Amy chatted to players, coaches, umpires, scorers, high performance staff and more about the great event! 

Chapters

00:00 Intro
00:52 Anna Day - A tournament Director like no other
03:49 Nick Bachono - an eye on Nationals
05:48 Kya Foxwell - full circle as player to player & coach
06:58 Cassandra Hall - Best seat in the house 
09:40 Peter Riggs & NQ Storm: Building a Family Culture in Baseball
11:41 Leigh Druery - can't keep track without a scorer
15:01 Gemma Scales - The Rise of Women's Baseball in the Territory
16:33 Monica Arcuri - junior baseballer making giant steps around the world
20:09 Neal Ragou - Guiding the next generation 
24:37 Thanks 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 
01:34 How she got started
03:05 National Championships and Achievements
05:52 Experience in the Showcase
08:09 On Carine Cats
10:08 Playing in Canada: The League and Training
12:42 Coaching and Team Dynamics
15:32 Skills Development and Game Experience
17:44 Navigating Versatility in Baseball Positions
18:45 Team Dynamics and Player Experiences
19:34 Youth Baseball Development in Canada
21:21 Cultural Immersion and Life in Canada
23:25 Personal Growth Through Challenges
27:33 Embracing Opportunities in Sports
27:58 Advice for those thinking of going overseas
30:08 Preparation and Mental Readiness for Travel
32:19 Revamping Baseball Uniforms

The duo joins Amy McCann to all things Women's Profressional Baseball League trials held in the United States.

Allie and Molly discuss their decision-making process, the challenges of preparation, their arrival in Washington, and the emotional rollercoaster of the trial experience, culminating in their time at Nationals Park.  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL)
02:23 Choosing to nominate in the first place!
04:42 Choosing to make the the trip over
06:29 Preparation for Trials
08:04 Like 'what the?'
12:50 Arrival in Washington and First Impressions
13:40 Lets get to the Trials!
16:52 Trial Days Overview
25:38 Learning from Trials
28:50 Finding out they'd made the cut to play at a big league park!  
32:39 The Excitement of Playing at a Major League Park
38:52 Major League Game Day
46:40 No bad hops
48:44 Stand out moment
50:15 Molly's nap time
52:46 Advice for Future Generations
55:09 The big question - how has it changed you?
58:37 Anticipation for the Draft and Future Opportunities
01:00:55 The Draft.
01:02:24 Congrats and Thank you! 

In July 2025, she became the only girl to contest the Little League World Series and just the 24th in history.

She stepped up for Australia and landed a hit, joining a select group of only eleven girls to ever record one at the LLWS.

In this chat, Brisbane's Monica talks about the Series, training in Japan, juggling school with sport, and what it means to be a girl in baseball.

She shares the lessons she’s learned, the mates who’ve backed her, and her hope to see more girls playing the game back home.

In this episode, host Amy McCann speaks with members of the Adelaide Angels Baseball Club Bec Murdoch, Sophie Fuchs, and Dion Thiele about their experiences and the growth of women's baseball at their club.

They discuss the club's family-oriented culture, the evolution of women's teams, and the importance of creating opportunities for young female players. 

Plus we chat all things 2025 Barclay Cup! The prestigious Barclay Cup is a junior female baseball event in honour of Australian baseball legend Jacinda Barclay which will be hosted by the club from September 28 to October 4, 2025, at Weigall Oval.

In this special episode, Amy McCann speaks with Oona Ylinen and Artie Herbert, members of the Great British Women's Baseball Team, who recently became Euro champions and qualified for the World Cup.

They discuss their journey into baseball, the emotional highs and lows of the tournament, and the importance of resilience and teamwork.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing full-time jobs with their passion for baseball, the significance of their victory, and their aspirations for the future of women's baseball in Great Britain.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Women's Baseball and Team Vibes
02:25 Laura Bailes: Journey to Great Britain Baseball
04:43 Team Preparation and Commitment
08:01 Mix of Experience: Rookies and Veterans
10:44 Mental Game and Team Dynamics
11:40 British Style of Play and Strategy
13:51 Data-Driven Approach to Baseball
15:11 Team Playlist and Dugout Vibes
16:57 Goals and Aspirations for the World Cup
18:19 Support and Community Engagement

Guess what? WBIP is heading on a Euro trip!

That’s right, the 2025 Women’s Baseball European Championship kicks off this week. This is the third edition of the tournament, which started in 2019 and was last held in 2022.

From August 14 to 17, the beautiful town of Hluboká in the Czech Republic will be the centre of women’s baseball in Europe.

Four national teams will take the field, battling not just for continental bragging rights, but also for a spot at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

So, who’s in the mix?

We have France — the two-time defending champions.
Czechia — the hometown heroes.
The Netherlands — regulars on the World Cup stage.
And Great Britain — chasing their breakthrough moment.

Over four days, these teams will face off, with the top two meeting in the championship final on August 17.

Though the tournament is still young, it’s already packed with stories.

Back in 2019, France took gold over Great Britain, with Czechia claiming bronze. In 2022, France defended their title convincingly, beating Czechia 13–3 in the final. The Netherlands grabbed bronze, and Great Britain finished fourth.

So, as we look ahead to 2025, the big questions are:

• Can France make it three in a row?
• Will the Netherlands return to the World Cup for the sixth time?
• Can Czechia seize the crown on home soil?
• Or will Great Britain finally clinch their debut World Cup spot?

