BASEBALL Australia has unveiled an experienced roster, featuring Greenwell Point's Tim Atherton, for its Premier12 debut in South Korea next month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Manager David Nilsson's 28-man squad includes 18 players who represented Australia at the 2017 World Baseball Classic in Japan.
Four former big leaguers - Travis Blackley, Luke Hughes, Peter Moylan and Warwick Saupold - have been named along with current MLB-affiliated prospects Robbie Glendinning, Josh Tols and Aaron Whitefield and a wealth of Australian Baseball League stars, such as as Atherton - who this year guided the Brisbane Bandits to a historic four-peat.
Nilsson said the experience of the 2017 World Baseball Classic could not be undervalued as Team Australia, who have been working as a group since February, chases Premier12 success and a spot at next year's Tokyo Olympics.
"They whole group bought into my concept of developing a tournament team," Nillson said.
"There's really a good mix there but absolutely on the world stage, in a tournament-style event, the more experience you have, the better.
"It's completely different from a long, drawn-out schedule - nothing can replicate playing on that do-or-die stage."
"I really like the balance of the team and the experience of the team.
"We have a lot of depth; everyone is going to get their opportunity."
Atherton's side open their tournament against Group C hosts South Korea on November 6, before matches against Cuba and Canada - which will determine if they qualify for the super round in Japan.
"The guys are ready and prepared and I can't wait," Nilsson said.
"Everyone has bought in since day one when we met down at the AIS (in February).
"They've bought into my concept of developing a tournament team, what goes into that and what they individually need to do to prepare for their roles."
Australia must finish above Chinese Taipei and South Korea to book a place at Tokyo 2020.
