News - Baseball Queensland

From dream to reality: Molly Paddison is ready to pull on the Green and Gold

Jul 7, 2026

For Molly Paddison, becoming an Australian Emerald isn’t just the fulfilment of a personal dream.

It’s a moment that belongs to her family.

Later this month, the Queenslander will make her debut for Australia at the 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup in Rockford, Illinois, after first hearing about the opportunity to represent her country.

The dream began when she was just 14 years old.

“That was when I first discovered there was a national team for women’s baseball,” Paddison said.

“Playing for Australia became my goal from that moment.”

When the call finally came from Emeralds Head Coach Jason Pospishil, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

“I was watching a mountain bike race on a Sunday morning when I saw I’d missed a call from Pops,” she said.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I called him back.

“When he told me I made the team, I was shocked. I just kept thanking him.”

Her next call was the one she had imagined making for years.

“I asked if my parents were both there before I told them.

“They both started crying out of pure joy.”

The moment was especially meaningful because no one has invested more in her baseball journey than her family.

“For me, to represent my family means the world,” she said.

“Every time I put on a jersey, no matter what level it is, I’m thankful to my parents because of the sacrifices they’ve made for me.

“They’ve missed out on years of family holidays. Instead, we’ve spent them together at baseball tournaments.”

Paddison says those sacrifices have motivated her every step of the way.

“My biggest influence has to be my parents. They’ve sacrificed so much for me, and I’ve always wanted to do well because of what they’ve given me.”

While family has been her foundation, Queensland’s performance pathway has helped prepare her for the international stage.

“To represent Queensland at an international level is an honour,” she said.

“The coaches have been great. Every one of them has had an impact on my journey, and I’m forever grateful.

“The Queensland Pathways have been absolutely amazing for me, providing some of the best coaching they can and helping me reach my goals.”

Like many elite athletes, Paddison’s journey has required sacrifice.

“The biggest sacrifice I’ve made has been my social life,” she said.

“I’d often miss hanging out with friends to go to training or play on a Saturday night.

“But I knew it would all be worth it one day.”

Now that day has arrived.

Although the reality of becoming an Emerald is still sinking in.

“I have a feeling it’ll hit me either the night before the first game or when I hear the national anthem for the first time.”

Rio Bradley base running at Australian Women's Nationals

As Australia prepares for the Women’s Baseball World Cup, Paddison is eager to embrace every moment of the experience.

“I’m most excited about playing for my country because it’s something I’ve never experienced before. New experiences always make me excited.”

She’s also relishing the chance to test herself against the world’s best.

“The country I’m most looking forward to facing is the USA because I think it’ll be a really good challenge.”

For Paddison, success won’t just be measured by personal performance, saying that she’ll do what she can to help make sure her team is there come next year’s World Cup Finals.

“I hope I can bring positivity to the team in every way possible.”

Having achieved the dream she set for herself as a teenager, Paddison now hopes her journey inspires the next generation of girls to chase theirs.

“My message to young girls playing baseball is: don’t let anyone tell you no,” she said.

“Go pick up that glove or a bat and show them you belong standing on that field too.”

For a player whose journey has been built on family, hard work and belief, pulling on the green and gold is more than an individual achievement.

It’s a tribute to every sacrifice that helped make the dream possible.

The Women’s World Cup will take place from July 22–27. Molly will be joined by fellow Queenslander and Emerald debutant Rio Bradley, along with Emeralds Assistant Coach Lisa Norrie.

‘You’re Going to Be an Emerald’: Rio Bradley Ready for Her Biggest Baseball Moment

Jul 2, 2026

For Queensland’s Rio Bradley, wearing the green and gold has always been the dream.

Later this month, that dream becomes reality when the Queensland product makes her debut for the Australian Emeralds at the 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup in Rockford, Illinois.

It’s the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and a genuine love for the game—but for Bradley, representing Australia is about much more than the uniform.

“I’ve always wanted to play for Australia in my sport, so that has definitely been a goal for a while,” Bradley said.

“But I play mostly for the people I have met along the way.

I’ve met some of my best friends playing baseball and that naturally makes you want to play well for them.

“I also like the challenge that playing at higher levels brings and playing under pressure. I like pushing myself to see how I perform in that environment and always striving for improvement.”

Like many athletes, Bradley has replayed the moment she learned she had achieved her dream countless times.

She was at home in her living room when the call came from Emeralds Head Coach Jason Pospishil.

“I saw Pop’s name pop up and assumed, at best, it was a call telling me I was on the squad and, at worst, him telling me I didn’t make it this year,” she said.

