News - Baseball Queensland

Baseball Queensland Announce Packed December Calendar of Events

Dec 3, 2025

24 November 2025

Baseball Queensland’s Performance Pathways department announces three international events for December 2025. Representing different stages of athlete preparation, our Under 16’s and Under 18’s are in the final stages of preparation for the upcoming Australian Youth Championships in Melbourne in January, while our Open Women’s Squad will be set to have their first commitment as a squad as we look ahead towards the Australian Women’s Championships in April 2026.

Australian Youth Championships – U16s and U18s

Queensland to Host New Zealand U16 & U18 Teams in AYC Lead-Up Series

Baseball Queensland will host the touring New Zealand U16 and U18 squads 2 x six-game series from 12–15 December 2025. Matches will be held across Bannister Park, Hendra and Coomera Baseball Club, as part of final preparations for the 2026 Australian Youth Championships (AYC).

This marks the second consecutive year the New Zealand U18s have toured Australia. In 2025, they will be joined for the first time by a U16 squad, further strengthening ties between Baseball Queensland and Baseball New Zealand.

The series follows Baseball Queensland’s two-squad tour to Auckland in September, highlighting the growing partnership and shared commitment to player development through international competition.

Game Schedule

Friday, 12 December

All Stars, Bannister Park, Hendra

5:00pm – U18 QLD
7:00pm – U16 QLD

Saturday, 13 December

Coomera Cubs, Gambamora Park, Oxenford

8:00am – U16 QLD
10:30am – U16 QLD
1:00pm – U18 QLD
3:30pm – U18 QLD

Sunday, 14 December

Coomera Cubs, Gambamora Park, Oxenford

8:00am – U18 QLD
10:30am – U18 QLD
1:00pm – U16 QLD
3:30pm – U16 QLD

Monday, 15 December

All Stars, Bannister Park, Hendra

9:00am – U16 QLD
11:00am – U18 QLD

These games offer valuable high-level competition for Queensland athletes and provide a final test before the national championships in January. The inbound series continues to grow as a key event on the Baseball Queensland calendar.

Follow Along

Follow the series via the BQ Events page: https://www.facebook.com/baseballqldevents/

Games are set to be scored live on GameChanger, and you can find the links, as well as the schedule at: https://www.baseballqueensland.com.au/calendar/nz-v-qld-dec-25/

Queensland U18s Set to Depart for 2025 New Taipei City U-18 Invitational

The Queensland U18 Baseball Team is preparing to embark on an exciting international tour to Taiwan for the 2025 New Taipei City International U-18 Baseball Invitational Tournament. This marks Queensland’s third consecutive appearance at the prestigious event, which brings together elite teams from across Asia and the Pacific.

Running from 14 to 20 December, the tournament will see Queensland compete against powerhouse programs from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan — providing a vital opportunity to test systems, build chemistry, and gain experience ahead of the 2026 Australian Youth Championships (AYC) in January.

The team will be based across Sanchong, Xinzhuang, and Metropolitan Baseball Fields, with three scheduled group-stage games before potential progression into finals.

Game 1

Date: Sunday, 15 December 2025

Time: 4:00 PM (Brisbane)

Venue: Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium

Opponent: New Taipei City White

Game 2

Date: Monday, 16 December 2025

Time: 1:30 PM (Brisbane)

Venue: Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium

Opponent: Yilan County

Game 3

Date: Wednesday, 17 December 2025

Time: 4:00 PM (Brisbane)

Venue: Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium

Opponent: Taichung City

The full finals schedule begins Thursday 18 December, with classification games, top-12 playoffs, and a championship match on Saturday 20 December.

Off the Field

Beyond the games, the trip includes cultural experiences, team development sessions, and engagement with host communities — creating a well-rounded international tour for both personal and athletic growth.

The tour is led by a dedicated coaching staff: David Badke, Scott Porter, Luke Ardill, and Rickey Lo, who will guide the group through the tour and final phase of AYC preparation.

Follow Along

Games and highlights will be shared across Baseball Queensland’s social media and the tournament’s official page:

BQ Events: https://www.facebook.com/baseballqldevents/

New Taipei City x Fubon U18 Invitational Tournament: https://www.facebook.com/NTPCxFUBONxU18

Games are typically live streamed on their official tournament page as well.

We wish the team all the best as they prepare to represent Queensland on the international stage.

