Meet Brad Parsons, the newest member of the Baseball Queensland Board, with an incredible 45-year journey in the sport. Born in Lismore, Brad’s deep passion for baseball was nurtured alongside legendary players and dedicated volunteers.
Encouraged by the baseball community and mentors, Brad’s decision to join the board is driven by his strong commitment to supporting grassroots clubs, volunteers, and the growth of the sport. He’s not just a board member; he’s a devoted player and coach, both locally and internationally.
Brad’s goal is straightforward: to make baseball financially accessible for all players, old and new. His extensive experience and remarkable achievements, including representing Queensland, make him an invaluable addition to the board.
Furthermore, Brad’s contributions extend beyond the boardroom to include active involvement in the Tournament Advisory Panel and the GBL Incident/Match Review Panel. His impressive track record as both a player and coach, which includes securing the prestigious GBL Division 1 title with Wests Bulldogs and claiming State Titles for FNC and Metro, underline his exceptional dedication to the sport.
BRAD PARSONS
Brad Parsons brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to the Baseball Queensland Board, ensuring a bright future for the sport and its enthusiastic community.
Calling all young baseball enthusiasts! The highly anticipated Regional School Sport Baseball Trials are just around the corner, promising an exciting platform for budding athletes to showcase their talent and represent their respective school sport regions. School Sport Regions will hold their respective trials to identify teams to compete in the 2024 12-14 Years School Baseball State Championships and the 2024 15-18 Years Schools Baseball Championships. Organised by Queensland School Sport, these events have been a stepping stone for many talented players on their journey to excellence.
2024 12-14 Years Queensland Schools Baseball Championship Thursday 18 April 2024 to Sunday 21 April 2024 at Surfers Paradise Baseball Club.
2024 15-18 Years Queensland Schools Baseball Championships Thursday 7 March 2024 to Sunday 10 March 2024. Venue to be announced.
Seeking School Approval: A Crucial First Step
For students eager to participate in the trials, it is imperative to seek permission from their respective schools. This involves obtaining both parental and school approval through a designated form. This process ensures that participating students are not only committed to their sport but also maintain their academic responsibilities.
Parents and students are encouraged to reach out to the sports and administrative staff at their school to obtain further details and the necessary forms. It’s a team effort, and collaboration between students, parents, and schools is essential to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for all participants.
A Platform for Aspiring Athletes
The Regional School Sport Baseball Trials provide a unique opportunity for students to compete at a high level, fostering sportsmanship, camaraderie, and skill development. This event is not only about showcasing raw talent but also about cultivating a passion for baseball and nurturing a sense of teamwork.
Participants can expect to engage in competitive games, receive coaching from committed teachers, and potentially earn a coveted spot in the Queensland School Sport Baseball team. For many, this event is a stepping stone towards higher levels of competition, making it an invaluable experience for any young baseball player.
Dates and Locations
The Regional School Sport Baseball Trials will take place at various venues across Queensland. Dates and locations for each region are available from the table below. It’s imperative for interested students to stay tuned through their school sport channels for updates to ensure they don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.
A Word from the Organisers
“We’re thrilled to welcome young baseball enthusiasts from across Queensland to the Regional School Sport Baseball Trials,” said Kath Wenban, Chair of the Queensland Schools Baseball Committee. “This event has been instrumental in nurturing talent and passion for baseball in the state, and we can’t wait to witness the skills and sportsmanship on display. We encourage students, parents, and schools to work together to make this event a success.”
Get Ready to Swing for the Fences!
The Queensland Schools Baseball Championships promise to be a thrilling experience for students across Queensland. It’s a chance to showcase talent, build friendships, and engage in their chosen sport. Remember, it all starts with obtaining permission from your school, so don’t delay – contact your school’s sports and administrative staff today!
For further updates and information, stay connected with Queensland School Sport through official channels and school communications. Get ready to step up to the plate and let your talent shine!
Baseball Queensland expresses its gratitude to Rodney Gaunt for his unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions during his tenure as a Director.
