Baseball Australia is proud to announce the Australian Emeralds squad that will take on the might of the Japanese as preparation ramps up for the 2018 Women’s World Cup in Florida.
The 38 strong squad will descend on the Strathfieldsaye Recreational Reserve in Bendigo from 8-11 June and will showcase the best female baseball talent Australia has to offer.
Following the Women’s Baseball Challenge, the squad will be trimmed from 38 to a team of 20, which will represent Australia from August 22-31 at the Women’s World Cup.
16 representatives from the 2016 World Cup highlight the squad, including Tahnee Lovering and Tammy McMillan who were both named to the 2016 All-World Team after their performances in Korea.
Australian Emeralds Manager Simone Wearne believes the blend of youth and experience gives the squad significant depth
“Over half the squad we have selected are 25 or under, with eight players under the age of 18,” Wearne said.
“Those numbers are important for our program and show the depth that is coming through across the country. We have a number of veterans still pushing for selection, and this will no doubt assist in creating a really competitive environment for overall World Cup team selection.”
Australia will face two of the world’s top teams in the opening round of the 2018 World Cup, and Wearne believes this series against Japan will hold her team in good stead.
“The Bendigo Challenge is another great opportunity for our players to be exposed to international game play, and more importantly, be thrown into an environment that is as close as possible to replicating World Cup play.”
“Any Japanese team we face is going to be a formidable opponent, and the coaching staff can't wait to see what the players can produce when they come up against some of the best in the world.”
Baseball Australia is proud to announce the Australian Emeralds squad that will take on the might of the Japanese as preparation ramps up for the 2018 Women’s World Cup in Florida.
The 38 strong squad will descend on the Strathfieldsaye Recreational Reserve in Bendigo from 8-11 June and will showcase the best female baseball talent Australia has to offer.
Following the Women’s Baseball Challenge, the squad will be trimmed from 38 to a team of 20, which will represent Australia from August 22-31 at the Women’s World Cup.
16 representatives from the 2016 World Cup highlight the squad, including Tahnee Lovering and Tammy McMillan who were both named to the 2016 All-World Team after their performances in Korea.
Australian Emeralds Manager Simone Wearne believes the blend of youth and experience gives the squad significant depth
“Over half the squad we have selected are 25 or under, with eight players under the age of 18,” Wearne said.
“Those numbers are important for our program and show the depth that is coming through across the country. We have a number of veterans still pushing for selection, and this will no doubt assist in creating a really competitive environment for overall World Cup team selection.”
Australia will face two of the world’s top teams in the opening round of the 2018 World Cup, and Wearne believes this series against Japan will hold her team in good stead.
“The Bendigo Challenge is another great opportunity for our players to be exposed to international game play, and more importantly, be thrown into an environment that is as close as possible to replicating World Cup play.”
“Any Japanese team we face is going to be a formidable opponent, and the coaching staff can't wait to see what the players can produce when they come up against some of the best in the world.”
The best junior baseball players from around Victoria converged on Knox baseball club this weekend for the Little League State Championships. The competition was comprised of three separate divisions; Minor, Development and All Stars. This aimed to give a large range of players the opportunity to represent their charter and experience the unique and exciting nature of tournament baseball.
Day 1 of competition was a mixed bag for all four charters. Little League Major revealed some power house offensive units with the Eastern Athletics and the Twins both having large wins over the Geelong Baycats. The Southern Mariners however took care of the Twins with a 5 - 10 win off the strength of good pitching performances from Cooper Drummond, Lachlan Smith and Ryan Langworthy.
In the Development League, the Athletics and the Twins showed off the depth of their programs with another couple of substantial wins. When the two played off in the afternoon however, it was the A’s that came out on top.
In the Minors, The Mariner’s went hard at the Twins and were rewarded with a tight 4 - 3 win and then battled the Athletics in the afternoon for a 5 all draw.
Day 2 gave us some fantastic weather and thanks to a hard working grounds crew curtesy of the Knox Baseball Club, the grounds came up brilliant. The Athletic Majors eked out a 9 - 8 victory over the Mariners in extra innings thanks to a walk off home run from Aiden Patterson.
The Baycat Majors put a respectable 9 runs on the board but were ultimately bested by the Southern Mariners and the Twins handed their first loss of the tournament.
Little League Development saw two rounds of extremely tight games. The Southern Mariners B played a spirited head to head against their home town rivals, Mariners A. The match was tight all the way to the end but the B side managed to come out on top, winning 13 - 12. They then had to back it up against a strong Twins side but were bested in another tight game, losing to the Twins 14 - 13.