“When he said, ‘You’re going to be an Emerald,’ I think I went into a bit of shock. I honestly probably didn’t give him much of a reaction,” she laughed.

“But on the inside I was freaking out and immediately called my parents to tell them.

“I don’t think it’ll sink in until I’m on the plane.”

Since that phone call, Bradley has thrown herself into preparation, allowing herself to focus on the job at hand and stay grounded.

“I’m training more than I ever have before at the moment and that’s keeping my mind preoccupied” she said about her full week’s schedule.”

When she finally steps onto the field in Rockford, Bradley knows the moment will represent every early morning, every training session and every sacrifice made along the way.

“It means so much more than I think even I can comprehend at the moment,” she said.

“Being able to stand on that field and know that all my hard work has paid off, and standing alongside this team is a dream come true”

Bradley also hopes her journey inspires the next generation of Queensland baseball players chasing similar dreams.

Her advice is simple.

“Be coachable,” she said.

“Take on any advice your coaches give you and apply it when you can. At the end of the day, your coach wants to see you get better for the sake of the team.

“You don’t have to take it on permanently, but be open to trying new things and new ways to improve your game.”

As Australia’s newest Emerald prepares to make her international debut on one of baseball’s biggest stages, her focus remains firmly on contributing however she can.

Whether that’s on the field or off the field, Bradley knows that she’ll have an important part to play and she is ready to give it her all.

“I want to contribute positively to the team environment in any way I can.”

From dreaming of representing Australia to earning her place among the nation’s best, Bradley’s journey is just beginning.

Now, with the Women’s Baseball World Cup on the horizon, Queensland will be proudly watching as one of its own takes the field in green and gold for the very first time.

The Women’s World Cup will take place from July 22–27. Rio will be joined by fellow Queenslander and Emerald debutant Molly Paddison, along with Emeralds Assistant Coach Lisa Norrie.

Baseball5 – an emerging hit

Jun 30, 2026

More than 30 teachers from across Queensland recently discovered why Baseball5 is one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in schools, taking part in a highly successful professional development workshop delivered as part of an ACHPER Queensland Personal Development Day in Brisbane.

Held on Friday, 22 May at the West Rugby Fields in Toowong, the workshop formed part of the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation Queensland Branch’s ( ACHPER QLD ) Emerging Trends in Sport program. The event brought together health and physical education teachers from across the state, with some participants travelling from as far as Rockhampton to experience Baseball5 firsthand.

As Queensland’s leading professional association for health and physical education professionals, ACHPER Queensland plays a vital role in supporting, educating and connecting teachers through professional learning opportunities that enhance student outcomes. Baseball5’s inclusion in the program highlights the growing recognition of the sport as an innovative, accessible and engaging addition to school sport programs.

The session was led by Baseball Queensland Gold Coast Development Officer Stephen Redfern and Baseball5 Coordinator Joe Surrentino, who guided participants through both the theory and practical elements of delivering Baseball5 in school environments.

Teachers were highly engaged throughout the day, exploring the unique features that make Baseball5 such an attractive option for schools. With minimal equipment requirements, simple rules and the ability to be played in almost any space, participants quickly saw why the sport is gaining momentum across Queensland classrooms and sporting programs.

When it was time to put theory into practice, the teachers embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. The hands-on component saw participants stepping onto the field and experiencing the fast-paced, inclusive nature of the game for themselves.

Among those in attendance was Mango Hill State Secondary College teacher Nick Hill, who was impressed by both the simplicity of the sport and its ability to engage students immediately.

“It’s so easy for kids to pick up they can have fun playing it straight away,” Mr Hill said.

Mr Hill also highlighted the strong links between Baseball5 and the Health and Physical Education curriculum, noting how easily the sport can be incorporated into existing teaching programs.

“You can fit it into catching and throwing, you can fit it into striking and fielding,” he said.

For Mr Hill, one of the sport’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring students together regardless of age, ability or experience level.

“You don’t have to worry about age gaps, skill gaps or gender gaps,” he said. “It’s a great thing that anyone can play and be as competitive as you like.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Browns Plains State High School teacher Chris Papadimitriou, who saw immediate opportunities to introduce Baseball5 to students at his school.

“It’s something different, something that we don’t really touch on,” Mr Papadimitriou said. “We don’t even really play much regular baseball but this was just so engaging, even on such a small scale.”

Mr Papadimitriou believes the sport has the potential to connect students across multiple year levels through its simple and inclusive format.

“It would be great to get anyone and everyone at our school involved all the way from Grade 7 to Grade 12,” he said.

