Experienced Leader Joins Queensland Baseball

May 20, 2026

Welcome Damian Shanahan

Baseball Queensland is pleased to announce the appointment of Damian Shanahan as the organisation’s new Performance Program Manager, bringing more than 25 years of high-performance baseball leadership and athlete development experience to Queensland baseball.

Damian joins Baseball Queensland with an extensive background across state, national, and international baseball environments, where he has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most respected pathway and high-performance leaders. His experience spans athlete and coach development, talent identification, program management, sports science integration, and elite team coaching.

Building Stronger Pathways for Queensland Athletes

Most recently, Damian served as High Performance Manager with Baseball Victoria, where he designed and delivered multi-tiered athlete development pathways aligned to national frameworks.

In the role, he oversaw Victorian state team programs across both male and female pathways, coordinated technical and sports science support services, mentored coaches, and helped guide athletes towards collegiate, national, and professional opportunities.

Damian also previously held leadership positions with Victorian Institute of Sport and ACT Academy of Sport, contributing to integrated high-performance systems and long-term athlete and coach development programs.

His appointment strengthens Baseball Queensland’s ongoing commitment to creating sustainable development pathways that support athletes and coaches across metropolitan and regional Queensland.

Extensive National and Professional Baseball Experience

Damian’s impact on Australian baseball extends well beyond state programs. Since 2001, he has served as a National Team Coach for Australian youth and senior teams, while also working as an Assistant Coach with Melbourne Aces from 2010 to 2024.

His professional baseball experience also includes two decades as a scout with San Diego Padres, alongside involvement in MLB Australian Academy programs and coaching roles across Australian and international professional baseball environments.

Damian’s qualifications include a Graduate Diploma of Sports Coaching from The University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical Education) from Victoria University.

He also brings extensive experience integrating modern performance technologies including Driveline, Rapsodo, Blast Motion, Pitch AI, and athlete monitoring systems into athlete development environments.

A Vision for Sustainable Development

In his application for the role, Damian highlighted his passion for building sustainable, inclusive, and high-performing pathways aligned with Baseball Queensland’s vision of a club-centric and regionally supported development model.

He also emphasised the importance of evidence-based practice, innovation, and collaboration in creating long-term success for athletes and coaches across the state.

CEO Gareth Jones Welcomes Appointment

Baseball Queensland CEO Gareth Jones said Damian’s appointment represents an exciting step forward for the organisation’s performance and pathway programs.

“Damian brings an outstanding depth of experience across all levels of the game,” Jones said.
“His background in pathway leadership, coach development, talent identification, and elite performance environments will provide enormous value to our athletes, coaches, clubs, and regions across Queensland.
“Importantly, Damian also shares Baseball Queensland’s vision for building sustainable and connected development pathways that support participation and excellence throughout the state.”

Baseball Queensland would also like to sincerely thank Nick Bachono for his leadership and dedication while serving in the Performance Program Manager role in an interim capacity.

Nick’s professionalism and commitment to athlete and pathway development have been greatly valued throughout the transition period, and he will continue to play an important role within the organisation as Pathway Program Coordinator, delivering programs that provide the entry point into Baseball Queensland’s performance pathways.

Winter High Performance Programs Underway

As Damian joins the organisation, Baseball Queensland’s winter high performance programs are already underway, with athletes across the state participating in an intensive 20-week development program combining gym and on-field training.

The program focuses on developing strong athletic baselines, improving movement efficiency, and reducing injury risk while preparing athletes for future representative opportunities.

Athletes within the Performance Squad were selected by Baseball Australia, while players within the State Development Squad, Women’s Development Squad, and Elite Squad were nominated through their regions, highlighting the strength of Queensland’s regional pathway network.

Looking Ahead

Damian’s appointment marks an exciting opportunity for Baseball Queensland as the organisation continues to strengthen player development, coach education, and performance opportunities for athletes throughout Queensland.

With extensive experience across elite baseball environments and a strong commitment to long-term athlete development, Damian will play a key role in shaping the future of Queensland baseball pathways for years to come.

A long way from the diamond

May 19, 2026

For most young baseball players, getting to training might mean a short drive across town.

For the students of Trebonne State School, the nearest baseball league is almost an hour and a half away.

That’s why a recent five-week Baseball Queensland program meant so much to the tiny rural school community.

Located just west of Ingham, Trebonne is home to just over 100 families and one of the smallest school communities in the region, with only 10 students enrolled across the entire school.

Opportunities to experience organised sport can be limited in remote communities, especially niche sports like baseball.

The closest baseball competition is played at Jabiru Park in Townsville, making regular participation difficult for many local families.

Through the Australian Government’s Sporting Schools initiative, Baseball Queensland coaches Sarah and Mick brought the game directly to the students, introducing every child at the school to baseball through fun, active sessions designed to build confidence and enjoyment.