Guess what? WBIP is heading on a Euro trip!

That’s right, the 2025 Women’s Baseball European Championship kicks off this week. This is the third edition of the tournament, which started in 2019 and was last held in 2022.

From August 14 to 17, the beautiful town of Hluboká in the Czech Republic will be the centre of women’s baseball in Europe.

Four national teams will take the field, battling not just for continental bragging rights, but also for a spot at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

So, who’s in the mix?

We have France — the two-time defending champions.
Czechia — the hometown heroes.
The Netherlands — regulars on the World Cup stage.
And Great Britain — chasing their breakthrough moment.

Over four days, these teams will face off, with the top two meeting in the championship final on August 17.

Though the tournament is still young, it’s already packed with stories.

Back in 2019, France took gold over Great Britain, with Czechia claiming bronze. In 2022, France defended their title convincingly, beating Czechia 13–3 in the final. The Netherlands grabbed bronze, and Great Britain finished fourth.

So, as we look ahead to 2025, the big questions are:

• Can France make it three in a row?
• Will the Netherlands return to the World Cup for the sixth time?
• Can Czechia seize the crown on home soil?
• Or will Great Britain finally clinch their debut World Cup spot?

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Netherlands Women's Baseball Team
01:52 Intro to Netherlands
03:56 Team Selection and Training Dynamics
05:56 How the team comes together
07:16 What has the team been working on in the lead in
08:28 On getting to play a Euro Champs
10:45 Team Netherlands in 3 words!
13:34 Goals for the Champs
15:56 Coach has a proud moment! 
20:12 Introduction to Women's Baseball in France

Guess what? WBIP is heading on a Euro trip!

That’s right, the 2025 Women’s Baseball European Championship kicks off this week. This is the third edition of the tournament, which started in 2019 and was last held in 2022.

From August 14 to 17, the beautiful town of Hluboká in the Czech Republic will be the centre of women’s baseball in Europe.

Four national teams will take the field, battling not just for continental bragging rights, but also for a spot at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

So, who’s in the mix?

We have France — the two-time defending champions.
Czechia — the hometown heroes.
The Netherlands — regulars on the World Cup stage.
And Great Britain — chasing their breakthrough moment.

Over four days, these teams will face off, with the top two meeting in the championship final on August 17.

Though the tournament is still young, it’s already packed with stories.

Back in 2019, France took gold over Great Britain, with Czechia claiming bronze. In 2022, France defended their title convincingly, beating Czechia 13–3 in the final. The Netherlands grabbed bronze, and Great Britain finished fourth.

So, as we look ahead to 2025, the big questions are:

• Can France make it three in a row?
• Will the Netherlands return to the World Cup for the sixth time?
• Can Czechia seize the crown on home soil?
• Or will Great Britain finally clinch their debut World Cup spot?

00:00 Introduction to Women's Baseball in France
03:57 The Journey and Team Dynamics
06:11 Development of Women's Baseball in France
07:59 Team Composition and Key Players
10:32 Training Focus and Team Spirit
14:04 Off-Field Dynamics and Social Media Presence
16:23 The Importance of Winning and Future Aspirations
19:01 Community and Respect in Women's Baseball

Guess what? We’re heading on a Euro trip!

That’s right, the 2025 Women’s Baseball European Championship kicks off this week. This is the third edition of the tournament, which started in 2019 and was last held in 2022.

From August 14 to 17, the beautiful town of Hluboká in the Czech Republic will be the centre of women’s baseball in Europe.

Four national teams will take the field, battling not just for continental bragging rights, but also for a spot at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

So, who’s in the mix?

We have France — the two-time defending champions.
Czechia — the hometown heroes.
The Netherlands — regulars on the World Cup stage.
And Great Britain — chasing their breakthrough moment.

Over four days, these teams will face off, with the top two meeting in the championship final on August 17.

Though the tournament is still young, it’s already packed with stories.

Back in 2019, France took gold over Great Britain, with Czechia claiming bronze. In 2022, France defended their title convincingly, beating Czechia 13–3 in the final. The Netherlands grabbed bronze, and Great Britain finished fourth.

So, as we look ahead to 2025, the big questions are:

• Can France make it three in a row?
• Will the Netherlands return to the World Cup for the sixth time?
• Can Czechia seize the crown on home soil?
• Or will Great Britain finally clinch their debut World Cup spot?

Guess what? We’re heading on a Euro trip!

That’s right, the 2025 Women’s Baseball European Championship kicks off this week. This is the third edition of the tournament, which started in 2019 and was last held in 2022.

From August 14 to 17, the beautiful town of Hluboká in the Czech Republic will be the centre of women’s baseball in Europe.

Four national teams will take the field, battling not just for continental bragging rights, but also for a spot at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

So, who’s in the mix?

We have France — the two-time defending champions.
Czechia — the hometown heroes.
The Netherlands — regulars on the World Cup stage.
And Great Britain — chasing their breakthrough moment.

Over four days, these teams will face off, with the top two meeting in the championship final on August 17.

Though the tournament is still young, it’s already packed with stories.

Back in 2019, France took gold over Great Britain, with Czechia claiming bronze. In 2022, France defended their title convincingly, beating Czechia 13–3 in the final. The Netherlands grabbed bronze, and Great Britain finished fourth.