Like many teachers attending the workshop, Mr Papadimitriou was particularly impressed by the accessibility of the game.

“The main thing that stood out to me was how inclusive it was and there wasn’t a high skill cap, which is amazing for any kid to be able to play,” he said.

The feedback from both teachers reflects the qualities that continue to drive Baseball5’s growth throughout Queensland. The sport’s adaptability allows it to support curriculum outcomes while creating opportunities for students of all backgrounds and abilities to participate and experience success.

The day concluded with some friendly competition between participants and several giveaways to celebrate the occasion. Mr Hill walked away with an official Baseball5 hat and water bottle, while Mr Papadimitriou was the lucky recipient of an official Baseball5 Teachers Kit.

The Teachers Kit, available through Baseball Queensland for $275, provides educators with everything they need to begin delivering Baseball5 programs at their school. Its affordability and ease of implementation further reinforce the sport’s accessibility for schools of all sizes and locations.

Beyond the prizes and practical learning, the event represented another significant milestone in the continued growth of Baseball5 across Queensland. The strong attendance and enthusiasm demonstrated by teachers reflected the increasing demand for inclusive, engaging and easy-to-deliver sporting opportunities within schools.

Baseball Queensland extends its thanks to Nyree Wood and the team at ACHPER Queensland for their support in delivering one of the largest Baseball5 teacher upskilling and professional development events held in the state to date.

As Baseball5 continues to break new ground across Queensland and Australia, workshops like these are helping build a network of passionate teacher ambassadors who will introduce the sport to thousands of students in the years ahead.

Meet the man bringing baseball to rockhampton

Jun 26, 2026

If you’ve ever met Phil Hearn, chances are the conversation has eventually turned to baseball.

In fact, Phil proudly describes himself as the owner of the largest private baseball memorabilia collection outside of the United States and Canada. From rare collectables to treasured pieces of baseball history, his collection tells the story of a lifelong passion that began with a single trip.

In 2016, Phil travelled to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where he attended his very first baseball game at the SkyDome.

Having never experienced baseball in person before, he had no idea what was waiting for him.

“It was absolutely incredible,” Phil recalled. “There were more than 40,000 people screaming, singing the national anthem and completely invested in the game. Once it started, you were absolutely attracted to what was happening on the field.”

Trying to describe the atmosphere back home isn’t easy.

“The closest thing I can compare it to in Australia is a T20 cricket match,” he said. “But even that doesn’t come close.”

That one experience sparked an obsession that has lasted decades.

For Phil, baseball isn’t just about collecting memorabilia or watching games—it’s about sharing the sport with others.

“It’s about taking my passion and sharing it with the community.”

Now he’s on a mission to introduce baseball to the next generation in Rockhampton.

Every weekend, Phil packs up his equipment and heads to a local park in Edenbrook, where he runs free T-ball sessions for children in the community. There are no registration fees, no expectations and no pressure—just a chance for kids to pick up a bat, throw a ball and discover a sport many have never had the opportunity to try.

He doesn’t have to look hard to see the impact these games have on the local children.

“When you’re standing there looking at all the kids squealing and laughing with delight, having fun, loving to catch the ball. They all want to hit the ball out of the park.”

Week after week, more families are joining in, proving that all it takes is someone willing to create an opportunity.

“They come up to you afterwards and say when’s the next one, we want to do it again… Now we play every weekend!”

Now, Phil’s efforts are set to reach even further.

Working alongside Baseball Queensland, he will help deliver introductory baseball programs to schools, Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services, kindergartens and childcare centres throughout the Rockhampton region.

The partnership aims to bring baseball directly to where children already learn and play, making it easier than ever for young Queenslanders to experience the game in a fun, welcoming environment.

It’s a significant step towards growing the sport in Central Queensland and creating pathways for children who may never have considered baseball before.

For Baseball Queensland, community champions like Phil are invaluable.

While his memorabilia collection may be extraordinary, it’s his willingness to invest his time, energy and enthusiasm into local families that makes the biggest difference. Every child who picks up a glove, every family who discovers the sport and every smile at a Saturday T-ball session is helping build something much bigger than a collection.

It’s building a baseball community.

From one unforgettable game in Canada to inspiring the next generation in regional Queensland, Phil Hearn is proving that passion really can change a community—one swing at a time.

Calling the shots on another impressive season

Jun 24, 2026

Behind every great baseball game is an umpire making the calls, managing the contest and helping create a positive experience for players, coaches and families.

Throughout the 2025/26 season, Queensland’s umpiring community once again demonstrated its importance to the game, with community volunteers, developing officials and experienced representatives all playing a vital role across local, state and national events.

