2019 has been a legendary year for Victorian Liam Spence. After an impressive junior career that included training through Aces Academy and spots on Victorian State Teams, the Geelong native celebrated a NJCAA College World Series Win with Central Arizona University as he continues to thrive on and off the field.
After the thrill of such a momentous victory, Spence has opened the next chapter of his baseball career, moving on to play at University of Tennessee. Although he’s suiting up for a new team now, he has fond memories of not only his College World Series campaign, but also his childhood competitions that paved the way for future success.
Bright Beginnings in Baseball
Liam says his early days playing for the Geelong Baycats prepared him for the exciting challenge of playing college baseball. “Geelong has one of the best facilities in the country, with coaches and support around the club that would do anything to help,” Liam said. “By playing in the Senior League against guys older than me, I learned how to compete and not to be intimidated by my opponents. I was able to learn all that and grow as a player.”
Liam loved every moment of progressing through Baseball Victoria’s Development Pathway, first winning the Little League State Championships with his parents by his side – dad Tony was an assistant coach and mum Debbie was a scorer – before moving on to reach the Australian Youth Championships. “There is no other time of the year like it and it’s an unreal experience,” Liam said.
Tony Spence says it’s been amazing watching their son pursue his passion for baseball at a high level. “We’ve really enjoyed watching Liam develop as a player and experience many highlights like making state teams, overseas trips playing baseball and learning what it takes to be successful,” Tony said.
Off to College
His success in junior baseball in Victoria opened up new opportunities. Spence took his baseball dreams overseas, accepting a spot on the Central Arizona College Vaqueros. He says he will never forget the day he left for college, fulfilling a childhood dream inspired by his baseball heroes. “I had so many emotions running through my body, I was nervous but mainly excited,” Liam said. “I had been waiting for that day to come since I was 12 and the feeling of it finally happening gave me chills.”
Liam quickly adjusted to life in America, where he says baseball is a lifestyle and a huge part of many lives. “The college experience in America is completely different to anything back home,” Liam said. “I had without a doubt the best two years of my life, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.”
There are many reasons why Liam speaks so highly of his college experience, first and foremost being the close friendships he made with everyone on his team. “Words can’t do the experience justice. The feeling of meeting over 30 new guys and over time us all becoming brothers, knowing any of them would do anything for the team, is beyond special,” Liam said.
Spending everyday with his teammates, during early morning runs, practices, classes, gym workouts and study sessions helped them create a baseball family that made Liam feel at home, even thousands of miles away from his Australian community. In addition to the forever friendships he formed, Liam says he learned how to be strong mentally. “I was able to do so much more physically because I was able to push myself mentally,” Liam said.
World Series Win
This new and improved approach to the game propelled Liam to amazing success in the 2019 NJCAA World Series. The Vaqueros secured a thrilling 13-8 comeback win over Iowa Western at the start of June to take out the title, a fantastic result after giving up seven runs in the first inning. As leadoff batter, Liam had a big job to do, and he rose to the occasion, sending a two-run homer sailing over the fence with two outs in the fifth inning. When the final out was recorded, Liam and his teammates, including Jye Deeble, fellow Australian and son of Melbourne Aces Manager Jon Deeble, went wild. They celebrated a huge accomplishment, the third in Central Arizona’s program history. “Being able to do this with Jye is unforgettable. We had a special bond and it was nice to have another Aussie on the team,” Liam said.
No matter what happens next in his career, Liam will never forget the thrill of winning the big game. “The College World Series was the most incredible experience of my life. The whole town gets around the event and comes out to the games which creates a crazy atmosphere to play in,” Liam said. “We got treated like celebrities everywhere we went with kids coming up to us on the street asking for autographs. It was the most fun I have ever had playing baseball and I still cannot fully comprehend that we won the whole thing.”
With years of preparation under his belt, Liam approached the high-stakes final game with concentration and confidence. The Vaqueros had practiced for this moment for two years, and Liam and his teammates wanted to have fun and make the most of this opportunity to play together one last time. “Our last seven games of the regular season were all must-win games for us just to make playoffs, so we had a taste of what high-pressure games were like,” Liam said. “We tried to stay as relaxed as possible.”
Seeing Liam win the JUCO World Series with his teammates in an iconic event in American baseball was unforgettable. This result was what they were working toward during every moment of their rigorous regular season and playoff schedule. Liam’s family was proudly in attendance. “We got to watch Liam have a fantastic tournament. We were really proud that Liam was able to play at such a high standard consistently for the week and be an important part of the team’s success,” Tony said. “It’s a week that all of us will look back on in years to come and be grateful that we were able to share such an exciting time in Liam’s life.”
Next Stop: NCAA Division 1
This was the best possible way for Liam to wrap up his time at Central Arizona before moving on to University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he will play for a NCAA Division I team. “I took summer classes and we had workouts almost every day. The campus here is unbelievable with a ton of school spirit from everyone, and the baseball facility is incredible.”
With one Championship in the books, Liam is looking ahead to his next college season and hoping to add to his list of accomplishments. “My main goal for the college season is to win another National Championship,” Liam said. “Beyond college I hope to get drafted and play professional baseball with my end goal making it to the big leagues.”
With strong roots in Victorian baseball and a flourishing collegiate career, it seems anything is possible for Liam in the future. He credits his coaches for helping him get to where he is today, as well as his tight-knit family. “My mum and dad are the main reason I am here doing what I love and without all of their sacrifices, I wouldn’t be out here living my dream right now,” Liam said. He’s also close with his two brothers and role models Josh and Nic. “I’ve looked up to them my whole life. When I was a kid, they both went off to play college baseball, and I always knew that’s what I wanted to do. They taught me so much and are always there for me when I have a question. They got me ready for college and I can’t thank them enough.”
Regardless of what happens next, Liam will have his family beside him every step of the way. “We know Liam has high goals for his baseball career,” Tony said. “However far he goes we hope he continues to enjoy playing the game and is always ready for the next challenge.”