Murphy to pitch for Vics at nationals

BENDIGO teenager Marcus Murphy is on Victoria’s under-18s pitching roster for next year’s Australian Youth Championships on Melbourne’s diamonds.

Murphy, 16, will mark consecutive years wearing the Big V when the titles are played from 9 to 15 January.

He played a key role as Victoria won silver at the 2025 national under-16 titles.

As a bottom-age player he is likely to be a relieving pitcher in the under-18 tournament, which will be crucial to his development.

An intense four-round selection process tested his ability with the ball and bat, and his athleticism.

The lead-up to next year’s under-18 championships will include a friendly series against South Australia in late December.

Murphy will be back on the diamond this weekend representing Essendon in premier one reserves, and under-20s Big League.

A busy year for the teenager who plays for Bendigo East in the Bendigo Baseball Association included a tour of Japan with an Australian under-16 team.

“It was an incredible experience,” Murphy said of an unbeaten run across eight matches.

On the pitching front, he averaged low 130 km/h.

A highlight was a no-hit match across two innings in a showcase match against the Tokyo Giants, which Australia won by two runs.

Murphy also went to base in six of seven innings with the bat across the Japanese series.

The talented teen has put a lot of work into his pitching.

“I have been working a lot on a variety of pitches,” Murphy said.

“It’s not just about pitching as fast as I can.

“Bend in the air, and change of speed is what I have focused on more.”

Away from the baseball diamond, Murphy also had year 11 studies at Bendigo Senior Secondary College, and some casual work.

A scholarship recipient in the 60th Bendigo Sports Star of the Year awards, Murphy received some cash and membership to D-Club 24/7.

“Gym sessions at D-Club have really helped me a lot,” he said.

As a scholarship recipient, he is in the running for the Cyril Michelsen Trust Fund to be announced at the Sports Star gala in February.