In the Minors, the Mariners took a hard fought win over the Twins, winning by a single run but the Twins were able to rally, winning their second game of the day convincingly over the Athletics. In the afternoon, the Mariners were able to find their feet and beat the A’s 14 - 10.
Day 3 saw even better weather than the day before, reaching a sunny 29 degrees and setting the stage for the pointy end of the competition.
Sunday morning is all about finding out who will playoff in the final that afternoon. Two semi finals in LL Major division with first placed Twins playing forth placed Baycats and the second game between Eatstern Athletics(2nd) and Southern Mariners(3rd). The scoreboard doesn’t reflect how close these games were with Twins and Mariners coming out on top and advancing to the final. Baycats and Athletics would play off for third with Athletics being the victors of that game.
The Development Division had been exciting all weekend with Athletics and Twins advancing to the final. Mariners entered two teams have blooded some players for next season and will be a force next season again.
In the Minor Division Athletics had a convincing win over Twins to advance to the final.
LL-Minor final between Mariners and Athletics was played in good spirit as it had been done all weekend. Athletics proved too strong taking the game 10-2
LL- Development final Athletics got of to a good start and never looked back. Final result Athletics 8 – Twins 1
And then, at 3:15pm the big one kicked off. The Twins gave Ben Howard the start on the hill, who’d had a solid tournament and had clearly earned the opportunity. However the Mariners came out firing and plated two in the first to put the Twins on the back foot. The Southern Mariners started Ryan Langworthy, who came into the game with an excellent tournament performance behind him. After a lead off HR from Twin, Jai Puaka-Greco in the first, both teams traded blows with further HR’s to Ted Clayton and Ryan Langworthy. However the balance slowly shifted favour and by the bottom of the 6th, the Twins lead by 1 and the Mariners were down to their final 3. Twins reliever, Spencer Wray got the first two batters of the inning before giving up a nerve wracking double to right field which had the whole park on the edge of their seats. However, the steely pitcher rallied to strike out the last hitter and earn the Twins the win.
Congratulations must be made to many people; the players, coaches, executive officers, umpires, scorers, canteen operators, grounds crew, parents, tournament organisers, volunteers, photographers, spectators and the entire Knox Baseball Club. As Baseball Victoria president, Myles Foreman says, “We’re really excited to send teams to Lismore, that’s great, but these things really are about the totality of the event, from the state league kids all the way down to the minors. It’s about everyone and that’s what makes it such a fantastic competition.”
Congratulations to the 2018 State Charter Championship team; the Northwest Twins!
Baseball Australia’s 2018 Spring Training Program was announced last week, and for many young men including NSW’s Travis Bazzana, this will be his first chance to compete against professional teams at professional facilities in the USA.
15-year-old Bazzana has been a constant feature in Baseball Australia events for a number of years, consistently representing Ryde North in charter baseball since 2011.
Bazzana’s mindset heading into the two week tour is simple.
“I know I want to get to professional baseball, and this trip will give me a greater understanding of what it takes,” Bazzana said.
“It’s going to be a challenge coming up against professional teams, but the opportunity to work hard every day and learn from great coaches is something I’m really looking forward to."
In 2017 Bazzana represented New South Wales in the U16 Australian Championship, and in 2018 - he thrived in his second stint in NSW colours.
Bazzana was named MVP of the U16 Australian Championship (hitting .524 with five RBI and 11 runs scored), as he played an integral role in NSW’s undefeated run to the Australian Championship.
.@BaseballNSW and @BaseballVic played out an all-time classic #AYC2018 U16 final, and it was NSW who took it out!
GAME RECAP: https://t.co/630hqfsI27 pic.twitter.com/HfFsfO6IMV
Fast forward to April and Bazzana, along with 29 other young Australians will have the chance to show a myriad of college and professional scouts what they can do. Couple that exposure with the access to thousands of dollars’ worth of analytic equipment at Driveline Baseball – which will form the basis of off-season training programs for each of the athletes involved.
To go back to Australia with a specific plan to work on weaknesses in his game is something Bazzana is excited for.
“The Driveline stuff looks incredible, it adds a really exciting element to my off-season workouts. To be shown little things to improve my game with video analysis is something that will improve my game dramatically.”
Joining Bazzana on the trip are multiple state High Performance Managers (HPMs) like NSW’s Jason Pospishil and Victoria’s Damian Shanahan, who will bring their experiences back to their state’s development programs
As well as state HPM’s, joining the staff is former MLB All-Star and three-time ABL Championship winning manager Dave Nilsson, who Bazzana believes will be a key asset to his development
“I really look up to Dave,” Bazzana said.
