Our Hills team are ready for takeoff! Look out Livermore, California!
The Hills Red group of baseballers aged 14 & under are off this week to represent Australia at the Intermediate League World Series in Livermore, California.
Made up of players from baseball clubs across the Hills region, this team were crowned Australian Intermediate League Champions in May at the National tournament, finishing in the top spot against this country’s best in Lismore.
Now, they take on the best in the world at the international World Series tournament broadcast on ESPN.
But, as they say, “this isn’t their first rodeo.” Ten of the 12 players have represented Australia before, having been a part of the Hills team that went to the 2023 Little Legaue World Series, in Williamsport. Many said it was the experience of a lifetime, and they’re eager to compete again!
It’s a double elimination tournament, meaning you have to lose two games to be knocked out of medal contention. Hills play their first game on July 30 at 8:00AM AEST (3:00PM on July 29 in California). They face the winner of Europe and Asia.
Best of luck to Hills Red and we know they’ll be giving it their all on the World Stage!
Image provided by Baseball Australia / Dan Cohen Photography
Meet the team:
Hayden Salmon (Baulkam Hills) – Hayden returns to the USA after representing Australia at the Little League World Series in Williamsport in 2023. In fact, he scored Australia’s first run of the tournament in Game 1 against the Caribbean. He had four hits and 2RBI at the Australian Intermediate League Championships (AILC).
Zac Martyn (Castle Hill) – The two-way star returns for another trip to America. Zac had four hits, seven runs and a team-high seven walks at the AILC. He also pitched 4.2 innings, allowing no runs, one hit and had eight strikeouts. Zac represented Australia last year at the Little League Championships and played on a travel-ball team that went to the semi-finals of a tournament in Cooperstown.
Tamati Stealey (Carlingford) – The outfielder hit a homer for Hills at nationals. He also chipped in five hits – good for second on the team. He travelled to the Little League World Series in 2023.
Jet Creamer (Quakers Hill) – Creamer starred in the Gold Medal game, tossing 4.2 innings and eleven strikeouts. He took a perfect game into the fifth inning. Jet pitched the most innings of anyone for Hills at nationals. He didn’t allow a run in 7.2 innings while chipping in with a couple hits with the bat. Jet played on the Little League World Series team in 2023.
Benji Baitch (Rouse Hill) – Benji earned a place with Hills for the first time amongst a talented bunch. This is his first trip to a World Series event. Baitch brings power. He hit two homers at nationals.
Adrian Jankuloski (Oakville) – Another powerful bat who hit two homers at nationals. Adrian had four hits and five runs as he returns to another World Series event after playing in Williamsport last year. He also pitched 6.2 innings – the second most on the team.
Benjamin Fogarty (Castle Hill) – Benjamin overcame a broken arm in the summer season to play in nationals. He pitched 5.0 innings, allowing one hit, no earned runs and accumulated eight strikeouts. This is his first appearance at a World Series event.
Isaac Meighan (Baulkham Hills) – Isaac had four hits and four runs at nationals, providing a consistent bat in the line-up. This is his second trip to a World Series event.
Jack Drummond (Oakville) – Jack had four hits, including a homer, at nationals. He also tossed 3.1 innings of perfect baseball with eight strikeouts. Drummond played for Australia at the Little League World Series in 2023.
Jacob Sawyer (Blacktown) – Jacob went 4-for-9 with four RBI at nationals. He also worked a few walks. This is his second trip to America.
Jaden Jang (Carlingford) – Jaden was one of the most powerful bats in the tournament. He was second on the team with five hits, led the Hills with nine RBI and mashed two homers. He can also jump on the mound if required.
Jayden Crane (Baulkham Hills) – Jayden led Hills in hits with seven at nationals. Six of them were singles, making him a dangerous top of the line-up option. This is Jayden’s second trip to America.
Tom Hayhow (Quakers Hill) – The outfielder made waves at the World Series last year when he made a great catch and ended up on ESPN’s social media. Hayhow had a hit and a couple RBI at nationals this year.
