2024 QLD Women’s State Titles

2024 QLD Women’s State Titles

Dec 4, 2024

The Queensland Women’s State Titles are nearly here! This much-anticipated event runs from 13–15 December, with Division 1 hosted at the Narangba Demons Baseball Club and Division 2 at the Runcorn Indians Baseball Club. Following this, the Youth Women and Girls State Titles take place from 16–18 December, also at Narangba Demons Baseball Club.

More than just a competition, these state titles are a true celebration of the baseball community. Teams from across the state, including those travelling from North Queensland, come together for a few special days of connection, shared passion, and unforgettable moments. This tournament shows how baseball brings communities closer while highlighting the incredible talent in the sport.

These state titles are a rare chance to witness not just Queensland’s best, but some of Australia’s finest female baseball players in action. From seasoned competitors to emerging stars, the level of skill on display is nothing short of inspiring.

The game schedules are now available via links below:

women's state titles
Youth Women's & Girls State Titles
International Day of People with Disability 2024: Championing Inclusion in Baseball

International Day of People with Disability 2024: Championing Inclusion in Baseball

Dec 2, 2024

3rd December 2024 is The International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), a key moment to celebrate inclusion and accessibility. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” highlights Baseball Queensland’s ongoing commitment to building a supportive baseball community for everyone.
 
Visit The IDPwD Website: https://www.idpwd.com.au/
 

Partnerships Driving Inclusion

Baseball Queensland is collaborating with Autism Queensland and Sport4All, with support from the Queensland Government’s Active Industry Project Fund, to improve access to baseball for people with disabilities.
 
Through our partnership with Autism Queensland, we are working on creating resources to help coaches and clubs better support all participants in our sport. These tools will aim to make baseball more accessible and enjoyable for all players.
 
Sport4All is also playing a key role in developing programs to help clubs and volunteers break down barriers to participation. Earlier this year, Baseball Queensland hosted its first Sport4All webinar, offering clubs practical steps for promoting inclusivity. The webinar focused on adapting activities and making facilities more accessible. Watch the WEBINAR HERE.
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Beyond educational programs, Sport4All provides valuable resources, including club assessments, action plans, and guides for volunteers. These resources are designed to help clubs create welcoming environments and prioritise accessibility for all participants.
 

The Role of the EDI Advisory Panel

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Advisory Panel (EDIAP) plays a key role in guiding Baseball Queensland’s inclusion strategy. This panel of experts helps shape initiatives aimed at improving accessibility, removing barriers, and creating an inclusive atmosphere for everyone involved in baseball.
 
Andrea Marshall, Director of Projects, Diversity and Inclusion says:
“There should be a place for everyone within our sport. Inclusive approaches to the delivery of baseball will not only strengthen our sport but the broader Queensland community. “

How Clubs and Volunteers Can Make a Difference

Clubs and volunteers are essential to promoting inclusivity in baseball. By engaging volunteers and providing clear roles and training, clubs can ensure everyone is equipped to support inclusivity. Creating welcoming environments is crucial, including greeting new participants and offering tours to help them feel comfortable.
 
Clubs should also adapt activities, like modifying drills and games to suit varying abilities, and seek feedback from participants and families to remain responsive to their needs. Leveraging resources from Autism Queensland and Sport4All can further guide inclusivity efforts. Recognising the contributions of volunteers and club members who actively promote inclusivity ensures their efforts are celebrated.
 
Clubs can develop volunteer roles that cater to different abilities by assigning tasks that align with individual strengths, such as team management, coaching, or scoring. Encouraging existing volunteers to mentor others with disabilities provides support and guidance, ensuring all participants feel valued and included. This approach fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully.

 

Looking Ahead

With ongoing support from the Queensland Government, Autism Queensland, and Sport4All, Baseball Queensland is planning new inclusive programs for 2025. These initiatives will offer more opportunities for people of all abilities to engage with the sport.
 
On this International Day of People with Disability, we celebrate the clubs, volunteers, and partners who are working to make baseball more inclusive. Together, we are building a sport that welcomes everyone.
Mackenzie Hicks – A Queenslander’s Journey at the Barclay Cup

Mackenzie Hicks – A Queenslander’s Journey at the Barclay Cup

Nov 28, 2024

Mackenzie Hicks – A Queenslander’s Journey at the Barclay Cup
 
At just 13 years old, Queenslander Mackenzie Hicks stepped out of her comfort zone to play at the Barclay Cup as a friendship player with Baseball NSW’s Cinda Spirit team. It was an experience that brought new challenges, new friendships, and a bronze medal.
Playing with a team from another state wasn’t just about competing for Mackenzie—it was an opportunity to learn, connect with teammates, and grow as a player. From the nervous first moments of meeting her new team to the highlights of singing, dancing, and playing in a nail-biting semifinal, Mackenzie embraced every aspect of the experience.
 
