Women’s Baseball - The Inside Pitch

Welcome to the first episode of WBIP's brand-new series, The Emerald Road to Rockford 2027, tracking Team Australia Emeralds players and staff across the country and around the globe as the countdown begins to the 2027 World Cup Finals in Rockford. On the first episode, host Amy McCann catches up with Emeralds stalwart Claire O'Sullivan, dialling in from Springfield, Illinois, where she has been suiting up for the New York Heights in the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL). Fresh off a whirlwind campaign that took her from elite club ball in Japan straight into international competition, Claire reflects on the demanding transition to professional play in the United States. She opens up about navigating a tight turnaround, flight cancellations, and visa delays in Toronto before stepping up to pitch four innings the very day she arrived in town. The conversation winds back to the recent Women’s Baseball World Cup in Rockford, taking a deep dive into the Emeralds' preparation and mindset. Claire breaks down the high-stakes, extra-inning thriller against Mexico in Game One, detailing how trust, composure, and emotional control set the tone for the entire dugout. She also relives the gritty, short-handed 14-13 walk-off win against Canada, capped off by her sister Elodie’s clutch knock, and explains the mental resilience needed to adapt as a utility player when the team needed her to make full-stretch plays at second base. Beyond the box scores, Claire provides an insider look at the contrast between the daily grind of Japanese club baseball and life in the WPBL. From balancing recovery, scouting meetings, and fan interactions to the philosophy of mental resets, she explains why keeping a grounded perspective off the diamond is vital when riding the inevitable highs and lows of three-to-four games a week against world-class opposition. Finally, the episode highlights the profound impact of grassroots development and mentoring the next generation of female athletes. Claire shares what it meant to look into the stands in Rockford to see dozens of aspiring young Aussie players cheering on the national side, the joy of giving back through Team Legacy clinics, and her core coaching philosophy of shaping confident people first and skilled baseballers second. Tune in for an honest, insightful discussion on elite tournament ball, overseas leagues, and the bright future of women’s baseball.

With just ten weeks until the Women’s Baseball World Cup Group A kicks off in Rockford, Illinois, the Australian Emeralds have officially named the squad they believe will secure their spot in the 2027 finals. In this episode, Amy McCann sits down with Emeralds Manager Jason "Pops" Pospishil to unpack the meticulous and often difficult process of building a "tournament-style" roster. Pops pulls no punches while evaluating the defensive lapses of 2023, explaining why "pitchability" and routine plays have become the program's new non-negotiables. The pair discuss: The 5-0 Mandate: Why the Emeralds are heading to the US with a mindset of total dominance rather than just "hoping" to qualify. The 20-Player Puzzle: The logic behind selecting a "tiny" 20-man roster and the tactical bench pieces needed to counteract international pitching styles. Culture vs. Execution: A candid look at moving the needle from "giving effort" to clinical execution, and why travel and social media complaints were seen as "red flags" in previous campaigns. The Athlete Evolution: How increased strength and conditioning is creating a new generation of high-velocity, such as two-way stars like Caitlin Eynon. Data as a Weapon: An inside look at the "copious amounts of video" and advanced scouting led by Ursula Howard to break down the spray charts and "pop times" of opponents like the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The Rockford Legacy: The historical significance of playing in the home of the Rockford Peaches.

The 2026 Australian Women’s and Youth Women’s Championships will run from April 12-18 at Melbourne Ballpark in Altona.

Tune in to our podcast to hear from Wanneroo Giants teammates Meaghan Haggart and Grace Spano. The "Girls Are Players Too" podcast series will count down to the 2026 Australian Women’s and Australian Youth Women’s Championships, which will take over Melbourne Ballpark from April 12-18.

WBIP founder Amy McCann and fellow Emerald alumni Amy Cannington chat to Kya Foxwell and Grace White to preview Queensland! The "Girls Are Players Too" podcast series will count down to the 2026 Australian Women’s and Australian Youth Women’s Championships, which will take over Melbourne Ballpark from April 12-18.

