Padres chasing US prize

Twelve Redcliffe Padres will head south next month chasing one of the biggest prizes in baseball – a trip to the US.

The dozen players, plus one from Narangba Demons, were the Brisbane North Intermediate (Under 13) side which swept to victory in the Queensland titles.

With Gold Coast, who they beat in the final, Brisbane North will now represent this state in the Australian Nationals at Mildura, Victoria on May 25-29.

US prize

Brisbane North Intermediate Team: Caesar Gardiner, Eli Hardy, Charlotte Hobson, Connor Jones, Paddy McLoughlin, Coram Murphy, Hannah O'Brien, Liam O'Brien, Liam Overlack, Shaun Rich (Narangba Demons), Hannah Wilson, Austin Winlaw.

Head Coach Mick Winlaw; Assistant Coach David West; Assistant Coach Marty Jones; Manager Vicky McLoughlin.

The competition will be tough, but the possible reward for winners is a trip to America to play community-based teams – if COVID and travel regulations permit.

Biggest ever held

Brisbane North’s Assistant Coach David West said the other states, at the Australian Nationals, were “always strong”.

His team will, however, travel with confidence, after winning all seven matches in the state titles, six under the “mercy” rule and hit nine home runs “out of the park”.

The 12 Padres play up a year at Under 14 level in the Brisbane competitions and last season reached the grand final.

Fundraising

The championships were held at Talobilla Park, Kippa-Ring, with 29 teams in eight age group competitions (Under 5-16), using on 13 diamonds.

Using Redcliffe Softball Association’s grounds as well, it was the biggest baseball tournament ever held in Australia. Redcliffe Padres also have the highest number of registered players in the country.

A go fund me page has been set up to help meet the costs, of around $2500 per player, of the Brisbane North squad going to the Australian Nationals in Mildura.

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