News - Baseball Queensland

25/26 Greater Brisbane League Competition and BQ Tech Norms Rule Update

Jul 17, 2025

2025/26 Summer Season – Important Rule and Competition Updates

MEDIA RELEASE – 18/07/2025

With sign-on days fast approaching, Baseball Queensland would like to remind all players, coaches, clubs, and regions of important rule changes and competition updates that will take effect for the 2025/26 Summer season.

Below are some key updates to ensure everyone is prepared and well-informed.

Updates from Baseball Queensland

Women’s Division 1 – QLD State Titles BQ Tech Norms Rule Update

The following rule will apply for player eligibility at the Women’s Division 1 Queensland State Titles:

Should a player be registered with, and/or have played with, two (2) or more affiliated teams during the season prior to the dates of the State Championship, the Region in which the player registers and pays their Baseball Australia and Baseball Queensland Capitation fees will have priority for selection.

It is a fundamental requirement of this policy that each team must exhaust all possible avenues to select players from within their own Regional boundaries first. If a team is unable to field a complete roster from within its Region, it may request approval from the BQ Game Development Manager to access players from other Regions.

Important notes:

Regions must not directly approach “Friendship Players.” Breaches of this rule will result in the player being deemed ineligible for the tournament.
All Friendship Players must register into the designated “Pool.” While a Friendship Player can nominate a preferred Region, there is no guarantee they will be assigned to that Region’s roster.
Players participating in a Queensland local competition, or who have played for a Queensland Club, Region, or represented Queensland within the past 12 months, will have priority for team appointments over interstate or international players who have not participated in local Queensland competitions.

For further details or questions, please contact Baseball Queensland at [email protected]

Updates from the Greater Brisbane League (GBL) Competitions Committee

Please be aware these competition changes are relevant for 12-16 year-olds at any participating Greater Brisbane League clubs. The competition format may vary for the other 25/26 Summer competitions, Gold Coast Baseball Association and Sunshine Coast Baseball.

GBL – New Look Senior League Competitions

GBL have updated the Senior League competition formats that aligns with Baseball Australia guidelines. These changes aim to better support League Age players by offering flexibility in field measurements and age brackets, while allowing clubs to better match players based on experience and development needs.

Clubs will have the ability to:

Place players in the most appropriate division during pre-season assessments.
Move players during the season if they demonstrate significantly higher or lower skill levels, without needing to complete a formal “playing out of natural age group” process.

New Age Brackets and Divisions:

Senior League 70 – 70′ bases, 50′ pitching (restricted runs competition)
- League Age 12–14
Senior League 80 – 80′ bases, 54′ pitching
- League Age 13–16
Senior League 90 – 90′ bases, 60’6″ pitching (restricted runs competition)
- League Age 13–16
Senior League 90 – 90′ bases, 60’6″ pitching
- League Age 13–16

These changes are designed to support player development, improve game experiences, and ensure safe, fair, and competitive opportunities for all players. For further details or questions, please contact the GBL Competitions Committee at [email protected]

Baseball Queensland encourages all clubs, coaches, and players to familiarise themselves with these updates ahead of the 2025 season. For further details or questions, please contact [email protected]

Baseball Queensland Commits to Reconciliation with Endorsed Reflect RAP

Jul 7, 2025

As we celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, Baseball Queensland is proud to reflect on and strengthen our commitment to reconciliation. This year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,” invites all Australians to amplify and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices — a message that aligns strongly with our values and recent milestone.

Baseball Queensland is proud to announce the formal endorsement of its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) by Reconciliation Australia — a significant milestone in our commitment to reconciliation and inclusivity in sport.

We recognise that baseball, like all sports, has a powerful role to play in the health, wellbeing, and connection of communities across Australia. However, we also acknowledge that participation opportunities aren’t always equal. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face ongoing barriers such as limited transport, financial challenges, time constraints, and competing cultural or family commitments.

Through our Reflect RAP, Baseball Queensland is taking the first steps to address these challenges and promote more equitable participation across our sport. This plan was shaped by honest reflection, listening to the experiences of our participants, and identifying the need for more purposeful action to support reconciliation.

⚾ Our commitment is already in motion. Baseball Queensland has proudly partnered with the South West Indigenous Network, supporting their sports education tours and NAIDOC Week celebrations — a practical step towards building stronger relationships and creating real opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Our Reflect RAP will be delivered across the entire organisation, led by our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Panel, which reports directly to the Board and includes voices from clubs and regions throughout Queensland. Our RAP Champions – the CEO and Director of Projects, Equity and Inclusion – are driving these efforts to embed reconciliation into the heart of everything we do.

“Getting these first steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives, and provide meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey.” – Karen Mundine, CEO of Reconciliation Australia

We are excited to walk this path with purpose and integrity, ensuring Baseball Queensland plays an active role in reducing inequality and honouring the cultures, histories, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Click here to download the RAP PDF.

