INTRODUCING THE EMERGING AND PROSPECTS LEAGUE
A FRESH STEP FORWARD FOR JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT
Baseball South Australia is excited to launch the Emerging and Prospects Leagues—our latest initiative designed to give junior athletes more game time, better training, and a clear path into our State Programs.
Building on the success of the 2024 Futures League—which played a key role in our U16 and U18 teams medalling at the 2025 Australian Youth Championships—the Prospects League offers a structured and competitive offseason opportunity for players looking to take the next step.
What Are These Leagues?
The Emerging and Prospects Leagues are an eight-week development competition that helps athletes prepare for the State Emerging and Pathways Programs starting in July. They are designed to offer:
Increased game time and structured training
Early talent identification
A pathway toward State Program selection
It also responds to one of the most common questions we hear:
What development opportunities are available during the offseason?
League Dates and Format
Season: Tuesday, 29 April – Sunday, 22 June
Location: West Beach
Emerging League - 2010, 2011, 2012 birth years
Tuesdays: Training, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturdays: Games
Game 1: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Game 2: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Note: Game times may be adjusted around school football commitments.
Prospects League - 2007, 2008, 2009 birth years
Thursdays: Training, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Sundays: Games
Game 1: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Game 2: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Note: Times may be adjusted based on availability.
Athletes born in 2007 are no longer eligible for the State Prospects Program but are still encouraged to participate in the league.
Program Enhancements
Game Analysis
Coaches will review performance data weekly to help identify standout athletes and focus areas for development heading into State Program selections.
Refined Selection Process
Selections into the State Pathways Program will be made by coaching staff in collaboration with the Performance Pathways Manager, based on athlete performance and readiness.
Strength and Conditioning
Athletes will benefit from our new strength and conditioning program partnered with the Studio at West Beach, that will be a part of each weekday practice.
Next Step: The State Prospects Program
Following a short break, the State Prospects Program begins on Tuesday, 8 July and runs for 12 weeks. Sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays and include a gym component. Training is staggered between U16 and U18 athletes and concludes on Tuesday, 23 September.
State Team Trials
Friday, 26 September: Data testing
Saturday, 27 – Sunday, 28 September: Game evaluations
Extended squads announced the following week (prior to the October long weekend)
Squad training begins after Round 1 of the club season
Key Information
Age group cap: 20 athletes per birth year
Program cost:
Base program: $500 (8 weeks) + GST & processing fees. Grand Total $565
Entries will open 16 April 2025 at noon in the Shop section of the Baseball SA website.
The Prospects League is a vital part of our long-term development plan—and we’re looking forward to watching the next generation of South Australian talent step up.