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Australian Softball Shines on the World Stage at WBSC Congress Awards

Published Tue 21 Oct 2025

Australian softball has taken centre stage in front of a global audience, with multiple honours and Hall of Fame inductions announced at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) 6th Annual Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, over the weekend.

The Congress concluded with a vibrant Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the world’s finest players, coaches, umpires, and scorers from the 2022–2025 seasons. Among those recognised were several Australian representatives whose contributions have elevated the sport both nationally and internationally.

Australia Sweeps Major 2022 WBSC Awards

Softball Australia emerged as a standout nation during the ceremony, being named the 2022 WBSC National Softball Federation of the Year, recognising its excellence in athlete development, international success, and contribution to global softball growth.

Leading the way were two key members of Australia’s world class men’s program:

Marshall Kronk – 2022 WBSC Softball Player of the Year

Laing Harrow – 2022 WBSC Softball Coach of the Year

Both awards came on the back of the Australian Men’s team, the‘Aussie Steelers’ triumph at the 2022 WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Finals, where Harrow guided the team to victory and Kronk delivered a standout tournament performance.

Softball Australia Chair Tiffany Allen praised the recognition, saying:

“These awards are a testament to the incredible talent, dedication, and teamwork that define Australian softball. To see our athletes, coaches, and the organisation itself recognised at this level is an immense honour for everyone involved in the sport across the country.”

Softball Australia also wishes to acknowledge the WBSC for recognising several significant Australians who sadly passed away in 2024–25 and who made remarkable contributions to the sport at the international level — as players, and officials.

Softball Australia is deeply grateful to the WBSC for honouring:

• Andrew Rindfleish OAM
• Scott Rindfleish
• Michael Gibson
• Norma Allsopp
• Audrey McLaughlin
• Patrice Camm (née Webb)
• Nancy Whittingham

Their legacy and passion for the game continue to inspire generations of players, coaches, and officials across Australia and around the world.

Three Australians Inducted into WBSC Hall of Fame

In addition to the awards, three distinguished Australian’s were inducted into the prestigious WBSC Hall of Fame, joining an elite group recognised globally for their exceptional impact on the sport:

Natalie Titcume OLY – A three-time Olympian and medallist, Titcume represented Australia in 334 games across 46 tournaments, including three Olympic Games, two World Cups and countless international tournaments.

Kris Kiefel – A trailblazer in men’s softball, Kiefel competed in four ISF Men’s World Championships, played 135 games for Australia over nearly two decades, and became the first Australian male to play professionally overseas in both the USA and Japan leagues.

The late Andrew Rindfleish OAM – A revered umpire and mentor, Rindfleish officiated internationally for more than a decade, officiated at 50 Australian National Championship tournaments, and served many years as softball Australia, National Umpire Chief. His leadership laid the foundation for much of Australia’s umpiring excellence today.

Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh, who attended the WBSC Congress alongside Tiffany Allen, said the recognition reflects the nation’s proud legacy and ongoing influence in international softball.

“It’s incredibly special to see Australia so prominently recognised by the WBSC. These honours not only celebrate the success of our athletes and officials but also reinforce Australia’s reputation as a global leader in softball,” Loh said.

“We were also proud to present alongside Baseball Australia and the WBSC on softball’s strong position in the bid for inclusion at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games — a milestone opportunity for the sport’s future.”

Softball’s return to the LA 2028 Olympic Games has reignited excitement for the sport globally. Softball Australia, in partnership with Baseball Australia, is actively engaging with the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee to advocate for the inclusion of baseball and softball on home soil. The sports were last featured at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where the Australian women’s team captured bronze. Australia has medalled at four of the five Olympic Games where softball has featured, narrowly missing the podium with a fourth-place finish at Tokyo 2020. Adding to the nation’s growing softball momentum, Australia was recently confirmed as host of the 2027 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals, to be held in Redcliffe, Queensland — just north of Brisbane.

A Celebration of Excellence and Unity

Softball Australia thanks the WBSC for their continued support and congratulates all award recipients and inductees, acknowledging their extraordinary contributions to the sport and their inspiration to future generations of players, coaches, and officials.