Photos by Studio Honsa/Baseball.com.au

On a rainy, foggy evening in Lismore, Victoria Aces racked up 27 runs to take a crucial first-game victory at the 2024 Australian Women's Baseball Showcase.

The final score was 27-5 as the Aces overpowered Adelaide Giants who gave up 18 walks compared to a single walk conceded by Victoria.

Aces put together a 10-run inning in the fifth to put the game firmly out of reach.

Number nine batter Kira Kuwamoto led the way for the Aces, going 3-for-4 with a double and a walk for a team-high 4 RBIs.

Leadoff batter Abbey Kelly added 3 RBIs, going 2-for-4 at the plate with two walks.

Abbey Kelly makes it a 6-0 ballgame for the Aces in the first! 🤯🤯🤯

📺: https://t.co/uPNxsHOKh5 pic.twitter.com/Lwx0F238XY

— Australian Baseball League (@ABL) May 9, 2024

Japanese national team player Erika Nakae of the Aces was perfect from the plate, going 2-for-2 and two walks for an RBI.

United States national team member Anna Kimbrell led the team in runs with five off of a hit and three walks.

Victoria Aces and Brisbane Bandits lead the standings 1-0 after Day 1. The two will face off at 3:30pm on the second day of the showcase.

Check out the official ABL event hub for more details and follow along on BV Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.

 

Photos by Studio Honsa/Baseball.com.au

Congratulations to Victoria Belles and all the amazing girls who made history today as part of the inaugural Australian Little League Girls Championship, the first-ever event of its kind.

Belles played NSW Blue in the first official game of this groundbreaking tournament on a national level just for girls. NSW Blue came away with a 15-6 victory, but not before Belles staged a five-run comeback in their last two innings.

Emily Perks struck out four and allowed 0ER in 1.1 innings.

Check out the official baseball.com.au event hub for more details and stay tuned as the Belles continue their inspiring journey.

Follow along on BV Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates.

The BV Umpiring Working Group will hold Behind The Mask Community Umpiring Training at Brookdale Reserve, Point Cook this month.

There will be two sessions: classroom theory on Tuesday 14 May and fieldwork on Tuesday 21 May, both from 6-8pm.

Please click HERE to register and learn more about BV Behind The Mask HERE.

Baseball Victoria will once again enter teams to participate in the Australian U16 and U18 National Championships to be held in January 2025 at Blacktown International Sportspark, NSW.

"Our teams have a very rich and successful history competing at the National Championship level and we are seeking coaches who want to lead our teams to future success," BV CEO Chet Gray said.

Expressions of interest are now open for the following positions:

Under 16 Team:

• Manager (Head Coach)
• Assistant Coach
• Pitching Coach
• Executive Officer

Under 18 Team:

• Manager (Head Coach)
• Assistant Coach
• Pitching Coach
• Executive Officer

Applicants are required to meet the following criteria to apply:

• Minimum Level three (3) Coaching Accreditation (Level four (4) may also apply) in the “old” Coaching Accreditation System, until this expires.
• Minimum Level C Certification in the “new” USA Coach Certification system (Manager/Head Coaches)
• Minimum Level B Certification in the “new” USA Coach Certification system (Assistant & Pitching Coaches)
• Hold a current Working with Children Check
• Demonstrate knowledge of current best practice models and strategy
• Work within the Baseball Victoria Performance Pathway programs & Philosophies
• Minimum Level C Certification in the “new” USA Coach Certification system (Manager/Head Coach)

This commitment period for these teams includes a trial period in September followed by a two-day per week commitment from October 2024 through to the Championships in January 2025.

Position descriptions for coaches and officials can be found HERE.

Applications close Friday 31 May 2024 at midday and can be submitted via SurveyMonkey HERE.

The Victoria Aces roster has been revealed ahead of the 2024 Australian Women’s Baseball Showcase, which will run from 9-12 May in Lismore, NSW.

Victoria Aces, Adelaide Giants, and Brisbane Bandits will play a four-day professional baseball tournament thanks to support from the NSW Government, with the showcase running alongside the first-ever Australian Little League Girls Division Championships.

