Brisbane North’s Journey to Represent Australia

For one team, one dream is about to become reality.

In the first week of August, Brisbane North will take the field in Easley, South Carolina, representing Australia at the 2026 Senior League Baseball World Series. It is the culmination of months of preparation and years of development, with a group of talented young athletes ready to test themselves against the best players from around the globe.

This is your home for everything you need to know about Brisbane North’s World Series campaign—from how they qualified and who to watch, match reports and behind-the-scenes content from the United States.

The Road to South Carolina

Every World Series journey begins at home.

Brisbane North first earned the right to compete nationally by claiming second place at the Queensland Senior League Championship, navigating a competitive state tournament to secure the Queensland title.

Despite beating fellow finalists Gold Coast convincingly in the minor round, Brisbane North Navy were unable to edge out their rivals, falling one run short in the final innings. The finals match up did showcase their persistence and what their team has become known for in never giving up until the final out, clawing back run after run each innings. 

Read about their Queensland campaign here.

While they may not have claimed honours at the state competition, they did enough to book their place at the Australian Senior League Championships, where the country’s best regional champions battled for one prize—wearing the green and gold at the Senior League Baseball World Series.

Brisbane North rose to the occasion once again, producing outstanding performances throughout the tournament. From nail biting comebacks and must win games, Brisbane North’s campaign through Nationals was nothing but a highlights reel. There were clutch hits, shutout pitching, and plays that had you on the edge of their seat. Come finals, they were up against longtime rivals in Ryde. Not phased, the team narrowly edged out the win to be crowned Australian champions and secure their ticket to South Carolina.

Now, they’ll proudly wear the Australian colours as they compete against the world’s best.

Preparing for the Biggest Stage

Qualifying for a World Series is only the beginning.

Since earning their place, Brisbane North has embraced an intensive training program designed to prepare the team for international competition.

Field sessions have focused on sharpening defensive execution, refining offensive approaches and building game awareness, while strength and conditioning work has ensured the squad arrives ready for the demands of tournament baseball.

Their preparations may have been marred by the weather but that has only added to the team’s ability to adapt and overcome, coming up with new and innovative ways to get their training in. 

The preparation has also extended beyond the diamond, with players balancing school, work and family commitments while fundraising and planning for the trip of a lifetime.

Every training session has been driven by one goal—to represent Australia with pride.

Meet Team Australia

Head over to the Brisbane North Facebook page and meet the Brisbane North Senior League World Series squad.

Learn about their baseball journey, the clubs that helped shape them, their favourite players, biggest baseball memories and what representing Australia means to them.

Whether it’s a returning World Series veteran or a first-time Australian representative, every player has their own unique story.

Archer #8

A versatile utility player, Archer brings the ability to step into any role and make an impact wherever the team needs him.

“Representing my country is a deep sense of pride and honour. We get to show the world that Australian players can compete at the highest level, and inspire other kids to believe their baseball dreams can become reality.”

Lachlan #19

A pitcher and first baseman who brings focus and consistency to the Brisbane North Senior League team.

One of Lachlan’s favourite baseball memories was starting on the mound against the South West America region at the Intermediate League World Series — a moment that showed him what it means to compete on the international stage.

Now he’s ready to back it up with his Senior League team mates.

Rory #31

A pitcher who can also be found at first base, Rory has already created some special memories in baseball. From his first nationals to debuting on the international stage, it will be a season not to forget.

His favourite? Winning the National Championship alongside a great group of mates. “It was my first time at Nationals and getting to share that experience with the team made it unforgettable.”

Thomas #86

A centre fielder and utility player who brings versatility, commitment and a team-first mindset. Whether he’s making plays in the outfield or stepping into whatever role the team needs, Thomas is the type of player who understands that every position matters when chasing something special together.

“Representing the community back home and everyone who supports us makes it really special.”

What sets this squad apart

For several members of the squad, this isn’t their first taste of international baseball.

A number of Brisbane North players will represent Australia for a third—and in some cases a fourth—time through the Little League World Series pathway, having progressed through Little League, Intermediate League, Junior League and now Senior League.

Their journey showcases the strength of Queensland’s player development system and highlights years of commitment from players, families, coaches and volunteers who have helped them reach each new milestone.

For others, Easley will be their first opportunity to wear the Australian jersey, fulfilling a dream they’ve chased since they first picked up a glove.

What is Senior League Baseball?

Senior League Baseball is part of the internationally recognised Little League Baseball pathway and is designed for players aged 13-16.

The program provides a bridge between junior representative baseball and senior competition, allowing athletes to continue developing their skills while competing at an elite level.

Each year, teams begin their journey through local and regional qualifying tournaments before progressing to state championships, national championships and, ultimately, the Senior League Baseball World Series.

The tournament brings together champion teams from around the world, including representatives from Australia, the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific and Europe-Africa.

For many players, it represents the highest level of Little League competition and an opportunity to experience international baseball while building lifelong friendships and memories.

