Nine of Western Australia’s emerging baseball talents have been invited to Team Australia’s Under 18 Selection Camp in Melbourne, taking another important step on the national pathway.
The WA contingent forms part of a group of 36 players selected from across Australia for the camp, which runs from 19–26 September, with six days of on-field activity at Melbourne Ballpark from 20–25 September.
The nine Western Australian players invited are:
- Harry Wooden – Wanneroo Giants | Outfield
- Arata Samukawa – Carine Cats | Infield / Pitcher
- Taylor Cook – Rockingham Rams | Pitcher / First Base
- Jake Coorey – Carine Cats | Catcher / Pitcher
- Quinn Fatai – Wanneroo Giants | Infield
- Cooper Barber – Wanneroo Giants | Pitcher / Infield
- Zai Gordon – Morley Eagles | Pitcher / Outfield
- Monty Smith – Rockingham Rams | Catcher / Pitcher
- Flynn Hennessey – Morley Eagles | Pitcher / Outfield
The camp represents the next stage of selection for Team Australia, with players competing for a place on the 20-player roster for the U18 Oceania Championships and World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled for Blacktown from 9–13 December 2026.
Pathway Towards the 2027 U18 World Cup
The 36 invited athletes were identified through performances at the 2026 Australian Youth Championships and Team Australia’s state-based Driveline evaluations conducted in April.
The Melbourne camp will give players another opportunity to demonstrate their development, with positional workouts scheduled in the mornings followed by trial games in the afternoons.
The program will also give the young athletes an opportunity to work alongside current and former Team Australia players, including Aaron Whitefield, Chris Burke, Jarryd Dale, Sam Holland, Tim Kennelly and Josh Tols.
The longer-term goal is qualification for the 2027 WBSC U18 Baseball World Cup in China. Should Australia qualify through December’s Oceania Championships, players will continue to be evaluated throughout 2027, including at the U18 Australian Youth Championships and a further selection camp ahead of the World Cup.
It is another exciting opportunity for the nine WA athletes as they continue their development and represent the strength of Western Australia’s emerging baseball talent on the national stage.
Baseball WA congratulates Harry, Arata, Taylor, Jake, Quinn, Cooper, Zai, Monty and Flynn on their selection and wishes them all the best in Melbourne.
Read Baseball Australia’s full announcement here.