For the students, the weekly visits quickly became something special.

Coach Sarah said the children eagerly counted down to each session every week.

“It’s a time that the kids look forward to each week, and they love how we use fun to teach them,” she said.

What made the program stand out wasn’t just the baseball skills being taught, but the opportunity it created for students in a remote community to experience a sport they may otherwise never have the chance to play.

From hitting and throwing to teamwork and laughter, the sessions transformed the school grounds into a baseball diamond and gave students a connection to a sport far beyond their small community.

Sarah said the experience left a lasting impression on the coaches as well.

“It’s a great school with amazing kids and dedicated teachers,” she said.

Programs like Sporting Schools play an important role in ensuring geography is not a barrier to sport, helping communities like Trebonne access new experiences, build confidence, and create opportunities for children to be active, connected, and inspired.

Applications for Term 3 Sporting Schools are now open, and anyone anywhere can apply.

Get your school involved today. https://www.ausport.gov.au/schools

OUR EXTENDED ROSTER: BASEBALL QUEENSLAND’S VOLUNTEERS

May 18, 2026

Behind every first pitch, every perfectly lined diamond, every junior player’s first hit, and every championship celebration is a team of volunteers helping make baseball happen.

This National Volunteer Week, Baseball Queensland proudly recognises the volunteers who are the heartbeat of baseball communities across the state.

From early mornings preparing fields to late nights closing canteens after extra innings, volunteers are involved in every part of the game.

They coach teams, umpire games, score from the sidelines, organise fixtures, wash uniforms, drive buses, run tournaments, and welcome new families into the baseball community.

The 2026 National Volunteer Week theme, Your Year to Volunteer, celebrates the incredible impact volunteers make while encouraging more Australians to step up and become part of something bigger.

In baseball, volunteering is about more than filling a role — it is about keeping the game alive.

It is the coach throwing batting practice long after training should have finished. It is the grounds crew dragging the diamond before sunrise. It is the scorer concentrating through every pitch and the committee member working behind the scenes so players can simply focus on playing the game they love.

Volunteers help create the moments that define baseball memories — walk-off wins, first home runs, representative debuts, road trips, and lifelong friendships formed in dugouts and clubhouses across Queensland.

Baseball is built on community, and communities are built by people willing to give their time.

Across Queensland, clubs rely on volunteers to keep programs running for players of all ages, from tee-ball and Little League through to high-performance pathways and state teams. Every training session, tournament, and game day is made possible because someone chose to lend a hand.

One of the unique things about baseball is that there is a place for everyone to contribute. You do not need to have played the game before to make an impact. Whether it is helping on the barbecue, learning to score, assisting with social media, coaching juniors, or helping maintain facilities, every role becomes part of the team effort.

National Volunteer Week is also an opportunity to invite the next generation of volunteers into the game. Many of today’s coaches, officials, scorers, and administrators first started by helping out at their local club for a few hours each week.

That small contribution often becomes a lifelong connection to the sport.

To every volunteer across the Baseball Queensland community — thank you for stepping up to the plate. Your time, passion, and dedication continue to strengthen clubs, inspire players, and grow the game across the state.

2026 is Your Year to Volunteer — and baseball has a place for everyone on the team.

A Place to Belong: Baseball5s helps participants shine at the tErtiary place

May 11, 2026

At The Tertiary Place, Baseball5 has become much more than a game.

For the participants taking part in the five-week competition, it is a chance to connect, build confidence and be part of a team where everyone belongs.

Now in its second season after a successful pilot program in 2025, the Baseball5 competition continues to create opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities to get active in a fun and supportive environment.

Each week, players arrive ready to bat, field, cheer on teammates and celebrate each other’s successes.

The inclusive design of Baseball5 has been key to the program’s success. With adaptive options built into the game from the beginning, participants can choose the level that suits them best and take on new challenges at their own pace.

This allows every player to join in and contribute in a way that feels comfortable and rewarding for them.

Manager of The Tertiary Place, Mary McKenna, said the program gives participants a real sense of belonging.

“The programme affords all participants, regardless of their strengths, to shine,” Mary said.

Whether participants are hitting the ball, making a play in the field or supporting teammates from the sidelines, every role is valued.

Over the course of the competition, confidence has continued to grow as players encourage one another and celebrate achievements together.

“It is heartwarming to see each of our people shine as they are able to participate in their own way and see the sense of accomplishment on their faces as their peer group cheers them on,” Mary said.

The program has quickly become a highlight of the week for many participants, with the welcoming and supportive atmosphere helping players feel safe, included and excited to return each session.

As Baseball5 continues to grow across Queensland, programs like this are showing the power of inclusive sport and the positive impact it can have when everyone is given the opportunity to take part.