Her coach, Tahnee Lovering, praised Mackenzie’s contributions to the team both on and off the field: “Having Mackenzie as an interstate pick-up was great for us. She came in to pitch when we needed her to and had some solid hits throughout the week. Most importantly, she really bonded with her teammates with ease. Watching her interact and laugh with the girls made it clear how much she enjoyed it and how valuable building friendships in tournament baseball can be.”
Baseball NSW Communications Manager, Georgia Marino says,  “The Barclay Cup offers an opportunity for young girls to follow in the footsteps of Jacinda Barclay, a pioneer not only in Women’s baseball, but women’s sport as a whole. Her spirit lives on in the players who participate in this event and get to learn about the impact she had in baseball. We especially appreciate Jacinda’s family and all the coaching staff who had the pleasure of knowing Jacinda and have been integral in continuing and sharing her legacy with the next generation of female baseballers!”
 

We spoke with Mackenzie to hear about her time with the Cinda Spirit team, her proudest moments, and what she would say to others who might find themselves in her shoes.

 

Starting Out
Q: How did you feel when you found out you’d be playing with a team from another state?
A: When I learned I’d be playing for a NSW team, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. I was nervous about joining a team where I didn’t know anyone, but I was also excited about the chance to play baseball and meet a lot of new people.
 
Q: What were you most excited about before the tournament started?
A: I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to play baseball and to make new friends along the way.
 
Being on a New Team
Q: What was it like joining the Cinda Spirit team and meeting new teammates?
A: Being part of the Cinda Spirit team was an amazing experience! From the first night, which was really fun, I met a lot of new people. Everybody was welcoming, and I felt right at home.
 
Q: Did you make any new friends on the team?
A: Absolutely, I made plenty of new friends, and it was awesome to connect with so many people.
 
Highlights and Fun Moments
Q: What was your favourite moment from the Barclay Cup?
A: There were so many great moments throughout the week, but my favourites were definitely the singing, dancing, and making team videos for the Barclay Cup.
  
Q: What was your proudest moment on the field?
A: My proudest moment on the field was when I was up to bat and hit a double to the outfield.
 
Q: Was there anything challenging?
A: It was really challenging when I first got to the lodge where we were staying. I didn’t know anyone, and it was difficult to go in because I was really nervous

Learning and Growing

Q: Did you learn any new skills or warmups from your new teammates?
A: The Cinda Spirit team were always encouraging each other, and we all got along really well. The coaches were pretty epic too.
 
Q: How has this experience made you feel about playing baseball?
A: I can’t wait to continue playing baseball and the next Barclay Cup. I also learned a lot about Jacinta Barclay, which was inspiring.
 
Advice for Others
Q: What would you say to other kids who might get the chance to play with a new team?
A: You never know what you might learn about yourself, so don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone.
 
 
Mackenzie’s experience at the Barclay Cup highlights the opportunities that come with stepping into something new. At just 13, she’s already shown resilience and determination, leaving with lasting memories and a medal to celebrate her efforts. We can’t wait to see where Mackenzie’s baseball journey takes her next.
Tony McPhail Awarded Life Membership with Baseball Queensland

Tony McPhail Awarded Life Membership with Baseball Queensland

Nov 27, 2024

Tony McPhail has been recognised with Baseball Queensland Life Membership for his extensive contributions to baseball across Queensland.

Tony has served as President of the Surfers Paradise Baseball Club for over two decades, from 1996 to 2019 and then from 2020 to the present. During this time, he has led all major facility upgrades at the club, including enclosing the second diamond, building new amenities, modernising the clubhouse, and constructing batting cages. His efforts have helped develop the club into a key hub for baseball in the region.

In addition to his leadership at the club, Tony has been an executive member of the Gold Coast Baseball Association Committee, with terms from 1999 to 2008, 2011 to 2015, and again from 2020. He has been a consistent supporter of players competing in both Gold Coast Baseball Association and Greater Brisbane League competitions.

Tony has been a strong advocate for improving access to baseball for all, particularly women and girls. This includes the establishment of a dedicated female change room for umpires at Surfers Paradise Baseball Club, supporting inclusivity in the sport.

His contributions extend beyond the club. He has played a key role in organising major baseball events in Queensland, including the inaugural and subsequent Queensland Masters Tournaments, hosting the first Barclay Cup, and coordinating the Pan Pacific Masters Games from 2002 to 2022. These events have been important in growing the sport, with the Pan Pac Masters Games introducing a women’s division under Tony’s guidance.

