Welcome to the September edition of the Baseball SA Insider!
This month, we’re celebrating the people and moments making an impact across South Australian baseball from our athletes taking their game across Australia and around the world, to exciting opportunities opening up for the next generation.
Inside this edition, catch up on our latest representative achievements, pathway announcements, Charter opportunities, coaching updates and everything you need to know as we head into another big summer of baseball.
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
It's hard to believe we're already four weeks into the season! It's been great to see baseball back in full swing, with plenty of activity around the diamonds and some great things happening across our clubs.
From our youngest players through to our senior competitions, it's been a really positive start to the season. It's always great to see the grounds busy again and everyone getting back into the weekly routine of baseball.
A big thank you to all of our clubs, volunteers, coaches and officials who have put in the work to get the season up and running. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes each week, and we certainly appreciate everything you do to keep our sport moving forward.
We've also got plenty happening away from our regular competitions, with our development programs continuing and the Adelaide Giants getting ready to kick off their season. There is a lot to look forward to over the coming months.
Thanks again to everyone for a great start to the season. I look forward to seeing you out at the ballpark!
2026-27 SABL
Baseball SA is excited to announce the introduction of a brand-new award for the 2026–27 season, recognising the standout performers across the State League Division 1 and Women’s League Division 1 competition.
The Coaches MVP Award will celebrate the players who consistently make an impact throughout the season, as voted by the Head Coaches from both competitions.
After every game, Head Coaches will award votes to their five best-performing players from either team, using a traditional 5–4–3–2–1 voting system. Players will accumulate votes throughout the season, with the individual receiving the highest overall tally crowned the Coaches MVP.
To add to the excitement, votes from each game will be published following every round, allowing players, clubs and supporters to follow the leaderboard as the race for the inaugural award unfolds.
While the game-by-game results will be made public, individual coaches' votes will remain confidential.
With a new award up for grabs, the 2026–27 season brings another exciting opportunity to recognise the talent, consistency and match-winning performances across Baseball SA's State League Division 1 and Women’s League Division 1 competition.
Who will make history as the first-ever Coaches MVP?
A HISTORIC NIGHT FOR BASEBALL AT GAWLER
Some nights are about much more than baseball.
The Gawler Rangers Baseball Club community came together at Karbeethan Reserve for a special evening to remember and honour young Gawler player Ryan Prokopec, who tragically lost his life in a car accident.
In a moving tribute, Ryan's brother, Aiden Prokopec, threw the ceremonial first pitch, while club coach Dylan Child and Ryan's grandfather, Ken Prokopec, shared heartfelt words with those in attendance.
Gawler also honoured Ryan by taking the field with just eight players for the first pitch, leaving right field open as a tribute to Ryan and his place within the team. With Ryan's number 95 painted behind home plate, it was a night that reflected the love and support of the Gawler baseball community.
The evening also marked a significant milestone in South Australian baseball, with Gawler Rangers hosting Henley & Grange in what is believed to be the first official Division 1 night game played at a club ground in SABL history.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Gawler Rangers Baseball Club who helped bring this special night together. The care, effort and support shown throughout the evening was a wonderful reflection of what makes our baseball community so special.
INTRODUCING THE 2027 SUMMER BASEBALL SERIES
Baseball SA has announced the launch of the 2027 Summer Baseball Series, taking place during the January school holidays!
Building on the success of the 2026 Charter Baseball Showcase, the new Series will run across two weeks, giving players aged 9–16 more opportunities to get on the diamond during the summer break.
The program will include a day of player testing and evaluation, followed by nine days of games, with opportunities to learn from different coaches, develop skills and gain valuable game experience.
While the Series will run alongside Charter trials, players do not need to be trialling for a Charter team to participate. It's all about more baseball, meeting new teammates and enjoying the game during the school holidays!
2027 CHARTER PROGRAM UPDATE
Player Trial Registrations and Coaching Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Charter Program are now closed.
Thank you to everyone who registered their interest! Trial dates and further information will be announced soon.
Stay tuned to the Baseball SA website and social media channels for updates.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA ON THE WORLD STAGE
South Australian baseball will be well represented on the international stage this November, with six players and two coaches selected to represent Australia across two major international tournaments!
2026 WBSC U-23 BASEBALL WORLD CUP | NICARAGUA
Four South Australian players have been named in Team Australia's squad for the 2026 WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup, taking place in Nicaragua from 6–15 November 2026.
Congratulations to our SA representatives:
Deakin Filko – Golden Grove Central Districts
Nicholas Paparella – Southern Districts
Max Stagg – West Torrens
Darcy Barry – Henley & Grange
Joining them on the coaching staff is Nathan Van der Linden from West Torrens Baseball Club, who has been appointed as Team Australia's First Base Coach.
2026 ASIA PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP | JAPAN
South Australia will also be represented at the 2026 Asia Professional Baseball Championship (APBC), taking place at the iconic Tokyo Dome from 12–15 November 2026.
Two South Australian players have been selected in Australia's 28-player roster:
Ky Hampton
Josh Bishop
They will be joined by Josh Tols, who has been named as Australia's Bullpen Coach for the tournament.
From our local South Australian diamonds to the international stage, it's fantastic to see our players and coaches earning these opportunities to represent their country.
Congratulations to all eight South Australian representatives! We wish them the very best as they proudly wear the green and gold this November!
2027 AYWC & AWC COACHES EOI
Baseball South Australia (BSA) is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified and committed individuals wishing to be considered for coaching and team staff positions within the 2027 South Australian Women's State Team Program.
These appointments will support the preparation and participation of South Australian teams at the:
2027 Australian Women's Championship (AWC)
2027 Australian Youth Women's Championship (AYWC)
The Women's State Team Program plays a vital role in developing athletes and staff, fostering high-performance standards, and providing a positive and professional representative baseball experience for South Australia's leading female athletes.
Positions Available
Coaching Positions
Head Coach
Assistant Coach(es)
Development Coach
Team Staff Positions
Team Executive Officer
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!
PITCHING WORKLOAD GUIDLINES
Baseball SA’s 2026–27 Pitching Workload Guidelines provide a practical framework for pitcher preparation, workload management and recovery. Being implemented across our state teams and college pathways, they also support clubs, coaches, players and families in taking a coordinated approach to pitcher development.
Built by baseball people and informed by science, the guidelines combine professional coaching experience with current research and input from experienced pitching and health professionals. They support long-term development through progressive preparation, appropriate recovery and clear communication across an athlete’s teams.
BASEBALL SA FUTURES LEAGUE
Baseball South Australia is launching the 2026 BSA Futures League, a new development competition designed to provide more opportunities for emerging athletes, coaches and umpires across South Australia.
The competition kicks off on Wednesday, 4 November at Port Adelaide Baseball Club, before moving to West Beach for the remaining six Wednesday nights, concluding on 16 December.
Featuring three teams: Team Steigert, Team Burns and Team Cakebread the league will bring together primarily U16 and U18 state-team athletes, providing valuable game experience and preparation ahead of the Australian Youth Championships.
Beyond player development, the Futures League will also provide opportunities for emerging Charter coaches and umpires to gain experience in a competitive environment.
With a strong focus on athlete development, game preparation and responsible workload management, the league is another step in strengthening South Australia's baseball pathways.
We look forward to seeing our next generation of baseball talent take the field!