Baseball New Zealand is pleased to announce today the 2023 National U-15 Squad.

We are delighted to recognise the effort, determination and skill this group of players have shown, as they begin their journey on the national baseball pathway.

The 40-strong National U-15 squad will embark on their player and baseball development programme over the next six months (or so) leading into the WBSC Oceania U-15 World Cup Qualifier that is set for a September 2023 to January 2024 window.  The 40-player squad was selected from the 79 players that attended the 4 trial locations across NZ, Auckland, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch, along with player observations at the 2023 National Baseball Festival and player data.

National U-15 Head Coach, Marty Grant, said “selections were made from players performance, attitude and coachability across the four trial locations.  We have selected a group of players that have demonstrated the necessary skill set but also have the passion and determination to grow and develop themselves further as both people and baseballers.

With specific dates, location and details still to be set for the World Cup qualifying tournament, the National U-15 coaching staff are turning their attention to on-going player and baseball development.

National Performance and Pathways Manager, Connar O’Gorman said he is excited to see a wider squad selection in this National U-15 programme, as we begin to widen the player depth here in NZ.

From here the squad will continue to work as a wider unit across their development program and camps, with each outing and exercise acting as a trial from which a National U-15 Team will be named prior to competing at the WBSC Oceania U-15 Qualifying tournament.

2023 National U-15 Squad

National U-15 Coaching & Management Staff:

Head Coach / Manager:               Marty Grant

Executive Officer:                          Rob Easthope

Support Coaches:                          Clayton Willocks

                                                          Hendrix Warren

                                                          Paul Wansbone

                                                          Brian Welts

Article added: Friday 19 May 2023