Each day, there will be Little League games (13U) in the morning, followed by world-class women’s baseball in the evening.

After winning the 2022 showcase, Victoria Aces are eager to go back-to-back.

“We have such a talented roster featuring Australian Emeralds, #AWC2024 award winners, next-gen rookies, and international players,” Head Coach Samantha Hamilton said. “This is such an exciting opportunity to showcase the best of women’s baseball in Australia as we set our sights on a second straight title.”

Baseball Victoria acknowledges the support of Melbourne Aces through a joint venture to promote and manage the Victoria Aces.

“After the success of our Victorian Women’s State Team at the 2024 Australian Women’s Championship in April, we are so excited to see many of our top women’s baseballers get another opportunity to represent on a major stage,” BV CEO Chet Gray said. “We wish Victoria Aces the best of luck as they head to the Women’s Showcase and continue chasing their baseball dreams.”

The action kicks off on Thursday 9 May, with each team playing each other twice over the first three days. The top two teams at the end of the round-robin advance to Sunday’s Championship game.

All games will be broadcast on Baseball+.

Visit the Australian Women’s Showcase hub for more details and check out the full Victoria Aces roster below. Stay tuned to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates.

2024 Victoria Aces Roster

PLAYERS 

Allie Bebbere (VIC)

Everything that is green turns golden. Bebbere has emerged over the past five seasons to become one of the nation’s premier pitchers. Not only has she claimed dual National Championship gold with Victoria (2019 & 2024), but her prowess on the mound has twice bagged the ‘Golden Arm’ Pitching Award (2022, 2024). At the 2024 Nationals, Bebbere tossed 9.2 innings across three games, struck out ten and left with a 0.72 ERA. While on her Team Australia debut at the 2023 World Cup, she shone in the green and gold Emeralds jersey, with a 1.24 ERA in two outings against the might of the USA and Canada.

Jamie Bastian (VIC)

Growing up baseball, living the dream. It is poetic that Bastian, who played the 2015 Australian Little League Championships in Lismore will return to the same diamond ten years later as one of the country’s leading athletes. A five-time Victorian representative (2019-2024) and dual national champion (2019, 2024), Bastian went close to making her Emeralds debut last year when she was a reserve for Team Australia for the 2023 World Cup.  Expect the versatile Bastian to shine wherever she lines up in Lismore, whether it be at the hot corner, outfield, or behind the dish.

Lily Bell-Tanner (VIC)

Lionhearted lefthander. Still only 19, Bell-Tanner has graduated from Victoria’s junior state team (2019) into the elite ranks with honours, solidifying her spot as one of the state’s top outfielders across three National Championships (2022-24). One of the hardest workers you'll come across who constantly pushes herself to new heights, she packs a powerful bat and rocket arm, and LBT, well, she is also one of the team’s biggest vibes.

Jasmine Bentley (VIC)

Great things come in small packages. Despite only recently celebrating her 21st birthday, Bentley is already a veteran of the Victorian scene, boasting amassing experience from both the elite junior state teams since 2017. Some think Jaz might also be the team’s good luck charm with a medal in every appearance for Victoria, including two national crowns. Having risen to become one of the game’s very best in the outfield, expect this versatile pocket rocket to be ready to fire whenever and wherever the Aces call on her.

Belinda Cannington (VIC)

Quiet achiever, loud results. The Cannington surname has adorned the Victorian jersey across ten National Championships for Victoria since 2012, claiming four crowns (2013, 17, 19, 24). A perennial Australian squad member and former Victorian League MVP, Canninton is one of the country’s leading middle infielders and has unassumingly developed into a feared power hitter, recently became the first Doncaster Baseball Club woman to hit a home run over the infamous Deep Creek Fence.

Lili Cavanagh (VIC)

A star was born and the galaxy awakened.  Lili Cavanagh didn’t just announce herself as one of the game’s elite at the 2024 Australian Women’s Championships, she launched herself into another dimension. The 2023 Team Australia World Cup outfielder was entrusted with shortstop, the two-hole in the lineup and on the bullpen roster in relief for team Victoria. She delivered with a .688 AVG, 0.778 OPB, 10 RBI and 5SB. Defensively, she was flawless. On the mound she was brilliant in three of Victoria’s biggest moments, slamming the door shut each time.

