are embracing Baseball5 and actively promoting it in their areas, which is fantastic.

Q: What’s next for Baseball5?

We just wrapped up the Baseball5 World Cup in Hong Kong, and it was exciting to see Australia compete for the first time. Now, we’re looking ahead to the 2025 World Cup in Mexico City. I encourage everyone to keep an eye on our social media and website for updates on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.

Q: Any final thoughts or messages for the community?

I want to say thank you to everyone I’ve met so far for welcoming me into the community with open arms. I’m really excited to work together to make Baseball5 a key part of Queensland’s sporting landscape. This is just the beginning, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Joe to our Game Development team as we invest in Baseball5 and its exciting potential. Joe’s passion for Baseball5 is a game-changer for us as we look to expand the reach of baseball across Queensland. Baseball5 offers a fresh, fast-paced, and inclusive way to engage new communities and introduce the fundamentals of our sport. We’re confident we can grow the sport in Queensland and unlock a new generation of baseball enthusiasts.” – Sam Cawdron, Game Development Manager

We’re thrilled to have Joe on board and can’t wait to see the growth of Baseball5 in Queensland. Welcome, Joe! ⚾