2025 New Zealand 15U Tour Wrapup

2025 New Zealand 15U Tour Wrapup

Nov 4, 2025

Baseball, Culture and Lasting Mateships Highlight Queensland’s First 15U NZ Tour

November 2025

Baseball Queensland’s inaugural 15U New Zealand Tour brought together two squads — the Wahoos and the Mud Crabs — made up of athletes from Cairns to Lismore for an eight-day international development experience across Auckland and Hamilton from 25 September to 2 October 2025. 

The tour was more than baseball. It was about building culture, forming friendships, and representing Queensland with pride. Competing against New Zealand’s 15U Development Team and Auckland’s 17U Representative Team, the group faced quality opposition, embraced cultural exchange, and created memories that will last well beyond the final inning.

Development Focus 

The tour formed part of Baseball Queensland’s Performance Pathways calendar and was designed as a stepping stone between local programs and international play. Each squad trained for eight weeks at Bannister Park in Brisbane before departing — refining their fundamentals, teamwork, and game understanding. 

The Wahoos, led by Head Coach Daniel Turner and supported by Assistant Coaches Luke Ardill and Brendan Vassallo, finished 2–5 across tightly contested games. Turner praised the group’s commitment and connection: 

“This group showed what Queensland baseball is all about. They played the game the right way, supported each other through challenges, and represented their state with pride.”
– Daniel Turner, Head Coach (Wahoos) 

 

For the Mud Crabs, managed by Head Coach Tyson Loetzsch alongside Coaches Jay and Daniel Nilsson, the focus was on development and resilience against older opposition. Loetzsch reflected on the team’s growth throughout the tour: 

“Our players faced some real tests against quality competition. The way they adjusted, supported one another, and stayed positive was outstanding. This trip will shape their future as athletes and teammates.” 

– Tyson Loetzsch, Head Coach (Mud Crabs) 

Culture, Connection and Shared Experience 

Both teams balanced high-tempo baseball with opportunities to experience New Zealand’s culture and community. Visits to the Aratiatia Community Marae, Sky Tower, Rotorua Luge, The Fieldhouse Batting Cages, and The All Blacks Experience gave athletes a unique insight into New Zealand’s sporting and cultural heritage. 

Evenings were spent together over team dinners — a simple ritual that became the heartbeat of the tour. Executive Officers Taylor Devine (Wahoos) and Kyla Collyer (Mud Crabs) coordinated logistics, meals and communication, ensuring every detail was covered so players could focus on connecting and growing as a group. 

“The dinners and team meetings brought everyone closer together,” said Devine. “It wasn’t just about baseball — it was about belonging.” 

Pride in the Journey 

The Queensland contingent earned respect for their professionalism and sportsmanship throughout the event. Parents and families were equally integral, providing strong support both in New Zealand and from home — including live streams, local assistance, and constant encouragement. 

At the midway point of the tour, players, staff and families shared lunch at the Aratiatia Community Marae, bringing everyone together in a memorable celebration of culture, connection and the shared love of baseball. 

Laying Foundations for the Future 

Baseball Queensland extends its thanks to the coaching and support staff — Daniel Turner, Tyson Loetzsch, Luke Ardill, Brendan Vassallo, Jay Nilsson, Daniel Nilsson, Taylor Devine and Kyla Collyer — for their leadership and care throughout the tour. 

A special congratulations goes to Baseball Queensland athletes Max Arlow and Jake Molander, who, following their standout performances, were selected to represent New Zealand on the U15 National Team. Both Queensland-based athletes hold New Zealand citizenship, and their achievement is a proud reflection of the shared pathways and growing connection between the two baseball communities. 

This inaugural 15U tour marks an exciting milestone for Baseball Queensland’s international development pathway. The experiences, lessons and mateships formed in New Zealand will echo well beyond the diamond — shaping the next generation of Queensland athletes. 

Baseball Queensland congratulates all players and families on a memorable first edition of the BQ 15U New Zealand Tour. 

