Blue Sox Insider

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Blake Cavill’s baseball journey has taken him from Cronulla to the Little League World Series, the Sydney Blue Sox, three different US colleges and eventually the biggest stage in college baseball. Now, he’s coming home. Andrew sits down with Blake to trace the full journey, from striking out 10 and homering at Williamsport to pitching for Sydney as a teenager, choosing hitting over the mound and finding his own college opportunity through a Google search and a few emails. Blake also discusses playing alongside Jaylin Rae at Western Kentucky, finding a home at Troy and the remarkable run that carried the Trojans through four elimination games and into Omaha. He relives hitting Troy’s first College World Series home run, helping secure the program’s first win in Omaha and the fearless mentality that drove the team. Now back with the Blue Sox, Blake talks about reuniting with Rae, Josh Beazley and others, his goal of bringing the Claxton Shield back to Sydney and his recent Savannah Bananas tryout. Single-game tickets and memberships are on sale now. Follow the Sydney Blue Sox on social media for player announcements and all the latest news ahead of Opening Day.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! From Sydney to rural New Mexico, Baum-Walker Stadium, the College World Series and the Pittsburgh Pirates organisation, Brent Iredale’s path through baseball has been anything but straightforward. Andrew sits down with the Sydney product to discuss why junior college became his best option after high school, the growing pathway for Australian players through the US college system and how learning to train properly helped transform his game. Brent also explains how an all-star showcase caught Arkansas’s attention, why he immediately fell in love with the Razorbacks and how he earned the starting job at third base. He reflects on playing in front of packed crowds in the SEC, reaching Omaha, watching Gage Wood throw a College World Series no-hitter and the emotional moment he was drafted by Pittsburgh. Brent also opens up about the injury and rehabilitation period that helped him simplify his swing, before explaining why returning home to play for the Blue Sox is the right next step in his development. Now back in Sydney, Brent is ready to get valuable at-bats, expand his defensive versatility and play in front of family and friends again. Single-game tickets and memberships are on sale now. Follow the Sydney Blue Sox on social media for player announcements and all the latest news ahead of Opening Day.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Jaylin Rae was hitting .400, playing with confidence and attracting potential opportunities in Japan and elsewhere overseas when a serious hand injury brought his breakout season to an abrupt end. In the first player interview of the new season, Andrew sits down with Jaylin for a candid conversation about the injury, the devastating news that followed and the long daily battle to get back on the field. Jaylin opens up about the darkest stages of his recovery, the breakthrough moments during rehabilitation and the family members, medical staff and teammates who kept him moving forward. They also unpack the work behind his outstanding 2025 form, from swing adjustments and added strength to the confidence he drew from his preparation and the Blue Sox lineup around him. Now swinging without pain and feeling increasingly like his pre-injury self, Jaylin looks ahead to reuniting with Blake Cavill and returning to a Sydney team with one clear objective: winning the Claxton Shield. Single-game tickets and memberships are on sale now. Follow the Sydney Blue Sox on social media for player announcements and all the latest news ahead of Opening Day.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! The Blue Sox roster is taking shape, and Director of Player Development Gary Van Tol joins Andrew to explain how it’s all coming together. Gary reflects on the Cincinnati Reds prospects who developed during their time in Sydney, the lessons learned from last season and the challenge of balancing competitiveness with player development. He also looks ahead to Jaylin Rae’s return, Cohen Wynn’s move into the starting rotation and what Australian additions Brett Iredale, Blake Cavill and Josh Beezley could bring to the team. We also explore Sydney’s relationships with the Houston Astros, NC Dinos and Tokyo Yakult Swallows, along with the injuries, player plans and international partnerships that help to form an ABL roster behind the scenes. Single-game tickets and memberships are on sale now. Follow the Sydney Blue Sox on social media for upcoming player announcements and all the latest news ahead of Opening Day.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! A new era begins for the Sydney Blue Sox as Mike Roberts takes over as manager for the 2026/27 season. Andrew sits down with Roberts to talk about the culture he wants to build in Sydney, why the best teams operate with “one heartbeat,” and how fun, preparation and old-school baseball IQ can come together to create a winning environment. Roberts reflects on a coaching career that has taken him through college baseball, summer ball and professional organisations, including his remarkable turnaround at Grand Lake, where an 8–27 team became a 33–9 championship side in just one season. We also get into the baseball itself: his aggressive approach on the bases, creating pressure through steals, bunts and hit-and-runs, the importance of players learning from one another, and why building genuine relationships comes before everything else. It’s your first chance to really get to know the man who will lead the Blue Sox in 2026/27, what he believes in, and the identity he hopes Sydney will take onto the field next season. Single-game tickets for the 2026/27 season will be going on sale soon, so keep an eye on the Blue Sox website and socials for details.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Andrew tees up the ABL Championship Series with three rapid-fire chats. First, Blue Sox owner Cole Sherertz, reflects on year one at the helm—what this season has meant, challenges and surprises, and what a title would mean in his debut campaign. Then Jo Stevens talks the ups and downs of 2025/26, sliding to second base after Jaylin Rae’s injury, and (as a proud Purdue guy) sneaks in a couple of jabs at Indiana. Finally, Alex Wells joins fresh off becoming a dad to explain how the missed start in Perth might actually sharpen his prep—and what it would mean to lift the Claxton Shield in NSW for the first time in 20 years. Game times (ABLCS at Blue Sox Stadium) Fri 7:00 PM • Sat 7:00 PM • Sun 6:00 PM (if necessary) Tickets & info: sydneybluesox.com.au