So, as we look ahead to 2025, the big questions are:
Can France make it three in a row?
Will the Netherlands return to the World Cup for the sixth time?
Can Czechia seize the crown on home soil?
Or will Great Britain finally clinch their debut World Cup spot?

Let’s break it all down.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kira Kumoto
00:52 Kira's Journey from Japan to Australia
03:45 Representing Victoria and Winning Gold
05:07 The Late Call-Up and MVP Performance
08:32 Mindset Shift in Performance
10:06 The Joy of Playing Baseball
12:47 Coaching the Next Generation
14:33 Unsung Heroes in Team Dynamics
17:46 Future Aspirations in Baseball

Chapters

00:00 Intro
02:12 The Final Intro with Amac, Tahn and Sister
03:10 Whaddya think when ya think WA?
08:26 Whats in story for WA in 2025?
11:52 Caitlin and Chloe Join the show
12:48 Caitlin and Chloe on their start in the sport
16:10 Giants and Braves and clubland in WA
19:05 2023 - Champions of Australia
21:28 Stepping up on the international stage
25:46 Baseball - its 90% mental 
33:36 Multi-way players finding balance
37:26 Gold to fifth to ???
39:39 WA player to WAtch
41:05 Second oldest is how old?
44:13 Drip or Skip: Yellow or Red?
46:46 Drip or Skip: Eye black & the grey skies of Melbourne
49:01 Drip or Skip: Dirty Mids
53:23 Drip or Skip: Batting gloves.... or glove :) 
56:38 The final countdown

We hear from Queensland baseball legend Karina Connors, Head Coach of the Queensland White team in 2025, about what she has seen across her 25 years in maroon baseball, the excitement of winning the 2023 Youth Nationals gold, coaching male and female athletes, and more.

Molly “The Business” Paddison shares her journey from ballet to baseball, and through the ranks of junior Queensland baseball, about being the only female athlete in teams, winning the 2023 Youth Nationals gold and her stunning performance at the 2024 Nationals, and her evolving mindset as she transitions from a rookie to a leader at just 17.

Plus 'Drip or Skip' returns to discuss walkout songs, helmet colours and outfield cellies.

Plus, watch out for a special guest who drops into the studio!

Chapters

00:00 Intro
02:42 Lets chat Queensland!
03:31 Queensland's Emeralds
04:29 Anne-Marieeeeeeee - EO to the stars!
05:24 2025 Queensland Rosters
07:43 So. Much. Youth.
09:57 Welcome Karina Connors (Sexo)
10:23 Sexo, a legend of QLD baseball
12:18 Karina on the changes over the last two decades in QLD baseball
14:13 On winning 2023 Youth Gold with QLD 
16:53 Coaching Philosophy and the Path to Success
23:08 What does success look like for 2025 White?
27:31 Surprise Guest joins the show - the best name in baseball?
29:16 Storm's Journey in Baseball
30:12 Fangirling over Storm! 
32:11 Goals for Nationals
33:19 Shoutouts and Rising Stars
34:24 Mental Toughness in Baseball
35:51 The Business End of the Show ;)
38:53 From Ballet to Baseball
40:33 Rising Through the Ranks
42:55 Experiences as the Only Girl
46:07 The Business chats 2025 Nationals
48:04 Mindset Shift for Nationals
51:53 Rivalries
55:07 Drip or Skip: Walkout Songs 
58:32 Drip or Skip - White helmets
01:02:35 Drip or Skip: Cellies in the OF
01:07:06 Final words from The Business 

WBIP founder Amy McCann teams up with fellow Emeralds alumni Tahnee Lovering and Amy Cannington and this trio knows their Nationals!McCann claimed seven national crowns with Victoria (2003-2014), Lovering five titles with New South Wales (2004-2018), while Cannington (née Collins) is one of the few to win gold in two states, representing both Victoria and New South Wales (2011-2020).

Each week in a dedicated episode profiling each state, the trio will bring their expert insights and knowledge to the mic to dissect the rosters, chat with some of Australia’s best players, mix in a little Nationals history, and more.

In episode 3, we chat to the New South Wales duo of Ticara Geldenhuis and Lisa Nakashio. 

We learn how and when they got started in the sport, and hear all about their recent baseball experiences in Japan where they immersed themselves into Japanese culture on and off the field. 

We delve into the importance of strength and conditioning in developing athletes, dealing with menstruation as a female in sport, and we also discuss the mental pressures of being at the top in the sport. 

The episode talks to the history of the NSW state team, previews the 2025 roster, and also profiles the Blacktown Workers and Ryde Baseball clubs' women's programs. 

In Drip or Skip, we tackle the big issues such as what blue is blue, what is going on with the white hats, eye black, and we invent double mitt cellies.

Make sure you hang around to hear Tahnee sing the NSW team song! 

Enjoy!

Chapters

00:00 Intro
02:55 Being a Blue
04:57 Tahnee on NSW team history
08:14 Amac's true blue blood
12:07 2025 Roster
17:28 Welcome Lisa and Ticara
19:59 Lisa and Ticara's visits to Japan
25:45 Learning from the best 
35:26 Lisa chats coaching
39:37 The Role of Strength and Conditioning in Baseball
45:48 Dealing with periods in baseball and sport
49:58 2025 Nationals Preview 
51:53 Blacktown Workers everywhere in the state team!
55:09 Lisa and Tahn chat Ryde!
01:01:06 Ticara and Lisa's NSW Players to Watch
01:02:41 Drip or Skip: Blue is the new black
01:06:56 Drip or Skip - Rookies Duties
01:07:55 Drip or Skip: White is the new Blue
01:09:07 Drip or Skip: Double sliding mitt cellies
01:11:51 NSW Team Song..... Explicit!