GAME ON: QUEENSLAND ATHLETES ABROAD – TYLER SAKZEWSKI

Jul 1, 2025

Game On: Queensland Athletes Abroad is a new Baseball Queensland series celebrating homegrown talent chasing their baseball dreams on the international stage. From local clubs to college commitments, these athletes have taken their game to the next level, showing that dedication, discipline, and passion can create incredible opportunities beyond home. Each story highlights the journey from Queensland pathways to overseas success, aiming to inspire the next generation of players to believe in what’s possible with hard work and commitment. Whether they’re studying, training, or competing, these athletes carry Queensland pride with them every step of the way. Game on — let’s follow their journey.

Athlete spotlight: Tyler Sakzewski

Quick Profile

Name: Tyler Sakzewski

Nickname: T

Position: Pitcher

Club: Pinehills Lightning Baseball Club, Brisbane Metro

University / College: Lamar Community College, Colorado

College Year: Freshman

Degree Studied: Diploma of Sports Science

Socials: Instagram: @tyler_sak88 / X: @Tyler_Sakzewski

The Pathway to College Baseball

Tyler Sakzewski, known around the fields as “T”, has been locked into baseball since he picked up a glove at five. His drive to pursue college baseball was sparked at just 11 years old, playing in Cooperstown, New York with the Queensland Dolphins. That early taste of the U.S. environment set his goals in motion.

He progressed through every level of Baseball Queensland’s development system, from the Emerging Athlete Program, into State Teams, the Performance Pathways, the High Performance Program, and eventually the Australian Squad before heading to college.

Coaching & Influences

Tyler’s development has been supported by a wide network of coaches, mentors, and teammates.

Justin Erasmus provided individual pitching lessons for years from U12s
James Somerville guided him through junior to senior transitions
David Badke placed trust in Tyler and his QLD teammates at Nationals
Nev Brockie & Kevin “Crazy” Cantwell were always there with timely advice
His men’s A Grade teammates at Pinehills and, above all, his mum—who drove him to every session and became his post-game sounding board

resilience & Reward

The lesson that stuck?

“Resilience. Have a never give up attitude. If you want it—never stop trying.”

Tyler’s top memory with Baseball Queensland was winning Nationals in January 2023 with a standout QLD team and being selected in the first round for the Australian Squad.

Adjusting to the U.S. Game

The shift to Colorado brought both weather and game intensity challenges.

“Going from playing in heat to the minus temperatures in Colorado was a huge change. The way the game is viewed and played is also at a much higher level.”

His daily routine reflects the college baseball grind:

Morning: Breakfast at the cafeteria and classes (scheduled around the baseball schedule)
Afternoon (1 PM – 5 PM): Team training, individual sessions, and weights
Evening: Dinner and schoolwork

Advice for Future Players

Tyler’s advice for aspiring Queenslanders is clear:

“Keep working hard and never give up. A dream will never be out of reach if you put the work in.”

What’s Next?

With a strong foundation from Queensland and now settling into his freshman year at Lamar Community College, Tyler is ready to continue pushing forward—representing his state, his family, and the years of dedication that brought him here.

More About TYLER

📄 Player Profile
📝 Recruitment & Athletic Forms

Now Hiring: Player Development Coordinator

Jun 30, 2025

Baseball Queensland is inviting applications for a part-time Player Development Coordinator to join our team and play a key role in growing baseball across the state.

In this role, you will deliver player and coach development programs that increase participation and prepare athletes and coaches for entry into the high-performance pathway. Working closely with the CEO and Performance Program Manager, you will support clubs and regions with tailored development initiatives, lead coach education for aspiring coaches, and manage the coordination of emerging talent and touring team operations.

You will also assist in delivering major pathway events such as State Championships, working alongside volunteers, committees, and staff in a collaborative, member-based environment.

We’re seeking a proactive, organised individual with strong communication skills and a passion for nurturing Queensland’s baseball talent.

🔗 Apply now via SEEK: https://www.seek.com.au/job/85213927

BNR win Junior League Nationals

Jun 25, 2025

GOLD MEDAL GAME: BRISBANE NORTH 11 def MELBOURNE ATHLETICS 2 – Brisbane North out muscle Melbourne Athletics to claim Australian Junior League Championship

Story from baseball.com.au

Brisbane North out-hit, out-pitched and out-scored them in a dominating Gold Medal Game display.

Brisbane North collected 14 hits to Melbourne’s four and had a big pitching performance from Tyler Wilson in the win.

They’ll now represent Australia at the 2025 Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan.

Coby Holt led Brisbane with a three hit performance. Tyler Wilson, Barry Hunter and Chase Crew also picked up a pair of hits.

