Top young Australian baseballers who could represent the country at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles
Baseball’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games has opened the door for the next generation of Aussie players to play for a gold medal. Meet the young guns who could represent Australia at the Games.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Baseball’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games has opened the door for the next generation of Aussie players to play for a gold medal.
Australia had a 20-man roster for the U18 Baseball World Cup, held in Taiwan in September.
These players could form the bulk of the squad for Australia at the 2028 Games on the back of their early success and the trajectory they are on.
Meet the young guns who could represent Australia at the Games.
World Cup team
Blake Barlow – Pitcher / Infielder (QLD)
Adam Bates – RHP (NSW)
Jack Bushell – RHP / INF (SA)
Tom Chessell – INF / RHP (QLD)
Koby Chesterton – RHP (NSW)
Joshua Davies – C (WA)
Michael De Gasperis – OF (WA)
Callum Donnelly – OF (CNSW)
Jai Hewitt- RHP/1B (WA)
Benjamin Karakis – RHP (NSW)
Jayden Kim – INF (VIC)
Daniel Mills – RHP (NSW)
Joshua Nati – INF (NSW)
Jacob Palmer – LHP (NSW)
Nic Papparella – INF (SA)
Jack Ratcliffe – INF (VIC)
Lachlan Rosser – LHP (CNSW)
Lachlan Smith – INF (VIC)
Declan Speirs – C (VIC)
Alistair Tanner – RHP (SA)
The coaches who took part in the U18 World Cup:
Andy Kyle (Head Coach)
Shayne Watson (Assistant Coach)
Damien Shanahan (Assistant Coach)
Mark Petit (Pitching Coach)
Coen Wynne (Bullpen Coach)
Andrew Riddell (EO) – Australia’s national player development manager.
PREVIEW LEAD-UP
Campbelltown-local Adam Bates was one of 50 teenage baseball sensations who have flown to Queensland for a week-long training camp ahead of the U18 World Cup.
The squad was reduced to a 20-man roster that travelled to compete in Taiwan.
Bates was one of the stars of the side, after recently securing his D1 ticket to Xavier University in the States for 2024.
“I was talking to colleges on the daily and finding out what their pitching program was like, being a pitcher.” Bates said.
“I wanted to know how they develop players, because I want to pursue this as a dream.
“How they operate, where they sit, are they good, are they average, have they moved college athletes to the professional teams?
“Obviously it was a hard decision, but ultimately the right one for me,” he said.
Now, the surreal fact of moving to the United States to pursue baseball has started to kick in for Bates.
“It's a big life changer, obviously moving away from home,” he said.
“You don’t have mom and dad to call and in any minute of the day, but ultimately, it’s what I want to do.
“I’ve known that I wanted to do it for a couple of years now.
“I know friends who have moved away already and I’m thinking ‘wow, this is going to be me in a year’s time’.”
Despite his credit in the field, the teen isn’t taking this camp lightly and knows his spot cannot be guaranteed when up against the best in the country.
“I proved myself at nationals but this is the world stage so I need to prove myself again and earn my spot.”
Bates’ rise in junior baseball has not come without a setback.
At 15, he suffered a broken wrist which forced him out of his first AYC experience.
“I missed out on my first AYC so obviously that was pretty heartbreaking,” he said.
“But I like to pride myself on keeping fit and ready to go at all times.”
Bates is in the diamond up to four times a week for training, and manages to fit in the gym on his off-days.
“I go out Thursday or Friday to make sure my arms are feeling good, my body is feeling good … So when it comes to pitching I’m not tired or sore.”
His tenacity to be in top-form earned Bates a major breakthrough when he was 17.
“Last year (2022) I made the U18s World Cup, then I was lucky enough to go over for an MLB World Select Tour.
“Pitching for my country, there’s no better feeling,” Bates said.
The euphoria of that experience has stayed on Bates’ mind ever since, making him more determined than ever to be selected as a top-age player in 2023.
“I love pitching in front of people, I love the friendships that I've made and just everything about it.
“There’s no better feeling than waking up and playing baseball, for me.”
The training camp is taking place on the Gold Coast this week, with the final team to be announced this weekend.
Get to know all 50 players, where they’re from, and what their biggest dreams are in baseball.
Note: Images do not correspond to athlete names. Players listed in alphabetical order (surname).