You can always return to the Event page for this information as well! https://www.baseballqueensland.com.au/calendar/2025-new-taipei-city-fubon-international-u-18-baseball-invitational-tournament/

Training Camps

Local training camps are also set to take place across numerous dates in December and January, all in the lead up to the Australian Youth Championships from January 7 to January 15, 2026 across three venues in Melbourne, Victoria. https://www.baseballqueensland.com.au/calendar/australian-youth-championships-2026/

You can find the occasional update from these camps on the Baseball QLD Events page.

Australian Women’s Championships

Queensland Women’s Squad Welcome Kobe Koryo back for Friendship Series Rematch

We are honoured to welcome back Kobe Koryo Gakuen High School for a three-game series between December 21st and December 23rd. After a successful two-game series in January, the return of the Kookaburra Cup Friendship Series this month will see a freshly selected Queensland Women’s squad take on a talented, high-performing Kobe Koryo team on their return visit to Southeast Queensland.

Prior to Kobe’s return, the Queensland squad will be selected from observations at the upcoming Women’s State Titles event at Runcorn Indians Baseball Club, held from Friday 12 to Sunday 14th December, aspiring Queensland Women’s athletes will take to the fields for their respective regions with hopes of impressing Queensland state selectors. The Kobe Koryo Friendship Series will form one of the first steps in the observation period as our Queensland Women progress towards selection for the Australian Women’s Championships, set to be held in Melbourne in April, 2026.

Game 1

Date: Sunday, 21 December 2025

Time: 10:00 AM (Brisbane)

Venue: All Stars, Bannister Park, Hendra

Game 2

Date: Sunday, 21 December 2025

Time: 1:00 PM (Brisbane)

Venue: All Stars, Bannister Park, Hendra

Game 3

Date: Tuesday, 23 December 2025

Time: 6:30 PM (Brisbane)

Venue: All Stars, Bannister Park, Hendra

Follow Along

Follow the series via the BQ Events page: https://www.facebook.com/baseballqldevents/

Games are set to be scored live on GameChanger, and you can find the links, as well as the schedule at: https://web.gc.com/organizations/X9rHAcy8vntd/home

Baseball5

Townsville Social

First Five Weeks Complete: Townsville Social Competition

Seeing growing numbers week on week, the first Social Competition for Baseball5 reaches the half-way mark!

We’re excited to see the return of this first of it’s kind competition in late January. The final five-week block is set to commence on Wednesday January 21 2026, with the competition concluding on Wednesday February 18, 2026.

Make sure you come down and have a go, it’s a cheap opportunity to get some fun fast-paced, baseball skills training each week as Townsville builds towards the 2026 season around Easter 2026.

Find out more about the Social Competition through the Townsville Social button!

Gold Coast Active and Healthy

Baseball5 is growing fast, and the next opportunity to play it is on December 20 between 9am and 11am at Palm Beach Parklands. These are free sessions that are supported by the City of Gold Coast, supporting the community to pick up and play social sports across the city!

We’ll also return to Palm Beach Parklands for our January 17, 2026 session as well! Keep an eye out for some additional opportunities for Baseball5 on the Gold Coast these holidays, as our partnership with the City of Gold Coast continues to prosper.

All of the dates and locations for our monthly Baseball5 Active and Healthy sessions through June 2026 can be found here:

Gold Coast Active and Healthy

NEW EOI Open: Redlands Baseball5 Social Competition

With recent successes in Redlands schools, we’re seeking early interest in a social community competition, a Redlands City local? Fill out the form here: https://forms.office.com/r/csr52NA1bR

Place. Real Estate Completes First T-Ball Corporate League

Nov 25, 2025

November 2025

Baseball Queensland would like to thank Place. Real Estate for their interest and participation in our first Corporate League!

The three-team competition took to the Baseball diamond at Eagles Sports Complex, home of the Mt. Gravatt Eagles to compete a round-robin short-season, including a first week introductory session and final week break-up party.

Focused on fast, fun 30 minute games, supported by a fun-pire, Place. group were able to let their diamond sports veterans show off and their new-to-the-game entrants humble their colleagues.

Watch the highlight reel to see the energy, commitment, camaraderie and skills displayed by the teams from Place.

We are grateful for the opportunity to support the teams from Place. to enjoy Baseball through T-Ball and thank them for their enthusiastic engagement, support and cooperation!