Follow the Journey

Follow along on Brisbane North’s facebook page for exclusive behind the scenes content, meet the players, and stay up to date with their journey!

If you can’t make the journey yourself, grab a comfy spot on the couch and tune in to ESPN as all games will be streamed live!

Whether you’re a teammate, family member, club supporter or simply cheering on Australian baseball, this is your place to follow Brisbane North’s journey every step of the way.

Together, let’s get behind Team Australia as they take on the world in South Carolina.

Every two years, one of Australia’s most picturesque baseball diamonds becomes the meeting place for some of the country’s best players.

The Barrier Reef Tournament returned to Trinity Beach from 16–19 July, bringing together teams from across Australia and overseas for one of the nation’s premier open-age baseball tournaments.

Hosted by Baseball Cairns, the annual event has built a reputation that extends far beyond Far North Queensland. It’s a tournament where fierce competition meets tropical hospitality, where old rivals renew battles and new friendships are forged, all against the backdrop of palm trees, rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

For the Alice Springs side, the journey to Cairns is one of the longest in Australian baseball. Travelling from the heart of the country, the team returned for the second time after making their tournament debut two years ago.

The experience left such an impression on Anthony Geppo and his team mates that they couldn’t wait to return.

“After the last tournament we went home and told everyone how good it was,” he said.

“Everyone was keen to come back this year. Cairns has been so welcoming and hospitable. The baseball is fantastic, but we also make a holiday out of it. You get to play great competition and then enjoy everything this beautiful part of Australia has to offer.”

Their return proved worthwhile, with Alice Springs earning a place in the gold medal game after an outstanding tournament. They opened the competition by battling to a thrilling 5-5 draw with the International All Stars before the two teams met again with the championship on the line.

The tournament’s ability to attract teams from every corner of the country—and even overseas—is what continues to set it apart.

For Townsville’s Dan White, the Barrier Reef Tournament has become a fixture on the baseball calendar.

Having travelled to Cairns for more than two decades, White says the event continues to evolve while maintaining the competitive spirit that keeps players returning year after year.

“It’s one of those tournaments that’s marked on the calendar every year,” White said.

“You get the chance to play against teams and players you wouldn’t normally see, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable.”

White has also noticed the next generation making its mark.

“The depth of young players coming through is really exciting. Not just for our team, but right across the tournament. Every year the standard keeps getting better.”

While friendships are formed throughout the weekend, the competitive edge never disappears.

Every team has an opponent they look forward to facing, and every city has a rival.

Few rivalries in Australian baseball run deeper than Cairns and Townsville.

No matter the occasion, the two North Queensland neighbours seem destined to produce close contests, with every run fiercely contested.

This year’s tournament was no different, with the long-standing rivals meeting once again in the bronze medal playoff, adding another chapter to one of the tournament’s fiercest matchups.

It wasn’t just the seniors going toe-to-toe either. Alongside the Barrier Reef Tournament is round one of the junior Intercity Challenge. Imagine drawing a crowd of your region’s favourite ball players, all in one place to watch you play. It provides a glimpse into the pathway ahead while allowing the next generation to soak up the atmosphere of one of Australia’s most respected tournaments.

Round two will take place in a couple of weeks with Townsville having the opportunity to return the favour and host their Cairns neighbours.

For Cairns veteran Anthony Van Fleet, that sense of tradition is what makes the Barrier Reef Tournament unlike any other.

Having played in the event for many years, Van Fleet has seen generations of players return to Trinity Beach, with many making the tournament an annual tradition.

“The Barrier Reef Tournament has such a rich history,” Van Fleet said.

“You see players coming back year after year because they love the competition, the atmosphere and catching up with mates from all over Australia. Once you’ve been here, you want to come back.”

And if the baseball isn’t reason enough to return, there’s another local favourite waiting between games.

The Trinity Beach canteen has become legendary among players, with many joking it’s worth the trip on its own. Dubbed by many as the best canteen in Queensland baseball, it serves everything from classic game-day favourites to inspired home cooked meals.

“If the baseball doesn’t bring you back,” Van Fleet laughed, “the canteen definitely will.”

It’s these little traditions that make the Barrier Reef Tournament more than just a baseball competition.

It’s a place where interstate visitors become regulars, where international teams are welcomed like locals, where rivalries are fierce but friendships last a lifetime, and where players can spend the morning battling for a championship before relaxing on one of Australia’s most beautiful coastlines in the afternoon.

With elite competition, unforgettable scenery and the warmth of the Baseball Cairns community, the Barrier Reef Tournament continues to showcase everything that makes Australian baseball special.

For some, it’s about winning trophies.

For others, it’s about catching up with lifelong friends, creating new memories and sharing a week immersed in the game they love.

Whatever the reason for making the journey north, one thing is certain—the Barrier Reef Tournament remains one of the highlights of the Australian baseball calendar.

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.