This “Girls Are Players Too” episode features an in-depth discussion with hosts Amy McCann and Amy Cannington, with Victorian stars Lili Cavanagh, and Ashley Patton. It focuses on the 2026 National Championships, specifically highlighting the Victorian team. The discussion includes the team's impressive history, having never missed a medal since the championship's inception in 1999. The episode features interviews with players Lily Cavanagh, the 2024 National Championship MVP, and Ashley Patton, a newcomer to the team. The conversation covers the team's preparation, the influence of coaching staff, and the integration of new and returning players. The hosts also discuss the broader context of women's baseball in Australia, including pathways for young players and the impact of international experiences. GIRLS ARE PLAYERS TOO RANGE The podcast series shares its name with the special “Girls Are Players Too” WBIP fundraising initiative, which aims to raise money for the 2025 Championships campaign. The shirts are available in all state team colours , with $5 from each shirt and $10 from each hoodie sale going directly to the state teams. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Women's Baseball and the Hosts 01:32 Victoria's Dominance in Women's Baseball 04:45 The 2026 Victorian Team Overview 06:25 2026 Victorian Team.. drum roll.... 08:52 Coaching and Team Dynamics 11:14 Victorian Coaching Staff 13:30 What has to go right? What can stop them? 16:12 Beginnings in baseball 21:59 The Journey of Youth Sports and Team Dynamics 22:09 Youth Nationals: Triumphs and Challenges 25:36 Coaching and Mentorship in Women's Baseball 28:56 Emeralds Debut: The World Cup Experience 33:32 2024 Nationals MVP 36:17 Overcoming Injury: The Road to Recovery 39:39 Balancing Sports: The Transition to Footy 44:07 Exploring Softball: New Challenges and Goals 47:10 Victorian Team Dynamics: A New Chapter 47:31 Spotlight on Key Players 50:04 Team Spirit and Community 53:55 T-Time with Amy and Amy

Defending champion New South Wales heads into the 2026 Australian Women’s National Championships with a powerful core returning, alongside another exciting group of young talent. On the latest Girls Are Players Too podcast, hosts Amy McCann and Amy Cannington were joined by NSW players Maddi Heath and Isobel Lambert to chat about the team, their journeys in the sport and what lies ahead at Melbourne Ballpark. The 2026 squad features strong continuity, with 14 players returning from last year’s title-winning team. That includes stars such as Claire O’Sullivan, Ticara Geldenhuis, Mackenzie Jackson, Maddison Erwin, Lisa Nakashio, plus Lambert and Heath, giving NSW one of the most grounded line-ups at the event. At the same time, the Blues have added more young talent to the mix. 2025 Golden Glove winner Ivy White, Emily Ninnes and Tamryn Love come straight out of the youth competition, while former Youth Award winner Olivia Bonello also joins the squad. GIRLS ARE PLAYERS TOO RANGE The podcast series shares its name with the special “Girls Are Players Too” WBIP fundraising initiative, which aims to raise money for the 2025 Championships campaign. The shirts are available in all state team colours , with $5 from each shirt and $10 from each hoodie sale going directly to the state teams. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:35 New South Wales Team Overview 05:04 Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics 08:23 Welcome Maddi and Isobel 09:58 All things blue and purple 11:50 Personal Journeys in Baseball 12:30 Early Baseball Beginnings 13:32 The Competitive Spirit in Baseball 15:14 Representing Australia: Early Achievements 17:15 Paving the Way for Future Generations 19:23 Navigating Youth Nationals 21:22 Youth Nationals Memories 23:21 First Women's Nationals Memory 24:04 The Journey to Open Women's Nationals 25:31 Isy's First Experiences in Women's Baseball 28:16 Balancing Sports and Life 29:30 The Duality of Baseball and Softball 31:25 The Future of Women's Baseball 39:56 Celebrating Achievements and Team Spirit 41:05 The Impact of Coaching and Leadership 42:17 Addressing Team Losses and Filling Gaps 43:57 Injecting Youth into the Team 44:47 Catching Dynamics and Player Development 46:36 Rivalries and Competition in Women's Baseball 49:44 The Importance of Team Culture 50:48 Spilling the Tea: Fun and Games in the Dugout

Hosts Amy McCann and Amy Cannington preview South Australia’s youthful and exciting squad for the 2026 National Championships at Melbourne Ballpark. They break down the ins and outs of the roster, new coaching staff, and key players to watch, then speak with rising stars Peyton Daniels and Bree Ridding about their pathways, team dynamics, and Nationals expectations. The episode highlights South Australia’s blend of youth and experience, training approaches, leadership from returning players like Carly Moore, and the team’s lively dugout culture — all ahead of the April 12–18 tournament. Chapters 00:00Introduction to the 2026 National Championships 00:33SA let's get started 02:42Overview of South Australia’s Team Dynamics 05:03Key Players and Their Impact 07:25Coaching Changes and changes 08:42Player Experiences and Backgrounds 10:09Training Regimens and Preparation for Nationals 12:37Bree on winning with SA Youth Team 13:12Peyton on trialling for SA 13:50Anticipation for Upcoming Championships 20:20Youth Energy in the Team 20:42Returning Players and Their Impact 23:04Current Season Performance and Roles 24:44Team Dynamics and Club Success 25:56Players to Watch This Season 28:11Spill the Tea: Team Insights 33:22Final Thoughts and Team Spirit