Morgan Doty (VIC)

Wherever she plays, domination follows. The Perth-native turned adopted-Victorian has tasted national championship success with both Western Australia and Victoria, with her individual brilliance snagging the event’s Golden Arm (2019) and Golden Bat (2022) awards. On the international stage with Australian Emeralds across three World Cups (2016, 2018, 2023), Doty has left the world in awe whether it has been in the outfield, on the mound or at the plate.

Jess Johnson (VIC)

A seasoned maestro orchestrating her career destiny. After making her National Championships debut with Victoria in 2010, in 2015 Johnson switched from baseball cowhide to American Football leather after being selected to the inaugural Australian women's gridiron team for the World Championships in 2017. Returning to baseball after COVID, Johnson led the Doncaster Dragons to the 2021/22 Victorian Women’s Premiership from the mound. Johnson was a reserve for the Team Australia Emeralds for the 2023 World Cup, while at the recent 2024 National Championships, Johnson was brilliant on the hill in two outings, punctuated by a stirring win in the elimination round to send the Victorians into the gold medal game.

Kira Jansen (VIC)

Debutant delivers. From a Victorian junior rep, to Victorian elite team reserve, Jansen tasted her first elite Nationals experience with a New South development squad in 2023. Jansen then honed her skills in Baseball Victoria’s Winter Prospects Pathways Program in late 2023 and it paid off with the 20yo shining on her Victorian team debut last month, powering to stand with Championship MVP Cavanagh as Victoria’s equal RBI leader during the team’s gold medal-winning campaign. Whether patrolling the outfield, up the middle, or on the basepaths, her power, speed and agility will turn heads.

Abbey Kelly (VIC)

Put me in coach, I’m ready to play. Known for her exploits on the mound, at the hot corner, and up the middle, Kelly soared to new heights in 2024 at first base. A flawless fielding display at the 2024 National Championships with Victoria secured the Golden Glove Award for her trophy cabinet which also includes the 2023 Golden Arm, 2019 MVP, and three national titles. On the international stage, Kelly has shone for the Emeralds notably as a pitcher where across three World Cups she boasts a 2.21 ERA, with her resume highlighted by a stunning debut performance on the mound where she picked up the win against the USA in 2016.

Anna Kimbrell (USA)

The trailblazer, the legend. From the first girl to play high school baseball in South Carolina, Kimbrell has crafted one of international baseball's most decorated careers. She has appeared in seven World Cups for the USA (2008-2023) and shows no signs of slowing down. A dual World Cup silver medallist (2012 and 2014), in 2015, Kimbrell caught Stacy Piagno’s no-hitter at the Pan American Games, the first no-hitter in women’s international baseball history.

Kira Kuwamoto (VIC)

Osaka’s finest in Blue. After honing her skills with the Geelong BayCats where she became a leading player across multiple leagues, Japan’s Kuwamoto shone while on her National Championships debut at third base, shortstop, and on the mound during Victoria’s gold medal-winning campaign. What also sets her apart is her capability to win over the hearts of her teammates, opposition and supporters, highlighted by her Spirit of the Game award at the recent Nationals.

Abbey McLellan (VIC)

When she steps into the box, don’t blink. One of the titans of our sport both on and off the field, McLellan’s resume continues to grow. Punctuated by dual World Cups with the Emeralds (2018, 2023), she led Victoria to national crowns in 2017 and 2019, powering to the Golden Bat Award in both years. Swinging one of the world’s most feared bats, you will not want to miss a McLellan moment.

Erika Nakae (JPN)

Utility Erika Nakae joins the Victorian Aces following a sensational debut year for Team Samurai Japan in 2023. Nakae hit .500 at the 2023 Women's Baseball Asian Cup in May, earning her maiden selection to contest the IX Women's Baseball World Cup Group B stage in Miyoshi City. There Nakae was primarily used as a pinch-hitter/first base utility and finished the event with a .333 average and a perfect fielding average, with her game highlights punctuated by a four-run effort against France.