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Quick heads-up: our big ABL Championship Series preview lands Wednesday. Andrew tees up chats with Cole Sherertz, Alex Wells, and Jo Stevens ahead of the ABLCS. Make sure you’re subscribed so it hits your feed the moment it drops!

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Andrew catches up with manager Brooke Knight after Sydney clinches home-field advantage for the ABLCS. Brooke reflects on another strong regular season—who’s come out of their shell, the moments he knew this team was for real, why the year’s been fulfilling—and outlines prep for the next two weeks (Brisbane this week, ABLCS next). He also tips his cap to Tim Kennelly after being in Perth for the Heat legend’s final home series in Round 9. Heads-up: ABLCS tickets on sale soon. And a Baseball+ offer, buy the ABL Championship Series pass this weekend and get Round 10 free.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Brooke is back! After last week's tech issues, Andrew and Brooke break down a gritty Round 8 in Adelaide: the opener that slipped late (road Game 1s remain a grind around the league), the resilient Game 2 fightback with Anthony Huezo thumping in the middle and Coen locking down the 8th–9th, the emotion-charged Game 3, and winning Sunday despite Ben Ferrer being pulled early. Brooke then updates on what the roster looks like going forward, no Alex Wells this weekend (baby!), plus quick updates on Jo Stevens and Briley Knight.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! We recorded a chat with manager Brooke Knight, but the audio isn’t usable, so Andrew walks you through the Blue Sox weekend in Brisbane—quick hits, turning points, and standout performers—then recaps his conversation with Brooke Knight on injury updates, roster changes and what’s next heading into Round 8.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Andrew and Brooke break down the split with Adelaide—what worked, what needs tightening, and who’s trending. Brooke provides the latest on injuries and what the roster/rotation looks like over the Christmas period, then we zoom in on a few pivotal moments from the weekend. From all of us at the Sydney Blue Sox, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! We go game-by-game through the Perth set with Brooke Knight. Thursday opened with a classic duel — Alex Wells and Tucker Smith trading zeros — and even down 3–0, Sydney’s ninth-inning push showed the club’s late-game heartbeat. Friday belonged to Landon Bourassa: a second straight complete game — this time a 6–0 shutout — pounding the zone (~75% strikes), expanding hitters late, and finishing with eight Ks as he got stronger. Saturday’s Game 1 turned on Gary Grosjean’s sharp ABL debut and Sydney’s 0-for-11 RISP; we get Brooke’s scouting read and an update on Jagger Beck’s hamstring. The finale was rain-soaked and called in the 6th, so we dig into managing mentality, conversations with Perry Roth and the umpires, and keeping emotions in check. Plus: lineup tweaks — Jo Stevens to cleanup, Anthony Huezo heating up and more.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Andrew recaps a landmark weekend as the Blue Sox sweep the Heat in Perth, only the second road sweep in Perth in the last seven years. With the win streak now at nine straight, Andrew sits down with manager Brooke Knight to unpack how this team is firing on all cylinders: crisp run prevention, leverage bullpen work, and an offense stacking quality at-bats and extra-base hits. We spotlight the top pitching performances and the bats that drove the series, then look ahead to a quick turnaround as Perth comes to Blue Sox Stadium this weekend for a series rematch.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Andrew breaks down a statement weekend as the Blue Sox sweep the Adelaide Giants, including that wild Friday night game that had everything. We sit down with manager Brooke Knight to talk bullpen chess, in-game adjustments, and what it’s like steering a series with that much chaos and momentum. Brooke also shares injury updates on a few key players as Sydney gets set to head out west for Round 4.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Andrew recaps a home-opening rollercoaster as the Blue Sox split 2–2 with the Bandits—11–1 on Thursday, 9–2 on Friday, 5–2 in Saturday’s early game, then an 8–1 response to close the doubleheader. We spotlight Alex Wells (now 2–0 vs Brisbane: 5.0 IP, 0 ER, wriggled out of traffic while the Bandits went 0-for-12 RISP, 12 LOB) and Ben Ferrer (first true start: 5.0 IP, 4H, 5K, 1BB). At the plate, Briley Knight set the tone Saturday night with an RBI triple and RBI double, and Association Day brought a buzzing crowd to Blacktown. We go game-by-game with manager Brooke Knight. Quick heads-up: after Game 3 the recording goes sideways—Andrew jumps back in to recap the rest. What’s next: Adelaide visits Thursday, 6:00 PM at Blacktown (watch on Baseball+ if you can’t be there). Plus, we’re launching ABL weekly on Baseball+ dropping Wednesday!

