Batter up! Women’s baseball has returned to Canberra
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Anyone can play ball – and with the return of the Baseball Canberra Women’s Competition for players aged 15 and above, that sentiment has never been truer.
From NRL to AFL, basketball to handball, women’s sport in Canberra has been on the rise. But with the announcement that registrations are now open for the Baseball Canberra Women’s Competition, it seems like the capital has entered a whole new ball game.
Initially folding in 2018 due to low participation numbers, the competition marks the official standalone revival of the Canberra Women’s Baseball League – something Baseball Canberra player Alissa Gosch is very excited about.
“I think women’s sport as a whole is having a moment, and it’s about time! We’re seeing more investment, more visibility and more recognition of what women can bring to sport, and it’s long overdue,” she says.
“Globally, people are starting to recognise that women’s sport is not just important; it’s a worthwhile investment. And the more opportunities and visibility women get, the more the game can grow. Here’s hoping we see the same in Canberra.”
The relaunch has the backing of Baseball Canberra, meaning that not only will there be a new generation of girls coming through T-ball and junior baseball, but more inclusive pathways for those interested in the sport.
Holding weekly Monday night training sessions in preparation for the first game on Friday 13 November, Alissa says that they aim to create four teams with a mix of players, making the competition fun, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
“Whether you’ve played for years, haven’t picked up a glove in ages or have never played before, we’d love to have you,” she explains.
“We’ve got players who grew up with baseball as a family tradition, women returning after having kids, multi-sport athletes keen to give baseball a go, and women who are completely new to the game. That’s what makes it such a strong community. Everyone brings something different, and we’re here to support each other.”
There’s already been significant excitement about the announcement of the new women’s league, with Baseball Canberra receiving emails from people who haven’t registered yet but are interested in coming along to training to see if the sport is for them. Alissa says there’s room for everyone at every level.
“For us, inclusion is about making baseball as accessible as possible. We’re training on Monday evenings and playing Friday evenings at Narrabundah Ballpark, which gives women a chance to get involved without taking up their weekends. It’s also a chance for people to come along socially on a Friday evening, watch and see what women’s baseball is all about,” she explains.
“We’ve also designed the season to be flexible around women’s lives and commitments. You can register for the first six weeks before Christmas, the six weeks after Christmas, or the full 12-week season… We want to make it as easy as possible for women to give baseball a go, whatever their circumstances.”
Canberra has always had a strong connection to baseball. The game was first played during the 1930s with informal games between public service teams, and in 1957, the ACT Baseball Association was formed. Now, Baseball Canberra boasts six clubs in the local competition: Ainslie, Bandits, Eagles, Indians, Vikings and Woden.
Alissa says that Canberra players have always fed into broader national and international opportunities – including many talented women.
“In 2025, two Canberra-connected players, Maddi Erwin and Molly Paddison, were drafted into the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) in America, with Maddi drafted to New York and Molly to Boston,” says Alissa.
“Of the nine Australians drafted, two got their start in the ACT, which is pretty exciting and shows what’s possible for women in our sport! While Molly has since moved on from Canberra to pursue other baseball opportunities, she started out here, and that’s something we can be proud of.”
Calling for girls and women aged 15 and above to join the 2026/27 season, Alissa hopes that the new offering will inspire more women to pick up a bat.
“You don’t need to be an expert or have years of experience. Just bring yourself, give it a go and see what you think. Women’s baseball is back in Canberra, and there’s a place for you,” she says.
“For me, there’s also something really special about the freedom baseball gives women. It’s our space, and we don’t have to prove that we belong there. We can learn, have a go, make mistakes and enjoy the game on our own terms.”
The 2026/27 season will run from Friday 13 November until Friday 18 December 2026 and Friday 29 January until Friday 5 March 2027.
For more information, visit baseballcanberra.com.au/women or contact Baseball Canberra at baseballcanberrawomens26@gmail.com.
Images supplied.
