Baseball NSW congratulates Ashton Kennedy for committing to Connors State College in Oklahoma!
Kennedy is one of the most versatile young talents across New South Wales, and he has proven his ability in his representations on various levels. In 2025 alone, he has played for Team Australia at the 2025 U18 National Championship and the U18 World Cup.
He also earned a spot on the MLB Showcase Tour in Arizona, where he pitted his skills against other decorated and highly touted global prospects.
On the pro level, he was also named to the Sydney Blue Sox roster for their 2025/26 ABL campaign.
The World Cup saw Kennedy at his best. The dual-threat hit .444 on the plate and threw 4.1 shutout innings in three appearances on the mound, giving up only one hit and two walks.
His stunning play earned him the Leading Hitter Award at the tourney.
Several American programs have showed interest in Ashton thanks to his modern pitching arsenal that includes a fastball with a natural arm-side run with late carry, a splitter and sinker with arm-side action and depth, and a sweeper with a wide range of movement.
He is also 6’4″ and blessed with enough athleticism that gives him a powerful bat.
Speaking to Baseball Australia about his commitment, Kennedy listed his “work ethic, mental toughness, and the natural advantage that comes with being 6’4″” as his main advantages.
“Offensively I make consistent contact, and I’m building on the power I bring both at the plate and on the mound,” he added. “On the mound, I’m working toward having reliable strikeout stuff and doing a good job limiting traffic, which helps me stay calm in big moments.”
Moreover, Kennedy enters a collegiate baseball program led by NJCAA Hall of Fame coach Perry Keith. Under his leadership, the Connors State program has produced four-year transfers and professional players at a consistently elite level.
The NSW native is aware of his potential for development at Connors State.
“While I’m away, I want to develop as a complete player,” he said. “Getting 1% better each day might sound small, but it adds up. Coach Keith and his staff have so much experience, and being in a program with that history of success is an incredible opportunity.”
Likewise, Kennedy looks forward to improving as a two-way player under Keith’s coaching.
“They’re excited to work with me as a two-way player, which I’m really looking forward to,” he added.
Another point of pride for Kennedy is that he will also be the only Australian in the program.
Besides, player development manager of Baseball Australia Andrew Riddell said that Kennedy’s baseball tools were in full display at the U18 World Cup.
“His growth in his maturity–both mentally and physically–meant he never gave up on what he wanted to do and he became a real asset for Team Australia especially in tournament-play with roster size limits.”
For Ashton, committing to Connors State is only the next step in his continual journey in baseball.
“I’ve been really fortunate to compete all over the world, and each tournament has prepared me for what comes next,” he said. “Connors State feels like the perfect environment to keep growing and take my game to the next level.”
Baseball NSW wishes Ashton the very best as he continues to progress as one of the world’s top young baseballers!
Photos from Baseball Australia and Mick G Photography