PERTH — Western Australian baseball icon Tim Kennelly will retire from the Australian Baseball League at the conclusion of the 2025–26 season, closing the chapter on one of the most significant careers in WA and Australian baseball history.
A born-and-bred Perth local, Kennelly’s journey began at East Fremantle Tee-Ball before progressing through Melville Braves, the WA Under 16s, Under 18’s and the WA Institute of Sport. That pathway led to his selection by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2003 MLB Draft and a nine-year professional career in the United States across the Phillies and Texas Rangers organisations, reaching as high as Triple-A.
Returning home, Kennelly became synonymous with the Perth Heat and the modern ABL era. He is the league’s all-time leader in games played (456), hits (511), home runs (63) and RBI (257), a two-time Helms Award MVP, and a six-time national champion with the Heat. He also sits just 11 hits shy of becoming the all-time Australian professional hits leader across all eras.
Baseball WA CEO Lachlan Dale reacts to Kennelly’s career and the lasting baseball legacy he leaves across the state.
“From the moment he arrived, Tim helped set new standards for professionalism, performance and culture.
Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time in the ABL era, his leadership has been instrumental in the Heat’s sustained success and in strengthening the pathways and credibility of baseball in WA.”
Despite his achievements at the highest level, including representing Australia on countless occasions, Kennelly remains an active contributor to the State Baseball League and the development of future talent across Western Australia.
“Beyond the wins and championships, Tim leaves a legacy through the people he has influenced in players, coaches, administrators and fans, and in the respect he has earned across the local, national and international baseball community.
On behalf of Baseball WA, I thank Tim for his outstanding service and commitment to the game and we appreciate the wonderful memories he has created for all of us.”
As Kennelly enters the final chapter of his ABL career, he remains driven by the opportunity to once again represent Australia on the international stage, with the national team set to compete in Japan at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The Perth Heat will acknowledge Kennelly’s extraordinary contribution to the club and the game prior to their series finale against the Sydney Blue Sox on Saturday, 10 January, marking a career that has shaped not only the Heat, but the broader Western Australian baseball community.