Rodney’s dedication has been instrumental in shaping the organisation and ensuring its continued success.
One of Rodney’s significant accomplishments was his leadership in the consultation process with members on the constitution review project, which played a pivotal role in identifying crucial design attributes and key definitions within the revised constitution set to be distributed to Members for comment. This effort not only solidified the organisation’s proposed direction on the constitutional changes considered, but also fostered a sense of inclusivity and transparency among members.
Furthermore, Gaunt’s meticulous attention to detail and expertise were pivotal in aligning the proposed constitution with recent legal advice on legislative changes. His collaboration with legal advisors exemplified his commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance within Baseball Queensland.
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Gaunt recognised the importance of effective communication. His collaboration with the CPR Group resulted in the development of impactful media strategies that will be disseminated to provide members insight to key proposed changes to the constitution. This forward-thinking approach is aimed at ensuring members are well-informed and empowered to participate in the decision-making process.
Additionally, Gaunt’s involvement in the development and review of essential Baseball Queensland policies demonstrated his dedication to fostering a culture of accountability and integrity within the organisation. His contributions in this area have set a standard of excellence that will endure for years to come.
Rodney has also served in a leadership capacity for the Bannister Park management committee.
Baseball Queensland acknowledges Rodney Gaunt’s exceptional service, which has left an indelible mark on the organisation. His selfless dedication, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to the sport have been an inspiration to all those who have had the privilege of working alongside him.
As Gaunt steps into a new chapter, his legacy will continue to shape the future of baseball in Queensland. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Rodney Gaunt and wish him continued success in all his future endeavours.
Registration is Now Open for Friendship Players in the 2023 Women, Youth Women, and Girls’ State Titles
Baseball Queensland is delighted to announce that registration is now open for individuals interested in participating as Friendship Players in the 2023 Women, Youth Women, and Girls’ State Titles scheduled for December.
Friendship Players are individuals who want to participate in these important events but do not currently have a team to join. This registration opportunity allows these players to express their interest and potentially be matched with existing teams, promoting diversity within the sport.
Being a Friendship Player can offer significant benefits, both to the individual players and the teams. For individuals, it’s an opportunity to showcase their skills and be a part of the fun and inclusive atmosphere that these state titles offer. For teams, it’s a chance to fill roster gaps and strengthen their line-up with capable players, making it a game for all.
This initiative not only promotes individual skill development but also fosters camaraderie within the baseball community, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the sport. It’s an excellent opportunity for players to connect with fellow enthusiasts, regardless of their background, and share their passion for the game.
To register as a Friendship Player and be part of this exciting event, please visit our website and follow the registration instructions. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be a part of the 2023 Women, Youth Women, and Girls’ State Titles, where the emphasis is on making it a game for all.
Exciting news for Queensland’s baseball scene, Baseball Queensland’s Performance Program Manager, Shayne ‘Wato’ Watson, has been named as the new Manager of the Brisbane Bandits, as long-time manager Dave Nilsson will depart for the US in 2024. This significant move is an important moment between Baseball Queensland and the Bandits, making our relationship even stronger and promising to improve the sport’s presence in Queensland. Wato’s work and contribution within Baseball Queensland and Baseball Australia is inspiring, and his passion for the sport comes through when he is coaching and guiding athletes, ensuring that they reach their full potential.
Baseball Queensland’s CEO, Gareth Jones, expressed his enthusiasm for this news saying, “Shayne’s appointment as the Manager of the Brisbane Bandits is a game-changer for Queensland baseball. We believe Shayne’s exemplary work ethic, leadership and almost two decades’ experience coaching performance athletes will give both the Brisbane Bandits and Baseball Queensland the best opportunity to achieve lofty goals, inspiring young talent and driving us towards new horizons.”
With Wato at the helm and the relationship between Baseball Queensland and the Brisbane Bandits stronger than ever, we can look forward to exciting times ahead. Together, we are poised to write a new chapter in the Queensland baseball story, making it a sport that continues to captivate and inspire.