Beau Allsworth – RHP – QLD – Redcliffe Padres
Representative history: Qld U18‘s 2023, Qld U18 Schoolboys 2022, Qld U18 Showcase 2021, Qld U16 Showcase 2020, Brisbane North,
State programs: Baseball QLD,
Early career: Started playing teeball at age five. Both parents played representative softball at various levels.
Goals: U18 Australian World Cup team 2023, College scholarship and professional signing.
Lachlan Amon – LHP VIC – Essendon
Representative history: VIC 2023
State programs: VIC Showcase 2022 and VIC SSV 2023
Early career: I first started playing baseball in October 2017, I used to play cricket and I tried out for baseball and enjoyed it better so I decided to improve / develop my skills in order to be a pitcher for my team.
Goals: I would like to go to a college after I complete my VCE certificate to become a professional baseball player. I have an interest in physical health and sports science subjects and would like to work in this field when I am older.
Zachary Altamura – INF – SA – Sturt
Blake Barlow – RHP/INF – QLD – Redcliffe Padres
Queensland U18 Baseball QLD HP Squad
Adam Bates – RHP – NSW – Macarthur Orioles
College signed: Xavier
Representative history: NSW 2023
Little League Charter: Macarthur Colts/ Camden Red Sox
State programs: NSW HP 2019-2023
Early career: I first started playing when I was 9 at Casula Lakers for a coach I now play with Chris Douglass. I started playing because of my friends from primary school who wanted to play a sport with me in the summer.
Goals: To be able to play in the MLB after experiencing the college life
Personal goals are to be able to afford a house, along with able to have a job that will keep me in the game of baseball as long as possible
Cruze Brendon – RHP – WA – Perth
Representative history: WA Under 16‘s and WA Under 18’s
Little League Charter: Coastal Bay Sharks and Western Comets Heat Futures
State programs: Rays Showcase
Early career: Started while still playing teeball around the age of 11 and naturally progressed into Baseball. My dad played when he was younger and he helped with my early development. Playing with friends and getting to travel as well helped shape my desire to play.
Goals: Would like to join a good college program in the USA over the next 18 months and continue to develop. Would be great to play higher grade baseball and see where this sport can take me but so long as I am having fun, developing and remain healthy then I am happy. Personal life, would like to get something out of college that helps with career developments if Baseball doesn’t work out.
Jack Bushell – RHP/INF – SA – Goodwood
Representative history: U16 2020 U18 2023
Little League Charter: Southern Seahawks
State programs: High performance
Early career: I first started playing when I was 3 at the Goodwood baseball club. The reason I started playing was because dad played baseball and mum played softball I didn‘t really have an option.
Goals: In the future I’m hoping to play baseball in America either in college or professionally.
Jake Calver – OF – QLD – Surfers Paradise
Representative history: QLD U16 2021-22, U18 2022-23, U12 Little League World Series Australia 2018
Little League Charter: Gold Coast Cougars
State programs: QLD State Performance Squad
Early career: I started playing baseball in Melbourne for Sandringham Royals when I was five years old. I watched a game on TV and thought it looked interesting so in the next week I went down to Sandringham and signed up for a come and try day.
Goals: I want to become a better ballplayer, specifically becoming a better fielder in the outfield. Running faster and getting stronger are 2 key aspects. I want to make it through the college system and work up from there, and hopefully if my hard work pays off I get the opportunity to play the Big Leagues.
Hayden Chappell – OF – NSW – Baulkham Hills
Representative history: NSW U18 2023
Little League Charter: Hills NSW
State programs: High Performance
Early career: I first started playing tee ball at age five at my local club, Castle Hill Knights. I gave teeball / baseball a try as my older brother had been playing it with some friends from school and had been really enjoying it.
Goals: This year I am focused on training hard to give myself the best chance possible of being chosen to represent Australia at the U18 World Cup. I am also currently completing year 12 and working on achieving the best possible academic results to keep my options open for future study.
Tom Chessell – INF – QLD – Redcliffe Padres
College signed: Clarendon
Representative history: Qld U18 2023, Qld Schoolboys 2022, Qld Schoolboys 2023
Little League Charter: Manly, Brisbane Metro, Brisbane North
State programs: BQ State performance squad
Early career: I started when I was 5 at Pittwater baseball club. My parents signed me up to give it a go.