Miwa Naraoka (JPN)

Outfielder Miwa Naraoka has been steadily compiling an impressive baseball resume across both the Japanese and international baseball scene for much of the past decade. While on her World Cup debut at the 2023 Group B event in Japan in September, Naraoka hit .417 across five games in Miyoshi City. Her slashline from May’s 2023 Women's Baseball Asian Cup was an eye-watering .613/.625/.923 with 7 runs, 4 doubles and 12 RBI in 5 games. Naraoka boasts a career .311 batting average in the Japan Women's Baseball League (JWBL) where she bagged multiple gold gloves and Best 9 awards.

Lilly Simpson (VIC)

Crocs off the field, a bite on it. Everyone knows this 18-year-old reps some mean crocs off the field, but her on-field skills are even nastier with the speedy right-hander set to showcase her lightning-fast moves in the outfield and on the basepaths. And don't be surprised if you catch her behind the plate too, expertly catching up to this stellar pitching staff. But it's not just her baseball skills that make her stand out. You’ll find it hard to meet anyone who enjoys playing the game as much as Lilly does and even fewer who can bring such an infectious energy to the clubrooms. Because after all, baseball with your mates, it's just, yay.

Saeko Suzuki (VIC)

The dynamo from Tokyo. The Newport Ram dazzled for Victoria at the 2024 National Championships with her remarkable versatility on the diamond meaning she was a force to be reckoned with whether she was patrolling the outfield, commanding on the mound or up to bat. Suzuki was also one of the heartbeats of the team, sending the team bananas with her positivity and infectious energy.

COACHES

Samantha Hamilton - Head Coach

As a player, Hamilton was a member of the inaugural Australian national team that won bronze at the 2001 World Series in Canada, and was one of just six players in the history of the game to compete at all five IBAF Women's World Cups between 2004-2012, and was an integral member of Australia's 2010 World Cup silver medal-winning team. As a Coach, Hamilton took the reins at the Doncaster Dragons Baseball Club in Melbourne in 2006 and has built it to become one of Australia's largest women's programs. In 2004 Hamilton became the first woman to coach a Baseball Victoria Boys / Men's State Team, was part of the VIS Coaching Staff and was an assistant coach for the Team Australia Under 19 Women's National Team in 2014. Hamilton has been the Head Coach of the Victorian Women's Team since 2022, boasting two silvers and the 2024 Championships, and was at the helm when the Aces won the 2022 Showcase.

Stephen Black - Pitching Coach

Over 50 years of involvement in all aspects of the club, state and national baseball. Began with the Coburg Baseball Club as a nine-year-old, played Division 1 First Nine, and represented Melbourne Bushrangers in the ABL and Victorian Provincial at Senior Level. Has held the Head Coach role with Australian Under 13 National Team Head Coach at the Cal Ripken World Series, Victorian Rubberball, Victorian State Under 23’s Head Coach and Victorian Provincial senior team.  Pitching Coach of the Victorian Women's Team since 2022 and was part of the staff that saw the Aces win the 2022 Women’s Showcase.

Tim Ballard - Assistant Coach

Boasts more than 50 years in organised baseball having played, coached, been an administrator, or scouted at every level across the USA and Australia. In Australia, he has coached Club ball across both Summer & Winter, in the VIS Baseball Academy, Melbourne Aces Baseball Academy, and Claxton Shield. At a national level, in the MLBAAP, MLB U14 Camp, ABL, and multiple national teams. Was the Pitching Coach when Australia won the 2010 World Cup silver medal. Was part of the staff that saw the Aces win the 2022 Women’s Showcase.

Donavon Hendricks - Assistant Coach

A returning member of the staff that saw the Aces win the 2022 Women’s Showcase. A stalwart of the VSBL Division 1 competition, Hendricks recently coached the Upwey Ferntree Gully Baseball Club to the 2021/22 Premiership, the club’s first in twenty years. Has previously coached for Waverley Baseball Club (Winter), the Victorian Under 16 team, and Victorian Academy. His playing resume includes the Victorian Claxton Shield 2005 to 2010, ABL Melbourne Aces 2011 – 2012, Australian Team 2006-08, South Africa National Team Roster 2009–11 and the Atlanta Braves Farm system 2006-08.