“He’s done it at the highest level and has incredible knowledge about the game. I’m looking forward to getting plenty of tips, especially as a left-handed hitter.”
Stay tuned for to baseball.com.au for updates from the 2018 Baseball Australia Spring Training tour.
Victoria and New South Wales rounded out highly successful #AWC2018 campaigns, claiming all but one of the individual awards on offer at the event.
For a full wrap of the individual award winners read below:
Open
Golden Bat: Leslie Anglin (Victoria Blue)
Anglin hit .538 (14-for-26) during #AWC2018, playing a key role in the formidable Victoria Blue offence. She drove in 15 runs, equal fourth with Queensland’s Taylah Welch, and hit a home run.
Golden Arm: Breanna Donnellan (New South Wales)
Donnellan did not give up a run in 16 innings at #AWC2018. She tossed a complete game shutout against Western Australia in pool play and all up allowed just 14 hits. Donnellan struck out an equal tournament-high 11 hitters.
Golden Glove: Olivia Bannon (New South Wales)
Bannon went through #AWC2018 without an error on 44 chances, helping turn six double plays as New South Wales claimed gold. She spent time at shortstop, second base and catcher.
Most Valuable Player: Amanda Asay (Victoria Blue)
Asay drove in an #AWC2018-high 23 runs, propelling Victoria Blue into the final. She went 14-for-28 with seven doubles and a triple, walking five times and striking out just three.
Youth
Golden Bat: Lili Cavanagh (Victoria)
Cavanagh finished #AWC2018 10-for-14 after starting the tournament with nine-straight hits. She scored a tournament-high 11 runs and led the way – along with teammate Emily Devine – on nine RBIs.
Golden Arm: Genevieve Beacom (Victoria)
Beacom shone in the gold medal game against New South Wales, striking out 17 in 6 1/3 scoreless innings. All up she topped the charts with 23 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.04. Opposition hitters averaged just .077 against Beacom at #AWC2018.
Golden Glove: Hannah Marshall (Queensland)
The Queensland catcher put together a strong tournament, finishing with a fielding percentage of .963 on the second most chances, and also catching two baserunners stealing.
Most Valuable Player: Emily Devine (Victoria)
Devine’s two-run homer in the gold medal game proved the difference as Victoria downed New South Wales 2-0. It capped off a solid #AWC2018 for Devine, who hit .625 (10-for-16) with two triples and the homer. She tied with Lili Cavanagh for the lead in RBIs (nine) during the tournament and collected 17 total bases.
Baseball Australia congratulates all the winners on their fantastic efforts!
Australia will take on the two highest ranked nations in the opening round of the 2018 Women's World Cup after the WBSC today revealed the makeup of the groups.
World number one and reigning World Champion Japan and 2016 silver medallists Canada will prove two of Australia's toughest opponents as the tournament gets underway on August 22 in Viera, Florida.
Rounding out the six team group is Cuba, Hong Kong and the Dominican Republic.
PRESS RELEASE: WBSC reveals Groups for Women’s Baseball World Cup 2018, Teams learn 1st Round opponents: https://t.co/J1J73p4GiZ #WomensBaseball @USSSA @usssaSpaceCoast pic.twitter.com/cRsD1kqtWg
The top three in each pool progress to the Super Round, and Emeralds Head Coach Simone Wearne believes the team will need to be playing their very best baseball from the first pitch of the tournament.
"In 2016 we weren't switched on from the get-go," Wearne said.
"The group that were there and the coaching staff have learned a lot from that experience and we will be prepared this time."
"There's no easy groups at a World Cup, especially with Canada and Japan involved. The Dominican Republic will be a bit of an unknown too, so we have to be on top of our game straight away."
Stay tuned for a squad announcement that will take on Japan in the upcoming 2018 Women's Baseball Challenge in Bendigo.
As applications close for the position of Team Australia Manager, Baseball Australia is proud to announce the panel that will be selecting the next manager of the Australian Men’s Baseball Team.
Graeme Lloyd – longtime Australian assistant coach and two-time MLB World Series winner with the New York Yankees joins senior management as well as a representation from the Board of Baseball Australia on the panel.
Baseball Australia CEO Cam Vale is excited to begin the selection process.
“We’ve had a number of well-credentialed applicants for this prestigious role,” Vale said.