Goals: Play College Baseball in America, Get Signed Professionally.
College signed:
Koby Chesterton – RHP – NSW Ainslie Gungahlin Bears
Representative history: NSW
Little League Charter: Canberra
State programs: U16‘s Canberra, U18’s NSW Metro
Early career: T Ball for the Bears in 2010 at Narrabundah, my dad played when he was young and wanted me to play as well.
Goals: Play baseball at a high level and hopefully go to college in America.
Drew Davies – OF – SA – Southern Districts
Representative history: SA
Little League Charter: 2017 and 2018 Junior League 2019 and 2021
State programs: National (Amada) 2019 and 2021, U16 2020, Under 18 2023, National U18 2022, Aust U18 qualifier 2022
Early career: First started playing when I was about 9 years old. My neighbours Nick and Matt Hutchins introduced me to baseball and encouraged me to play T Ball at their local club.
Goals: To improve my skills and be the best I can be as a person and baseballer. Would love to play MLB one day.
Joshua Davies – C – WA – Carine Cats
Representative history: U18, u16 Western Australia
Little League Charter: Northern Metros
State programs: Perth Heat futures, Perth Heat
Early career: I started playing baseball at the age of 8 at Carine cats. Playing teen all and machine pitch influenced me to play baseball.
Goals: Sign a professional contract or sign with a college
Michael De Gasperis – OF – WA – Swan Districts
Representative history: WA U/18 2023
Little League Charter: Southern Hill Warriors and Swan Hill Aces
State programs: WA U/18 2023
Early career: My baseball journey started at Kalamunda rangers in 2015. I was 10 years old and moved up from playing teeball. I was influenced to play baseball as cricket isn‘t very popular in my family, and I was in need for a summer sport.
Goals: I don’t have a specific goal with my baseball career, although I would like to play at the highest level possible. Whether that is state representation, college baseball or representing Australia
Luke Donaghey – OF – NSW – Manly
Representative history: NSW u16 2022, NSW u18 2023
Little League Charter: Manly Eagles
State programs: DPP, PPP
Early career: I started playing baseball at an age of 11 at a club near called Seasiders as my brother played and my best friend persuaded me to play and I have liked it ever since.
Goals: I would like to experience the competition over in the states and like to see where my talent can take me college and possibly pro ball
Callum Donnelly – OF – CNSW – McArthur Orioles
Representative history: NSWC u16 2020, NSW showcase 2021-2022, NSWC u18 2023
State programs: Illawarra HP, showcase 2019-2023
Early career: Started playing baseball at 4-5 years old in Illawarra for Bulli pirates. My parents are the ones that got me into baseball, we lived across the road from the Bulli pirates home field and they decided to put me into baseball and I fell in love with it.
Goals: Hope to attend college after high school and continue my career professionally either MLB, MILB, or overseas in KBO or Japan. If that doesn't happen then I would try and pursue my professional career in Europe.
Aimon Dowling – LHP – VIC – Doncaster
Representative history: Victoria
Little League Charter: Eastern
State programs: Athletics Victoria U16 & U18
Early career: I first started playing teeball and Rookie ball at Doncaster Baseball Club in 2014 in the Friday night program. We were living with some friends while our house was being built and their son played baseball. We used to throw and hit lemons in the backyard. After a trip to the US, I started playing straight away. I soon came to love the sport and worked on getting a good as I could. I've enjoyed the Charter and State programs.
Goals: I would like to pursue a college career and hopefully get signed to play professionally. I‘d like to study to become a primary PE teacher and enjoy helping younger kids to become better at their chosen sport.
Max Durrington – INF – QLD – Surfers Paradise
James Fergusson – RHP – NSW – Baulkham Hills
Representative history: New South Wales
Little League Charter: Ryde Hawks
State programs: NSW U16 (2022) & U18 (2023) NSW AYC teams
Early career: I first started playing baseball when I was six years old for the Concord Comets. I was influenced to start playing because my dad and his dad played baseball when they were kids too.
Goals: I want to play baseball at an American college and represent Australia in the years to come.