Congratulations to two Victorian umpires recently recognised for their excellent work behind the plate.

Paul Carthy won the NO MORE Spirit of the Game Award for all umpires at the Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships. This award was presented to Paul for setting a positive example through his commitment to fair play, teamwork, community, and respect on and off the field.

VSBL Umpire of the Year Denis Dalzotto received this award for his hard work umpiring each week and his support of the umpiring community. He plays a pivotal role in managing the umpire assignment platform, providing clarity on rules, and helping to recruit additional umpires into the fold.

We appreciate these umpires and acknowledge everything they do to ensure our great game is fair and enjoyable for all.

Baseball Victoria is pleased to announce an upcoming tryout for the 2024 Performance Pathway Prospects Squad. This session will be held on Wednesday 1 May at Melbourne Ballpark from 5:30pm to 7pm.

This tryout is only open to those players born 2006/2007/2008/2009 who have NOT previously attended a tryout for a 2024 State Team Program (AYC/AWC/AYWC) or the 2024 Futures Program.

Click HERE to register or visit the BV Performance Pathway hub for more details on the program.

Rangers are the 2024 Junior League and Senior League State Champions!

Congrats to Rangers, runners-up Athletics, and all the teams, players, and supporters who made this weekend a success. Thank you to Guild All-Stars and East Belmont Saints for hosting another year of State Championships.

Check out available GameChanger recaps from the final day of Junior League and Senior League play.

Junior League

Athletics 7, Twins 2

Athletics advanced to the final with a 7-2 win over Twins on Sunday morning. Ned Richards was dominant on the mound, striking out 15 with five hits, two walks, and one run over six and one-third innings.

Athletics were first on the board when Richards doubled to score a run in the opening frame. Twins tied it up at one in the top of the second.

Athletics took a 2-1 lead in the fourth as Nikau Galligan singled, scoring one run.

Twins starter Andy Zdihan gave up one hit and one run in one inning with a walk and a strikeout.

Darcy Squire pitched in relief for Athletics.

Oliver Von Tunk went 2-for-3 to lead Athletics in hits. Noah Azrein, Matthew Godden, Michael Newman, Jacob Turner, Galligan, Von Tunk, and Richards all picked up an RBI.

The winning defense was solid in the field with no errors on the day. Hamish Willemsen had the most fielding chances with 15.

Brody Stokes led Twins with one run batted in as the shortstop went 2-for-3.

Mets 13, Mariners 6

Theo Hedt drove in four runs on three hits to lead Mets past Mariners 13-6 on Sunday. Hedt hit an RBI single in the first, a 2-RBI single in the third, and an RBI double in the fifth.

Mets were first on the board although Mariners tied it up at one in the top of the second on an Oliver Kimura single. A double by Tyler Wood gave Mets a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the second.

Mets added to their lead in the third when Jack Northfield doubled, scoring one run, and Hedt singled, scoring two more.

Mets scored five runs on four hits in the bottom of the fifth. An error scored one run before Harper Slattery induced Parks Halasz to hit into a fielder's choice but one run scored. Hedt doubled, scoring one run, and Lucas Joel grounded out, scoring two.

Cale Morris started the game for Mets. The lefty gave up four hits and two runs over six innings, striking out five and walking four. Keith Respondek pitched in relief.

James Quiney opened the game for Mariners. The right-handed pitcher surrendered eight hits and six runs over three innings, striking out four and walking one.

Mets tallied 14 hits in the game. Wood and Morris had multiple hits while Halasz had two of the team's six stolen bases.

Mets turned one double play in the game and didn't make any errors. Joel recorded the most plays with seven.

Quiney went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Mariners in hits. Fletcher Cowan took two of the team's seven walks and stole multiple bases alongside Grayson Corrington and Kade Henry, with 10 total in the game.

Rangers 16, Athletics 2

Chase Potts drove in four runs on three hits to lead Rangers past Athletics 16-2 in the final game. Potts had RBI singles in the first and third and a 2-RBI base hit in the fourth.

Rangers got on the board in the bottom of the first with two singles, including Jackson Burton's RBI base hit.

