Nineteen months after a cancer diagnosis changed his life, 18-year-old Joshua Coyne is preparing to do something he was once told might never be possible again – take the mound for his beloved Willetton Baseball Club.
This Sunday, 8 November, Joshua will pull on the Willetton Wildcats uniform and pitch in the club’s E Grade fixture against Swan Districts, marking his first game of baseball since 16 March 2025.
It’s a moment that has been 19 months, 14 rounds of chemotherapy, a lower-leg amputation and countless hours of rehabilitation in the making.
But for Joshua, it’s about much more than baseball.
A Lifetime at Willetton
Baseball has been part of Joshua’s life for as long as he can remember.
He started playing tee-ball as soon as he was old enough, progressing through Machine Pitch and junior baseball, spending his entire playing career at Willetton Baseball Club.
From around the age of 12, he also represented his local charter, the Central Firebirds, before earning selection to represent Western Australia at the 2024 School Sport Australia Baseball Championships in Canberra.
He was selected again for the 2025 team, but just days before he was due to represent his state, his world changed.
During the 2024 preseason, Joshua had begun noticing discomfort and occasional swelling in his right calf. Like many young athletes, he continued playing over the summer, but in April 2025, he visited his doctor as a precaution.
Tests revealed a tumour in his lower right leg. At just 17 years old, he was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that most commonly affects bones or surrounding soft tissue, particularly in children and young adults.
Although the cancer was found to be localised, there was a risk it could spread, and Joshua needed to begin treatment immediately.
He was told that treatment would likely mean losing part of his right leg and that he might never play baseball again.
Joshua began intensive chemotherapy and underwent a leg amputation as part of his treatment.
Thankfully, he responded extremely well to chemotherapy, completing all 14 rounds in February 2026.
Never Far From the Diamond
Even while undergoing treatment, Joshua remained determined to contribute to the club that had been part of his life since childhood.
Unable to play, he found another way to stay involved.
Taking over from his father, Daniel Coyne, who is also President of Willetton Baseball Club, Joshua stepped into the role of Men’s C Grade coach for the 2025/26 season.
At the time, he wasn’t yet walking with a prosthetic leg.
But that didn’t stop him from leading his team all the way to the semi-finals.
In January, he even made his A Grade coaching debut, stepping in for a game when the team’s regular coach was unavailable.
Then, during the offseason, the A Grade coaching position became vacant. Joshua applied for the role and was appointed head coach.
Now, at just 18 years old, he is leading the club’s A grade side, which has opened the 2026/27 season with three wins from its first four games.
Learning to Pitch Again
After finishing chemotherapy in February, Joshua received his first prosthetic leg around March 2026.
Throughout the offseason, he began working towards another goal: getting back on the field as a player.
He has since transitioned to a newer prosthetic better suited to playing baseball, gradually rebuilding his strength and adapting his pitching mechanics.
Pitching presents a particular challenge, with balance, weight transfer and momentum all critical to generating power on the mound.
Joshua has adjusted his delivery, using his natural forward motion to generate momentum rather than relying on the same balance and push-off mechanics he used before his surgery.
Through practice, determination and learning to understand what his body is capable of, he has found a way to make it work.
And remarkably, he’s now throwing just as hard as he was before his diagnosis.
This Sunday, all that work will come together when he takes the mound again.
A Community Behind Him
Throughout Joshua’s treatment and recovery, the support of the Western Australian baseball community has been extraordinary.
From hospital visits and messages of encouragement to teammates, coaches and families checking in, the Coyne family has felt the support of people from across the sport.
“The baseball community has been incredible. There are honestly too many people to thank, from my family and friends to everyone at Willetton and people from clubs all across WA,” Joshua said.
“The reason I want to share my story is for other people going through something similar to know they aren’t alone.
“There’s always a community that will get behind you, and support your mental health, and I’m glad mine was the baseball community.”
His father Daniel says the experience has shown another side of the rivalries that make local baseball special.
“You spend years building rivalries on the diamond, competing against other clubs and wanting to beat each other every weekend,” Daniel said.
“But players, parents and coaches from other clubs have been so supportive.”
That support will be on full display this weekend, with other clubs even adjusting their game schedules to allow Willetton teams to return to their home ground and support Joshua.
Among those cheering Joshua on is Braves State League Head Coach, Josh Kennelly, who was set to coach Joshua at the 2025 School Sport Australia Baseball Championships before his diagnosis prevented him from travelling.
Having followed Joshua’s journey since, Kennelly shared his admiration for the young player’s determination to return to the game.
“Josh’s strength, determination and resilience is an inspiration to not only the baseball community but to everyone. A true testament to Josh’s character and drive to never give up. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Josh and his baseball future.“
Baseball WA CEO, Lachlan Dale, said it’s been a proud moment for the Baseball WA community.
“It’s been incredible to see the support for Joshua, not only from his family and Willetton Baseball Club, but from the wider WA baseball community.”
“We wish Joshua all the very best for his game this weekend. His strength and commitment to his club epitomise what baseball, and community sport, is all about.”
More Than a Game
As Sunday approaches, Joshua admits he’s feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement.
“Even if I give up 10 runs, I’ll still be so happy just to be out there playing again,” he said.
For a young man who was told he might never play baseball again, the result on Sunday won’t be measured by strikeouts, innings pitched or runs allowed.
It will be measured by the simple act of stepping back onto the mound, surrounded by the people who have supported him every step of the way.
Nineteen months after his last game, Joshua Coyne is back where he belongs.
And this Sunday, the whole WA baseball community will be cheering him on.
Joshua’s Return to Baseball
Sunday 8 November 2026
Willetton Wildcats vs Swan Districts
Men’s E Grade
12pm @ Willetton Park
Baseball WA congratulates Joshua on his remarkable return and thanks the entire baseball community for the support shown to Joshua and the Coyne family.