Baseball SA Insider February 2026 — Baseball South Australia

There is real momentum building across South Australian baseball.

From State Team announcements and Charter selections to SABL Grand Finals approaching and the launch of new development initiatives, the past month has been packed with progress at every level of the game. Standards are rising, opportunities are expanding, and our pathways continue to strengthen.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening across Baseball SA.

Message from the GM

Hello everyone,

The past month has been a significant one across South Australian baseball, with key milestones reached across our competitions, performance pathways, and development programs.

Women’s State Teams

This month saw the confirmation of both the South Australian Youth and Open Women’s State Teams that will compete at the upcoming Australian Women’s Championships. Selection was based on performance, positional needs, and long-term pathway considerations, and we’re proud of the athletes who will represent our state across both teams. Preparations are now well underway as each squad builds toward the Championships.

School Sport SA – State Team & National Championships

School Sport SA trials have recently concluded, with the South Australian 18 Years & Under Baseball State Team now selected. Baseball South Australia is pleased to continue supporting School Sport SA and the student-athletes representing our state.

We are also proud to be hosting the 2026 School Sport Australia 18 Years & Under Baseball Championships here in Adelaide, to be held at West Beach from Sunday 26 April to Saturday 2 May 2026.

SABL Grand Finals

With the SABL season drawing to a close, congratulations to all clubs and teams competing in this year’s Grand Finals. Reaching this stage is a significant achievement and a credit to the players, coaches, officials, and volunteers who make our competitions possible. Grand Final fixtures and details are available on our website.

Charter Team Announcements

Charter teams were announced this week, marking an important milestone in our performance pathways calendar. These programs continue to provide targeted development opportunities for athletes across multiple age groups, supported by dedicated coaches and staff. Full Charter team announcements can be found online.

New Umpire Development Program

One of the key off-field developments this month has been the launch of our new umpire development program. This initiative is designed to strengthen recruitment, education, and retention across all levels of the game, recognising the critical role umpires play in the success of baseball in South Australia. More information about the program is available via our website.

Capps Medal Presentation

Preparations are also continuing for the upcoming Capps Medal presentation. Following the passing of Dr Roger Capps earlier this year, it is especially meaningful that his family continues to support and uphold this important tradition.

The event will be held on 18 March at Woodville Town Hall, celebrating excellence and contribution to South Australian baseball.

Add tickets link 2026 Capps Medal Table — Baseball South Australia

Thank you, as always, to our players, clubs, volunteers, officials, coaches, partners, and supporters. Your time, commitment, and passion continue to drive the game forward across our state, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the months ahead.

SABL

As State League Division 1 minor round enters its final act, the stage is set for a weekend of high stakes baseball where every pitch carries the weight of a season. With only one matchup across the league carrying no postseason implications, the top 6 is coming down to the last pitch.

Henley and Grange find themselves in a familiar yet precarious position. A victory this weekend would secure the Rams their fourth consecutive minor premiership in as many years, a testament to their sustained excellence. However, the ghost of seasons past looms large. Despite their recent regular season dominance, the club is still searching for its first division 1 title since the late 1990s.

The path to the top seed isn't guaranteed. Should the Rams stumble against Kensington, the door swings wide open for Southern Districts. A win for Sothern Districts over Gawler, coupled with a Henley and Grange loss, would see the minor premiership head south as they own the tie breaker 2 games to 1 over Henley and Grange. Meanwhile, Adelaide can breathe a sigh of relief; regardless of their result, they have mathematically locked in a home final.

The most desperate struggle of the weekend takes place at the edge of the finals bubble. Port Adelaide currently holds a razor thin half-game lead over Woodville for the sixth and final seed.

A Port Adelaide win over Goodwood locks them into the finals while if the Magpies falter, the Senators can leapfrog them into the 6th seed with a victory over East Torrens.

While State League Division 1 is a dogfight, the Women’s Division 1 has been a masterclass in perfection. The Woodville Senators have already secured the minor premiership in emphatic fashion, sitting a staggering seven games clear of second placed Adelaide.

The Senators are chasing history this weekend, looking to complete a perfect 20-of-20 regular season. Remarkable as it sounds, Woodville has not dropped a Women’s Division 1 game in 355 days. As they look to secure back-to-back premierships, the question remains, Can Adelaide, Glenelg, or Southern Districts find a chink in the armour, or are we going to see a perfect season.

PERFORMANCE PATHWAY

AWC & AYWC Team Announcement

Baseball South Australia is proud to announce the Youth and Open Women’s South Australian State Teams selected to compete at the 2026 Australian Women’s Championships (AWC) and Australian Youth Women’s Championships (AYWC), to be held in Melbourne from 12–18 April 2026.

“We’re seeing real momentum across our women’s program, with increased competition, higher standards, and athletes who are ready to challenge themselves at the national level.”

That momentum has been evident throughout the trials and preparation phase, with both squads showcasing strong commitment, intensity, and depth. From a Performance Pathways perspective, this year represents an important step forward for the program.

Across both teams, there is a healthy balance of new athletes entering the environment alongside returning players who bring valuable national tournament experience. That mix is critical — allowing younger athletes to learn what the national standard looks like while continuing to build depth and sustainability for the future.

Throughout preparation, training intensity has lifted noticeably and competition for roles has been stronger than in recent years. Emerging athletes have put themselves firmly in contention and are ready to challenge at the national level — exactly what Baseball SA looks for in a high-performance environment.

2026 State Charter Teams

The 2026 State Charter Teams have been announced for the State Charter event, taking place 17–20 April.

More information is coming soon. Squads are available on our social media platforms.

2026 Adelaide Seahorses Little League Girls Team

Baseball South Australia is pleased to announce that player registrations and coaches Expressions of Interest for the 2026 Adelaide Seahorses Little League Girls Team are now open.

This program provides young athletes with the opportunity to represent South Australia on the national stage, develop their skills in a high-performance environment, and be part of a positive and supportive team culture.

For more information Read : 2026 Adelaide Seahorses Little League Girls Team Registrations Now Open — Baseball South Australia

2026 Umpire Development Program

Baseball SA is recruiting 14 new Division 1 umpires for the 2026/27 season through a fully structured, funded development program.

If you’ve played the game and want a role in it that can take you further than playing ever could, this program is for you.

What the program includes:

• 52 hours of paid training across the season
• 24 weekly online theory sessions (1 hour, from home)
• 6 two-hour practical sessions at West Beach (April–September)
• Integration with the existing league umpire training group
• Annual Umpire Seminar
• Full uniform and equipment supplied (~$800 value, recovered through pay)
• AABU and BUASA membership paid by Baseball SA
• Season-long mentoring from ABL panel umpires
• $875 paid before Christmas upon completing the first 3 months
• Average season earnings of $4,000 paid fortnightly

Who we are looking for:

• Aged 20–30
• Played State League baseball at any level
• Available Saturdays
• Willing to commit 1 hour per week online plus 2 hours per month practical

Training commences April 2026.

Submit your expression of interest via email:
neil.poulton@baseballsa.org.au