Tyler Wilson (below) threw 5.0 innings, allowing just one run, three hits, four walks and had eight strikeouts.

It looked early as if Melbourne Athletics would chuck a lopsided number on the ledger. They loaded the bases with nobody out in the second inning.

Enter Tyler Wilson.

The right-handed Brisbane North pitcher struck out the side and walked just one batter. He escaped the inning with just one run on the board and the bases full of Athletics.

It seemed to spark the offence.

Brisbane North scored three runs immediately following in the third inning. Coby Holt tied the game with an RBI single to right-field. Two batters later, Patrick Fogg hit a ground ball and reached on an error by the pitcher which caused two more runs to score on the play.

3-1.

Aaron Bell drove in a pair with a two-RBI single to left in the fifth. Barry Hunter and Kenneth O’Brien picked up RBI singles in the fifth.

7-1.

Meanwhile, Wilson was cruising. His final stat line read 5.0 innings, with three hits, one run, four walks and eight strikeouts.

The Athletics pegged one back in the sixth but Brisbane North sailed away to a Golden sunset in the top of the seventh. They plated four runs thanks to a bases clearing triple from Logan Lokeni and a line drive RBI from Logan Larkin.

Patrick Fogg recorded the final three outs.

Brisbane North will represent Australia at the 2025 Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan from August 3-10.

The players are: Chase Crew, Joey Perkins, Tyler Wilson, Barry Hunter, Archer Peterson, Logan Lokeni, Patrick Fogg, Kenneth O’Brien, Coby Holt, Aaron Bell, Logan Larkin, Eddie Jones. Coaches:

BRISBANE NORTH

Hits (14): Patrick Fogg, Logan Lokeni, Chase Crew (2), Logan Larkin, Barry Hunter (2), Kenneth O’Brien, Tyler Wilson (2), Aaron Bell, Coby Holt (3)

RBI: Lokeni (2), Bell (2), Larkin, Hunter, O’Brien, Holt

See more photos in the gallery

Brisbane North win 2025 Little League Nationals

Jun 17, 2025

Brisbane North has done Queensland proud, taking out the 2025 Australian Little League Championship with a dominant 6-0 win over Ryde Red. (WATCH THE MINI-MATCH here)

With the national title secured, they’re now headed to the Little League Baseball® World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania this August – a dream come true for these young Queenslanders!

💛💚 From start to finish, their teamwork, focus and passion stood out, and we couldn’t be prouder of the entire squad representing Queensland on the world stage.

Read the full story by Baseball.com.au: BRAXTON BLACK TOSSES COMPLETE GAME SHUTOUT IN GOLD MEDAL GAME TO ADVANCE BRISBANE NORTH TO LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES below 👇

Watch this space as we follow their journey and cheer them on every step of the way!

See more photos in the gallery

⚾ More to Come – Brisbane North Junior League Heads to Melbourne

While the Little League team gears up for their World Series debut, Brisbane North’s Junior League side is heading to Melbourne this week for their semi-final against Cronulla Black. The game kicks off at 9:30 AM this Friday, after the original tournament was postponed due to wet weather.

Let’s go Brisbane North! 💪

BRAXTON BLACK TOSSES COMPLETE GAME SHUTOUT IN GOLD MEDAL GAME TO ADVANCE BRISBANE NORTH TO LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES

originally posted on baseball.com.au

Braxton Black threw a complete game shutout as Brisbane North defeated Ryde Red 6-0 in the 2025 Australian Little League Gold Medal Game.

The Vikings starter struck out 12 batters and conceded just four hits and two walks in his dominating display.

Brisbane North are going to Williamsport. They will represent the Australia Region at the famous Little League World Series, play in front of crowds of over 30,000 and television audiences of over a million.

Brisbane North only managed three hits off a tricky Ryde pitching staff of Miles Powell, Flynn Helliar & Jenson Koch.

They took advantage of walks, errors and a few passed balls.

Brisbane North scored five runs in the bottom of the third inning and never saw a ball leave the infield.

You can watch the highlights and the runs below.

Harper Lokeni, Xander Reid and Josh Campbell-Manfield had the base knocks for Brisbane North.

The Queenslanders lost just one game all week. They only allowed 15 runs in seven games – the best mark in the tournament. They struck out 72 batters as a collective.

A day earlier, Brisbane North rode a complete game shutout from starter Issei Hamano to seal a spot in the final.

It’s the second time in four years Brisbane North have advanced to a Little League World Series, the last being in 2022.

The winning team is Monica Arcuri, Josh Campbell-Manfield, Issei Hamano, Cameron Holden, Averey Griffin, Harper Lokeni, Braxton Black, Xander Reid, Porter Cox, Ryder Smith, Preston Reid, Floyd Staines. Coaches: Keith Land, Eli Jones, Darren Holden, Sally Reid (EO)