Danny Maruyama Honoured with Commendation

Danny Maruyama Honoured with Commendation

In a ceremony held at the Consulate-General’s residence in Brisbane on 23 January 2024, Mr. Danny Maruyama was awarded a commendation by Mr. Gomakubo Junji, recognising his outstanding contributions to baseball in Queensland and his efforts in fostering stronger ties between Australia and Japan through the sport.

With a remarkable history spanning over five decades, Mr. Maruyama has been a driving force in shaping the landscape of baseball in Queensland. His commitment to the sport goes beyond the field, as he played crucial roles in various capacities, from leading ABL teams to serving as a Director at Baseball Queensland.

One of Mr. Maruyama’s notable achievements is his dedication to fostering relationships between Australia and Japan through baseball. Prior to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he actively facilitated high-quality games between in-bound Japanese teams and Queensland’s U16 and U18 teams. These competitive games proved instrumental in preparing the local teams for National Championships.

Additionally, Mr. Maruyama has played a pivotal role in the success of the Robina State High School’s Baseball Excellence Program. His continued efforts have contributed to the development of the program, the school’s facilities, and organised tours to Japan, creating unique cultural and sporting experiences for the students.

Gareth Jones, CEO of Baseball Queensland, had the honour of attending the ceremony and spoke highly of Mr. Maruyama’s contributions. “Mr. Maruyama has been a long-term contributor to baseball in Queensland, and he continues to support our efforts. I am pleased to see his generous support acknowledged in such a special way. It was great to bear witness to Mr. Maruyama accepting this honour with all due esteem.”

The commendation from the Consulate-General of Japan in Brisbane reflects not only Mr. Maruyama’s personal dedication but also the positive impact he has had on the broader community by bridging cultural gaps through the shared passion for baseball. The recognition serves as a testament to the importance of sports diplomacy in fostering international relations and cultural exchange.

Romero signs with the Pirates

Romero signs with the Pirates

We are excited to announce that Rubens Romero, a 16-year-old standout from Windsor, Brisbane Metro, and the Caribbeans (SQWBL), has recently inked a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Since August 2023, Romero has been at the H3K Latin American Academy in Medellin, Colombia, where he’s garnered attention for his impressive 89 mph fastball and towering height of 6 feet 4 inches.

Romero, known for his pitching skills, has worked on refining his mechanics and expanding his pitch variety. His recent signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates follows his representation in the 2022 U16 QLD Team and Team Australia at the U12 level.

A shoutout to the Romero family for their ongoing support throughout his baseball journey and a special thanks to his mum, Georgina for the updates.

Congratulations to Romero on this significant achievement, and Baseball Queensland wishes him all the best in his baseball journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates!

https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/pittsburgh-pirates-sign-21-players-during-first-week-of-2024-international-signing-period/

https://www.mlb.com/pirates/roster/transactions

Bandits in the ABL Finals Series

Bandits in the ABL Finals Series

ABL FINALS INFORMATION from Baseball.com.au

The Australian Baseball League Finals, presented by Gallagher Insurance, are here. Over the next two weekends, the top four teams from the regular season will duke it out for the Claxton Shield.Here is what you need to know.

WHO IS PLAYING AND WHEN?


From January 26-28, there are two best-of-three semi-final series. The winners advance to the Australian Baseball League Championship Series (ABLCS) from February 2-4.

The #1 ranked Adelaide Giants will host the #4 ranked Melbourne Aces.
The #2 ranked Perth Heat will host the #3 ranked Brisbane Bandits.
The winners will play in a best-of-three Championship Series split between the two cities.

Melbourne Aces @ Adelaide Giants
– Game 1: Friday 26 January, 7:00PM local
– Game 2: Saturday 27 January, 7:00PM local
– Game 3: Sunday 28 January, 5:00PM local (if necessary)
@ Dicolor Australia Stadium, West Beach
Tickets via www.adelaidegiants.com.au/tickets.

Brisbane Bandits @ Perth Heat
– Game 1: Friday 26 January, 7:00PM local
– Game 2: Saturday 27 January, 7:00PM local
– Game 3: Sunday 28 January, 5:30PM local (if necessary)
@ Empire Field, Perth
Tickets via www.perthheat.com.au/tickets.

BROADCAST


If you are unable to make it to the ballpark, you can watch live & free around the world on Baseball+.
You can download the Baseball+ app on your phone.
Head to www.theabl.com.au/baseballplus for download links in relevant app stores as well as instructions on how to cast to your smart TV.

Jake Ferguson: From Queensland to Kansas

Jake Ferguson: From Queensland to Kansas

Q&A with Jake Ferguson on His Path, Memories, and Future Aspirations

In the dynamic world of baseball, Jake Ferguson’s journey emerges as a vivid portrayal of commitment, skill, and the unwavering support of the baseball community in Queensland. Having previously played at the 2020 Australian Youth Championships and clinched gold with his team, Jake is now back in the USA, gearing up to start the Spring Season at Cowley College, Kansas. As he continues to leave his mark, his impact extends far beyond the field, resonating with aspiring players and the broader baseball community.

Q1: Can you take us back to the beginning of your baseball journey? What drew you to the sport, and at what age did you first step onto the diamond?

My baseball journey began shortly after moving to Queensland from WA where I played a bit of T-ball. Looking for a summer sport, we found a local baseball club (Wests bulldogs ) just down the road from my house. I always had a love for baseball, being born in Texas and watching it a lot as a kid, but it wasn’t till I was 12 that I began playing.

Q2: Share a bit about your playing days in Australia. Which clubs did you play for?

I initially stated playing baseball at Wests Bulldogs, were I played up until I was about 15. I then made the move to Pine Hills Lighting for my u18 seasons as well as to play A grade.