Tony’s work has helped strengthen engagement among players and volunteers at Surfers Paradise Baseball Club. His efforts in regional and state events like the Queensland Masters, Barclay Cup, and Pan Pacific Masters Games highlight his wider impact on the sport.

Coomera Cubs: A Story of Perseverance

Coomera Cubs: A Story of Perseverance

Nov 24, 2024

Story by Nick Wyllie, Club Support Coordinator

The baseball community came out in force to welcome the Coomera Cubs back home after a long 11-month recovery period following the severe derecho/tornado weather event on December 25, 2023.

It’s not the kind of present you’d expect to receive on Christmas Day, but 2023 was no ordinary Christmas for the Gold Coast. A trio of severe storms left severe damage at Gambamora Park, the home of the Coomera Cubs Baseball Club, rendering the facility unfit to host games.

The devastation was captured within the below photos from the club in the weeks after the storms.

With dugouts stripped of their walls and roofs, field and backstop fencing left laying on the ground, the road to recovery was steep. Not only that, Coomera was in the middle of Summer competition and now had to relocate all remaining home games for the final three months of the season.

The club had already planned their annual Breast Cancer Round event. Clubs across Gold Coast and Brisbane stepped up to fill in as hosts as the local competitions rushed to adjust their scheduled fixtures.

Competitors on the field, but collaborators off it. Surfers Paradise Baseball Club was but one of those examples, stepping in to host Coomera’s Breast Cancer Round event.

Recovery across the City of Gold Coast continued well into the new year. The storm having effected more than 100 parks, 34 roads, 10 education facilities and countless residences, resulting in 77,153 truckloads of waste removed from 1,673 streets and 23,610 trees needing to be replanted. [Source] It soon became clear that Coomera would not be returning to their fields for the 2024 Winter season. Gold Coast Baseball Association and its member clubs worked together to be able to adjust scheduling and host Coomera’s winter teams across the entire Winter season.

Ambitious targets saw the club hoping to return ready for the 2024/2025 Summer season, August arrived and reconstruction was underway. Field 2’s replacement backstop fence rose from the ground, as did the outfield fencing. Thankfully these works meant that Field 2 was operational for select Junior age group games from the start of the season in October, but for Field 1, October came and went with no on-field action.

However, a delayed return was not enough to dampen the drive nor slow the momentum. Despite delays with the rebuild impacting not one or two, but three seasons, the club has shown growth in its registrations for the 2024/2025 season. A demonstration of the perseverance of the volunteer base and the sign of a strong future. Continued hope contrasted with continued delays, the reopening round kept getting pushed back, and with periods of poor weather, it seemed unlikely that despite best efforts, that 24th of November would even be the day.

Saturday the 23rd was a widespread washout – with very few games played across South-east Queensland. Chance for the planned reopening happening the next day was almost non-existent… But with some sunshine and the effort of a massive crew of volunteers that chance slowly improved through the day and into Sunday morning. The final call to proceed with reopening wasn’t made until 7am, a mere hour and a half before the first scheduled match. Luck was finally turning for the Coomera Cubs, and the volunteers demonstrated they were ready to take on the increased workloads brought on by Mother Nature’s final hurdle. Club President, Nick Day was impressed and grateful for their mobilisation of almost 40 volunteers to assist in preparing the facility on the Saturday, a fitting and strong bookend to a long period of uncertainty for the club.

While games might have started 2 hours later than expected, that did not stop the community showing up and supporting the clubs return home. MP Mark Boothman joined the club for a ceremonial first pitch for the first of two Division 1 games against the Carina Redsox. Mark has been a major supporter of the club’s return to the field, and his support, alongside his attendance for the reopening was much appreciated.

Anna Day, the Clubs’ Operations Manager, could not describe how thankful and grateful she was for the cooperation and accommodations made by clubs and the local competitions to adjust to the loss of their fields and was extremely excited to be able to welcome everyone back to the home of the Cubs. In the short break between scoring the three homecoming games, Anna remarked that she has to remind herself “…to stop to appreciate that we’re even back here.”

Jodie Sippel, Coomera’s Treasurer, spoke excitedly at the conclusion of the day’s final game. “The support today has gone far beyond any of our wildest expectations, and it’s made every second of effort from all of our volunteers truly worth it.”

The love of the club was truly evident in all of the attendees, and there was a clear and well-deserved sense of pride for the accomplishment of the recovery efforts among all who contributed.

The one thing that was clear through every discussion; they couldn’t have survived this disaster without the support of their Cubs family, or the local clubs and competitions that made every effort to accommodate them and their players. After all, the fight is on the field, but off-field, there’s only one goal, and that’s baseball.

Show your Support

For those who weren’t able to make it to Coomera’s reopening, the club welcomes five of its Junior teams back home for the first time on Saturday the 30th of November starting from 8:30am, with more Seniors games from 8:30am on Sunday the 1st of December against the Robina Braves and Windsor Royals.