In a historic effort, the Baseball Queensland State Championships, drew on an incredible 52 umpires to cover the sheer number of teams competing across multiple divisions and locations.

According to State Director of Community Umpiring (Little League Umpires) Barry Foat, the effort from community umpires and parent volunteers was one of his highlights of the year.

“In most cases these were parents and community-level umpires who stepped forward and did an outstanding job,” Foat said.

“Without those people being willing to help, tournaments of that size simply don’t happen.”

The championships also highlighted the strength of Queensland’s umpire development pathway, with experienced Queensland Baseball Umpires Association (QBUA) members mentoring and supporting emerging officials throughout the season.

Foat said it had been particularly pleasing to see younger umpires continue to take opportunities and progress through the ranks.

“QBUA continues to provide highly experienced panel members to tournaments, but we’re also seeing a number of younger and up-and-coming umpires stepping forward and gaining valuable experience,” he said.

That development will continue next month, with Queensland supplying eight officials, including three junior umpires, to the Australian Little League Girls National Championships at Redcliffe.

More Than Just Making Calls

For Foat, who has been involved in baseball for more than 35 years, umpiring remains one of the most rewarding ways to stay connected to the game.

“When I first started umpiring, all I wanted to do was learn more about baseball so I could better understand what was happening when my son played,” he said.

“What I discovered was that the umpire really does have the best seat in the house.”

As baseball continues to grow across Queensland, Foat believes there is a significant opportunity for more parents and community members to become involved.

One of the most common responses received when clubs ask for volunteer umpires is, “I don’t know enough about the game” or “I couldn’t do what you do.”

The reality is that community umpiring is designed to help people learn.

Community Umpire Accreditation provides the foundation required to officiate junior baseball, with QBUA delivering courses throughout the year that cover basic mechanics, positioning and rules knowledge.

“Baseball is a game of throwing, hitting, catching and running,” Foat said.

“We can teach people the mechanics and rules. What we need are people who are willing to get involved and support the game.”

Community umpire courses will recommence ahead of the 2026/27 season, while QBUA’s annual Association Umpire Course will again provide opportunities for officials looking to advance through higher levels of competition.

Queensland Representation Across Australia

Queensland umpires once again featured prominently on the national stage throughout 2026.

The year began with Brad Donald and Mark Stone representing Queensland at the Australian Youth Championship in Melbourne.

At the Australian Women’s Championship, Carla Pinder and Alisha Jewry were selected, while Cassandra Hall and Liliana Ostara attended the Australian Women’s Youth Championship. Earlier in the year, Alisha Jewry and Eton Calder also travelled to the United States to attend the renowned Wendelstedt Umpire School.

Queensland officials continued their strong presence at Little League events across the country, with Alisha Jewry, Cameron Montague, Carla Pinder, Cassandra Hall and Kevin Ryan all receiving appointments to national tournaments.

Queensland also provided tournament coordinators Mark Bramwell, Paul Latta and Tom West to support event delivery.

The season culminated with the Australian Little League Championship in Sydney, where Mark Stone and John Proper represented Queensland.

Stone’s appointment to the 2026 Little League World Series in Williamsport is among the highest honours available within the Little League system and continues Queensland’s proud history of international representation.

He joins previous Queensland representatives Dan Del Nido and Cassandra Hall as officials selected to umpire at Little League World Series events.

For Foat, the continued success of Queensland umpires at all levels reflects the strength of the state’s development pathway and the commitment of volunteers who continue to give back to the game.

“Most umpires won’t go on to national or international appointments,” he said.

“But every umpire plays an important role. Whether you’re helping at a local junior game or representing Australia overseas, the most important thing is that you’re enjoying the experience and helping young people play the game.”

Interested in becoming an umpire? Contact your local club or Barry at [email protected] to learn more about upcoming Community Umpire Accreditation courses before the start of the 2026/27 season.

Join us in Japan

Jun 19, 2026

Day 1 – The Journey Begins

The adventure to Japan is officially underway.

For most of the group, alarms were ringing well before 3:00am as players, coaches and families made their way to the airport for a 4:00am arrival. Despite the early start, excitement levels were high as check-in began, team photos were taken and everyone made their way through security, with only a few bag checks and pat-downs along the way.

The first leg of the journey took us to Cairns. The energy and enthusiasm of the players never seemed to fade throughout the flight, but once we landed there was still plenty of work to do. Suitcases, ball buckets and kit bags were hauled from the domestic terminal to the international terminal, feeling like we had walked the entire distance between the two.