The two Amys are back to bring you everything you need to know about the 2026 Australian Women's and Youth Championships! Emeralds and Nationals stars Amy McCann and Amy Cannington will have a preview of all five states ahead of April's 2026 Women's Nationals and Youth Nationals in Melbourne. Join them as they catchup with stars of the NSW, Victorian, Western Australian, Queensland and South Australian sides. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Women's Nationals 02:50Amy Cannington's Baseball Journey 05:18Amy McCann's Baseball Journey 08:45Memorable Moments in Nationals History 11:26Preparing for Nationals 14:25Reflections on Last Year's Nationals 17:38Emerging Young Talent in Women's Baseball 20:23Looking Ahead to Future Nationals 21:25World Cup Excitement and Team Dynamics 23:25Team Previews: New South Wales and Victoria 25:57Emerging Talent in South Australia 28:20Youth Nationals: A New Generation of Players 31:19Tournament Structure and Fixture Insights 34:00Introducing the ROOS Team and Future Prospects 35:26Tea Time: A Fun New Segment Resources Girls of Players 2 Volume 2 T-shirts

This was a fun one! Recorded on the sidelines at the 2025 Queensland State Titles, watching a game and chatting about a part of baseball we couldn’t play without… umpires. I sat down with Alisha Jewry, one of the youngest female umpires going around, to talk about how she found her way into umpiring, getting thrown straight behind the plate early on, and why she stuck with it. We chat about what it’s like being a woman umpiring in men’s baseball, the difference state titles and nationals make when it comes to confidence and learning, and the power of being around people who actually want to help you get better. Alicia also shares what it meant to umpire at world-first girls nationals and to be heading to the US for professional umpire school. “If you love the game, umpiring gives you a whole new perspective. It builds confidence, teaches you to trust yourself, and honestly, it’s the best seat in the house.” 🎧 Women’s Baseball – The Inside Pitch

Thanks to Baseball Queensland, Women's Baseball the Inside Pitch's Amy McCann visited the Runcorn Indians and Narangba Demons baseball clubs for the 2025 Queensland State Titles. 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

Join me as I chat with Peyton Newman about her incredible experience playing in the Canada East League in Quebec. From her roots with the Carine Cats to taking her baseball career international, Peyton shared some great insights on growth, opportunity and what she’s learned along the way. 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

Field of dreams to a reality for these two Aussie ballers Allie Bebbere and Molly Paddison! 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!

Monica Arcuri is just 12, but she’s making history every time she steps on a baseball field. 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.

Welcome to another episode in our "Beyond the Bases" series that talks all things the grassroots of Australian baseball. In the series, we hear from clubs doing great things for women and girls baseball all across the country. 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.

The British Women's Baseball Team is going to the WORLD CUP! 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.

In this episode, Amy McCann speaks with Laura Bailes about the upcoming 2025 Women's Euro Championships. They discuss the excitement surrounding the tournament, the growth of women's baseball in the UK, and the dynamics of the Great Britain team as they prepare for the competition. Laura shares insights on the team's preparation, the mix of returning players and rookies, and the strategies they are employing, including the use of data and mental preparation. The conversation also touches on team spirit, the importance of visibility for women's sports, and the support from fans and family. 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?

Host Amy McCann chats all this Dutch women's baseball with players Anouk Vergunst and Kim Schindeler and coach Martin De Koning. Hear all about the team's vibe ahead of the 2025 Women's Baseball European Championships, dynamics, insights into their training, team building, the unique spirit of Dutch women's baseball, the support from fans and sponsors, and Martin shares how proud he is of the team! ------ 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

In episode two, Amy McCann interviews Géraldine Gauzelin Ors, the manager of the French National Women's Baseball Team, as they prepare for the 2025 Women's Baseball European Championships. They discuss the growth of women's baseball in France, the challenges of team selection and development, the importance of training and teamwork, and the aspirations for future success in the sport. ------ 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?

In this conversation, Katerina Petroušková, a member of the Czech Women's National Baseball Team, shares her experiences and insights as the team prepares for the European Championships. The discussion covers the excitement surrounding the tournament, the dynamics of the team, the challenges of hosting, and the aspirations of the players. Katerina also highlights the importance of community support and the growth of women's baseball in the Czech Republic. Chapters 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?