The Australia Day long weekend is fast approaching with the Big Cats excited to host the Melbourne Women’s Baseball Tournament once again. An event that began back in 2016, the MWBT was originally named the ‘Greater Melbourne Women’s Baseball Open Friendship Tournament’. We’ve since adjusted the title to keep things neat and tidy, but not much else has changed. It’s become a staple on the women’s baseball calendar every two years and is an event that women all over the world now look forward to attending.
“What began as simply an opportunity for local players to connect and play more games locally has quite literally become a worldwide hit”, said Tournament Organiser Simone Wearne. “The event was created by former Springvale player Vic Brown, along with help from myself, Siobhan Stephenson and Ursula Howard. We all knew how important providing more playing opportunities was for women and girls here in Melbourne, but i’m not sure we knew just how big the event would become over the years.”
No stranger to the Melbourne Women’s Baseball Tournament, Springvale have played a major role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the event. Since hosting the OG tournament almost a decade ago, the club has been at the forefront of supporting women and girls in baseball, no matter their age, skill level or their reason for playing.
“What has been great to see is that players from the highest level through to players who are playing only their first or second season have come together to be part of the event”, said Tournament Director Siobhan Stephenson. “The event really is a chance for players of any skill level to enjoy a fun competition, meet new people, and share their love of the game in a tournament environment that they may never have the chance to experience otherwise.”
For those new to the event, it is one of a kind. Players enter as individuals into either Division One or Two and are drafted into teams by the tournament organisers with an eye on spreading skill level, positional mix and of course, ensuring all teams have pitching and catching depth. Players from opposition teams here in Melbourne, from interstate, and even from overseas come together and are mixed up to take the field in line-ups that are literally a one-off for the event. They are joined by a mix of coaches who they may also never have met, or had the chance to learn from had they not been part of the MWBT.
Long-time women’s baseball supporter and coach Narelle Gosstray was quick to compliment the event and its format. “It’s quite surreal to see girls and women from around the world come together and get to play in randomly selected teams for the weekend of the event. It’s one of my favourite events on the calendar. Seeing young girls who are the next superstars of the game come together with veteran Emeralds players, Japanese players and even local club players who are on opposition teams every other week, it’s really very special.”
Over the years the tournament has grown in stature and popularity, with 2025 set to become the largest edition ever with over 200 players from five different countries participating. The club is busy preparing facilities, grounds and ensuring everything is ready to go to welcome an event with 14 teams, more than 20 coaches, 20 scorers, 20+ umpires, over 50 volunteers and what could be hundreds of supporters over the course of the four days.
The event will begin on Friday 24th January with the first pitch set to be thrown at 8.30am on diamond one. 38 games will take place across the two divisions over the Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with the top two teams playing off for the Championship in each Division on Monday at 10am (D2) and 12pm (D1).
In addition to games, the event will also include dinners that bring all players and supporters together after games, a hitting competition, and a special on-field screening of the movie ‘A League of Their Own’ with special guest, former All American Girls Professional Baseball League player Jeneane Lesko in attendance.
Springvale’s President Jess Adkins-Barber reflected on the club’s long-term commitment to the event as she prepares to once again take on a coaching role in 2025. “Fostering opportunities and growth in women’s baseball is something our club has been proudly doing for the last 30 years. The chance to do that for players beyond just our own club is something that is really important to us. Seeing girls take the field and enjoy playing baseball in an environment where everyone is welcome, that’s something that I love, and I know the club is proud to be involved in.”
In addition to the club providing opportunities for women and girls to play ball, it also helps bring the club together. “We have at least 30 volunteers from the club providing support across the four-day event each year, plus volunteers from other clubs that come along and give up their time”, said Canteen Coordinator Mandi Avent. “It really is a great chance for our members to come together and help drive a good culture. We all chip in and do our bit, and we all love to be involved in something that the broader baseball community can enjoy.”
Club members are encouraged to get involved by volunteering as part of the grounds crew, canteen staff, lunches, general clean-up, or even just turning up to cheer on the players during games. The countdown is well and truly on, and the Big Cats are ready to once again deliver an event that showcases women’s baseball for all to see. A working bee will also be held at the club in the lead up to the event in mid-January.
A full schedule of events, games and more will be available a week prior to the tournament via the official Melbourne Women’s Baseball Tournament Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/melbournewomensbaseballtournament