Once baggage was checked again and customs cleared, there was only one thing on everyone’s mind – food. Lunch was quickly consumed before players explored the duty-free stores and counted down the minutes until boarding.

The seven-hour flight to Japan felt much longer than expected. Device batteries slowly drained, entertainment options ran out and stomachs began rumbling once more. The arrival of the in-flight meals was a welcome sight for everyone on board.

Landing in Japan was an exciting milestone, and thanks to some excellent preparation, customs and immigration were completed smoothly with all players ready to go with their QR codes. We met our tour guide and boarded the coach for the 50-minute drive into the hills.

Upon arrival, our host welcomed us and offered one final piece of advice: keep an eye out for bears. While the players took the warning in their stride, it was fair to say the adults were just a little more concerned.

After room allocations, showers and a long day of travel, everyone was more than ready for bed. Just before midnight local time, tired heads finally hit the pillows and the Japan adventure truly began.

Day 2 – Meeting Our Buddies

Arriving after dark meant we had no idea just how beautiful our accommodation setting really was.

The Seminar House is nestled amongst mountains and forest, and the morning light revealed a stunning landscape surrounding us. Before long it was time for breakfast, with players enjoying a traditional Japanese meal of miso soup, rice, fish and meatballs in the cafeteria.

While managers tackled the first round of laundry, the teams prepared for one of the most anticipated moments of the tour – our visit to Kobe Koryo Gakuen High School.

The welcome was incredible.

Students greeted our players with handmade signs featuring their names, while cheers, smiles and laughter echoed through the hallways. Our new buddies guided us around the school before sharing lunch together. Despite the language barrier, friendships quickly began to form. Bottle flipping became the universal language as students and players laughed and competed together throughout the day.

Following the school visit, it was time for baseball.

The U18 team travelled to Mikiyama Stadium to face Kobe Koryo’s A Team, while the U13 group remained at the school.

The Queensland players were immediately impressed by the Japanese warm-up routines. Every drill, every throw and every pitch was performed with remarkable energy, discipline and attention to detail. It was a fascinating insight into the dedication that has made Japanese baseball famous around the world.

On the scoreboard, the result was a challenging one, with the U18 team falling by 47 runs. However, the scoreline told only part of the story. The Queensland players never stopped encouraging one another, never stopped smiling and continued to enjoy every moment of the experience.

As the bus wound its way back through the countryside, players chatted, laughed and watched the rice fields roll past outside the windows. The result may not have gone our way, but the memories being created certainly did.

Day 3 – More Baseball

Day three followed a familiar rhythm as the group settled into life in Japan.

After another traditional breakfast of fish, rice and soup, the girls gathered for a team meeting before making the trip back to Kobe Koryo Gakuen. Lunch in the school cafeteria provided another opportunity to spend time with our Japanese hosts before the team headed once again to Mikiyama Stadium.

The mission for the day was an ambitious one: introducing the Japanese team to one of Australia’s more unique local competition rules — the six-runs-across mercy rule.

Explaining that six runs equals three outs proved a little challenging at first, but with the help of translation devices and plenty of patience, both teams eventually understood the concept. The Japanese coaching staff were incredibly supportive, even lending us two pitchers and a catcher to help throughout the game.

The contest itself was another learning experience. While the final margin remained substantial, the Queensland team showed significant improvement and competed with confidence throughout the day.

One of the biggest celebrations came after escaping an inning having allowed only five runs. It might seem like a small victory, but moments like these are what make touring so memorable. Every out, every run prevented and every improvement is something to celebrate.

Perhaps the greatest success of the day wasn’t on the field at all.

The friendships between the Queensland and Koryo players continue to grow stronger. Bus rides are now filled with singing, laughter and constant conversation, with players finding ways to communicate despite speaking different languages.

Tomorrow will be our final day with the Koryo girls, and already there is a sense that saying goodbye will be one of the hardest parts of the trip.

Fortunately, there are still plenty more memories to make before then.

Day 4 – Sad goodbyes

We had an earlier start today as we had to pack all of our belongings into suitcases. Over the next few days we will be travelling light as our suitcases make their way to Tokyo ahead of us. The players had to spend time deciding what they could say good bye to for two days and what they could carry in their back pack. This was easier for some than others.

Once packed, we made our way down the hill for breakfast and some were delighted to not see fish on their plates. Dumplings, soup, corn fritters and rice were served today.

Once our bellies were full, we got onto our bus and drove to Kobe Koryo for the final time. Our buddies were once again waiting for us and after we exchanged small gifts, we were presented with certificates recognising our participation in the baseball exchange. It was a nice ceremony and players enjoyed the celebration with their buddies for a final time.