Noah Azrein singled to help Athletics tie it up at two in the top of the second.

Rangers flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the third, scoring seven runs on six hits to take a 9-2 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Spencer Tyers that drove in two.

Rangers added seven runs on four hits in the bottom of the fourth. Potts singled, scoring two runs, Cliff Neilson singled, scoring one run, and Tyers drew a walk to bring home another. Connor McKenzie hit a 2-RBI double before Matthew Brache was struck by a pitch with bases loaded.

Burton started the game for Rangers, giving up five hits and two runs (one earned) over four innings, striking out four and walking two.

Athletics starter Darcy Squire struck out five and walked three with six hits and seven runs allowed in two and one-third innings.

Rangers piled up 12 hits and nine walks in the game. Burton, Neilson, and Jonathan Park each collected multiple hits and Burton stole two bases.

The winning side didn't make any errors in the field as McKenzie had the most chances with eight.

Azrein led Athletics with two runs batted in from the number nine spot. The third baseman went 1-for-1 on the day while Oliver Baillargeon, Nikau Galligan, Oliver Von Tunk, and Ned Richards also picked up hits.

Senior League

Athletics 5, Mariners 2

Athletics made it to the grand final after beating Mariners 5-2. Mariners got on board with an error in the bottom of the fourth before Athletics took a 3-1 lead in the top of the fifth on singles by Cassius Matthews and Ethan Kent.

Sawyer Fisher led things off on the hill for Athletics. The right-handed pitcher gave up four hits and two runs (one earned) over six innings with three walks and zero strikeouts.

Jarrod Thomas started on the bump for Mariners. He gave up six hits and five unearned runs over five and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking three.

Kent tossed one inning of shutout ball for Athletics in relief. The righty didn't give up any hits, just two walks.

Kent went 1-for-4 at the plate to lead Athletics with one run batted in as Patrick Watson went 2-for-3 for the most hits on the team. The defense turned one double play.

Jesus Camacho, Thomas, Takuma Yamane, and Euan Clarkin each collected one hit for Mariners. Cai Batey-Smith led the team with one run batted in.

Twins 9, Mets 6

Twins took down Mets 9-6 after a big fist inning, scoring three runs on Marcus Murphy's double. The eventual winners added to their early lead in the bottom of the second when an error scored two runs and Iter Le Fevre doubled, scoring one.

Liam Coster started on the hill for Twins. The righty gave up three hits and four runs (three earned) over five innings, striking out three and walking four. Patrick Matthews pitched in relief.

Oscar Shimakura started the game for Mets. He surrendered five hits and six runs (three earned) over one and two-thirds innings, striking out four and walking one.

Matthews and Le Fevre were a force together in the lineup, each collecting two hits for Twins while hitting back-to-back. Murphy went 1-for-3 at the plate as the center fielder led the team with three runs batted in. Ryley Shanks and Matthews had multiple stolen bases with 10 total for the team.

Patrick Johnson led Mets with two runs batted in as the outfielder went 1-for-2 on the day. Johnson, Miles Paulley, Allistaire Lang, Alexandros Papadopoulous, and Ash Kaberry all had one hit.

Rangers 6, Athletics 0

Rangers remain undefeated with a strong start by Sam Walk in the grand final. He threw six scoreless innings with four hits, zero walks, and four strikeouts before handing over to Ethan Johnston for a quick inning of relief with one hit and three strikeouts.

Rangers got on board in the bottom of the first with a walk, an error, and a groundout, followed by singles for Oliver Hill and Nicholas Kane. Aonghus Walsh hit an RBI single in the third, too.

Three walks saw Rangers score their final two runs in the fifth. Overall, they had six hits compared to five for Athletics.

Zachary Locklier threw four innings for Athletics, giving up six hits and four runs (only one earned) with four walks and three strikeouts. Patrick Watson and Cassius Matthews pitched in relief.

Rangers took eight walks in the game while their pitchers avoided bases on balls. Hill had two hits and Daniel Williams, Johnston, Kane, and Walsh had one each.

Athletics offense was led by Lachlan Brennan with a big double, plus singles for Declan Tayler, Bailey Stewart, Declan Marshall, and Watson.

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