Baseball SA Insider June 2026
Welcome to the June edition of the Baseball SA Newsletter. While the off-season may be in full swing, there is no shortage of activity across South Australian baseball. From preparing for the upcoming season and supporting our representative teams, to recognising outstanding contributors and developing the next generation of players and umpires, exciting work continues both on and off the field. We thank everyone who contributes their time and passion to our sport and invite you to enjoy the latest updates from around the baseball community.
We hope you enjoy this month’s edition of the Baseball SA Insider
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
As we move towards the 2026/27 season, a significant amount of work is taking place behind the scenes to ensure our clubs and competitions are ready for the year ahead.
Through the Baseball Committee, Presidents’ Meetings, By-Laws Committee and other working groups, our clubs and volunteers are reviewing the season just completed, fine-tuning competition rules and finalising any changes required for the upcoming season.
This work extends well beyond the rules themselves. We have begun reaching out to our club contacts as we work closely with Baseball Australia to prepare for the rollout of 2026/27 memberships. There is still work to be completed before registrations go live, but the process is now underway, and we will continue supporting clubs as the new membership products and arrangements are finalised.
Competition structures, team nomination processes and umpiring arrangements have also formed an important part of these discussions. At the same time, our weekly umpire training course is now underway, with a new group of candidates meeting each week to develop their knowledge, learn the rules and build the practical skills required to officiate our game.
We are also seeking feedback directly from our playing community through the Women’s Senior Baseball Survey as we review the structure of the women’s competition for the coming season. It is important that any changes are informed by the experiences and priorities of the players themselves.
Away from competition administration, we have been finalising our Term 3 Performance Pathways programs and preparing to host a Baseball Australia High-Performance Camp at West Beach, later this week.
None of this work is particularly glamorous, but it is essential. It helps ensure our competitions continue to evolve, remain fair and provide the best possible experience for players, coaches, officials and clubs across South Australia.
This work would not be possible without the many volunteers who give their time, knowledge and experience to our committees and meetings. There are often different views around the table, but everyone is contributing with the shared goal of improving baseball and helping our game move forward.
On behalf of Baseball SA, thank you to everyone involved for the time and commitment you continue to give to our sport
2026 Baseball SA Hall Of Fame Inductees
The Baseball SA Heritage Committee are pleased to announce this year’s inductees into Baseball SA Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame committee has worked diligently over the last 5 months in selecting this year’s inductees. It is both the Heritage Committee’s and the Baseball SA Board’s belief that their contribution to Baseball in South Australia has been a credit to themselves and this award justifies the work they have contributed to our great game of baseball
This year’s function will be held on Wednesday, 2nd of September at the Highway Hotel Function room at 6:45. Further details to come.
Vale Daniel Harris
Baseball SA is deeply saddened by the passing of Daniel “Harry” Harris, a respected umpire, passionate contributor, and much-loved member of our baseball family.
Harry’s impact extended far beyond the diamond. Known for his humour, generosity, and unwavering support of others, he brought energy, friendship, and positivity to every game, every conversation, and every community he was a part of.
Beginning his umpiring journey in 2020, Harry quickly established himself as one of South Australia’s most respected umpires, officiating more than 300 games across SABL, South Australian Country Championships, regional finals, and national tournaments around Australia. Just as importantly, he dedicated countless hours to mentoring and supporting the next generation of umpires, helping grow the game he loved.
In 2023, Harry was honoured with the Michael Peacock Award, recognition from his peers of the respect, friendship, and camaraderie he brought to the umpiring community every day.
Harry leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, passion, and friendship. He will be remembered for the lives he touched, the people he encouraged, and the immeasurable contribution he made to baseball in South Australia and beyond.
Our heartfelt condolences are with Keryn, Dakota, Jett, his extended family,
friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest in Peace, Harry. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten
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!
2026 Term 3 Performance Pathways
Baseball South Australia is pleased to announce the launch of its Term 3 Performance Pathways Programs, providing athletes with structured, high-quality development opportunities across all stages of the performance pathway.
Commencing from 20 July, these programs run across a nine-week development phase and align with both State and National high-performance standards, offering athletes a clear pathway toward representative baseball and long-term athletic development.
2026 Barclay Cup
After another exciting year of growth and development, Baseball SA is proud to announce that we will once again be entering the 2026 Barclay Cup.
Following back-to-back Gold Medals, we’re aiming to make 2026 our biggest and strongest campaign yet.
The 2026 Barclay Cup will be held from Sunday 27 September to Saturday 3 October 2026 at Springvale Lions Baseball Club, Melbourne, Victoria, bringing together the nation’s most talented young female baseball players for a week-long showcase of skill, determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
This prestigious tournament continues to honour Jacinda Barclay, who made an incredible impact on women’s baseball and sport in Australia.
Baseball Australia are excited to launch a new Women’s Invitational Tournament for players aged 17–21, providing a unique opportunity to compete against talented peers from across Australia for the first time in this age group.
This tournament will run Sunday 27 September – Wednesday 30 September, alongside the opening days of the prestigious Barclay Cup.
The goal is to bring together teams for a high-quality, competitive, and development-focused event, and Baseball South Australia in aiming to take part in this new tournament.
2026 Australian Little League Championship (Invitational)
Good luck to the Adelaide Marlins Little League Development Team as they head to the 2026 Australian Little League Championship (Invitational) in Redcliffe!
Go make memories, play your game, and show everyone what South Australian baseball is all about. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!
Safe travels and good luck to all the players, coaches and families. Let's do this!
Good luck, Adelaide Seahorses!
Wishing the Adelaide Seahorses all the best as they head to the 2026 Australian Little League Girls Championship!
Go out there, enjoy every moment, back your teammates, and show everyone what South Australian baseball is all about. We’ll be cheering you on all the way!
Safe travels to all the players, coaches and families. Go make some amazing memories and give it your all!
2026 - 27 Pre - Season Umpire Training Program
The 2026–27 Pre-Season Umpire Training Program will commence in late August and is the perfect opportunity for both new and returning umpires to prepare for the upcoming season. Participants will develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence through structured training sessions led by experienced officials. Whether you're looking to start your umpiring journey or refresh your skills ahead of the season, we encourage you to get involved. For more information, visit our website or contact neil.poulton@baseballsa.org.au