Photo Credit: Mike Bahr
Four Western Australian players will wear the green and gold at the Tokyo Dome next month, with Alex Hall, Byron Armstrong, Kieren Hall and Jordan Power selected for Team Australia for the 2026 Asia Professional Baseball Championship.
The local quartet has been named in Australia’s 28-player squad to compete against Japan, South Korea and Chinese Taipei from 12–15 November 2026.
The tournament brings together emerging professional talent, with players eligible if they are aged 24 or younger, are within their first three years as a professional, or fill one of three permitted over-age places for players aged 29 or younger.
Australia opens its campaign against South Korea at 11am AWST on Thursday 12 November, before facing Chinese Taipei on Friday 13 November and Japan on Saturday 14 November, also at 11am AWST. The medal games will be played on Sunday 15 November.
The squad will be led by Team Australia manager Dave Nilsson, with Baseball WA’s Head of High Performance, Andy Kyle, joining the coaching staff as first-base coach.
“This is an amazing opportunity for these guys to be around the national team,” Kyle said. “It’s great exposure and experience playing at the Tokyo Dome against what should be a very high quality competition.”
The APBC also provides an opportunity for the four WA players to strengthen their claims for selection at next year’s WBSC Premier12. The 2027 tournament will be an Olympic qualifier, adding significance to Australia’s preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Australian fans can follow Team Australia’s games live and free through Baseball+. Learn more via the Team Australia tournament hub.
Alex Hall – Morley Eagles
For 27-year-old catcher Alex Hall, selection means a return to a tournament where he has already made an impact.
Hall represented Australia at the 2023 APBC, hitting a home run at the Tokyo Dome. He has also played at two World Baseball Classics, earning selection in both 2023 and 2026.
The Morley Eagles product was named the Australian Baseball League’s MVP for the 2022/23 season with the Perth Heat and reached Triple-A during his time in the Milwaukee Brewers organisation.
He spent the 2026 season with the Ulsan Whales in Korea’s Futures League, leading the competition in runs batted in. His latest selection brings that experience back into the Australian squad.
Byron Armstrong – Wanneroo Giants
Kalgoorlie-born infielder Byron Armstrong will make his first APBC appearance, building on previous Australian selections at junior and U23 level.
The 25-year-old Wanneroo Giants product represented Australia at the 2019 U18 World Cup, where the team finished fourth, and returned to the World Cup stage with the U23 squad in 2024.
Armstrong also played for Australia in the 2025 exhibition series against Korea’s Hanwha Eagles.
His development with the Perth Heat has given him experience in the Australian Baseball League, while his ability to play shortstop, second base and third base offers flexibility for the national team in Tokyo.
Kieren Hall – Morley Eagles
Right-hander Kieren Hall returns for his second APBC after representing Australia at the 2023 tournament.
The 25-year-old, whose WA club background includes Morley Eagles and South Perth, has progressed through several Australian teams. He pitched at the 2019 U18 World Cup, recording a 1.80 ERA and two saves, including one against Japan.
Hall later represented Australia at the 2024 U23 World Cup and earned his first World Baseball Classic selection in 2026.
His pathway has also included US college baseball at Three Rivers Community College and the University of Evansville. With the Perth Heat, he posted a 3.44 ERA in 2024/25 before moving into a starting role the following season.
Jordan Power – Carine Cats
For 28-year-old Carine Cats pitcher Jordan Power, the APBC will mark his first opportunity to represent Australia at the senior level.
The right-hander’s journey has taken him from WA to US college baseball with Chattanooga State and the University of Toledo, before returning home to establish himself with the Perth Heat.
Power recorded four wins and a 5.66 ERA across 35 innings during the 2022/23 ABL season. In his first 11 appearances of the 2025/26 campaign, he added four wins and struck out 19 batters across 21⅔ innings.
He now takes the next step in that journey, joining the national team for his senior debut in the green and gold.
Baseball WA congratulates Alex, Byron, Kieren and Jordan on their selection and wishes them, their teammates and the Australian coaching staff every success in Japan.
Their selection is another exciting reflection of the talent progressing from WA clubs and development pathways to the Perth Heat and onto the international stage.