Campbell Froude – RHP – WA – Braves
Representative history: WA U16 2022, WA U18 2023
Little League Charter: Coastal Bay LL 2018, Western Comets IL 2019, Western Comets JL 2020, Southern Titans SL 2021, Western Tigers SL 2022
State programs: State 16‘s, State 18’s, Rays Showcase, Perth Heat Futures high performance program (2022,2023)
Liam Grant – C – NSW – Canterbury Bankstown Vikings
College signed: Oregon State
Representative history: NSW U16 2022 / NSW U162023 / NSW CHS Team 2022
Little League Charter: Cronulla Little League Charter: LL2017/18 JL19 / SL21
State programs: BNSW High Performance from 2018
Early career: Commenced teeball season of 2012 playing at Giants Baseball Club (Taren Point). Played up until Senior League representing at every Little League level. Played in all Nationals for LL/JL/SL. My father played baseball throughout his junior years and played seniors as well. My Dad represented NSW & Australia, played 1st Grade. With my father having played the game he has been a huge influence in my game and why I love playing catcher as this was his position as well. Short Term Future Aspirations for 2023 / Early 2024
Goals: From now to the U18 National Camp on the Gold Coast in August: be fit and ready to train & compete
for selection in the Australian Team. Continue my weights program, fitness (speed/agility), receiving,
hitting for contact & power, arm strength & mental preparation.
– Be selected to play for Australia in the U18 World Cup 2023
– Be starting catcher for Australia.
– Be selected to play for NSW U18 Nationals 2024
– Play in the ABL
– Work hard to cement a starting position when I commence college at OSU.
– Study to achieve good marks in college.
– U23 Australia World Cup
– From college be drafted.
– Representativeresent Australia at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles
– Representativeresent Australia at home in Brisbane 2032 Olympics!
Riley Hall – RHP – WA – Gosnells Hawks
Representative history: WA U16 2022, WA U18 2023
Little League Charter: Southern Hills Warriors 2018-2022
State programs: Heat Futures 2021- present 2015 machine pitch at Gosnells Hawks in Perth.
Early career: I got involved in baseball as early as I could because I liked teeball but wanted the extra challenge that baseball offers.
Goals: My long term goal is to play in the show but currently I'm focused on improving all aspects of my game to be the best player I can be. I want to learn as much as possible from people I meet along the way about baseball for sure, but also just learning random facts and hearing people's stories.
Luke Hayhow – RHP – NSW – Baulkham Hills
College signed: Hawaii
Representative history: NSW u18 2023
Little League Charter: Hills NSW
State programs: High performance 2021-2023
Early career: Started at castle hill playing teeball.
Goals: Attend division one university and obtain a degree in Engineering. Continue playing professionally after college.
Jai Hewitt – RHP/1B – WA – South Perth
Representative history: 2022 U16s & U18s 2023 – Western Australia Central Firebirds
State programs: WA High Performance 2021- current, WA Rays showcase 2021-2022 2016- South Perth Baseball Club
Early career: My dad Jason Hewitt influenced me to play.
Goals: To make the 2023 U18 Australian team, to make the U18 WA -2024, to play for the Perth Heat in the ABL. I want to sign and play professional baseball. Continue to work hard and be the best baseball player I can be and have a long and successful career
Benjamin Karakasis – RHP – NSW – Ryde Hawks
Representative history: Under 18 NSW
State programs: BNSW HP
Early career: First started at North Ryde rams when I was about seven. I would watch my brother play so I started playing then was influenced by Clayton Kershaw To play for Australia and represent my country first.
Goals: To go to college and play baseball in the USA.
Jayden Kim – INF – VIC – Sandringham Royals
Representative history: VIC U16-2022, VIC U18-2023
Early career: I started baseball in South Korea when I was 10. My dad was the biggest influence who got me into baseball.
Goals: I want to finish my baseball career with no regrets.
Parker Lovering – RHP – QLD – Windsor Royals
Representative history: Qld
Little League Charter: Brisbane Metro
State programs: Qld high performance squad
Early career: Started playing baseball when I was 9 playing for the Kissing Point Angels in Sydney. My little brother was my influence, after going to one of his games I thought it‘d be fun to give the sport a try.
Goals: Since I started playing I’ve dreamt of being able to pitch in the major leagues, and to join the other Aussies over in the US to continue to help put us on the map as a baseball nation.