Wahoos 

  • Callum Turner 
  • Hudson Applefield 
  • Sammy Plumb 
  • Jack Neaves 
  • Jake Molander 
  • Billy Wharton 
  • Finn Wollin 
  • Seth Lutton 
  • Hamish Trotter 
  • Brayden Deemal 
  • Jackson Schneider 
  • Spencer Strutt 
  • Lachlan Gale 
  • Callum Schramm 

 

Manager: Daniel Turner 
Assistant Coaches: Luke Ardill, Brendan Vassallo 
Executive Officer: Taylor Devine 

Mud Crabs 

  • Eli Collyer 
  • Cooper Jones 
  • Malakai Pearson 
  • Max Arlow 
  • Evan Peters 
  • Charlie Power 
  • Shuta Kobayashi 
  • Mitchell Loetzsch 
  • Daniel Bremner 
  • Phoenix Morton 
  • Owen Frazer 
  • Max Cruickshank 
  • Jackson Ronan 
  • Nate Tranter 
  • Brock New 

Manager: Tyson Loetzsch 
Coaches: Jay Nilsson, Daniel Nilsson 
Executive Officer: Kyla Collyer 

Now Hiring: Administration Officer

Now Hiring: Administration Officer

Oct 31, 2025

Baseball Queensland is seeking a dedicated and organised Administration Officer to join our team and support the delivery of key operational and communication services across the organisation. Based at our Milton office, this full-time role offers the opportunity to work closely with the CEO and staff in a dynamic, member-based environment, helping to strengthen baseball’s reach and impact throughout the state. You’ll play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of Baseball Queensland through a mix of administrative, secretarial, and stakeholder support tasks.

The successful candidate will be a motivated and detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Strong communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities amongst fluctuating workloads, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential. If you’re passionate about sport and want to contribute to the growth and success of baseball in Queensland, we encourage you to apply.

🔗 Apply now via SEEK: https://www.seek.com.au/job/88220212

Annual General Meeting Notice | 2025

Annual General Meeting Notice | 2025

Oct 31, 2025

October 31, 2025
Updated: November 12, 2025

Dear Region Members,

Please find attached a copy of Notice of the 2025 Baseball Queensland Annual General Meeting.

Director positions up for election/re-election in 2025 are currently held by:

David Badke, Director – Deputy Commissioner and Director Game Development

Andy Utting, Director – Communication & Partnerships

 

Director Nominations

Candidates are encouraged to review the information available from this link and to complete and return the Skills Matrix with their Application (Form A) by CoB 12 November 2025.

AGM Notice

Life Membership Nominations

To nominate someone for Baseball Queensland’s Life Membership, the form can be found HERE. Please submit Life Membership nominations by 20 November 2025.

Candidates Nominated for Election

Please click on Nomination Form, Skills Matrix and Supporting Information links to review each respective document for the candidates.

BADKE, David

Nomination Form

Skills Matrix

 

PADDISON, David

Nomination Form

Skills Matrix

Supporting Information (Letter to the Baseball Queensland Membership)

 

STRUTT, Regan

Nomination Form

Skills Matrix

Supporting Information (Resume)

 

UTTING, Andy

Nomination Form

Skills Matrix

 

WILSON, Luke

Nomination Form

Skills Matrix

Supporting Information (Resume)

2025 Barclay Cup Wrap-up

2025 Barclay Cup Wrap-up

Oct 27, 2025

Queensland Crocs Wrap: Hard Work and Heart Exemplifies the Crocs Spirit at the 2025 Barclay Cup

 October 2025

The Barclay Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of women’s baseball, held in honour of trailblazer Jacinda Barclay—and once again showcased the best of our sport: community, courage, and connection. For the Queensland Crocs, Adelaide was a week-long masterclass in resilience and team spirit that will echo well beyond the final out. In the weeks leading up, the squad put in the work together: early starts, extra reps, and shared standards that quietly stitched the group into one team. By the time they jetted off on 27 September, there was a real sense of purpose in the air—bags packed, bats taped, and a collective promise to represent Queensland with pride.

Across eight tough games in a tightly contested draw, the Crocs finished 1–7, but the numbers hardly tell the story. There were inspiring flashes everywhere: gritty at-bats that stretched counts, smart base running, and defensive plays built on trust and communication. More importantly, the dugout never wavered. Huddles tightened, voices got louder (in the best way), and little moments—glove taps, quick tips, steady eye contact—kept the group connected through every inning.

“I’m immensely proud of this group. They showed up for each other, embraced the hard moments, and represented Queensland with class. The growth—in skill, confidence, and connection—was exactly what this tournament is all about.”

– Noel Tate, Head Coach

The learning didn’t stop when the games did. The team were eager to soak up knowledge and guidance from their coaching staff, in particular, assistant coaches Bella & Molly – who along with being exemplary role models are distinguished players in their own right within the Queensland program. Together they got hands-on with fresh methods—defensive footwork progressions, plan-ahead hitting routines, and the kind of small technical tweaks that make a big difference. They also leaned on tools from their pre-tournament sports psychology session—breathing cues, reset routines, constructive self-talk—and turned them into everyday habits, not just game-day tricks. Those mindset cues became anchors in tight spots and a shared language that strengthened team culture. As Assistant Coach Bella Pickford put it,

“They leaned into learning—every drill, every talk, every challenge. Their willingness to try new things and back their teammates made the biggest difference. They’ll take these tools into club ball and come back even better.”