Corporate Leagues

Off the success and support of Place., Baseball Queensland’s Game Development team are developing the Corporate League format and anticipate releasing more resources and information around how other companies can get involved soon.

Baseball Queensland seeks Digital Media Manager, Events Coordinator and Little League Administrator Applicants

Nov 24, 2025

Baseball Queensland is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Events Coordinator and Little League Administrator to maintain and grow our suite of tournaments and support the delivery of local competitions. You will work closely with Baseball Queensland’s staff, league committees, regions and local clubs to provide engaging events and competitions that meet the needs of participants and provide opportunity to advertise the sport to the wider community.

🔗 Apply now via SEEK: https://www.seek.com.au/job/88682897

The Digital Media Manager will plan, implement and monitor our digital marketing campaigns across all digital networks with the aim to grow our brand’s influence locally while also increasing brand loyalty and awareness.

design and oversee all aspects of our digital marketing resources including our marketing database, email and display advertising campaigns;
plan and manage our social media platforms;
prepare accurate reports on our marketing campaign’s overall performance;
identify latest trends and technologies affecting our industry;
evaluate and respond to important metrics that affect our website traffic, service quota and target audience;
work with other BQ staff to create new and innovative growth and engagement strategies;
network well across the organisation and provide clear communication to colleagues in a timely fashion; and,
proofread all material for errors, omissions, and consistency.

🔗 Apply now via SEEK: https://www.seek.com.au/job/88683121

Chris Clifton and Anahera Russell nominated for 2025 QSport Awards

Nov 24, 2025

24 November 2025

Baseball Queensland is excited to celebrate the nominations of Anahera Russell in the 2025 Sport Official of the Year, and Chris Clifton in the Gallagher 2025 Sport Administrator of the Year categories at the 2025 QSport Queensland Sport Awards.

Chris Clifton has been a significant pillar of the baseball community within Brisbane North and as President of the Narangba Demons. Chris has deep and valuable expertise, and is a reliable and supportive member of the baseball community who is in tune with the needs of his members. His organisational skills, personability and eye for detail and accuracy sees Narangba Demons and Brisbane North well-placed and well-managed. Under Chris’ leadership, Narangba Demons have accelerated growth and now join Redcliffe Padres as one of the largest baseball clubs in the country. Chris was recognised as Baseball Queensland’s 2025 Administrator of the Year.

Anahera Russell is a Softball convert, who within 18 months has managed to cement herself as a reliable, approachable and confident positive role model for all players, parents and other volunteers. Despite emerging into the scene within the last 18 months, Anahera has been recognised as Redcliffe Padres’ 24/25 Umpire of the Year, Baseball Queensland’s 2025 Umpire of the Year and had been recognised with a ‘No More! Spirit of the Game Award’ at the 2025 Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships in Victoria.

Read more about Anahera Russell here, we wrote a feature on her journey to Umpire the 2025 Australian Youth Women’s Championships: https://www.baseballqueensland.com.au/ana-russell/

Purchase your tickets to attend the 30th year of the Queensland Sport Awards, to be held on November 27th at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, here: https://qsport.org.au/events/2025-queensland-sport-awards-hall-of-fame/

GBL Committee Commended for Proactive Leadership and Community-Focused Improvements

Nov 20, 2025

20 November 2025

The Greater Brisbane League (GBL) Committee has been recognised for its extensive preparation, collaborative leadership, and responsiveness in shaping a stronger and more inclusive baseball season for our community.

Since the conclusion of last season, the GBL Committee has worked closely with Baseball Queensland and Baseball Australia to ensure all competitions met the necessary national compliance standards. This behind-the-scenes effort — much of which began well before teams returned to the field — ensured that our competitions were compliant with Little League regulations, structured appropriately, provided clarity for clubs, and upheld the integrity of the league.

In recent weeks, members of the community have shared feedback about some aspects of the competition format. The GBL has listened and responded quickly. In partnership with Baseball Queensland, the Committee has actively lobbied Baseball Australia to review and adjust key elements of the competition framework to better support players of all ages, abilities, and aspirations.

We are pleased to confirm that these proposed changes have been accepted and implemented. The GBL Committee has now rolled out an updated format that more accurately reflects the needs of our participants and provides a more enjoyable and accessible baseball experience across all levels of play.

