News - Baseball Queensland

Baseball Queensland Welcomes Sam Cawdron as Game Development Manager

Baseball Queensland has welcomed a new addition to its team today, March 11, with the appointment of Sam Cawdron as the Game Development Manager. Cawdron brings a wealth of experience in sports development, particularly in fostering participation and implementing growth strategies. His arrival marks a significant step forward for Baseball Queensland in its quest to enhance participation across Queensland.

Baseball Queensland has ushered in a new era with the appointment of Sam Cawdron as its Game Development Manager, effective today. With an impressive background in sports development, Cawdron steps into the role ready to spearhead participation initiatives and bolster the Little League pathway for aspiring baseball players across Queensland.

Cawdron’s arrival comes at a crucial juncture for Baseball Queensland, as the organisation seeks to elevate its presence and engagement within the local community. His extensive experience in devising and executing entry-level participation growth strategies promises to invigorate grassroots baseball programs and widen the sport’s reach.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sam Cawdron to the Baseball Queensland family,” said Gareth Jones, CEO at Baseball Queensland. “His proven track record in sports development, coupled with his passion for nurturing young talent, aligns perfectly with our mission to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive baseball culture throughout Queensland.”

As Game Development Manager, Cawdron will be responsible for overseeing a range of programs and initiatives designed to engage both new and seasoned players, as well as facilitating the progression of talented individuals through the Little League pathway.

Sam’s appointment reflects the organisation’s unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving baseball community and nurturing the next generation of athletes and enthusiasts alike.

Sam can be reached at sam@baseballqld.asn.au

State Titles Friendship Player Expression of Interest

What are the Little League Pathways State Titles?

The Little League Pathway State Titles Events are a celebration of camaraderie, competition, and the love for the sport. Taking place over a span of 2-3 days on two weekends in April, these tournaments bring together young athletes from different clubs within the same region, uniting them under the banner of friendly competition.

Each day of the event is packed with excitement as teams engage in 1-2 full-length games, testing their skills and strategies against opponents from across the state. The atmosphere is electric, with cheers from supporters echoing across the fields, creating an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike.

But it’s not just about the games themselves; the Little League Pathway State Titles Events also foster lasting friendships among players. As they come together to represent their respective regions, they forge bonds that extend beyond the confines of the tournament. These friendships endure throughout the season and beyond, as players reunite when their club teams face off against each other in league matches.

Moreover, the tournaments provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and dedication to the sport. Whether they win or lose, participants walk away with invaluable experiences and memories that will shape their journey in baseball and beyond.

Overall, the Little League Pathway State Titles Events serve as a cornerstone of youth baseball, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and passion for the game. They inspire young athletes to dream big, work hard, and cherish the bonds they form both on and off the field.

Little League Pathways refers to all age groups from U12 (Little League) up to U16 (Senior League) in alignment with Little League Baseball, with pathways to the World Series for Division 1 teams in those age groups.

Baseball Queensland additionally offers further participatory divisions and age groups, including T-Ball, Rookie Ball, U20’s (Big League) and divisions such as Little League Division 3, Junior League and Senior League Division 2.

How can your child get involved?

If your player is keen to join in at this years State Titles Events, submit your interest below and we will endevour to match them with a team.

This EOI is open to players that want to play but currently do not have a team to play with.
Players already selected to a Regional team do not need to complete this EOI.

EOI closes Sunday 24 March 2024 at 5pm. Register your interest now via button below:

Player EOI

2024 Little League Pathways Events:

4-7 April 2024 – Pine Hills Lightning Baseball, James Drysdale Reserve

Senior League (U16) Divisions 1 and 2
Big League (U20)

11-14 April 2024 – Redcliffe Padres Baseball, Talobilla Park

Little League (U12) Divisions 1, 2 and 3
Intermediate League (U13)
Junior League (U14) Divisions 1 and 2

Tournament Event Crew

As part of our ongoing efforts to develop baseball events and officials in Queensland, we would like to extend an invitation to any interested Tournament Crew for the upcoming Little League Pathway State Titles Events:

4 – 7 April 2024 – Pine Hills

Senior League (U16) Division 1 and 2
Big League (U20)

11 – 14 April 2024 – Redcliffe

Little League (U12) Division 1, 2, and 3
Intermediate League (U13)
Junior League (U14) Division 1 and 2

Roles

Tournament Director
Tournament Crew
Event Photographer
Scorers Coordinator (CABS Level 2 or higher)
First Aid Company/Provider

EOI close Wednesday 13 March 2024 at 5pm. Register your interest now via button below:

Event Crew EOI

Calling U13 females to play at the QLD Little League State Titles Division 3 in April

As part of our ongoing efforts to promote and develop baseball in Queensland, we would like to extend an invitation to any U13 females who have the desire to play in a Youth Girls Team competing in the Queensland Little League Division 3 State Titles from 12/13 April – 14 April 2024, hosted by Redcliffe Padres Baseball Club.