WBIP founder Amy McCann teams up with fellow Emeralds alumni Tahnee Lovering and Amy Cannington and this trio knows their Nationals!McCann claimed seven national crowns with Victoria (2003-2014), Lovering five titles with New South Wales (2004-2018), while Cannington (née Collins) is one of the few to win gold in two states, representing both Victoria and New South Wales (2011-2020).

Each week in a dedicated episode profiling each state, the trio will bring their expert insights and knowledge to the mic to dissect the rosters, chat with some of Australia’s best players, mix in a little Nationals history, and more.

In episode two, Jess Maslin and Bianca Ramsey stopped by to chat all things South Australia, their rise in the game, how the game is booming in the state, the history of the state team and the upcoming 2025 elite team including the excitement of youth on the elite team.

The conversation also delves into the dynamics of team cohesion, we explore the training regimens of two players, and the transition from softball to baseball.

In Drip or Skip, we tackle the big issues such as t-shirt colour, pinstripes, crocs, baseball bling and baseball 'icks'.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:09 Exploring South Australia's Baseball History
05:35 What's the best SA team we've seen?
07:37 The 2025 South Australian Team Overview
12:33 The Importance of Game Play and Preparation
14:42 Guest Introductions: Jess Maslin and Bianca Ramsey
17:44 Comparing Baseball and Softball Skills
21:07 Jess' firsts with the bat!
23:03 Bianca's start in life!
25:05 Jess and Bianca share their Strength and Conditioning regime
28:45 On their participation in the Showcases
31:17 From Catcher to Pitcher: Bianca's Journey
32:55 Epic Performances: Nationals Highlights
35:17 2023 Team Dynamics: Building a Winning Culture
37:22 The Rising Stars: New Talent in the Team
40:26 Supporting Young Players: Leadership Strategies
43:41 Bianca and Jess give us their SA player to watch
45:59 Goals for Nationals
48:09 Drip or Skip: red shirts and rawdogging in the cage
52:36 Drip or Skip Bling
53:38 Baseball Icks
57:21 Tahnee chats pant style
01:00:36 Close

WBIP founder Amy McCann teams up with fellow Emeralds alumni Tahnee Lovering and Amy Cannington and this trio knows their Nationals!
McCann claimed seven national crowns with Victoria (2003-2014), Lovering five titles with New South Wales (2004-2018), while Cannington (née Collins) is one of the few to win gold in two states, representing both Victoria and New South Wales (2011-2020).

Each week in a dedicated episode profiling each state, the trio will bring their expert insights and knowledge to the mic to dissect the rosters, chat with some of Australia’s best players, mix in a little Nationals history, and more.

Timings: 
00:00 Intro
00:36 Welcome
01:47 Thoughts when you think of Victoria
04:56 The history and legacy of Victorian Baseball Team
08:16 The 2025 Victorian Team
15:15 Allie and Bel join the episode
23:49 Bel chats overcoming two knee recos
29:02 Allie talks World Cup selection
30:57 Allie talks Injury Prevention and Body Maintenance & Balancing Work and Recovery
36:35 Bel discussed the Evolution of Coaching and Training Methods
43:55 Allie introduces us to Baseball Five
46:57 Bel and Allie discuss Training for Nationals: Preparation and Strategy
52:08 Bel and Allie discuss discuss Team Dynamics and Rookies' Integration
54:47 Bel and Allie discuss Advice for Young Players
57:45 All four give us their Players to watch
01:00:41 The segment everyone has been waiting for... Drip or Skip
01:04:33 Drip or Skip - Double Cellies
01:08:06 Drip or Skip - Sliding Mitts
01:11:11 Closing Thoughts + Out of Office Fun
 

Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life 

License code: RKU7PURYNJLSE1QQ

The schedules dropped earlier this week and in this conversation, Amy McCann invites Baseball Australia's National Tournament Director Michael Ibbotson discuss the upcoming Australian Women's and Youth Women's Nationals, exploring the intricacies of tournament management, scheduling challenges, and the importance of community engagement.

They delve into the evolution of tournament formats, the significance of having youth and women's gold medal games on the same day, and the vital role of volunteers and staff in making the event successful.

The discussion also highlights the advancements in broadcasting and the future goals for the Nationals, emphasising the passion and dedication behind the scenes.

Today we travel to Townsville to chat all things Townsville women's baseball and for a chat with Paula Doherty (1:43), Emma Reid (16:00) and Nicola Caldwell (26:42). 

Plus remember to visit womensbaseball.me for all your women's baseball news and merch needs! Enjoy! 

"Beyond the Bases" will hit up the grassroots of Australian baseball to hear from clubs doing great things for women and girls baseball all across the country. 

For the inaugural episode, we visited the Carine Cats Baseball Club in Perth, Western Australia to hear about chat with President Craig Padifield, Junior Chair Kelly Wiersma and Junior Player Mylie Watt. 

Visit https://carinecats.com.au/ today. 

Plus remember to visit womensbaseball.me for all your women's baseball news and merch needs! 

Enjoy! 

Going yard at the world's first Little League Nationals in Lismore and then repping Team Australia at the U12 World Cup quallies in Guam.

