While most students were winding down for the summer holidays, Year 11 student Blake was gearing up for the biggest stage in national youth baseball. In early January, Blake traveled to Melbourne to compete in the Australia Baseball Youth Championship.

Blake’s journey to the championships took an unexpected turn during the selection process. After trialing for the South Australian state team and narrowly missing out, he was scouted and selected to represent the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), a testament to his skill and reputation on the field.

The news of his selection came as a shock during a quiet moment at work in late November 2025.

“When I found out, I was at work by myself and I got an email,” Blake recalled. “I went to my mum like ‘oh my goodness I have an email’ and she told me to open it on the phone and it said I was selected, I was so stoked.”

Entering the tournament, Blake was primarily known for his work in the outfield. However, his adaptability became a key asset for the ACT side as he transitioned into a pivotal pitching role. Over the course of the week, he took the mound against heavy hitters from South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales Country.

“I went in as an outfielder, but I mainly pitched in the tournament,” Blake said. “Yeah, I do want to be more of a pitcher than an outfielder, it was great to get the opportunity to pitch in the competition.”

As a first-timer at a state carnival, Blake admitted to some pre-game jitters, though having fellow South Australian players on the circuit helped ease the transition. The ultimate test of nerves came when he had to face his home state.

“The most nervous I was all tournament was pitching for the first time against SA,” Blake said. “But I ended up putting in a good performance.”

With the tournament concluded, Blake has already shifted his focus toward his next performance, with the goal of returning to the national stage next year even stronger.

“I’m trying to work my way up slowly but surely,” he noted regarding his development.

Xavier College looks forward to seeing Blake continue to compete in the biggest tournaments in baseball.