We encourage players to play for their regions first, as we believe it is important to develop strong regional teams/culture, however, we also recognise that there may be female players who have the desire to play and may not have the opportunity via their region.

EOI close Sunday 24th March 2024 at 5pm. Register your interest now via button below:

Player EOI

QLD EOI’s now open for 2024 Barclay Cup

Baseball enthusiasts across Australia are excited as the Barclay Cup returns in 2024 from September 29 to October 5, hosted by Baseball NSW. Named after Emeralds legend Jacinda Barclay, the tournament for girls aged 13-16 embodies her passion for inclusivity in baseball.

The Barclay Cup provides a platform for young female athletes nationwide, fostering camaraderie and empowerment. Unlike traditional state-versus-state matchups, the tournament welcomes multiple teams from each state, promoting unity and friendship among participants.

Deb Barclay, Jacinda’s mother, expresses pride in seeing the tournament grow, echoing Jacinda’s belief in encouraging girls from all backgrounds to embrace baseball.

Please note that the venue is yet to be confirmed.

Stay Tuned for more updates via:

Barclay Cup Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BarclayCupBaseball

Baseball NSW: https://www.baseballnsw.com.au/event/barclay-cup-2024/

Player EOI

Coach / EO EOI

AYC 2024 U16 WRAP-UP

Following the tales of our U18 players at the Australian Youth Championships (AYC), we now highlight our U16 team. With pride, we share the stories of these young athletes who returned with silver medals. Join us as we explore Paddy McLoughlin and Cooper Teichmann’s experiences on the field, providing insight into competition and camaraderie at the national level.

Q&A WITH PADDY MCLOUGHLIN

What position/s did you play during AYC?

I played outfield and pitcher.

Your proudest moment individually or as a team?

I was really proud when my coach put me as starting pitcher against NSW, and I felt like I pitched well for the team. Our proudest moment as a team was when we came back from being 5 runs behind against VIC and we walked it off. Every person in the team played so hard to get the win.

What did you do during the rain delays, did you bond as a team, or did you take the time for some personal reflection/training?

We bonded as a team the whole time at AYC, we all got on really well together. During the rain delays we went to the games room in the hotel and it was also really good hanging out with players from other states. On the last day when finals were rained off the coaches took time with each of us to give feedback on the tournament.

How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?

Nationals are more intense and it’s where you want to play your best baseball. I was really proud to represent my State at Nationals and it’s good that you have scouts watching, it’s a big deal. As I was a second year, it was also good being one of the leaders with the other second year players.

How did you feel when you found out that you were awarded silver?

I wasn’t expecting us to get silver, we were supposed to play in the bronze medal game so it was a surprise when we got silver. We were really happy, but we all would have liked to play finals and win the medal, but it shows you never know what is going to happen in tournament baseball, and how important our first round results were when we battled every game.

From your AYC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?

I am always working hard to improve my game and it is important to learn from every game. As a team we bonded well and worked well together, it was great how everyone supported each other and encouraged each other, I think we can work on reducing errors in the field, our bats were pretty aggressive so we need to keep that up.

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).

The baseball was always fun and we had a great time playing, but it was also really fun playing in the games room with the other teams. When we went out for dinner as a team we had a good laugh with the coaches too.

Q&A WITH COOPER TEICHMANN

What position/s did you play during AYC?

Catcher for majority of the tournament and played one game at 3B. I also got to the opportunity to pitch.

Your proudest moment individually or as a team?

Individually was the defensive plays I made against Victoria, throwing out multiple runners in the second round of competition. As a team it was definitely how well we gelled as a team and coming home with a silver medal.

What did you do during the rain delays, did you bond as a team, or did you take the time for some personal reflection/training?

We bonded as a team, the hotel had a common area/gaming room where we could hang out as a team and have some fun. There was some good table tennis competition going on amongst the team.

How is playing in a national tournament, different from playing in the Qld state titles?

The competition was to a higher standard, there were strong teams with a lot of good players from around the country. There was a lot of pride on the line, representing your state and playing for a national title. It was a really good overall experience.

How did you feel when you found out that you were awarded silver?

I was happy that we ended up with silver, but due to the rain it impacted the second round. I would have preferred to play all of the games in the second round and then let the final results determine the medal winners, but I’m really proud we won the silver medal.

From your AYC experience, what do you think you could work on, as an individual or as a team?

Individually I would have liked to get some more hits, but I had good preparation going into the tournament and will continue to work on my hitting from both sides of the plate. As a team I would say to continue to work on how to win the close games and handle pressure situations better.

Favourite FUN moment from the whole experience (it doesn’t have to be baseball related).

Most fun moment was our victory over Victoria in the first round. The way we came from behind to win was really fun. It was a close game with a few lead changes and to win that game meant a lot to the team.