After we cleared our trays, the younger team remained at school while the girls boarded the bus and headed to Sanda to play on a different stadium, Shiroyama. This place was legit. Full Astro turf field with dirt bases and mound. The dugout had its own toilet and access to change rooms. The score board even had our names, which lit up as we were at bat.

The grandeur of it all must have got to our heads as we played our best game so far, being beaten by only 27 runs. The highlights of this game were our first pitching strikeout, a runner making it to third, and 2 innings of making the 3 outs instead of 6 runs. These small successes sound so insignificant but as a bit of context for those that aren’t here watching how good these girls are, Kobe Koryo have won the National title 18 times in the 24 that have been played.

They are exceptional in every way, and not only the best team in Japan… probably the world being that no one does women’s baseball better than these guys.

For further info, this Koryo team trains 6 days a week. They only get Mondays off. They train from 12 – 6pm Tuesday to Friday. And on Saturday and Sunday, they play games and train for up to 12 hours each day.

It’s no wonder they are at the level they are with this volume of quality training.

They only have one coach. The captain of the team runs warm up, and the players also coach 1st and 3rd during the game. The girls do all the line marking pre game and rake full dirt fields by hand after each session. They are a very well oiled machine and it has been pretty incredible to watch our girls compete against them.

The Queensland coaches are incredibly proud of how our girls have handled themselves, they’ve not taken a backwards step in playing this team, which is awesome.

Even though the scorelines have been quite large, at no time have they dropped their head or stopped supporting each other. And each day we are improving on the parts of the game that we are discussing in our debriefs.
The rivalry on the field has been strong, but the bus rides home together on the bus have really been where memories and friendships have been made and as they got off the bus and said good bye for the last time, there was sadness in the air.

Day 5 – Sightseeing

Getting the teams up for an earlier start was pretty easy today as they all knew we were heading into Osaka for some sightseeing. And boy did we see some sights!

The first stop was Osaka Castle. This traditional 8 storey castle was built in 1583. It is a museum now to preserve the history of the castle. It offered spectacular views from the highest level and showed off some interesting artefacts, including samurai suits and swords. The teams enjoyed the displays, but not as much as the opportunity to shop for the first time in the stores beside it!

After a very brief shop, we strolled through the surrounding gardens, under the cherry blossom trees, imagining what they would look like in bloom. The stroll took us back to our bus, which drove us to Doutonbori. This place really is fascinating. The signs, the lights, the smells, the people. Incredible.

We got to first see them by cruising up the Tombori river, and then by foot as we made our way to lunch.

Lunch today was Okonomiyaki. A dish we had to cook ourselves on the teppan, which was a lot of fun. The players made an absolute mess!

The players all broke off with coaches after this and hit the shops. With bank accounts a little depleted, it was back on the bus and over to Koshien stadium, the home of the Hanshin Tigers and the school boys National titles. We were privileged to have a private tour of the stadium, including the air conditioned bullpen for the visiting team and of course, the stadium store.

We boarded the bus once more, laden with our purchases and moved to our new accommodation for the night, the Shin-Osaka Youth Hostel.

The hotel offered traditional Onsen (communal bathing house) where bathing suits were not allowed, so our players chose to line up in front of the 4 cubicle showers we had available to us, making the showering quite a long process.

The team staff were grateful when the players finally were tucked up in bed so they could begin the laundry. After 20,290 steps today and another late one, the coaches might be the ones who need to be dragged out of bed in the morning!

Day 6 – Tokyo Dome

Breakfast today was a little closer to home, with our accommodation offering little sausages, eggs and croissants as part of the buffet. Quite a number people stayed clear of the fish and rice but a few who have really settled into Japanese life, still opted for these breakfast choices.

Once we had packed up our rooms, our guide walked us through the rainy streets of Osaka to the train station to catch the Shinkansen (bullet train). This station was bigger than some airports. If he wasn’t leading the way, there is a certainty we would have become lost in the crowds and chaos. We had to board from a numbered gate onto the reserved section of our carriage. Many of our group were aware that we would pass Mt Fuji but hope faded at seeing the beautiful landmark when we realised the clouds and rain would mar our view. The ride was about two and a half hours so some watched devices, some chattered away and others had a little nap!

Once in Tokyo, we boarded a bus to head to the Tokyo Dome. The players and coaches were so excited to arrive and even more excited when we broke up into groups to check out the stadium shops and have some lunch. Lunch today for most was burger Shack. The taste of those burgers and fries were savoured by everyone, which goes to show how different food is here from what we are used to.

