In the gentle glow of an autumn afternoon at Marrickville’s HJ Mahoney Park, more than just baseball is in the air. Beyond the sound of leather mitts and dugout cheers is a powerful hum of connection and pride. It’s the unmistakable feeling of community — one that’s been built over three decades of inclusion and resilience.
This year marks the Sydney Women’s Baseball League 30th anniversary, a milestone not only in sport but in social progress. Since that first pitch in 1995, the league has become more than a place to play — it has grown into a sanctuary of belonging, particularly for Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community.
What began on the red dirt of Moore Park quickly evolved into something far greater. While the founding mission was to provide a safe, welcoming space for women to enjoy baseball, the league’s vision expanded to embrace queer women, trans individuals, and non-binary players. It became a home where all identities were not only accepted but celebrated.
Now rooted in Marrickville, a vibrant queer haven in Sydney’s Inner West, the league hosts ten teams and nearly 200 players. There’s even a growing waitlist — a clear sign of its impact and appeal. This league is not just surviving; it’s thriving, thanks to its commitment to inclusion, community spirit, and unwavering support.
“Serving as President during our 30th anniversary fills me with immense pride,” says SWBL President Ruth Lindsay.
“Our league represents more than just baseball; we’re a family that has united and uplifted diverse members of our community for three decades. Looking ahead, our vision is to continue expanding our reach while preserving the inclusive spirit that makes SWBL special. We’re not just building a sporting league – we’re creating a legacy of belonging where everyone can participate regardless of identity, ability, or background.”
This legacy of belonging isn’t just about what happens on the diamond. It’s also been built through community outreach, visible activism, and deep mutual care. Over the years, the league has marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, shown up at community events like Fair Day, and raised funds for players in need — from cancer treatment to gender-affirming surgeries.
Through all of this, the Sydney Women’s Baseball League 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of endurance, but a testament to values. The league’s Code of Conduct emphasizes kindness, respect, and zero tolerance for discrimination — principles that remain rare in many traditional sports environments.
“What sets SWBL apart,” says the league, “is its unwavering commitment to diversity.”
And it’s not just the players who bring this mission to life. Families, friends, and even children regularly contribute to BBQs, fundraisers, and game-day support. They’ve become an extended community, surrounding the league with love and lifting each other through sport and solidarity.
This collective effort has produced more than just wins and stats. It’s visible in the joyful smiles on the bleachers, the laughter echoing in dugouts, and the quiet sense of safety felt by those who can be themselves fully and freely. The sense of liberation is palpable, and it’s earned through years of intentional care and inclusion.
Community support has also played a vital role in shaping the league’s legacy. Long-standing partnerships with local institutions like The Golden Barley Hotel, ACON, and RBI have bolstered its mission both on and off the field. These sponsors and allies have empowered SWBL to do what it does best — create space, visibility, and support for LGBTQIA+ athletes.
As the league looks to the future, it does so with a strong foundation and an even stronger purpose. The volunteers, players, fans, and families who fuel the SWBL are united in their vision: to make baseball radically inclusive and joyfully queer.
From that first bat crack in the 1990s to the vibrant 30th season of today, the Sydney Women’s Baseball League 30th anniversary is more than just a celebration of time — it’s a love letter to queer resilience. It’s proof that when given the space to gather and grow, LGBTQIA+ communities can build something truly enduring.
It’s community sport — but more than that, it’s home.