The Gold Coast and Greater Brisbane League competitions were able to establish their schedules to ensure that the club would still receive as many of their home games as possible once the facility returned to use. Meaning you can get down to the club almost any weekend over the next three months to show your support, a fact that would terrify most club volunteers, but well and truly excite Coomera’s crew.

Use the links below to find a home game that suits you as the Coomera Cubs welcome the community back to their fields.

While the reopening marks a significant milestone, the club acknowledges that there’s a number of outstanding projects, from dugouts, to scorers boxes, bullpens and a new storage shed remain key projects to complete on the club’s return to normalcy. You won’t see any of them complaining about that though, it is undeniable that the momentum and drive in their players and volunteers is at an all time high.

Gold Coast Teams @ Coomera
Brisbane Teams @ Coomera

MORE ABOUT THE CUBS

The Coomera Cubs incorporated in 2006 after their relocation to the current fields at Gambamora Park. Entering teams into both the Greater Brisbane League (Seniors Divisions 1 and 2) and the Gold Coast Baseball Association competitions. (T-Ball [U8s] to Mixed Seniors)

As of the writing of this article, and thanks to their recent growth, Coomera Cubs has overtaken Surfers Paradise as the largest club on the Gold Coast.

The club competes in both Summer and Winter seasons. If you’d like to find out more about the Cubs, visit their Website or Facebook page.

If you’d like to offer your support to the club, consider reaching out to Nick Day via [email protected] or reach out to the club via their Facebook page.

QLD School Sports Dates Announced

QLD School Sports Dates Announced

Nov 19, 2024

The Queensland School Sport Baseball Events calendar has now been released by the Queensland School Sport Baseball Committee. The Committee are excited to add a 13-19 year old Girls tournament to their suite of events.

For those interested in participating in any of these events it is essential to seek the permission of your school and complete the nomination paperwork (returned through your school) so your attendance at the respective trial is endorsed by your school.

Queensland School Sport Baseball Committee member James Somerville advises “Most regions are now calling for nominations to allow for trials for the older age groups to take place early in Term 1 (2025).  I do know that some regions, have already commenced these trials (Sunny Coast).  It is advised that all players that are eligible contact their Sport Coordinator and see their School Sport Region’s websites for nomination and trial information.  Students are not able to just show up on the trial day.  They require nominations to be done through their school and district officials and also require Principal approval to attend.”

These events are delivered as part of the Queensland Representative School Sport program and as such are independent of Baseball Queensland. All enquiries should please be addressed to the Queensland School Sport Baseball Committee, your respective School Sport Region office or your child’s school administration.

The Queensland School Sports Baseball Committee have released the dates for the various 2025 Schools Baseball Tournaments as per below:

Upcoming School Sport Baseball Events and Trials for 2025

Queensland School Sport Information | Baseball

15-19 years
Host Region: Peninsula
Venue: Trinity Beach Baseball Field, Cairns
Dates: 6th – 9th March, 2025
Eligibility: Participants must be 15, 16, 17, or 18/19 years old by 31st December 2025.
Note: Students turning 19 during the event can participate but will not be eligible for selection to the Queensland team, as the SSA event has an 18-year-old age cut-off.

12-14 Years
Host Region: Met East
Venue: Redlands Rays Baseball Club
Dates: 4th – 7th September, 2025
Eligibility: Participants must be 12, 13, or 14 years old by 31st December 2025.

13-19 Years Girls Invitational
Host Region: Met East
Venue: Redlands Rays Baseball Club
Dates: 6th – 7th September, 2025
Eligibility: Participants must be 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18/19 years old by 31st December 2025.

Regional School Sport Baseball Trial Dates

Peninsula | Click here for more info
15-19 years  |  Trial Date: 11th November, 2024

Met North | Click here for more info
15-19 years  |  Trial Date: 13th November, 2024 

Sunshine Coast | Click here for more info
15-19 Years Baseball  | Trial Date: 24th October, 2024
12-14 Years Baseball  | Trial Date: 19th June, 2025

Met West | Click here for more info
15-19 Years Baseball  |  Trial Date: 4th February, 2025 
13-19 Years Girls Baseball | Trial Date: 3rd June, 2025 
12-14 Years Baseball | Trial Date: 3rd June, 2025 

Met East | Click here for more info
15-19 Years Baseball | Trial Date: 4th February, 2025
12-14 Years Baseball | Trial Date: 18th June, 2025 

South Coast | Click here for more info
15-19 Years Baseball | Trial Date: 4th February, 2025
12-14 Years Baseball | Trial Date: 19th June, 2025  Note: This date is also assumed to cover Girls U13-19 trials as well.