Joshua Marshall – INF – QLD – Wests Bulldogs
Representative history and state programs: QLD
Early career: I first started playing in 2016 in little league. My influences were to stay fit during rugby off-season and playing more made me love playing baseball.
Goals: My future aspirations would be to play in the big leagues doing baseball as a job also another personal dream would to be a motivational speaker
Evan Maury – OF – VIC -Blackburn
College signed: Edmonds
Representative history: Vic U18 2022 16 years, Vic U18 2023 17 years, Vic U16 2021 15 years old
Little League Charter: Eastern Athletics Vic
State programs: Aces Academy (multiple years)
Early career: Grew up loving the game – started playing in primary school. My Uncle scored games for a High A minor league team and many people in my extended family loved baseball – which was contagious!
Goals: Signed LOI to attend Edmonds College Sept 2023, keen to get to D1 after Edmonds, then to play professionally if possible.
Daniel Mills – RHP – NSW – Manly
Representative history: NSW U16 AYC (2022), NSW All Schools (2022), NSW U18 AYC (2023)
State programs: PPP U16 (2021), PPP U18 (2022, 2023)
Early career: I started playing teeball at 5 when I lived in the USA, because I liked going to MLB stadiums/games. I moved to Australia when I was 8 and continued to play Zooka/Little league.
Goals: My goal is to play college baseball in the USA.
Max Miotto – INF – NSW – Baulkham Hills
Representative history: NSW AYC U16s 2022 and NSW AYC U18s 2023
Little League Charter: CSJBA
State programs: Baseball NSW PPP and DPP
Early career: An influence that got me into baseball was my dad.
Goals: To represent my country at the highest level and play baseball for a living.
Brayden Moyle – INF – WA – Perth
Representative history: WA U18 2023, Eastern phantoms 2016-2018
State programs: Rays Showcase 2021 and 2022
Early career: I was around baseball from a very young age influenced by my dad and started playing organised baseball in little league when I was 8 years old.
Goals: My future aspirations are playing baseball at the highest level I can possibly go, whether that‘s college or professional baseball. I would like to start my own real estate company buying and selling property.
Joshua Nati – INF – NSW – Greenway Giants
College signed: Oregon State
Representative history: NSW U16 2021
State programs: BNSW HP
Kaine Newham – OF/RHP – WA – Perth Baseball Club
Representative history: WA U16 (2020), WA U18 (2023)
Little League Charter: Perth Northern Metros (IL and JL), Wanneroo Giants (SL)
State programs: Rays Showcase (2021 and 2022), Heat Futures (2021-2023)
Early career: 2017 Little League for the Wanneroo Giants, transitioned from teeball to Baseball
Goals: Go to college, represent my country and play as higher level as possible.
Logan O‘Brien – OF/RHP – VIC – Preston Pirates
Representative history: Victoria u16 2022 (16 years old)
Little League Charter: Twins (Victoria) senior league 2021-22 (15 and 16)
State programs: VIC HP
Early career: My baseball career began with the Preston Pirates baseball club in the 2017/18 summer. I originally played cricket, Aussie rules football and softball prior to joining baseball and was invited to try it by a friend. I had always wanted to play a sport at a high level but could never decide on one, after my first season of baseball however it became my main focus.
Goals: In the future I would love to be offered a scholarship to play baseball and continue my academics in the US. I would also like to complete a degree in engineering or finance and continue to work in the US while I travelled. Eventually I would come back to Australia with plenty of baseball knowledge and continue my career while also growing the sport.
Zane Overlack – RHP – QLD – Redcliffe Padres
Representative history: QLD U18 2023
Little League Charter: LL Brisbane North 2017, JL Brisbane North 2018 and 2019, U16 Brisbane North 2019, SL Brisbane North 2020 and 2021
State programs: U16 State Showcase 2021, U18 State Showcase 2022
Early career: I started playing baseball when I was 4 I played one year of tee ball at Pine Rivers then when I was five I moved to Redcliffe. My dad was the biggest and probably only influence that got me into baseball.
Goals: My future aspirations are to go to college to study something within the sport science region while also playing baseball also. Then I would also like to play baseball professionally somewhere.
Jacob Palmer – LHP – NSW – Canterbury Bankstown Vikings
Representative history: 2023 U18 NSW Metro (16 years), 2022 U16 NSW Metro (16 years)
Little League Charter: Cronulla
State programs: 2022 U16 NSW Showcase, 2022 NSW PPP
Early career: I started playing when I was 4 years old at Giants Baseball Club as this was where my brothers played.