North Queensland’s Emerging Athletes Program Wraps Up

May 6, 2026

Baseball Queensland’s Emerging Athletes Program (EAP) has officially wrapped up. Over the past eight weeks 21 athletes across Cairns and Townsville have taken part in a development program for young players.

Designed as the entry point into Baseball Queensland’s performance pathway, the program focuses on developing core fundamentals in athletes aged 10–16. Throwing, hitting, fielding, speed, agility, and strength and conditioning were forefront of each session.

Athletes also had a taste of performance testing. A series of tests that athletes undertake to track their progress and see where they are at. This data will form a valuable baseline for these athletes as their baseball journey continues.

The EAP provides a structured and supportive environment, particularly suited to athletes beginning their baseball journey. With a strong emphasis on fundamentals and overall game awareness, the program equips players with the tools and confidence needed to take the next step in their development.

Coach Dan White praised the group’s commitment and the opportunity the program provides for emerging talent.

“It’s great to see new faces in the program, it’s a great chance for some younger players to get a taste of the performance pathways,” he said.

Beyond individual growth, the program also plays an important role in strengthening local clubs, with athletes and assistant coaches taking valuable knowledge back to their teams.

“The kids and assistants should have some good things to take away and implement with their clubs,” White added.

With another successful program complete, the focus now shifts to the future, with plans already in motion to expand opportunities across the region.

“I look forward to continuing to grow the pathways and opportunities for development in North Queensland,” White said. “Hopefully it will be even bigger and better next year.”

Coaching the coaches

In a first for the program, emerging coaches were also invited to shadow as a way of upskilling and developing coaches across the region.

Coach Jess Doel has just started her coaching career with local club Townsville Taipans. In just the few sessions that she attended, she credits the staff’s expertise and dedication to athlete development towards inspiring her own coaching journey. I was fortunate to shadow some of the most knowledgeable Queensland coaches in the game.

“I enjoyed the experience immensely and was blown away by the patience the coaches demonstrated,” Doel said.

“The way they guided each athlete individually, identifying strengths and gently challenging limitations.

“Watching them work reinforced for me just how much goes into athlete development beyond just physical training.”

The Emerging Athletes Program continues to be a vital first step in Baseball Queensland’s pathway, helping to build a strong foundation for the next generation of players and coaches, ensuring the long-term growth of the game across our regions.

Queensland’s First Interschool Baseball5 Competition a Hit

May 1, 2026

Queensland has officially stepped into a new era of school sport, with the state’s very first interschool Baseball5 (B5s) competition bringing energy, inclusivity, and fast-paced action to the forefront.

Held over five exciting weeks, the competition saw students from Parklands Christian College, Kings Christian College, and Bethania Lutheran College go head-to-head in a format that is redefining how baseball can be played in schools.

A Game for Everyone

Unlike traditional baseball, Baseball5 removes barriers and opens the game up to more students. With no bats or pitched balls, players hit with their hands, making it safer, simpler, and more accessible.

Dan Spiers from Kings Christian College highlighted the significance of the event, as the first Baseball5 interschool competition to take place in Queensland.

He also emphasised the format’s accessibility.

“B5s is an inclusive game of baseball… you can play it absolutely anywhere. The games are a lot faster—we got through three innings in 20 minutes.”

That inclusivity has been key to the competition’s success.

“Every kid gets an opportunity to hit the ball and to field,” Spiers added.

“Kids that may be a bit concerned about facing a pitched ball—that barrier is removed.”

Fast, Fun, and Competitive

Across all three schools, one theme was clear: students quickly fell in love with the game.

At Bethania Lutheran College, Tanya Morris noted how easy it was to get started.

“Minimal equipment is needed—anyone can do it—it’s so easy. Once they (the kids) know the rules they love it. It’s easy and it’s fast-paced.”

B5s was the sport of choice at Parklands Christian College with its focus on health, fitness, and fun along with ball skills.

Alisha Scott, one of Parklands teachers, pointed the developmental benefits she was finding for her students.

“It teaches kids coordination skills. They have to hit, run, and look where they need to go.”

And for those students who thrive on competition?

“Our sporty kids love it—they are super competitive.”

Teachers in the Hot Seat

While the students embraced the fast-paced nature of the game, teachers found themselves facing a new kind of challenge—umpiring.

Scott admitted that making the right call under pressure isn’t always easy.

“A close play is harder than teaching in the classroom because there is so much happening—and if you get it wrong, all the kids will call you out. In the classroom, you know you’re the boss.”

Building the Future of the Game

Beyond the scores and results, the inaugural competition represents something much bigger: a new accessible way to play diamond sports for young athletes across Queensland.

With its emphasis on inclusivity, simplicity, and fun, Baseball5 is proving to be an ideal entry point for schools. The success of this five-week competition not only highlights the appetite for the format but also sets the stage for future growth.

As the final games wrapped up, one thing was certain—this may have been the first interschool B5s competition in Queensland, but it won’t be the last.