We eventually made our way into our seats of the indoor stadium and got to enjoy our the view. This place was phenomenal. The size, the crowds, the singing. There were groups of people with trumpets and drums. When their team was batting, whole sections sung songs and had synchronised actions to the words. For the whole 9 innings the singing and chanting did not stop. In between innings, the dressed people up as sushi and had sushi races, there was cheerleaders dancing, and other fun and games. The Giants beat the Dragons 1-0 in an extremely tight game.

After the game, it was back on the bus to our accommodation, Keyaki Gate Hotel. The players were pretty excited to get their room allocation with some of the players having a room, and a shower, to themselves for the next three days. Small luxuries.

Day 7 – FUCHU CITY BASEBALL

Over the years, the mayor of Fuchu City, Mr Takano, has built a strong relationship with Baseball Australia. His relationship with Australia has provided opportunities for Australian baseball players to train and play in Japan. Today’s games were organised by Mr Takano and his staff and it really felt like we were honoured guests of Fuchu City, playing at Fuchu Stadium. Our change room was stocked with gifts of food, the players presented us with gifts after the games and photographers and other staff were around at all times to capture the games and our interaction with players. It was almost like we were celebrities!

Both teams were once again up against some talented baseball players. We played against two local club teams, the Fuchu City Eagles and the Musashi Nadeshiko. The highlight of the U18 game today was not only scoring our first run, but also following it up with a base clearing triple to score another 3. The score finished a little closer, 17-4. After the game, the girls sat in the stands, watching the U13 team play. The players from Nadeshiko shared their Japanese snacks with us while we shared Tim Tams with them.

Once we returned to the hotel the teams hung out, some exploring the local mall before getting ready to head out to dinner. The teams had another go at cooking their own food at an all you can eat Yakiniku. The players had a lot of fun trying different meats and vegetables and putting them on the grill. The players went to bed with full tummies tonight.

Day 8

Today we visited schools. We didn’t know what to expect, we just knew we were going to be interacting with students. We certainly were not expecting to be greeted by a marching band of over 120 students!

After they performed, they took us to their classes where they had set up traditional games or made carnival style games for us to play. We participated in Kendama, calligraphy, menko, ayatori, shooting games (with rubber bands), hoop games and spinning tops. The children had gone to a lot of trouble to set it all up and practise their English to be able to tell us how to play. We finished at this school by playing a huge game of dodgeball where we think Coach Cheyne was having more fun than the children.

The teams split after lunch. The U18 team caught taxis to another school while the U13 team hit the arcade. The U18s had visited the arcade a few times in our stay here, demonstrating their mastery of the claw games so the U13s wanted their turn. Many prevailed with a toy or two.

At the next school we split up and some played some more dodgeball. The highlight was a group of our girls teaching the dance club the nutbush. The dance club loved it and wanted their autographs after they finished.

After the taxi ride back to the hotel, we went across the road for Shabu Shabu. The players cooked their own meat and vegetables in little pots of water and broth on the tables. If you ordered more, a robot brought it to your table. The players soon discovered the dessert bar though so the cooking was put aside. They could make their own waffles, cotton candy or shaved ice. There was ice cream, toppings and different sauces so they were in their element.

The coaches decided it best to walk off some of the sugar before bed so we walked the streets and found some pretty cool shrines and temples to look at.

Day 9

The hotel was packed up nice and early to face the peak hour traffic. We had a scheduled game at Urawa Gakuen High School at 9:30 and as we inched closer, we realised that our warm up was getting shorter and shorter. One thing about this trip has been the tight turn around between arriving and playing games. The U18 hustle at each field to get the bus emptied, the dugout set up and get run through and bands done so they can throw. It hasn’t given them much time to settle into the transition between travel and playing. And when you are up against the talent they have been, they have had to work harder at that mental side of the game to be ‘in it’. Our arrival was very late and the school cut down the game time so we had time to warm up. It was unfortunate as this was to be our last game in Japan and we really wanted to savour it.

The school greeted us by lining the drive way with the teams and waving flags and banners as we drove in. We again felt like celebrities disembarking into the crowd. The field was a little more rustic than we had been playing on but was still well looked after by the students. Our game was played with a 5 runs across rule and over 6 innings, the score was 17-1.

The trip to our new hotel was a long one and we were grateful to arrive. We weren’t there for long though as coaches were feeling brave and decided to brave the streets of Tokyo with the teams. Our mission was to get them all to the Shhibuya Scramble crossing, by train.

The trains here are not like trains at home. The process is truly epic. The volume of people alone is enough to send anyone running, but not us! We bought the tickets, navigated the platforms, crammed in to the carriages and got to our destination.