– Bella Pickford, Assistant Coach

One moment that said everything about the group’s values came when Arielle Judd received the Spirit Award for the Queensland team—recognition for the player who exemplifies what it means to be a great teammate, showing inclusivity and true sports-‘woman’-ship all week. Arielle’s steady presence, voice of encouragement, and “team-first” choices became a quiet compass for the Crocs.

Around the diamonds and in the walkways between fields, the Crocs lived the tournament’s friendship ethos. They traded stories and smiles with players from interstate and international teams, turning post-game chats into real connections. It was evident in the handshakes that lingered, the shared cage time, and the mutual respect that carried through tough scorelines. Assistant Coach Molly Donald captured it perfectly:

“They played with heart and treated every opponent with respect. Watching them celebrate small wins, support each other after tough innings, and connect with other teams—that’s the kind of success that lasts.”

– Molly Donald, Assistant Coach

Ask the players what they’ll remember, and you’ll hear about the friendships, the shared laughter that forged new bonds, and the feeling of belonging to something bigger than just the result on a scoreboard. Many said they’d encourage any young female player in Queensland to get involved next year—because the pathway is real, the community is welcoming, and the growth (on and off the diamond) is undeniable.

To everyone who made the campaign possible—players, parents and families, and the coaching/support team of Head Coach Noel Tate, Assistant Coaches Bella Pickford and Molly Donald, and Team Executive Officer Maureen Lessmann—thank you. Your time, energy, and care brought the best out of this group. 

Baseball Queensland is incredibly proud of how the Queensland Crocs represented the state: with integrity, energy, and unity. 2025’s edition of Barclay Cup was a brilliant showpiece for women’s baseball, and the momentum is only building from here. We’re excited to see how this group grows from the experience and carries their learnings into the next challenge, together.

Go Crocs! 

North Queensland: Professional Development and Baseball5

North Queensland: Professional Development and Baseball5

Oct 27, 2025

October 2025

Building Capacity in the North: Baseball Queensland Development Team Gathers in Townsville
Baseball Queensland’s Game Development Manager, Sam Cawdron, and Baseball5 Coordinator, Joe Surrentino, recently travelled to Townsville to support and oversee two days of professional development led by Development Officers Luke Ardill (Townsville) and Mila Bender (Cairns).
Luke and Mila took the reins in organising and running the sessions, showcasing their leadership as Baseball Queensland’s North Queensland Development Officers. The event brought together the growing northern team at Country Bank Stadium, with Mila joined by her Cairns casual staff Mia Bender and Owen Macpherson, and Luke supported by Michael Mount and Paris Bastow.
Strengthening the North Queensland Delivery Network
The goal of the visit was to continue building the capacity of Baseball Queensland’s expanding North Queensland workforce. With part-time Development Officers now established in both Townsville and Cairns – supported by a growing team of casual deliverers – the region is now better equipped to deliver quality programs across schools, clubs, and community spaces.
“Having local Development Officers supported by a casual team means they don’t have to do it all themselves. It helps us reach more schools, deliver more sessions, and maintain the professional standards that represent Baseball Queensland.”
– Sam Cawdron, Game Development Manager
Professional Development at Country Bank Stadium
The two-day PD event, held on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 October, focused on upskilling new staff and aligning delivery standards across the region. The program covered:
  • BQ policies, procedures, and workplace expectations
  • Pay scales and administration processes
  • Coaching practices, teaching styles, and session structure
  • Interactive icebreakers, team-building games, and hands-on activities
  • Emerging initiatives, including childcare centre programs, after-school sessions, female participation programs, and Sporting Schools delivery
The sessions balanced theory with practice – avoiding “death-by-PowerPoint” and instead getting participants active, coaching, and learning from one another in a supportive environment.
“This was a great learning opportunity not just for our new Development Officers, but for everyone involved,” said Cawdron. “We all learn from each other, and that was exactly the environment we wanted to create.”
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
A highlight of the PD days was a session with Matthias Graepel, Inclusion Coach for Sport4All in North Queensland. Matthias shared his own inclusion journey and provided valuable insights on how Baseball Queensland’s Development Officers can create welcoming environments in schools and community programs.
He offered practical examples and coaching tips around inclusive communication, adaptability, and understanding that inclusion is a journey, not a destination. His contribution added an important layer to the team’s professional development and will no doubt influence how staff engage with participants across all programs.
Spotlight on Baseball5 and B5 Development
The PD also featured Baseball5 Head Coach Adrian Medina and Team Australia athlete Jonah, who introduced the group to the sport’s rules, coaching techniques, and participation potential.
Their passion and experience were infectious, inspiring the regional staff and strengthening Baseball Queensland’s commitment to using Baseball5 as a tool to grow participation across the state.
First North Queensland Baseball5 Come & Try Day
Following the PD days, Sam and Joe joined Luke and the Townsville team, along with Baseball5 Head Coach Adrian Medina and Team Australia player Jonah, to run North Queensland’s first Baseball5 Come & Try Day at Calvary Christian College.
Adrian and Jonah were heavily involved throughout the session – sharing their expertise, guiding participants through the fundamentals, and bringing great energy to the day. Their passion for the game helped create an engaging, high-energy environment that perfectly showcased what Baseball5 is all about.
It was also a great opportunity for Adrian to help upskill and work with our new BQ’s Baseball5 umpires. Our BQ casual staff, along with new B5 umpire Tara Cocks, had the chance to umpire live games, learn the calls, and gain confidence in the gameplay ahead of the new social Baseball5 competition kicking off on Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
Around 15 participants took part in the fast-paced, energetic format – a preview of what’s to come when Townsville hosts Australia’s first Baseball5 competition.
“Baseball5 is a great opportunity for everyone, it’s perfect for current baseball players wanting to stay active over the off-season, but also a fun and welcoming way for new players to try the sport for the first time. It’s fast, social, and something the whole community can enjoy together.”
– Luke Ardill, Game Development Officer (Townsville)
For more information about Baseball5 and how to get involved, visit www.baseballqueensland.com.au/b5.
Opportunities for Players:

Townsville’s Baseball5 Competition is coming fast, and is now open for registrations! Find out more here:

Find out More
Opportunities for Schools:

Sporting Schools applications are open until November 14, apply to host a Baseball or Baseball5 schools session in Term 1!

Sporting Schools
Now Calling Friendship Players for 2025 Women’s, Youth Women’s and Little League Girls!

Now Calling Friendship Players for 2025 Women’s, Youth Women’s and Little League Girls!

Oct 20, 2025

2025 QLD State Titles Women (Div 1)/Women Youth/Little League Girls Friendship Player Registration Form

October 2025

As per information released in July the Baseball Queensland Tech Norms have had some changes come into effect recently. You can read more here>>>

Any player that does not have a roster spot with the Region they have registered with for the current season and who would like to participate in the 2025 QLD State Titles Women (Division 1)/Youth /Little League girls needs to meet the requirements within the BQ Tech Norms and complete this form (https://forms.office.com/r/7PLjTHGQf1) to be eligible to be placed with a team. 

Players must play with the Region in which they were last registered prior to the State Titles, unless they have registered with a club within another Region for the pending summer season prior to 31 August. 

Should a player be registered with, and/or played with two (2) or more affiliated teams during the season prior to the dates of the State Titles, then the Region in which the player registers and pays their Baseball Australia and Baseball Queensland Capitation fees will have priority on that player for selection. Note: This rule has come into effect from 1 August 2025.  

It is a fundamental assumption that a team exhausts all possible avenues to secure as many players as possible from within their own Regional boundaries. If the team is unable to field a team from within its own Regional boundaries, it is then entitled to make a request to the Tournament Advisory Panel through this form (https://forms.office.com/r/JbVck0Y4Jz) to secure players from other Regions.  Regions should not directly approach friendship players. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in the player being deemed ineligible for the Tournament. Note: This rule is in effect from 1 August 2025. 

All friendship players must register into the “Pool”. A Friendship player can nominate a preferred Region but there is no guarantee they will be added to that roster. Note: This rule is in effect from 1 August 2025. 

2025 QLD State Titles Women/Youth/Little League Girls (Division 1) Friendship Player Pool Registration Form has been extended and will remain open until Monday 10 November.

Please note: Women’s Div 2 teams remain eligible to source players as they see fit.

Players without a roster spot with their parent Region can nominate as a Friendship Player and the Tournament Advisory Panel will attempt to match you with a Region looking for players.

Player Nomination Form

Regions seeking to pick up players to complete their roster can complete this form and the Tournament Advisory Panel will attempt to allocate players from the Friendship Player pool to your Region to complete your roster.

Region Player Request Form

Need to find the Tech Norms or other event related information? Use the button below.

Event Information Page