Game On: Queensland Athletes Abroad is a new Baseball Queensland series celebrating homegrown talent chasing their baseball dreams on the international stage. From local clubs to college commitments, these athletes have taken their game to the next level, showing that dedication, discipline, and passion can create incredible opportunities beyond home. Each story highlights the journey from Queensland pathways to overseas success, aiming to inspire the next generation of players to believe in what’s possible with hard work and commitment. Whether they’re studying, training, or competing, these athletes carry Queensland pride with them every step of the way. Game on — let’s follow their journey.
Athlete spotlight: Tyler Sakzewski
Quick Profile
Name: Tyler Sakzewski
Nickname: T
Position: Pitcher
Club: Pinehills Lightning Baseball Club, Brisbane Metro
University / College: Lamar Community College, Colorado
College Year: Freshman
Degree Studied: Diploma of Sports Science
Socials: Instagram: @tyler_sak88 / X: @Tyler_Sakzewski
The Pathway to College Baseball
Tyler Sakzewski, known around the fields as “T”, has been locked into baseball since he picked up a glove at five. His drive to pursue college baseball was sparked at just 11 years old, playing in Cooperstown, New York with the Queensland Dolphins. That early taste of the U.S. environment set his goals in motion.
He progressed through every level of Baseball Queensland’s development system, from the Emerging Athlete Program, into State Teams, the Performance Pathways, the High Performance Program, and eventually the Australian Squad before heading to college.
Coaching & Influences
Tyler’s development has been supported by a wide network of coaches, mentors, and teammates.
- Justin Erasmus provided individual pitching lessons for years from U12s
- James Somerville guided him through junior to senior transitions
- David Badke placed trust in Tyler and his QLD teammates at Nationals
- Nev Brockie & Kevin “Crazy” Cantwell were always there with timely advice
- His men’s A Grade teammates at Pinehills and, above all, his mum—who drove him to every session and became his post-game sounding board
resilience & Reward
The lesson that stuck?
“Resilience. Have a never give up attitude. If you want it—never stop trying.”
Tyler’s top memory with Baseball Queensland was winning Nationals in January 2023 with a standout QLD team and being selected in the first round for the Australian Squad.
Adjusting to the U.S. Game
The shift to Colorado brought both weather and game intensity challenges.
“Going from playing in heat to the minus temperatures in Colorado was a huge change. The way the game is viewed and played is also at a much higher level.”
His daily routine reflects the college baseball grind:
- Morning: Breakfast at the cafeteria and classes (scheduled around the baseball schedule)
- Afternoon (1 PM – 5 PM): Team training, individual sessions, and weights
- Evening: Dinner and schoolwork
Advice for Future Players
Tyler’s advice for aspiring Queenslanders is clear:
“Keep working hard and never give up. A dream will never be out of reach if you put the work in.”
What’s Next?
With a strong foundation from Queensland and now settling into his freshman year at Lamar Community College, Tyler is ready to continue pushing forward—representing his state, his family, and the years of dedication that brought him here.