The players were so excited to walk out and see exactly what is in the movies and all over TikTok. This place really held up to the hype. After making the mandatory video of crossing the street, we hit the shops and found a Burger King for dinner. The trip home was less exciting but the coaches did give themselves a little high five for completing the mission successfully.

Day 10

Our schedule had a free day today. An unplanned day to do what ever we want. So, what does one do with 28 players under the age of 18….take them to Tokyo Disney of course!

We took the train again but had to change lines midway. The Japanese people sign things really well so we were able to make this change without getting lost or losing anyone in the crowds.

We arrived at Disney Sea about an hour after opening so there were no lines to get in, but the lines for the rides were pretty solid! Some rides were about a 2 hour wait.

Some players figured out the Disney app and paid for priority, some waited patiently in line and some chose to hit the shops. There was plenty to see just walking around and plenty of things to marvel at. Everyone was fascinated by the popcorn flavours. They had the usual butter and caramel but also Soy, Curry and Garlic Shrimp.

Coach Bobby and a couple of parents shouted us all a ride on the Disney monorail back to the station to save our legs. It was pretty cool with Mickey shaped windows.

Finding our way back was a little easier and the teams had the getting on and getting off as a group down to a fine art by the time we were back at Shinagawa.

We split up for dinner; those who wanted Macdonalds (most of the group) and those that didn’t. Our tired legs carried us the rest of the way to the hotel and everyone was grateful to learn that the bus is picking us up a tiny bit later in the morning.

Day 11

Our bus took us to Adachi today to visit Field Force ball park. The Hamano family very generously paid for our lunch and for us all to take part in a coaching session run by their coaching staff. Field Force Ball park is a large indoor setup, with artificial turf and nets for batting cages, dedicated bullpen mounds and an attached shop with professional grade training gear.

The training session we had today was a culmination of everything we have been witnessing the Japanese players do. We started with their running warm up. As a group they run, in sync with each other, moving as one. It took us a few laps to finally hit our left feet on the ground all at once, but it did happen for a few steps! We then moved into some fielding work where the emphasis was about knowing where to throw it to make it easier for your team mate.

The Japanese players focus on cohesion, which drives individuals to execute their roles flawlessly so teammates do not face unnecessary hardship. This eases the workload on the field for all. We witnessed this throughout the trip. Everyone worked together to setup fields and unpack buses. Every player had roles while the game was on. It was even someone’s job to get the catcher and pitcher a cup of water when they came off.

During this training session they made the example that if you throw the ball where your team mate needs it, they don’t have to work harder to make the play. To emphasise this we also did some glove flips, run down technique, and some hopping to receive the ball on the ground. At one point, players had to receive the ball behind their legs to ensure they were keeping their legs wide. It really had the players working hard and thinking hard as well!

From here we walked down the street to the workshop where they make their gloves. They hand make personalised gloves using your hand measurements and your colour choices. They showed us the whole process from selecting the type of leather and cutting it to shape, stitching, adding embroidery and of course, various finished products. Some of the team went home very happy customers after making a purchase of their pre-made options.

Dinner was a casual affair in the food court downstairs from the hotel and the players were sent back to their rooms to squash all of their purchases into their suitcases, ready to check out in the morning.

Day 12

The one thing that the players have been desperate to do all trip is to purchase baseball gear, so today we headed to the Kanda sporting district to do just that. This district is a shopping area that has mainly sporting goods stores. We caught the train again and started at Baseman.

Shops don’t generally open until 11:00am so it was plenty of time to check our suitcases into baggage at the hotel and navigate the train system again. We arrived just before the doors opened but when they did, there was no stopping the players. The narrow aisles of this tightly packed shop barely contained us all, but many purchases were made including gloves, shoes, batting gloves and bat bags.

We then hiked nearly 2km to Mizuno and then Super Sports Xebio before sitting down for lunch. Our time was running out and so were our wallets so we headed back to the hotel to meet the bus. We said goodbye to some of our team mates so they could stay on with their parents and boarded the bus.

Traffic was slow and it was the equivalent of us dragging our feet to leave.

We had squeezed every bit out of the time we had in Japan making so many memories and were going to miss the people we had spent the last 12 days with.

Some will miss having rice for breakfast, some will miss the access to vending machines or even a warm toilet seat. Some will be glad to use a fork again, (particularly a certain coach who couldn’t quite master the technique) and some will be glad to see a bin.

Many of us walk away having learnt many new things, but all of us walk away with friendships and memories to last always lifetime.