In a suburban stadium nestled on the outskirts of Melbourne, a dedicated crowd has gathered for a significant, albeit low-profile, baseball match. While the local attendance might be modest, the game is unfolding before hundreds of thousands of viewers worldwide, streamed live across the globe.
“It’s staggering how a little stadium in the western suburbs of Melbourne has so many eyeballs on it,” remarked Justin Huber, general manager of the Melbourne Aces baseball club. The Aces were currently facing off against KT Wiz, one of three professional teams from South Korea’s KBO League to choose Australia for their pre-season training camps and exhibition games this year.
South Korea boasts one of the largest baseball markets outside of the United States, with an impressive 12 million spectators flocking to games during the 2025 season and its star players commanding million-dollar salaries. The presence of a third of the KBO League teams in Australia for their preparations is being viewed as a major boost for the sport and for business relations between the two nations.
“We’re putting a huge spotlight on the sport,” Mr Huber stated, expressing his optimism. “We expect that what they will leave behind is a legacy, one that we can capitalise on.”
Why the World’s Best Choose Australia for Pre-Season
While baseball in Australia may not yet possess the widespread facilities or the fervent fanfare of Australian Rules Football (AFL) or cricket, this hasn’t deterred some of Asia’s top baseball talent from making the journey down under. For several years, South Korean teams have been seeking refuge from the harsh, wintry conditions of their homeland. Australia offers a welcome escape, providing a conducive climate and a similar time zone, ideal for training and preparing for their upcoming domestic season.
Furthermore, other established baseball training hubs, such as Okinawa in Japan and Arizona in the United States, are facing increasing cost pressures and heightened competition for facility access. This makes Australia an increasingly attractive and viable alternative.
KT Wiz recruit Lee Kang-Min highlighted the advantages of training in Australia. He noted the country’s favourable weather and the well-maintained grounds as significant benefits. “A lot of [Australian] guys have been physically strong and have the power to make a hard contest,” he observed. “If they continue to develop themselves, they’re going to be really great players.”
Son Dong-hyun, a relief pitcher for KT Wiz, also pointed out the dual benefits of the Australian stint, both on and off the field. “Practising is really hard work, so when we have days off we want to refresh ourselves,” he explained. “And the nature here helps a lot.”
Sports Diplomacy Fuels Business Opportunities
Baseball advocates in Australia are keen to see increased investment in fields and facilities, aiming to solidify the nation’s position as an international training hub. The City of Greater Geelong has already taken proactive steps, investing $800,000 to redevelop its baseball centre to better accommodate international competitions.
This strategic investment holds the potential for significant economic returns, mirroring its benefits for the sport itself. South Korea stands as Australia’s fourth-largest trading partner and its third-largest export market, largely driven by billions of dollars worth of exports in commodities such as iron ore, coal, and gas.
Notably, a substantial number of KBO League teams are owned by “chaebols” – colossal, family-controlled conglomerates that wield considerable influence over the South Korean economy. An intriguing example is the owner of the Hanwha Eagles, a team that visited Victoria this year. Through its subsidiary, Hanwha Defence Australia, the conglomerate is involved in the manufacturing of self-propelled howitzer weapons in Geelong.
Liz Griffin, chief executive of the Australia-Korea Business Council, underscored the value of baseball in fostering stronger bilateral ties. She described the sport as “a fantastic opportunity” to build relationships and “expand cultural understanding.”
“Sports brings people together. It helps create familiarity to help build that trust,” she emphasised. “Korea is only our 19th largest investor, so there’s significant opportunity to strengthen that stat and bring more Korean investment into Australia.”
Headhunters, TV Deals, and the Future of Australian Baseball
Back on the diamond, South Korea’s media has been diligently following the Australian tours of KT Wiz, the Hanwha Eagles, and the Doosan Bears. Their exhibition games were broadcast on the Korean television channel KBSN Sports and the streaming service SOOP, a testament to a broadcasting deal brokered with the Melbourne Aces.
Andrew Henderson, a US sports commentator who fronted the Aces’ coverage this season, revealed the impressive reach of these broadcasts. He noted that an estimated one million people watched the Aces play the Hanwha Eagles on YouTube alone.
“Baseball is the national pastime in America,” Henderson commented. “But I would say it’s even bigger in those countries [South Korea and Japan]. They are baseball crazy countries, which I absolutely love.”
Enthusiasts across Australia are hopeful that this surge of international attention will translate into tangible growth for the sport domestically. Mr Huber also highlighted the potential for Australian talent to be scouted, or “headhunted,” during these visits.
“We’ve already seen our shortstop, Jarryd Dale, just sign with the Kia Tigers,” he shared. “He will play in the KBO this year and make a good living doing that.”
However, the continued development of baseball in Australia and the prospect of attracting more international teams are intrinsically linked to investment. Echoing the sentiment from the iconic baseball film Field of Dreams, Mr Huber stated, “If you build it, they will come.”
“If you’ve got seven more venues here in Melbourne, there’s a good chance to get seven more teams,” he suggested. “It’s our job to put it out there and get more people excited. We’ve certainly got the base and the foundation to grow this into something really special.”