In this episode, Amy McCann interviews Audrey Cheung from Victoria, Australia. Audrey shares her journey in baseball, starting from her early days playing t-ball to her experiences in the Australian Little League Championships and her recent selection for the Australian team. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys of being a female athlete in a male-dominated sport, her memorable moments on and off the field, and her aspirations for the future. Audrey's passion for baseball shines through as she discusses her training, favourite positions, and the support she receives from her family and coaches.

Remember to head to womensbaseball.me :) 

Episode 3 features dual World Cup Emerald Claire O'Sullivan, a legend of New South Wales Baseball. Hear about Claire's start in regional NSW, her time with Country NSW, her Emeralds debut and that seven year gap between time in the green and gold, plus her recent stint with the Kyushu Honeys in Japan.

Also remember to head to womensbaseball.me :) 

For episode 3, we hit the top end to hear about all things Northern Territory women's baseball, significantly the Darwin Women's League.

Listen to Kai Meuronen, Participation & Pathways Manager at Baseball NT, Head Coach of the Stingers Gemma Scales (16:50), and Cyclones player Templar Murrell (29:55). 

For episode 2, we travel to Perth, Western Australia, to speak with Baseball WA CEO Lachlan Dale about the new WA Elite Women's Series, and all things WA Women's Baseball. 

We also have a chat to rising stars Ava Tyson (23:46) and Chloe Atkinson (34:51)  who featured in the opening game for the Melville Braves and Wanneroo Giants. 

For episode 2, we talk all things The Barclay Cup, which is an epic week of baseball honouring Jacinda Barclay, a standout Australian athlete, one heck of a ballplayer, and an even better person off the field, who sadly passed away in 2020.

The Cup brings together female ballers aged 13-16 for a week of fun on and off the field from September 29th to October 5th with teams from Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia set to hit the diamond. 

After making its debut in Queensland in 2022, before heading to Perth in 2023, Sydney will host the third edition of the Cup.

But what does it all mean, what impact has the event had? A lot and huge is the answer I got when I chatted with three people who will be making it a trifecta of Barclay Cups this year. 

Laura Neads, one of Jacinda's best mates who also played alongside her at the highest level for Australia who will be coaching the NSW Ball-hers team. 

Kendra Rutgers, one of the country's most exciting young prospects, who will be repping it for the Victorian Dingoes. 

Dion Thiele, one of the amazing coaches giving their time to girls and women's baseball in Australia.

Enjoy!

The story follows the lives of seven women baseball stars who are at the pinnacle of their game and represent the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan, South Korea, Cuba and Uganda. In the intense battle for the World Cup Championship, they want victory — for themselves, for their team, for their countries, and for the sheer love of the game — but their greatest triumph is the path they are blazing for future generations of female players.

See Her Be Her shatters a variety of stereotypes, as the seven players — through perseverance and resilience — push the boundaries of what’s possible both on and off the field. The film highlights their resolve to fight for gender equality for all female athletes.

Hailing from New Zealand, from making her baseball debut in a pair of trackies in the mid 90s, Terina's baseball career took her to the inaugural Victorian (1999) and Australian (2001) teams. And after becoming a mother of two, she made her World Cup debut at the age 37!

#womeninsport #womensbaseball #womeninsbaseball

A little background before we dive in. Less than 70 Australian women have donned the green and gold for Australia at a World Cup. 

I was privileged and honoured to represent Australia at the first six World Cups between 2004 and 2014 and it got me thinking about all the great team mates I had, many of which played one World Cup. 

Sometimes I hear people say “I only played one… they only played one….’ And I figured we need to stop using the word ‘only’... cos I reckon that to reach the heights of national team selection, whether it is for one, or 6,  or eight World Cups, well, you can play! 

So for this upcoming eight-episode series, I will be sharing the stories of some of Australia’s One Cup Wonders. Eight amazing women who represented Australia at one of these World Cups!  

For the first episode, we head back to the inaugural World Cup in Canada in 2004 to hear Kelly Gunn’s story. 

A right-handed pitcher from NSW, Kelly Gunn shares her baseball journey which took her from a 13-year-old playing with the boys in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire to one of the country’s leading pitchers in the early 2000s including being the winning pitcher in New South Wales’ first ever Nationals victory in 2003 and on the mound when Australia recorded its first ever victory over Japan at World Cup. 

#womensbaseball #womeninbaseball #insidepitch

The event - the inaugural Australian Women's Championships.

The team - the Victorian Women's Team.

The coach - Grant Weir. 

Weir’s squad reigned supreme with an unbeaten run across the first three Australian Championships held from 1999-2001 in Melbourne and Sydney’s Blacktown Olympic Park.

So how did it all begin?

The Inside Pitch #awbc2022 podcasts will be coming at ya daily from the 2022 Australian Women’s Baseball Championship in Adelaide! 

• Facebook @WomensBaseballInsidePitch 
• Instagram @womensbaseballinsidepitch 
• Twitter @womens_baseball

My guest today is Karina Connors, or Sexo, cos when I met her she was Karina Sexton so that is what so many of us still call her. 

A born and bred Lismorian (Lismore is on the far north coast of New South Wales just 100km south of the NSW/QLD border), Karina first picked up a tee-ball bat in the 80s before then taking up softball.

Once she switched to baseball as a teenager, Karina begin building one enviable resume which leaves her as the only far north coast baseballer to have been selected for the Australian women's baseball team and the longest-serving Queensland baseball team representative - male or female - with 17 years spent in the maroon! 

