PERTH – Western Australia’s baseball pathways have been firmly validated, with eight Western Australian athletes named in the newly announced Team Australia squad for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, the highest representation from any state.
The national roster highlights the strength and depth of WA baseball development, with players progressing from local clubs through state programs, the Australian Baseball League, and into elite international competition. Importantly, the WA contingent reflects a strong balance of experienced internationals returning to the green and gold, alongside players earning their first WBC selection, underlining the health of the state’s performance pathway.
Western Australia’s representatives are:
- Warwick Saupold – RHP | Perth Heat | South Perth
- Tim Kennelly – OF | Perth Heat | Braves
- Alex Hall – C | Perth Heat | Morley Eagles
- Kieren Hall – RHP | Perth Heat | Morley Eagles (WBC debut)
- Josh Hendrickson – LHP | Adelaide Giants / Kansas City Monarchs | Wembley/South Perth (WA-born, former Heat player) (WBC debut)
- Robbie Glendinning – UTIL | Adelaide Giants / Kansas City Monarchs | Wanneroo Giants (WA-born, former Heat player)
- Ulrich Bojarski – RHP | Melbourne Aces | Carine/Morley (WA-born, former Heat player)
- Mitch Neunborn – RHP | Philadelphia Phillies / Adelaide Giants | Braves (WA-born, former Heat)
Together, this group underscores the scale of talent emerging from Western Australia’s club, state, and high-performance environments, with seasoned campaigners complemented by the next wave of international-ready athletes.
This achievement extends beyond the players themselves. The selection of eight Western Australians is a credit to the state team coaches, local clubs, development staff, and high-performance programs that have supported these athletes over many years.
“It is a tremendous honour to watch these athletes don the Green and Gold and represent Australia on the world stage,” said Andy Kyle, Baseball WA’s High Performance Manager. “We take great pride in following their individual journeys as they continue to develop and progress through the ranks.”
“Many of these players have come through Western Australia’s performance pathways, supported by numerous coaches who have contributed to their growth over the years. Seeing WA athletes compete internationally is always inspiring, and it provides a powerful example for the next generation who aspire to follow in their footsteps.”
With the World Baseball Classic set to showcase the very best of international baseball, Western Australia will once again play a defining role on the global stage. From community diamonds to packed ballparks in Tokyo, the journey of these eight athletes represents what is possible when strong pathways, great coaching, and opportunity align.
Baseball WA congratulates all selected players and looks forward to cheering them on as they represent Australia with pride.
