Melbourne Aces depart ABL for new opportunities overseas

A rival club and angry fans have hit out at an Australian professional baseball team’s decision to leave the national competition and instead look to the international stage. See the reaction.

The Melbourne Aces are leaving the ABL. Photo: TANIA CHALMERS - SMP IMAGES

A rival club and angry fans have hit out at an Australian professional baseball team’s decision to leave the national competition and instead look to the international stage.

The Melbourne Aces announced on Monday they had withdrawn from the Australian Baseball League (ABL) “moving forward with a bold new vision” to explore “fresh opportunities on the international stage”.

The club based in Melbourne’s west said the decision was made as a result of years of discussion with the ABL regarding “unresolved concerns”.

“However, this is far from the end—it’s the start of something even bigger,” the club said.

The club confirmed it will compete in the Ulsan KBO Fall League in Korea in October later this year with home game against Korean teams in January and February 2026 to follow.

“This transition allows us to take the club to new heights, providing fans with an even better baseball experience,” a club statement said.

“The Aces ownership, management, coaches, and players remain committed to delivering top-level competition and entertainment.”

In response to the news, the Adelaide Giants took to social media to say it was “disappointed” the club was leaving the ABL.

“We may have our differences but they are our fiercest rival. The games vs Melbourne are the first we circle on our calendar. Leagues are strengthened through rivalries like ours and epic on field battles,” they said.

“We are committed to growing professional baseball in Australia.

“We know how important it is to play an active role in creating a place for elite Australian talent to grow and thrive - right here in our own domestic competition.”

The Melbourne Aces social media channels were flooded with comments after the decision was revealed — a move which leaves the ABL with just five teams.

“While the Melbourne Aces are trying to frame their withdrawal from the Australian Baseball League (ABL) as an exciting new chapter, the reality is far more disappointing and damaging — not just for Melbourne, but for the entire Australian baseball community,” Scott Deakes wrote in a lengthy comment.

“This move reflects a short-sighted and selfish decision that prioritises individual ambition over the greater good of the sport in Australia.”

Another wrote: “Wait what?? We just purchased memberships and merchandise!! I’ve just wasted all this money”

In response to any comments, the Aces social media team wrote “Melbourne Aces will be playing on. We will keep the Melbourne Aces as an active baseball club. Over the coming summer we have already committed to a number of games”.

Baseball Australia president thanked Brett and Shaun Ralph and the club for their commitment to the competition.

“The Aces have been major contributors to baseball for a significant period,” he said.

“It is a loss to see them withdraw from the league. We thank the Ralph family, and everyone involved in the Aces organisation for their contribution to baseball in Australia.

“The Aces have achieved tremendous success both on and off the field over many years.”

Originally published as Melbourne Aces depart ABL for new opportunities overseas