But beneath the stats is a story of hard work, determination, heartbreak and joy, from three career-threatening injuries to the birth of her daughter in the middle of her career, to a long-awaited World Cup debut after she had officially retired. 

Now Karina is still involved in coaching baseball, but more significantly, doing her part to help rebuild a local community and baseball family in her hometown of Lismore, which was recently devastated by the floods of February 2022.

How you can help

From a world-class baseball facility, home of the Australian Little League Championships and Timberjacks Friendship Series, to a disaster zone. Far North Coast Baseball is actively seeking support to help rebuild the Albert Park baseball complex following the devastating floods that have impacted our region. All proceeds will go to the restoration of the complex and the clubs that make up the Far North Coast Baseball Association under the guidance of the FNC Baseball Association board of management. Every $$ helps us get one step close to having kids playing baseball and bringing tournaments back to Lismore.  

• Far North Coast Baseball
• GoFundMe 
• Donations Register

#WomensBaseballInsidePitch #Podcast #WomensBaseball #InsidePitch #WomenInBaseball #WomenInSport 

In baseball, many women have had to break bias at some point in their baseball journey, whether it has been as a player, an umpire, coach, scorer, in the media or management positions. 

On 2022 International Women's Day, I have chosen to feature and celebrate three women in baseball in Victoria, Australia who are leading by example on and off the field. 

Jennie Moloney is changing the game off the field from the scorer’s box. A life member and member of the team of the century at the Williamstown Baseball Club, Jennie began her scoring career at her very first game of baseball in 1976. Jennie has since scored at three Olympic Games, is currently one of just five members of the WBSC Scoring Commission, was named the 2019 WBSC Scorer of the Year, and in 2021 was appointed to the Baseball Scoring Director for the Tokyo Olympic Games. 

When Janine Thompson saw no women on a list of registered umpires in Melbourne in 2006, she thought would do something about it by umpiring herself. 15 years later, Janine is the only woman currently umpiring in the Baseball Victoria Victorian Summer Baseball League, has umpired countless Women’s National Championships, and has also umpired in Hong Kong and the USA. She was part of an all-women’s umpiring crew at the Baseball Australia Showcase in 2021 which she will do again in 2022. 

Abbey McLellan’s journey in baseball has been one of commitment and persistence. Bursting onto the scene as a 11yo playing in Footscray Baseball Club’s Under 16 team, the hard hitting outfielder turned catcher’s career was almost derailed at just 21 years of age when a knee reconstruction ended her 2016 National Championships and World Cup aspirations. However, in a story of never letting go of your dreams, Abbey came back to represent her country at the 2018 World Cup and is now a leader of the Victorian Women’s Baseball team. 

#IWD2022 #WomensBaseballInsidePitch #Podcast #WomensBaseball #InsidePitch

In baseball, many women have had to break bias at some point in their baseball journey, whether it has been as a player, an umpire, coach, scorer, in the media or management positions. 

On 2022 International Women's Day, I have chosen to feature and celebrate three women in baseball in Victoria, Australia who are leading by example on and off the field. 

Jennie Moloney is changing the game off the field from the scorer’s box. A life member and member of the team of the century at the Williamstown Baseball Club, Jennie began her scoring career at her very first game of baseball in 1976. Jennie has since scored at three Olympic Games, is currently one of just five members of the WBSC Scoring Commission, was named the 2019 WBSC Scorer of the Year, and in 2021 was appointed to the Baseball Scoring Director for the Tokyo Olympic Games. 

When Janine Thompson saw no women on a list of registered umpires in Melbourne in 2006, she thought would do something about it by umpiring herself. 15 years later, Janine is the only woman currently umpiring in the Baseball Victoria Victorian Summer Baseball League, has umpired countless Women’s National Championships, and has also umpired in Hong Kong and the USA. She was part of an all-women’s umpiring crew at the Baseball Australia Showcase in 2021 which she will do again in 2022. 

Abbey McLellan’s journey in baseball has been one of commitment and persistence. Bursting onto the scene as a 11yo playing in Footscray Baseball Club’s Under 16 team, the hard-hitting outfielder turned catcher’s career was almost derailed at just 21 years of age when a knee reconstruction ended her 2016 National Championships and World Cup aspirations. However, in a story of never letting go of your dreams, Abbey came back to represent her country at the 2018 World Cup and is now a leader of the Victorian Women’s Baseball team. 

You can find Women’s Baseball - The Inside Pitch on Apple iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music/Audible, Google Podcasts, Podbean, or wherever you listen to your podcasts!  

#IWD2022 #WomensBaseballInsidePitch #Podcast #WomensBaseball #InsidePitch

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against gender bias, and take action for equality. The theme for 2022 International Women's Day (IWD) is #BreakTheBias.

In baseball, many women have had to break bias at some point in their baseball journey, whether it has been as a player, an umpire, coach, scorer, in the media or management positions. 

On 2022 International Women's Day, I have chosen to feature and celebrate three women in baseball in Victoria, Australia who are leading by example on and off the field. 

Jennie Moloney is changing the game off the field from the scorer’s box. A life member and member of the team of the century at the Williamstown Baseball Club, Jennie began her scoring career at her very first game of baseball in 1976. Jennie has since scored at three Olympic Games, is currently one of just five members of the WBSC Scoring Commission, was named the 2019 WBSC Scorer of the Year, and in 2021 was appointed to the Baseball Scoring Director for the Tokyo Olympic Games. 

