A Simple Game of Catch takes Neaves International

A simple game of catch with Dad in the backyard has hit a new level for the Neaves family.

This week, Jack is off to New Zealand in his first international tournament. He will be living and travelling alongside his teammates as they represent their state - a dream he has long looked forward to.

Touring squad ahead of NZ tournament. Image by Baseball Queensland

But getting here is not something that just happened overnight.

Over the past season, Jacks commitment to his game has ramped up a level and his hard work is paying off.

When he’s not studying, he’s living and breathing baseball, working on every aspect of his game.

By the time club ball training starts on a Tuesday, Jack has already been down at the park working on his sprints.

Wednesdays are for targeted skill training, Thursdays is fielding and of course more running and Friday’s are for hitting. Come Sunday he puts it all in to practice seeking out as much game time as he can get.

While he loves his weekend games, Jack has a growing love of tournament baseball.

“I love the competitiveness that comes with it (tournament baseball),” he said.

But this tournament is different to many that he has competed in before.

Jack has represented Townsville Stealers a number of times and most recently was invited to compete in the U16 Queensland Boys showcase. While both of these have had travel associated with them and pushed Jack to step up his game, he has never been a part of a touring team environment before.

That’s exactly what this New Zealand tour aims to bridge the gap of, according to Luke Ardill Baseball Queenslands Player Development Coordinator who is also travelling with the team.

“This tournament forms part of the entry level pathway, giving athletes the chance to experience what it’s like to be a part of a touring team before stepping up to that next level,” Ardill says.

Playing high level baseball is one thing but, living in a bubble immersed in it for a week like this is an experience unlike what many young athletes have experienced before.

Tournaments like this not only strengthens ties with neighbouring nations and expands the baseball community, it readies athletes for the whole representative experience in a safe environment.

“It’s all about your mood, your effort and your attitude,” says Jack.

“The coaches are always watching – not just your skills but your behaviour too.”

For Jack, it’s a challenge he is certainly up for, excited with a healthy amount of nerves, ready to take his game to the next level.

The tour consists of seven games across seven days against the Auckland Development and New Zealand Under 16 sides.