Goals: I would like to go to a US College to further my baseball and educational journey and to further enhance my life skills and prospects for the future. Once graduating from college, I would like to play professionally. Aside from baseball, I would like to travel the world.
Nicholas Paparella – INF – SA – Southern Districts
Representative history: SA (u16‘s, 2020) (u16’s, 2022) (u18’s, 2023)
Little League Charter: Seahawks (u13’s, 2018), Seahawks (u15’s, 2019), Armada (u17, 2021)
State programs: SA HP
Early career: I started playing teeball at the age of four then progressing to Baseball at our local club Southern District’s Baseball club. Baseball has always been a part of my life with my dad and his brothers playing Baseball. My first goal which I set myself is to make the Under 18 Australian squad to then further that ambition with a spot in the U18 World Cup side as a first year.
Goals: From here I want to hopefully sign professional or head over to America to play baseball, something I have dreamt of as a kid and drive to achieve
Jack Ratcliffe – INF – VIC – Upwey Ferntree Gully
Representative history: VIC U16 2022, VIC U18 2023
Little League Charter: Eastern Athletics
State programs: VIC U16 showcase 2021/2022, VIC U16 AYC 2022, Aces Academy, VIC U18 AYC 2023, VIC SSA Baseball 2023
Early career: I first started playing baseball at age 6 at Upwey Ferntree Gully Baseball Club. I wanted to follow my dads footsteps and aspire to be like him and represent Australia.
Goals: I want to go play college baseball and then go on to play professional baseball.
Cooper Reed – RHP – QLD – Redcliffe Padres
Representative history: QLD U16 2022, QLD U18 2023
Little League Charter: Brisbane North Region Baseball,
State programs: QLD STATE DEVELOPMENT, and QUEENSLAND STATE PERFORMANCE SQUAD
Early career: I started playing baseball at Redcliffe Padres in 2014 as a rookie ballplayer. I was really keen to play with some of my mates, and enjoyed playing as a team. I was a strong swimmer, but really wanted to play team sport – I've loved playing baseball ever since.
Goals: I've made some long lasting friends I now call mates. I strive to do the best I can at everything I attempt. One of the most exciting things is to represent and play baseball for my country.
Harper Rickard – C – VIC – Geelong Baycats
Representative history: Victoria white 2020 age 15, Victoria showcases 2021-2022, Victoria school boys 2022 age 17, Victoria under 18 2023 age 17
Little League Charter: Geelong Baycats Victoria
Early career: I first started when I was little and played through juniors at Geelong, both of my grandads played as well as my mum and dad. I got the watch my brothers play before I played
Goals: Play in the ABL and future Australian teams
Kyan Wallington – OF – NSW – Blacktown Workers
College signed: Odessa
Representative history: NSW AYC 2023, NSW AYC 2019
Little League Charter: Penrith (greater western)
State programs: BNSW HP
Early career: First started at Penrith baseball club, after I was shopping and found a baseball bat and I was interested in the sport.
Goals: Play professional baseball.
Lachlan Rosser – LHP – NSW – Dapto Chiefs
Representative history: NSW Country U18 2023
Little League Charter: Illawarra 2017/2018
State program: BNSW HP
Early career: I started when I was 10 in the Illawarra and I was influenced by my friend who asked me to play.
Goals: I would like to play pro ball and represent Australia
Tyler Sakzewski – RHP – QLD – Pine Hills Lightning
Representative history: Queensland U18 2023
State programs: Qld state development programs
Brady Smith – C – SA – Adelaide Angels
Representative history: SA-U18-2023
Little League Charter: LL RAYS, JL-RAYS, SL-ARMADA
State programs: SA HIGH PERFORMANCE
Early career: I started playing baseball with the under 11‘s in 2014 at the Adelaide Angels Baseball Club. I was first introduced to baseball by my brother who was already playing in a higher grade. My school friends were also playing at Adelaide. This past season I was the bullpen catcher for the Adelaide Giants and I aspire to one day be their catcher.
Goals: As of right now, I plan to go to college in the United States and play at the highest division possible while earning my degree in Sports Management. I hope to play professional baseball in America and Australia once I finish college, and get a chance to play for the senior Australian national team one day.