When Janine Thompson saw no women on a list of registered umpires in Melbourne in 2006, she thought would do something about it by umpiring herself. 15 years later, Janine is the only woman currently umpiring in the Baseball Victoria Victorian Summer Baseball League, has umpired countless Women’s National Championships, and has also umpired in Hong Kong and the USA. She was part of an all-women’s umpiring crew at the Baseball Australia Showcase in 2021 which she will do again in 2022. 

Abbey McLellan’s journey in baseball has been one of commitment and persistence. Bursting onto the scene as a 11yo playing in Footscray Baseball Club’s Under 16 team, the hard hitting catcher’s career was almost derailed at just 21 years of age after a knee reconstruction ended her 2016 World Cup campaign. However, in a story of never letting go of your dreams, Abbey came back to represent her country at the 2018 World Cup and is now a leader of the Victorian Women’s Baseball team. 

#IWD2022 #WomensBaseballInsidePitch #Podcast #WomensBaseball #InsidePitch

When you’ve spent 18 years at the highest level of any sport, one thing is clear, you must be one of the very best in the game.     

And Sydney’s Tahnee Lovering is just that.  

Tahnee was hooked on baseball from the age of 6 and instantly fell in love with catching. 

Selected to make her National Championships debut with New South Wales at 16 as a bullpen catcher, in a cinderella story, just six months later, Tahnee found herself in the green and gold of Australia, and one of the youngest players at the 2004 World Series and World Cup. 

Since 2004, Tahnee has amassed one of world baseball’s most stunning resumes including contesting seven World Cups for Australia, winning silver and bronze medals, being selected to the 2016 all-world team, plus a host of national titles with New South Wales.

But between the list of accolades is one of the most inspirational stories of hard work and fierce determination. Tahnee discusses her start in the sport, setbacks, fightbacks, her favourite memories and just how she has spent 18 years at the top in one of the most brutal positions in all of world sport. 

Full disclosure, I did put her on the spot by asking her to name the best pitcher she has ever caught too…. and I fully appreciate the magnitude of the question days later after she has messaged me asking me to read a long list of names of people she didn’t say… so that’s on me, I will apologize to everyone she has ever caught too! 

Anyway, it was an absolute privilege to share the field with Tahnee at multiple world cups for Australia and be a part of her amazing career as a teammate and rival. 

And it is my honour to share her story with you today.

Gen took to the mound in the sixth inning for the Melbourne Aces in the team's Melbourne Challenge Series game against the Adelaide Giants. She pitched a scoreless inning without giving up a hit at Melbourne Ballpark.

It wasn't the first time however that Gen has become the first girl or woman to break a new barrier or set a new milestone in baseball with the Melbourne pitcher also boasting the honours of being the first woman to pitch in a Victorian Summer League division one game, the first girl selected to a Victorian U16 team and to play for Australia at the Cal Ripken Series.

Listen to Gen's story about this memorable night, about why she chose baseball, why she loves the sport, and what the future holds! 

#WomensBaseballInsidePitch #WomensBaseball #InsidePitch

The World Series, which was won by the USA and featured games at the Toronto SkyDome, was the precursor of the Women's World Cup as we know it today.

The first episode in a special three-part series on the World Series featured Donna Mills of the USA, with episode two featuring Canada’s Kate Psota.

At just 15 years of age, Kate was one of the youngest at the World Series, and credits the experience in launching her international career which boasts a record eight World Cup appearances including six medals! 

Amy McCann caught up with Kate to talk all things World Series, World Cup, her move from player to coach and more! 

Key Links

• Baseball Canada Women's National Team 
• Olympic Team Canada Kate Psota
• Women's Baseball World Series 
• Psota announces retirement from Canada Women’s Baseball National Team 

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The theme of Women In Baseball Week in 2021 is 'Breaking Barriers: Women in Baseball Around the World' and the 2001 Women's World Series did just that!

In 2000, American Jim Glennie made a call to Japanese, Canadian and Australian baseball representatives asking them to travel to Canada to play an international women’s tournament. 

The World Series, which was won by the USA and featured games at the Toronto SkyDome, was the precursor of the Women's World Cup as we know it today.

The first episode in this series features Donna Mills of the USA. Donna took part in the 2001 World Series and credits the tournament for launching her baseball career that boasts dual World Cup gold in 2004 and 2006, in addition to World Cup MVP honours in 2006.

Amy McCann caught up with Donna to discuss her beginnings in the game, breaking college softball records, her World Cup feats and what she remembers of that first World Series all these years later!

#womeninbaseballweek

After travelling from Australia to the USA, over to the UK, back across to Canada, this week we are off to the land of the rising sun - Japan!

We chat with five-time World Cup rep Risa Nakashima who started her Team Japan playing career in 2002 before going on to win four world titles between 2008 and 2014.

Moving into the coaching ranks, Risa was an assistant coach for Team Japan in 2016 and Team Australia in 2018.

For the 2020/21 World Cup (fingers crossed we see it played soon) Risa will aim to lead Japan to a seventh straight World Cup gold as the Women’s National Team Head Coach.

Enjoy! 

