A new chapter opened in Defence Sport last month when baseball took the field for the first time under the banner of the newly formed ADF Diamond Sports Association (ADFDSA). 

Pine Hills Baseball Club in Brisbane hosted the inaugural ADF National Baseball Championships, at which five ADF teams represented their states and territories in a week-long event that officially united baseball and softball under one Defence sporting body. 

ADFDSA president Warrant Officer Class 1 Virginia Morris said the new structure reflected how Defence Sport continued to evolve. 

“We’ve long had passionate baseball players across the services,” she said. 

“This gives them a real platform to compete through the same spirit and teamwork that has made ADF Softball so strong for all these years.”

Supported by Baseball Queensland and the Australian Baseball League’s Brisbane Bandits, the week combined high-level coaching, skills clinics and four days of competition. 

After dominating the preliminary rounds and booking a place in the grand final, Victoria was the favourite; however, NSW found its stride at the right time, pulling away with a huge victory behind a masterclass of pitching by NSW coach Sergeant Brett Ardill. 

“We were confident, but we knew we had to peak at the right moment,” Sergeant Ardill said.

“The team stayed composed, executed the fundamentals and kept up the pressure, allowing us to grind Victoria down.

“It was great to come away with the win in the first-ever tournament – and we hope to back it up again next year.”

'We’ve long had passionate baseball players across the services.'

Victorian coach Sergeant Stephen Bertucci said he could not be prouder of how his team played all week. 

“To play so well and get to the grand final with the bare minimum number of players really speaks to the diversity and strength of our team,” he said.

“Everyone had to play their part, and the results were plain to see. Obviously, we didn’t come away with the win, but we’ll be back next year to try and take it one step further.”

With the championships complete, the ADFDSA plans to build on the momentum by growing its participation and cementing baseball’s place within Defence Sport. 

ADFDSA vice president Commander Sally O’Connor said the tournament had set the foundation for something enduring. 

“For years, many ADF members who have grown up playing baseball have not been able to wear the ADF uniform and compete – now they can," she said. 

"This week proved how much the sport belongs here, and is here to stay.”