Baseball SA Insider August 2026
August has been another busy month for Baseball SA as we prepare for the 2026–27 season.
From our Annual General Meeting and the launch of our 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, to new staff appointments, competition updates and continued development across our Performance Pathways, there is plenty happening across the baseball community.
With Opening Day just around the corner, this month’s newsletter brings together the latest news, key season updates, pathway opportunities and what’s ahead for Baseball SA.
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
As we move towards the start of the 2026–27 season, there is plenty happening across Baseball SA both on and off the field.
August included our Annual General Meeting and the introduction of Baseball SA's 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, which gives us a clear direction for the next four years across participation, pathways, clubs, facilities, partnerships, communication and organisational sustainability.
Thank you to everyone who attended the AGM on 19 August, and congratulations to Nathan Green, Kelly Wagner, Marcus Breach and Sarah Coligan following their election to the Baseball SA Board.
Season preparations are also continuing to gather pace. Registrations are open, competition structures are being finalised and clubs are working through the many details that come with preparing for another year of baseball.
Our pre-season umpire training is underway, led by our new Officiating Officer, Brayden Davidson. Recruiting, developing and retaining officials remains an important focus, so thank you to everyone who has already attended a session or put their hand up to umpire this season.
More than 100 athletes are currently training each week through our Performance Pathways programs. Attention will soon turn towards state programs and preparation for the Australian Youth Championships, while our Seahorses are already well into preparations for the Barclay Cup at the end of September.
August also welcomed Steph Pappas as Baseball SA's Director of Operations, strengthening our support across competitions, pathways, participation and administration.
Next up is our Baseball SA Legacy & Launch Night, where we will celebrate our Hall of Fame inductees and officially launch the 2026–27 season.
There is plenty ahead over the coming weeks and, as always, thank you to everyone across our clubs and broader baseball community who continues to contribute their time to the game.
2026-27 SABL
2026/27 SABL Club Nominations Open
With clubs beginning preparations for the new season, Senior and Youth competition team nominations are now open, providing clubs with the opportunity to confirm their teams ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Club team nominations will close at 9:00am on Monday, 7 September 2026. Clubs are encouraged to ensure their nominations are submitted prior to the deadline as Baseball SA continues preparations for fixtures and the upcoming season.
State League Division 1 Fixture Changes
There has been a significant change to the State League Division 1 fixture format for the upcoming season, following consultation with all 14 clubs. The initial fixture model featured six double headers and seven twilight games throughout the season. Following feedback and deliberation with clubs, the 2026/27 season will now see the number of double headers increased to eight, while twilight games will be reduced to four. The changes provide a revised fixture structure that reflects feedback from clubs while continuing to create an exciting match-day experience for players and supporters.
Club of the Round Returns
Baseball SA will also bring back the Club of the Round concept at Bennett Field, West Beach. Throughout the season, seven clubs will have the opportunity to host three State League games as part of the Club of the Round, creating a feature day for clubs and their supporters.
The Club of the Round schedule will provide a full day of State League baseball, with games scheduled as follows:
Division 3: 1:00pm (dependent on participating clubs)
Division 2: 3:45pm
Division 1: 7:00pm
State League Division 1 will once again take centre stage under lights, creating an exciting atmosphere for players, clubs and supporters at Bennett Field.
Night Baseball Comes to Club Land
In another exciting development for the 2026/27 season, multiple night games will be played away from West Beach and Norwood for the first time, bringing State League Division 1 night baseball directly into club land.
This will give clubs around South Australia the opportunity to host State League Division 1 games under lights at their own grounds, providing a new experience for players, volunteers and supporters. The introduction of night baseball away from West Beach is set to add another dimension to the State League Division 1 season and create more opportunities for clubs and their local communities to experience top-level baseball in a different setting.
Baseball SA is proud to launch our Strategic Plan 2026–2030, setting a clear direction for the future of baseball across South Australia.
The plan outlines our vision for a stronger, more connected and sustainable baseball community, with a focus on creating opportunities for players, coaches, officials, clubs and volunteers at every level of the game.
Baseball South Australia has welcomed four Board members following the 2026 Annual General Meeting, with Nathan Green, Kelly Wagner, Sarah Coligan and Marcus Breach join as Board members.
The four directors bring a mix of business, communications, governance, sporting and community experience that will support Baseball SA as it continues to grow and develop the game across South Australia.
BASEBALL SA WELCOMES NEW STAFF
Baseball SA is pleased to welcome Steph Pappas as Director of Operations and Brayden Davidson as Officiating Officer.
Since joining Baseball SA in early August, Steph has connected with members across the community and will focus on clear communication, practical support and strengthening collaboration across clubs, competitions, staff, officials, coaches and volunteers. With the season approaching, he looks forward to getting out to more clubs and helping ensure Baseball SA is organised and ready for a successful season.
Brayden joins Baseball SA as Officiating Officer, supporting the development and coordination of officials across the game and helping strengthen officiating pathways throughout the season.
Both Steph and Brayden look forward to working closely with the Baseball SA community and contributing to a successful season ahead.
LIFTING PATHWAYS TO NEW HEIGHTS
In case you missed it, JPS Lifts are now the official partners of our Pathways Programs and we couldn't ask for a better team to help us elevate our future stars.
Specialising in residential and commercial lift design, sales, installation, modernisation, and service, JPS Lifts bring over 200 years of combined expertise.
Known for sky-high standards in reliability and customer service, JPS Lifts offer round-the-clock peace of mind with 24/7 support from local, qualified Adelaide technicians.
Whether it’s lifting people or programs, JPS Lifts are committed to moving South Australians upward and onward. Welcome aboard to the leading name in vertical transport!
PERFORMANCE PATHWAYS
Our Adelaide Armada Intermediate League team travelled to Livermore, California for the Intermediate League World Series, gaining valuable experience playing on the world stage against some of the best players in the world for the age group.
With the charter season over for 2026, focus now shifts to the Barclay Cup, which will be held in Melbourne from September 27th to October 3rd. The girls have been preparing under new head coach Todd Van Steensel, who will attempt to win a third straight Barclay Cup.
Baseball SA will also soon be releasing a revamped coaching accreditation system, as well as a renewed push for Little League T-Ball for the clubs.
Baseball South Australia has announced the trial process for athletes seeking selection in the 2027 South Australian Under 16 and Under 18 State Teams, ahead of the 2027 Australian Youth Championships in Melbourne, Victoria.
Eligible athletes who aspire to represent South Australia on the national stage are encouraged to register and participate in the upcoming trial process.
Athletes currently participating in the Baseball SA Performance Pathways Program do not need to register for the 2027 U16 or U18 South Australian State Team Trials.
Performance Pathways athletes are also not required to pay the $55 trial fee.
The countdown to the new season is on, and it’s time for our umpiring community to come together!
Whether you’re a returning umpire or joining us for the first time, we invite you to be part of our pre-season events as we prepare for another exciting year of baseball.
Rules Training Sessions
All rules training sessions will be held at Sports SA Meeting Rooms from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Monday, 24 August – 1st Rules Training Session
Monday, 7 September – 2nd Rules Training Session
Monday, 14 September – 3rd Rules Training Session
Monday, 21 September – 4th Rules Training Session
No registration required
Free to attend
Come along, refresh your knowledge, connect with fellow officials, and get ready for the 2026–27 baseball season.
We look forward to seeing our umpiring community back together and ready for another great season!