Young talent shines as hundreds flock to Timberjacks baseball carnival

HUNDREDS of young baseballers took part in the annual Timberjacks Baseball Tournament, with 38 teams competing across three days at Albert Park in Lismore.

The tournament attracted teams from across NSW and Queensland, with the majority travelling from the Gold Coast and Brisbane regions to compete alongside Far North Coast players.

While championships were decided across multiple age divisions, organisers said the tournament’s greatest success was providing a fun and memorable development opportunity for young players.

Tournament director Al Connors said the event had become a highlight on the junior baseball calendar.

“The Timberjacks tournament holds a special place in everyone’s heart who comes to these events,” he said.

“We love having visiting teams here. It’s more about the development of young players rather than a very competitive, winning-style tournament.”

Albert Park is one of the few baseball venues in Australia capable of hosting games simultaneously across four full-sized diamonds.

Baseball NSW chief executive Matt Rippon said the facilities and carnival structure provided invaluable opportunities for players.

“It’s so important to be in a tournament atmosphere and learn from some really great coaches in an environment where it is not so much about the competition or the outcome, but the learning that you have within it and the great experience you have with your friends and family along the way,” he said.

“It’s a credit to Far North Coast Baseball. This facility is one of, if not the best, baseball facilities in the country and it’s perfect for hosting a tournament of this magnitude.”

Two Five claimed the under-20 title after producing a clinical performance against Narangba.

The Far North Coast representative side secured the under-16 championship after a thrilling final against the SEQ Rebels.

The lead changed hands several times before the home side prevailed, capping off an outstanding weekend in which the local team impressed with its fielding, timely hitting and determination.

Brisbane North and Norths shared the under-14 championship honours, while Brisbane North 2 and Brisbane South Gold were crowned joint under-12 champions.

Far North Coast Baseball commissioner Craig Scheibel said hosting a tournament of this scale delivered significant benefits for both the sport and the local economy.

“Having the ability to put 38 or 40 teams on the field and get through a tournament in three days is a massive thing, not just for us but obviously for Lismore, having that amount of people come in,” he said.

“We’ve got a very dedicated group of volunteers and a really good community and culture here.”