Baseball Victoria Hall of Fame Players: Samantha Hamilton

Samantha Hamilton began her stellar career at age 23 in 1996, joining the inaugural VBA Women’s League. Over the next 17 years, she became Australia’s most-capped national and international women’s player, having been selected for every Australian team and participating in every National Championship up to her retirement in 2013.

Hamilton’s 13-year national team career began with appearances in all World Series events between 2001 and 2004, earning three medals: bronze in 2001, gold in 2002, and silver in 2003. When the bi-annual World Cup format was introduced in 2004, she was one of only six players globally to compete in the first five Women’s Baseball World Cups (2004–2012).

Renowned as one of the world’s best first basemen, Hamilton also excelled in the outfield, showcasing her versatility and athleticism. She played a crucial role both defensively and offensively during Australia’s historic silver medal campaign at the 2010 World Cup in Venezuela. She also claimed the Stolen Bases trophy at the 2006 World Cup.

Across a 16-year career with Team Victoria, Hamilton was an integral part of the squad that secured ten national titles, four silver, and two bronze medals. She delivered a walk-off double in the 2011 National Championship gold medal game and was awarded the National Championship Hitting Award and All-Star Team honours in 2012.  In 2005, Hamilton was among the first Australians to play semi-professionally, completing a season in Japan with Taiken Wellness of Tokyo College.

At club level, she was a founding member of Doncaster Baseball Club and became the first woman to reach 350 games. A four-time Division 1/Premier League premiership winner, she also claimed the 2002/03 Baseball Victoria League Hitting Award while serving as Head Coach. Samantha is a Life Member of both Baseball Victoria and Doncaster Baseball Club.