“This is a crucial decision for the future of Australian baseball, and with the selection panel appointed, I am confident we will find the most suitable person to lead Team Australia.”
An announcement regarding the new manager of Team Australia will be made in May.
Selection Panel:
David Hynes – President, Baseball Australia
Cam Vale – CEO, Baseball Australia
Glenn Williams – Team Australia General Manager
John Boultbee – Board Member, Baseball Australia
Graeme Lloyd – Independent
Ace reporter Lisa McLellan went Facebook LIVE with interviews with our stars if the future, like this chat with Xavier Drew of Geelong Baycats.
MORE VIDEOS FROM TODAY AVAILABLE ON FACEBOOK OR CLICK BELOW
Tomorrow is set to be the best day yet with the grand finals and closing ceremony. Teams and supporters are reminded to not forget the sunscreen as it is going to be a hot one, and bring your best smiles for the annual group photo on Ground One at 11:30am.
LETS PLAY BALL!
New South Wales has claimed its fourth gold medal in five years, downing Victoria Blue in a thrilling final game of the 2018 Australian Women’s Baseball Championships in Geelong.
A six-run sixth lifted NSW to a thrilling win, while earlier Western Australia secured bronze by beating South Australia.
Check out the full day eight wrap below:
Open Women
Bronze medal game: Western Australia 7, South Australia 1
Rebecca Torpy’s strong start helped Western Australia claim #AWC2018 bronze against South Australia on Diamond 1 at Geelong Baseball Centre.
Torpy gave up just one unearned run in seven solid innings, striking out six and giving up only five hits.
She worked with an early lead as WA piled on three first-inning runs.
Natalie House’s RBI-triple started the scoring, before a wild pitch and Morgan Doty single built a 3-0 cushion.
Torpy provided run support of her own in the fourth, driving in two runs on a double to centre field.
Carly Moore scored SA’s only run on a fielding error in the sixth.
Gold medal game: New South Wales 7, Victoria Blue 6
New South Wales produced a stunning comeback to claim gold at the 2018 Australian Women’s Baseball Championships in Geelong on Friday.
A six-run sixth propelled NSW to its first title since 2016, prevailing 7-6 over Victoria Blue on Diamond 1.
NSW started its comeback by scoring on an error and closed to within a run following RBIs from Lauren Donnellan and Elodie O’Sullivan.
Click here for a full report of the gold medal game!
Queensland 14, New South Wales Country 8
Karina Connors played a key role in her own retirement party, helping Queensland to a fifth-placed finish at #AWC2018.
Connors went 5-for-5 with five RBIs as Queensland completed its campaign with a 14-8 win over New South Wales Country.
Queensland trailed 5-4 after the first and were level after the second ahead of taking control.
They made sure of victory – and a fifth-placed finish – with a five-run sixth.
Taylah Welch chimed in with four hits while for Country Kirra Hamilton collected three.
Victoria White 11, New South Wales Country 3
Victoria White notched its fourth win of #AWC2018 to wrap up sixth spot against New South Wales Country on Diamond 4.
Kristen Bezzina went 3-for-4 with four RBIs in a strong offensive performance from White.
White took an early lead and never trailed as they finished with 17 hits to 10.
Starter Gabby Bevan allowed two earned runs in seven innings, striking out three.
Final standings:
1. New South Wales
2. Victoria Blue
3. Western Australia
4. South Australia
5. Queensland
6. Victoria White
7. New South Wales Country
New South Wales produced a stunning comeback to claim gold at the 2018 Australian Women’s Baseball Championships in Geelong on Friday.
A six-run sixth propelled NSW to its first title since 2016, prevailing 7-6 over Victoria Blue on Diamond 1.
NSW started its comeback by scoring on an error and closed to within a run following RBIs from Lauren Donnellan and Elodie O’Sullivan.
Olivia Bannon’s two-run double gave NSW its first lead of the decider.
Victoria Blue set the early running on the back of a four-run fourth and strong start from Brittany Cedelland.
Bronwyn Gell hit a lead-off single in the fourth and Amanda Asay walked ahead of back-to-back hits from Abbey McLellan and Sinead Flanigan driving in runs.
Rieko Abe’s sacrifice fly and a Leslie Anglin RBI-single extended Blue’s lead to four runs.
But NSW chased Cedelland in the sixth before taking the lead and then extending it with an insurance run in the top of the seventh.
It proved crucial as Victoria Blue added two runs in the bottom of the seventh to cut the deficit to one run.
Earlier, Western Australia grabbed bronze with a 7-1 victory over South Australia.