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Andrew recaps a wild, rain-hit opening weekend as the Blue Sox take the series 2–1 in Brisbane—8–1 on Opening Night, an 18–5 demolition in the doubleheader, then a 1–0 pitchers’ duel to close. We unpack Alex Wells’ tone-setting gem (5.2 IP, 9 K, 1 ER), a deep debut from the pen (first look at Ky Jackson and a 9-strikeout burst from Josh Bishopp), and an offense that flashed real thump: .330 team AVG, 7 HR, and double-digit walks. Standouts include Eric Rataczak (6-for-13, HR, 6 RBI), Harry Fullerton (2 HR, 5 RBI), and 18-year-old Josh Nati with his first ABL knock—a three-run homer. Plus, we chat with manager Brooke Knight about what stood out—Wells’ command, bullpen roles, the surprise power, and how Sydney carries the momentum into Thursday’s home opener.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! It's nearly that time! Andrew is joined by broadcast partner Luke Eisenhauer for a fast, fun Blue Sox season preview and how the new four-team, 10-week sprint changes roster building and game-to-game strategy. We introduce the 2025/26 roster: a projected rotation led by Alex Wells, with Ben Ferrer, Ky Jackson or Astros farmhand Jagger Beck, Landen Bourassa arriving after Team Canada duties, and Coen Wynne ready to flex starter/long relief or closer. In the pen, expect experienced leverage from Josh Guyer and Todd Grattan, plus depth from a busy local group. On the position side, we cover Jo Stevens, Hansel Jiménez, Jaylin Rae, Briley Knight, and the import bats (Anthony Huezo, Pablo Núñez, Eric Rataczak)—plus Week 1 contingencies with Solomon Maguire (CF) and a pair of imports both under injury clouds. Harry Fullerton and Josh Nati loom as immediate puzzle pieces for Brooke Knight. Enjoy opening week and we hope to see you at the ballpark next weekend! Blue Sox memberships include reserved seating, member perks, and postseason priority. Hit the Membership Store at sydneybluesox.com.au.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Blue Sox Director of Player Development Gary Van Tol joins us to unpack how Sydney is building a local-first, sustainable roster one smart decision at a time—coming off a minor premiership and aiming higher. Gary explains his selection philosophy, how he and the team are balanceing winning now with pathway minutes for NSW talent, and the import profiles that best complement a young core. We also dive into Gary’s journey through the game—college coaching, a decade in the Cubs system, managing in short-season ball (Eugene, Boise), relaunching Boise State baseball before COVID cut the program short, and lessons from independent ball—plus how he meshes with Brooke Knight. It’s a smart, candid look at roster building, development, and what fans should expect to see on the field this season.

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! ABL champion Briley Knight joins Andrew for a wide-ranging chat as he swaps Adelaide red for Sydney blue—and reunites with his dad, Blue Sox manager Brooke Knight, for the first time since 2022. Briley digs into the father–son dynamic, his championship heroics in Adelaide, what he picked up in Billings and the WCL, and why Sydney felt like the right move now. We get into his on-field identity and how he wants to impact a young clubhouse. Blue Sox Memberships (2025/26) Be part of it this summer. A Blue Sox membership isn’t just tickets—it’s reserved seating, member-only perks, and postseason priority, with family-friendly options plus things like meet-and-greets, clinic/Kids Club access, and more. Bullpen Passs and single-game tickets Are also now available!

Have a question or suggestion? Let us know! Ky Jackson joins Andrew to unpack a rare Aussie pathway: leaving home to pitch in Japan’s industrial leagues, then returning to make his ABL debut with the Blue Sox this season. Ky talks about growing up in NSW, why Japan made sense at 18, what that system taught him about preparation, command, and routines, and how those lessons translate back to Sydney. They also touch on his time with Team Australia, the talk around potential NPB draft eligibility, and what fans should expect when he takes the mound this season. Want in for 2025/26? Memberships include reserved seating, member-only perks, and postseason priority, with family-friendly options, clinic/Kids Club access, and more. A 5-game GA Bullpen Pass is coming soon, and single-game tickets drop soon! Explore the Membership Store at sydneybluesox.com.au .