Lachlan Smith – INF – VIC – Sandringham
College signed: Odessa
Representative history: VIC
Little League Charter: Southern Mariners
State programs:
Early career: I started playing rookie ball at age nine after my best friend had his birthday party at the local baseball club and my sister played teeball.
Goals: I would like to play College baseball after high school and look for an opportunity to get to the MLB after that.
Declan Speirs – INF – VIC – Essendon Summer
College signed: Philadelphia Phillies
State programs: Victoria Melbourne Aces
Early career: I was invited by a friends dad to play winter Little League at Essendon as an off-season sport to cricket.
Goals: To play baseball at the highest level I can
Lucas Stancic – OF – NSW – Baulkham Hills
Representative history: NSW U16 AYC 2022, NSW U18 AYC 2023
State Programs: NSW High Performance
Early career: Started playing when I was 7 at Winston Hills Baseball club. My father and brother both played at the club. Watching my brothers success and working hard to achieve my goals. I am in year 11 at school and am pursuing opportunities working towards getting into a D1 college. I would like to study to become a physiotherapist.
Alistair Tanner – RHP – SA – Kensington Cardinals
Representative history: South Australia 2022 and 2023
Little League Charter: Marlins 2018, 2019 and 2021
State programs: High Performance Program, Baseball SA
Early career: Started playing baseball aged 11 with the Kensington Cardinals, Adelaide in 2017. My parents and a couple of school friends encouraged me to give it a try when I was looking for a sport to play over Summer.
Goals: To be the best version of myself in life and to play professional baseball.
Darcy Williams – OF – NSW – Blacktown Workers
Representative history: NSW U18 2023 & NSW U16 2022
Little League Charter: Hills Little League 2018, Hills Intermediate League 2019, Hills Senior League 2021 & 2022
State programs: NSW High Performance Program 2019,2021 & 2023 NSW Showcase 2021 & 2022
Early career: I first started playing baseball when I was five years old for my local club “Hawkesbury Hawks.” I started playing baseball because my brother played.
Goals: My future aspirations are to keep training hard and playing the game to the best of my ability and to see where that can take me, hopefully one day that leads to me being able to represent my country and to play internationally.
Ryan Williams – LHP VIC – Sandringham royals
Representative history: VIC U18 2023, VIC U18 2022, VIC U16 2021, Mariner U16 2021, Mariners U-14 2020, Mariners Intermediate 2019 Aces academy
Early career: I first started playing in grade three due to friends at school playing. I started at Sandy and have been playing there since.
Goals: Play college baseball and hopefully make the world cup team. After college, trying to turn professional, but if not would love to come back to Melbourne and play for the aces
Ryder Wilson – RHP – VIC – Upwey Ferntree Gully
Representative history: Vic u16 2022. Vic u18 2022.
Little League Charters: Eastern Athletics 2014-2022, Australia representative, Senior League World Series 2022
Early career: I first started playing at Croydon Baseball Club in 2013 at 7 years old. My dad was working at Cricket Victoria and I played Cricket myself. Dad knew how hard Glenn Maxwell could throw and this was because he learned to throw in Baseball at Ringwood Baseball Club.
Goals: To improve my throwing, I joined Croydon for the winter season and have played Baseball ever since. Personally, I aspire to be known as a friendly person by others. I wish to be able to provide answers to problems rather than just follow, and I always want to continue to learn and set myself goals. I want others to see me as a team player rather than just be an individual, and continue to focus on being fit, healthy, and strong. Professionally, I want to play at MLB level and I wish to attend College in the USA after I finish Y12 in Australia. If I get an injury that stops this happening, I wish to instead be a PE Teacher, Physio, or work in another area of the sport industry.
More Coverage
Originally published as Top young Australian baseballers who could represent the country at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles
‘Nothing was going to stop him’: Stokes goes back-to-back at Birdsville
Group 1-winning trainer Phillip Stokes went back-to-back in the iconic Birdsville Cup, but this victory was even sweeter than last year.
Bark in boots: Daschund among die hard Port fans fighting for JHF boots
Hundreds of Port fans are fighting it out to win a signed pair of Jason Horne-Francis’ footy boots, including one four-legged entrant.