Photo above: Joan Fraser throwing the first pitch at the 2017 Gilley's Shield

Joan Fraser

At the 2017 Gilley’s Shield, held in January this year, Queensland softball pioneer Joan Fraser was given the honour of throwing the first pitch of the tournament.

In 1947, 70 years ago, Joan was selected in the first Queensland Softball team. Later in the year the team played in the first ever Gilley’s Shield Championship. Two years later she was named in the first Australian Women’s team which competed against New Zealand after the conclusion of that year’s Gilley’s Shield.

Softball Queensland sincerely thanks Joan for her years of service to our great sport. It was an honour to have you out on the diamond once more at the Gilley’s Shield.

Photo Above: Joan Fraser with the Queensland Heat Team.

Opportunity of a lifetime for young softball players

PLACES STILL AVAILABLE – APPLY NOW!

This is an opportunity of a life time for young softball players (U15 and U19) with ambitions to play at a higher representative honours to develop their skills through a tour to North America in July 2017 conducted by SportsLink International in conjunction with Softball Australia. Both teams leave Australia on June 27 and begin their tour in Las Vegas, where they will play in the Stars and Stripes Tournament in front of college coaches and professional scouts (to date, 50 college coaches have registered).

Aussie Spirit and All Stars at the Down Under Series

Aussie Spirit Head Coach Fabian Barlow says his players know exactly where they stand after they finished runners-up 4-0 to Japan at the International Down Under Series in Sydney.

The All Stars, comprised of Identified Pathway Athletes, finished 4th behind New Zealand after a 3-2 loss on the final day.

Congratulations to Queenslander Jess Torpey who has now been included in the Aussie Spirit squad as a result of her performance in the All Stars team. 

Aussie Steelers place 4th at Challenge Cup

Hosts New Zealand have taken out the Challenge Cup tournament in Auckland after overpowering Argentina in the final.

The Aussie Steelers had to settle for fourth place behind NZ, Argentina and Japan in qualifying rounds.

Winter Sign-on

Do you know how to register online for the winter softball season? Be sure to check in with your club or association for the online link to register today. 

Digital Integration Project

Softball Queensland has received funding from the Queensland Government to create and implement a digital integration project over the next 3 years. The project will see Softball Queensland and Major League Marketing & Events research and implement digital communication strategies within all levels softball. 

In the coming months, we will be asking you for your feedback and ideas on how to make better use of digital technology and improve communication channels within all levels of softball so they are more efficient and effective. Whether you are a player, coach, official, parent, sponsor, administrator or involved in softball in any other way we want to know your thoughts! Stay tuned for more information. 

David Casey - Umpire Appointments

Softball Queensland congratulates David Casey on his appointment to umpire at both the Japan Cup from the 23rd – 28th August, 2017 and the Canada Cup from the 7th - 17th July, 2017. 

Golden Oldies Tournament

 Over the course of April 2018 like-minded sporting enthusiasts aged 35 years and over will congregate in Christchurch to participate in Softball, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Golf, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby and Squash. Experience the passion and great celebration of Softball at the 2018 Christchurch Golden Oldies World Softball Festival!