For 10 selected athletes, their upcoming journey to the United States as members of the World Select Team highlights continued growth and support of youth programs from Major League Baseball (MLB).
Following the success of the Major League Baseball Australian Academy Program (MLBAAP) and the MLB spring training tour, MLB has invited 10 of the best and brightest Baseball Australia (BA) athletes to be a part of the World Select Team.
The World Select team is a 30-player squad comprised of players from MLB academy programs from all over the world. The intention is to showcase the baseball talent that countries have to offer and provide opportunities for these players to continue their baseball careers.
These 10 young men will play a series of games against college programs in Memphis, Tennessee as well as take part in the prestigious Arizona Senior Fall Classic during October. In the process, they’ll be opening doors for future generations of baseball players from Australia.
The Arizona Senior Fall Classic is a one of a kind event based in Phoenix, Arizona, and showcases the potential superstars of the future in one of the best ‘Fall Showcases’ in the USA. Each year, scouts from MLB teams as well as college recruiters from all over the country venture to the showcase in hopes of finding top quality prospects for their professional and collegiate programs.
As well as showcasing the players, Baseball Australia will have a representative on the ground at the Arizona Fall Classic to foster relationships with college and professional scouts, giving future prospective players more resources to develop their game in the best possible environment.
One Baseball Australia representative on the ground is BA’s Head of High Performance Glenn Williams, and ensuring the future of Australian baseball is high on the list of priorities for him.
“This tour is a massive step forward for the future of baseball in Australia. This trip is the first of its kind, and Baseball Australia is ecstatic to have been invited to take part” Williams said.
"Its always difficult selecting players for opportunity like this. We consulted widely with HPM’s and National team staff in regards to players who would benefit most from this trip. BA recognise the college pathway as an avenue for Australian players to continue their development while receiving an education. Our intention is to develop relationships with college programs that will allow more Australian players access to the pathway. These 10 very fortunate young men will be the examples of what Australia has to offer.”
Developing strong relationships with college programs will also have a major impact on our National team’s chances of success at International tournaments. With the 2020 Olympics firmly in our sights, it has never been more important to ensure that our best players are available for tournaments that affect our chances to gain World Ranking Points.
“To have MLB’s continual support of Australian baseball is fantastic. The athletes will gain valuable experience on-field, and off-field.”
Congratulations to the following players who have been selected into the initial World Select Team;
• Jess Williams (WA)
• Matt Beattie (VIC)
• Oliver Dunn (VIC)
• Nic Anderson-Vine (NSW)
• Mitch Edwards (ACT)
• Luke Cronan (QLD)
• Josh Bedggood (QLD)
• Jordon Thomson (QLD)
• Luke Turner (QLD)
• Jordan McArdle (SA)
Stay tuned to baseball.com.au and the Baseball Australia Facebook page for updates on the progress of the World Select Team.