In conjunction with Major League Baseball (MLB), Baseball Australia is proud to announce that 13 of Australia’s best and brightest young baseball talents will make their way to the USA as part of the MLB World Select Team.
The World Select Team is composed of 29 players from nine countries, with Australian players making up almost half of the 29 young men selected.
The World Select Team will participate in exhibition games in St. Petersburg, Florida under the watchful eye of a number of professional scouts, with games against other international amateur teams, as well as local MLB Club Affiliates.
Baseball Australia Head of High Performance Glenn Williams is ecstatic to send so much Australian talent to the US, and to continue Baseball Australia’s relationship with MLB.
“BA (Baseball Australia) is extremely excited about this latest opportunity provided for our players from MLB,” Williams said.
“To have the chance to play with some of the best up and coming prospects from around the world and compete against professional teams in professional complexes is something that will be extremely beneficial for the players on this trip.”
This is the second consecutive year Australia has had representation at the Spring Training Series, with Ulrich Bojarski (Tigers), Jack O’Loughlin (Tigers) and Jordan McArdle (Diamondbacks), all signing professional contracts in the months following their 2016 tour to the USA.
The continued support of MLB for Australian baseball is highlighted by their involvement in this tour, with more opportunities for Australian baseball players to come later this year. Baseball Australia’s relationship with MLB continues to build, and Glenn Williams believes this trip is only the beginning.
“We will continue to work with MLB on initiatives that will give more players more opportunities,” Williams said.
“The relationship continues to strengthen and there are some exciting initiatives in the works, thanks to their support of our programs.”
The selection process was detailed and lengthy, with information from state associations combined with recommendations from Australian based scouts sent to MLB for final selection.
Joining the 13 Australians on the tour is Luke Hughes, an Australian baseball legend who has lead the Perth Heat to four ABL Championships since 2009, and has over 100 games of big league experience. Hughes will join coaches from all over the world as they take some of the best young talent in the world to the trip of a lifetime.
The MLB World Select Team will kick off their schedule against the Minnesota Twins on the 8th of April in Ft. Myers, Florida.
Stay tuned to www.baseball.com.au as well as Baseball Australia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates from the World Select Team’s journey.
PLAYER LIST:
Brodie Cooper-Vassalakis – ACT
Mitch Edwards – ACT
Coen Wynne – NSW
Jacob Amos – NSW
Rixon Wingrove – NSW
Nic Anderson-Vine – NSW
Ky Hampton – SA
Aiden Willis – VIC
Jackson Boyd – VIC
Jarryd Dale – VIC
Jess Williams – WA
Jett Wright – WA
Alex Hall – WA
PLAYER LIST:
Brodie Cooper-Vassalakis – ACT
Mitch Edwards – ACT
Coen Wynne – NSW
Jacob Amos – NSW
Rixon Wingrove – NSW
Nic Anderson-Vine – NSW
Ky Hampton – SA
Aiden Willis – VIC
Jackson Boyd – VIC
Jarryd Dale – VIC
Jess Williams – WA
Jett Wright – WA
Alex Hall – WA