Baseball Queensland extends its sincere thanks to the volunteers that make up the GBL Committee for their steadfast commitment to the game and their willingness to lead with transparency, collaboration, and care. We also thank Baseball Australia for working with us to deliver compliant solutions that preserve the integrity of our competitions while opening the door for more players to participate and thrive.

Community dialogue is important, and constructive feedback helps us all improve. The GBL’s actions demonstrate what is possible when governing bodies and volunteers work together to deliver the best outcomes for our sport.

Baseball Queensland looks forward to continuing this partnership as we strengthen pathways, enhance participation experiences, and support the growth of baseball across our region.

Gareth Jones

Chief Executive Officer

Baseball Queensland

Game Development Team expands with Gold Coast Role Appointed

Nov 17, 2025

November 2025

Baseball Queensland’s Game Development team has experienced significant growth in the past 18 months, supporting an expanded base of participation initiatives across the state. Our latest addition comes with the appointment of Stephen Redfern to the position of Game Development Officer, servicing the Gold Coast.

Beginning with a T-Ball School Clinic at the age of 6, Stephen ended up at St. George and Sutherland Giants Baseball Club, 26 years later, he’s still around, playing, umpiring, coaching, and loving the sport. Stephen was once a casual delivery officer for Baseball Queensland, before a trip to Norway saw him leave the country, he now returns in a part-time capacity, eager to develop, deliver and drive the type of programs that saw him introduced to the sport.

What drew you to Baseball?
It’s a team sport that focuses on individual performance and the combination of strategic rule understanding and ability means there is always room for improvement. There are also multiple opportunities to get a hit, make a catch, make a solid throw, or improve from the last action in a game.
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What brought you to BQ?
I’ve always loved being involved in all facets of baseball, whether that’s running the university club (Griffith Uni Gold Coast), attending international umpiring courses, having a hit and giggle with mates or showing off the sport to kids at school, being able to turn what I love into a job and developing the sport in my local area – that’s gold.

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What excites you about the role?
Being able to develop, deliver and drive the programs that first got me into baseball is incredibly exciting. To think that my work could create life-long enthusiasts that go on to develop the game wherever they are in the world is fun to think about.

What are your goals early on?
Having lived in Norway for the last 8 years and coming back with fresh eyes, developing school connections and building links between clubs, GCBA and BQ to cohesively grow the sport in the region is very high on the list. Upskilling our existing coaching staff and empowering volunteers and schools with resources that make their life easier will naturally help make the sport more enjoyable and rewarding.

How do you want to grow the game?
The elite athletes of tomorrow are the rookies of today. Developing the early years of baseball with accredited and supported coaches and volunteers that make the game fun and engaging is key for growing elite pathways later on.
Who inspires you?
All the parents out there that listen to their kids, turning up to a sport they may not know themselves and letting their kid have a fair crack at it. Those that level it up and support the team by becoming a scorer, helping in the canteen or lending their time and energy to help their own kid keep playing their sport in an awesome environment, that’s inspiring to see. So thank you to all the parents and family members out there that are getting involved!

Favourite team or player?
My favourite team would have to be San Fran Giants just because my very first baseball team was the Giants.

What do you do for fun?
I am a gamer at core and love RPG and Open World Survivor Craft-type games, so my gaming rig PC does see a bit of game time here and there.

Three words to describe yourself?
Silly, Loud, Helpful

What position do you like playing best and why?
I’ve always enjoyed catching as it’s the most involved and is a bit of a support role for the rest of the team. To help the team remember where the opponents are in the batting order, where the ball was hit last for each batter and in turn helping pull or push players in depending on the batter.

What is your baseball nickname and why?
A lot of players around SEQ may know me better as Madonna – a nickname I’ve had since my first year playing seniors baseball. Young dumb me didn’t understand that the done thing is to have your family name on your jersey, not your first name. So, in true naive fashion, my seniors jersey had Steve on the back. The questions quickly arose “do you not have a last name?” and then Madonna was born.. What’s Madonna’s last name?

Baseball Queensland’s very own Madonna is ready and excited to hear from those on the Gold Coast!

Gold Coast clubs might want to check their emails, but if there’s nothing waiting in your inbox, you can always reach out to Stephen at [email protected]

If Stephen’s not your local, you can view the rest of Baseball Queensland’s growing team here:

Meet the Team

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