Q3: Could you share insights into your current endeavours?

I’m currently at Cowley County CC in Arkansas city, Kansas as a freshman. I’m studying physical therapy, as well as getting better each day within such a fantastic program under an excellent coaching staff and playing alongside a loaded class.

Q4: Reflecting on your journey so far, could you pinpoint a few standout moments?

Without hesitation the most memorable moment of my baseball journey thus far has been representing team Australia at the u18 world cup in Florida. The entire process from getting selected at the state title tournament after I fractured my hand in game, was a race against time to rehab my hand, an extremally rewarding process to be selected in each stage of the process to make the final 20man. Some other honourable mentions would be winning gold at the 2020 AYC with the Queensland state team and going 14-0 to start the fall season at Cowley.

Q5: How did the Baseball Queensland pathways contribute to your growth, both as a player and an individual?

BQ had a massive impact on my pathway and growth as both a player and a person. Initially I started out in the Athlete Development Program (ADP) squad, witch at the time was the first step in being identified for state selection and really set me up to have a solid foundation as a player as set the tone for the expectations and work ethics required to progress. Then after my first state selection, I made the state development squad that further helped me develop and improve my game. To then finally after making the national team, be a part of the performance squad that by far had the biggest impact on my develop with specialty in my readiness for college and the world cup. Having the opportunity to have access to such a great facility such as the cricket Australia facility, combined with the coaching expertise’s overseen by Shayne Watson had a massive impact on my development and improvement on field and in the weight room. Aside from the on field support, BQ also provided me unwavering support through injury as well as aiding me in my college commitment.

Q6: What specific skills or aspects of your game have you been diligently refining to enhance your performance at the college level?

Recently a big part of my development has come by working on some slight mechanical changes in my receiving and set up behind the plate, as well as the mental approach in the batters box.

Q7: Choosing a baseball college is a significant decision. What factors led to this choice, and how did your journey through Baseball Queensland pathways prepare you for this unique opportunity?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had the goal of playing collegiate baseball to then move on to professional baseball. Throughout the journey of getting identified by colleges and teams, BQ provided me with not only great references and contacts. But also, guidance and advice in how to navigate negations, terms of scholarships and making sure I find the right school for me.

Q8: Throughout your journey, who have been your guiding lights or role models?

Throughout my journey I’ve been extremely lucky to practice and play with some special ball players. Some of the most memorable being my BQ coach throughout most of my baseball journey, Shayne Watson. As a former catcher he provided a wealth of knowledge for my specific position, however his teachings of ethics and standards is something I admire and try to implement into my game every time I take the field. Another role mode that had a huge impact on the mental side of my game is former teammate Ash Anderson, a player who had relentless work ethic, the bravery to make changes in order to help the team and the mental fortitude to always look on the Brightside and stay positive in a game were failure in inevitable.

Q10: Any words of advice for aspiring players, both young and those who may have rediscovered their passion for the sport?

The best player in the world show up every day, something I’ve learnt is that you can’t control everything with an emphasis on baseball and results. So, at the end of the day, all you can do is show up and give it everything.

Jake Ferguson’s journey is not only inspiring for the baseball community but also for Queensland. He’s like a guide, showing the way for new players and bringing pride and inspiration to everyone in the Queensland baseball community.

2024 Australian Youth Championships Begin

2024 Australian Youth Championships Begin

The 2024 Australian Youth Championships kicked off today with Queensland’s U16’s and U18’s both versing South Australia.  With high expectations, the teams aim to showcase their skills and dedication. The U18’s aims to uphold their title with the same dedication, skill, and support from their state, promising an exciting competition as they strive for victory on the diamond. Stay tuned for updates throughout the tournament through our Facebook page or Baseball.com.au.

2024 U-18 AUSTRALIAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS (U16 & U18 AYC)

Blacktown International Sports Park
Wed, 10 Jan – Tue, 16 Jan 2024
For more information, visit Baseball.com.au

QUEENSLAND U16 ROSTER

U16 Schedule (all times in Qld time)

Click here to go to GameChanger

Wed 10th Jan
Game 1: 9:00am vs SA

Thu 11th Jan
Game 1: 9:00am vs NSW Country (D1 – watch live on Baseball+)
Game 2: 11:45am vs WA (D2)

Fri 12th Jan
Game 1: 8:30am vs VIC (D1 – watch live on Baseball+)
Game 2: 11:45am vs NSW (D2)

Sat 13th Jan
Game 1:  9:00am vs ACT (D2

U18 Schedule (all times in Qld time):

Click here to go to GameChanger

Wed 10th Jan
Game 1: 3:00pm vs SA

Thu 11th Jan
Game 1: 2:30pm vs NSW Country (D1 – watch live on Baseball+)
Game 2: 5:15pm vs WA (D2)

Fri 12th Jan
Game 1: 2:30pm vs VIC (D1 – watch live on Baseball+)
Game 2: 5:45pm vs NSW (D2)

Sat 13th Jan
Game 1:  12:15pm vs ACT (D3)

QUEENSLAND U18 ROSTER

2024 Host Venues Announcement

2024 Host Venues Announcement

Baseball Queensland is thrilled to unveil the venues for the highly anticipated 2024 tournaments:
 

2024 Senior League and Big League State Titles

Host:  Pine Hills Lightning Baseball Club
Dates:  4-7 April 2024
 

2024 Little League, Intermediate League, and Junior League State Titles

Host:  Redcliffe Padres Baseball Club
Dates:  11-14 April 2024
 

2024 Masters Tournament

Host:  Surfers Paradise Baseball Club
Dates:  25-28 April 2024
 
Stay tuned for the forthcoming announcement in the New Year regarding the host venues for the 2024 Women’s, Youth Women’s, and Girls’ State Titles.