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: Raul Romero

From the Windsor Royals to Florida’s collegiate baseball scene, Raul Romero—known to many as “Razzle”—is carving out an impressive path. Now a freshman at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida, Raul is balancing the demands of college life, both on the diamond and in the classroom.

The Pathway to College Baseball

Raul’s journey is a powerful reflection of the pathways offered by Baseball Queensland. Through his involvement in State Teams, Performance Pathways, and the Emerging Athlete Program, he developed the skills, mindset, and resilience needed to pursue his dream in the U.S.

Starting his high-performance journey at just 15, Raul credits his coaches and teammates with helping him grow as both a player and a person. One mantra stuck with him:

“Treat your teammates as family.”

A lesson learned early—and carried with pride.

Memorable Moments & Key Lessons

Of all his experiences, winning the Australian Youth Championship (AYC) stands out as a career highlight—an unforgettable milestone on his baseball journey.

His biggest takeaway from Baseball Queensland?

“Preparation and discipline.”

These traits are essential in college baseball, where performance extends well beyond the field.

Adjusting to College Life

The transition to college baseball wasn’t without challenges. The schedule, in particular, was a major adjustment.

“I had to start planning my weeks in advance to stay on top of everything,” Raul shares.

A typical day in Raul’s routine:

8 AM – 1 PM: Classes

2 PM – 4 PM: Training

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Gym

6 PM – 8 PM: Study Hall

Game Days: Four times a week, arriving three hours before first pitch

It’s a packed schedule—but one that Raul has embraced with determination and focus.

Advice for Aspiring College Players

For those dreaming of college baseball, Raul has one key piece of advice:

“Make sure to pass your classes because the academic side of college is more important than you think.”

Balancing academics, athletics, and personal life is vital for success—and Raul is proof that it can be done with the right mindset.

What’s Next for Razzle?

As Raul powers through his freshman season, his sights are set on continuous improvement. His journey is a shining example of how Queensland athletes can thrive in international systems when they combine talent with tenacity.

More About Raul

📄 Player Profile – Hillsborough CC
📝 Recruitment & Athletic Forms

Baseball Queensland is pleased to share important information regarding team allocations for the 2025 Australian Little League National Championships.

The following number of teams from each division of tournament play will progress to the national stage:

Senior League Championships : 2 teams (First and second placed teams at the Queensland SL Championships)

Junior League Championships: 1 team (QLD JL Tournament Champion)

Intermediate League Championships: 2 teams (First and second placed teams at Queensland IL Championships)

Little League Championships: 2 teams (First and second placed teams at Queensland LL Championships)

Little League Girls: 2 teams (First and second placed teams at Queensland LL Girls Championships )

Little League Invitational: 2 teams (two teams identified as satisfying the relevant criteria – see HERE) 

Teams advancing in Senior League, Junior League, Intermediate League, Little League Championships, and Little League Girls will be determined by results from their respective Queensland Championship events. For example, the top two teams at the Senior League Championships will receive invitations to the Senior League Nationals.

In contrast, selection for the Little League Invitational Tournament—formerly known as the Little League Division 2 Nationals—will focus on rewarding charters that have demonstrated growth, participation, and program development rather than on field wins or losses. Two Charters or Regions that best demonstrate alignment with these national priorities will be offered invitations. Importantly, this invitation is extended to the Charter, not a specific team, and each selected Charter may choose age-eligible players (including Little League Minors but excluding those who competed in the Little League Majors Nationals in the same year) from within their own programs/Charter.

The 2025 Australian Little League Invitational Tournament will be hosted at Redcliffe Padres Baseball Club, Talobilla Park, Kippa-Ring QLD, from 8–12 June 2025.

Baseball Australia has created a comprehensive National Tournament Resource (Live Binder), which includes key information such as event calendars, rules, forms, levies, and logistics. We encourage all Charters and families to explore this resource, even if not attending Nationals: Live Binder Link.

We wish all teams the very best in their State Titles campaigns this weekend and look forward to celebrating those who will represent Queensland on the national stage.

Baseball Queensland is pleased to announce that the 2025 State Tournaments will officially commence tomorrow, signalling the start of a highly anticipated weekend of competitive baseball across the region.

This year’s tournaments will be proudly hosted at three outstanding venues: Redcliffe Padres Baseball Club, Redlands Rays Baseball Club, and Mt Gravatt Eagles Baseball Club. These clubs are well-prepared to deliver a professional and welcoming tournament experience for players, officials, and spectators alike.

With no changes to the original schedule, all fixtures will proceed as planned and Baseball Queensland extends its thanks to all clubs, volunteers, and officials involved in preparing for this important showcase of community and performance-level baseball.

Last month, Baseball Queensland’s team flew up from Brisbane to Townsville, then made the drive north to Cairns, bringing baseball to over 3,000 students across 21 schools in North Queensland. The team – Sam Cawdron (Game Development Manager), Joe Surrentino (Baseball5 Coordinator), Dane Steinke (Game Development Officer for Women & Girls), Nick Wyllie (Club Support Coordinator), and Development Officers Tara Sands and Hazel Napier delivered exciting and engaging sessions that introduced the game to new audiences and strengthened ties within the baseball community. Luke Ardill, BQ’s Development Officer for Townsville, led the first week of visits, while Mila Bender, BQ’s Development Officer for Cairns, joined the team for the second week.

In Townsville, the team visited 11 schools, engaging over 1,500 students during the first week. Despite weather disruptions and schedule changes, the BQ staff successfully used Baseball5 as a flexible solution for wet-weather days, receiving positive feedback from clubs, parents, and participants.

Our visits helped spread the spirit of the baseball community, sparking excitement for the sport and laying a foundation for future growth. With Luke overseeing Townsville and Mila looking after Cairns, we’re confident that baseball will continue to expand in the region. Their dedicated work, along with the support from local clubs, will create even more opportunities for players across North Queensland. This growing momentum is sure to unite not only North Queensland but also the broader Queensland baseball community, making it stronger and more connected than ever before.

What makes this initiative even more exciting is the teamwork behind it. The Baseball Queensland team works closely together to make baseball a more inclusive sport, especially for women and girls. Dane, who joined as BQ’s Game Development Officer for Women & Girls through the Play Our Way funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, works alongside Hazel, Tara, and Mila, all of whom bring invaluable depth and insight to the team through their experience playing baseball at the club level, with some having represented Queensland teams. Dane’s efforts have already made a significant impact, as he gathered important feedback from players, coaches, and clubs about the unique challenges women and girls face in the sport. 

With this dedicated approach and the strong teamwork at BQ, we’re confident that we have a bright future ahead. By working together, we’re creating opportunities that will allow more women and girls to thrive in the sport, ensuring baseball continues to grow and be more inclusive for everyone. Dane’s focus is on grassroots participation, including childcares, after-school programs, T-ball, and junior baseball, helping to lay a solid foundation for future growth and inclusivity in the sport.

Meet Dane 

– story by Connie Rowe