Search "Women’s Baseball - The Inside Pitch" or visit:

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🎧 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7JUNZohOnJcnPwblYtRpxV?si=FFvYo6jvSNOxL8UdGSWAfQ

🎧 Podbean https://womensbaseballinsidepitch.podbean.com/

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Bienvenue to episode four of Women's Baseball, The Inside Pitch which features Canadian National Women’s Team member Daphnee Gelinas.

24yo Daphnee, who hails from Canada's mostly French-speaking Québec province, talks with us about how she got started in the sport in Canada (teaser - she is actually a leftie who decided to switch so she could catch!), juggling training in sub-zero degree temperatures, her rise through the ranks of the national team, her amazing performance at the 2018 World Cup and a whole lot more women’s baseball!! 

#WomensBaseball #InsidePitch

Links

• USA v Canada 2018 World Cup Bronze medal Game 
• Canadian Girls Baseball 

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It was pretty obvious to most who knew her that Amanda was destined to make a difference in the world of baseball. 

After getting her first baseball ball and glove at age 7, she took it to school and convinced them to switch from rounders to baseball. 

And from little things, big things grow. Over the last few years, Amanda founded Women’s Baseball UK (WB-UK), was named first General Manager of the GB Women’s Team and has overseen the development of the Women's Baseball UK League which begins May 22! 

Amanda also shares with us how she credits baseball with saving her life, and we discuss the aftermath of “that post” that dominated social media. 

So sit back, grab a cup of tea, and enjoy episode three of women’s baseball the inside pitch. 

Links 

• Women’s Baseball UK https://www.wbuk.co.uk/
• British Federation launches Women's Baseball league, names Amanda Hocking first National Team manager
• https://www.wbsc.org/news/historic-british-federation-launches-womens-baseball-league-names-amanda-hocking-first-national-team-manager
• British Baseball Federation apologises for "pain and distress" caused by Women's Baseball League image https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1107399/british-baseball-federation-apologises 
• Baseball in Britain Confronts Issues With Sexism https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/13/sports/baseball/britain-amanda-doris-hocking.html

#WomensBaseballInsidePitch #WomensBaseball #WomenInSport #InsidePitch

But I wanted to provide a snapshot of what is fast becoming of the most impressive baseball resumes going around, and it is not even close to being complete. 

To summarise, as a player she was a collegiate softball player with Villanova, a 4 time World Cup representative for USA Baseball Women’s National Team & won two medals.

As a coach, she took over the Head Coach role of the USA Women’s National Team Coach in 2019 and has been a member of the Oakland Athletics Major League Baseball coaching staff since 2019.

And of course, because she is simply a superwoman, she is a firefighter by trade! 

I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did with Veronica Alvarez. 

Links

• USA Baseball usabaseball.com
• 2019 Pan Pacific Gold usabaseball.com/news/topic/womens/team-usa-wins-gold-at-copabe-pan-american-championships
• Alvarez Oakland Athletics mlb.com/news/veronica-alvarez-coaching-in-athletics-camp 
• A game of their own - Jennifer Ring booktopia.com.au/a-game-of-their-own-jennifer-ring/book
• Stolen Bases - Jennifer Ring https://www.amazon.com.au/Stolen-Bases-American-Girls-Baseball
• MLB Trailblazer mlb.com/trailblazer-series 
• MLB Breakthrough Series mlb.com/breakthrough-series

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#WomensBaseballInsidePitch  #Podcast  #WomensBaseball  #InsidePitch

In the leadoff spot is Australia’s Laura Neads, or Lulu as she is known to most!

Lulu, 31, has been playing baseball for nearly 25 years, with half of it spent in the Australian squad.

In this episode, she tells us about her journey through the sport from a seven-year-old in teeball, to her national team debut, pitching for Australia in a World Cup final, overcoming injuries, and she talks openly about the tragic loss of her best mate, and friend to many of us, Jacinda Barclay.

LINKS 

• Greenway Giants BC - Sydney greenwaygiants.org.au/ 
• Baseball NSW Women - baseballnsw.com.au/womens
• Baseball Australia Jacinda Barclay Vale - baseball.com.au/news/jacinda-barclay-passes-away/ 
• Baseball Australia Women's Showcase News - baseball.com.au/news/massive-weekend-locked-in-for-womens-showcase/ 
• Baseball Australia "A league of their own" - aleagueofherown.com.au/ 
• WBSC World Cups - wbwc.wbsc.org/en/WorldCup/editions

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• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WomensBaseballInsidePitch 
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#WomensBaseballInsidePitch  #Podcast  #WomensBaseball  #InsidePitch

Join host and six-time World Cup representative Amy McCann, for some of the inside stories of the elite players and coaches and a host of trailblazing women making their way in baseball all across the world.

Through in-depth interviews, we will learn how they got into the sport, where their passion lies, honed their skills. We will also hear about their challenges and motivations and what drives them each day.

So if you’re a fan of baseball, women’s baseball, women’s sports or simply are looking for a unique podcast where you will meet some amazing people, then grab a hotdog and drink, and join me for a trip around the bases in Women’s Baseball - The Inside Pitch.

Tune in on Wednesdays, with the first one dropping on April 21 and featuring Australia’s World Cup legend Laura Neads! 

You can find us on Apple iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music/Audible, Google Podcasts, Podbean, or wherever you listen to your podcasts!  

Search Women’s Baseball - The Inside Pitch! 

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• Twitter https://twitter.com/womens_baseball

#WomensBaseballInsidePitch  #Podcast  #WomensBaseball  #InsidePitch