Team Australia uniforms will now feature an Indigenous symbol. (Photo: Baseball Australia)
Baseball Australia has unveiled the addition of an Indigenous symbol to its uniforms across all national teams, acknowledging the rich history and culture of the country’s First Nations people.
To coincide with NAIDOC Week which runs from July 4 to July 11 and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the symbol was designed by Jarni McGuire.
McGuire, a proud Whadjuk Noongar woman and Perth artist produced the work in consultation with Baseball Australia over the past 18 months and was honoured to be asked to design the piece.
“It’s a really great step forward for Baseball Australia,” McGuire said.
“The symbol is a visual representation really of the champions of baseball. Sportsmen are a really good avenue for Aboriginal people to be recognised.”
The symbol itself tells of the contribution of each player to the game and the champions of the sport and features the Southern Cross and half of a baseball diamond. The design process involved several Indigenous peoples and groups.
Team Australia co-captain and Gundangara man Tim Atherton said the symbol made him even more proud to now pull on the jersey of his country.
“To pull on an Australian jersey that represents the indigenous culture as well, personally, that means a whole lot,” Atherton said.
“Not only are we representing Australia, we’re representing our true identity and therefore I’m able to represent my true self as well.”
Atherton also hopes that this display and recognition elicits Indigenous athletes to feel inspired to take up baseball themselves.
“It gives Aboriginal people all over Australia representation and becomes relatable to them,” he said.
“Now they can see an Australian baseball player pull on a uniform that represents their culture and makes it not out of reach anymore.
“There’s so much untouched and unreached talent and athleticism out there that may be giving them a voice by giving them a symbol is what they need to encourage them to take up the sport of baseball.”
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Glenn Williams, Baseball Australia’s chief executive mentioned that this was another step forward in acknowledging the achievements and history of Indigenous Australians, adding that he was proud of the sport’s inclusive nature.
“We’re really excited to reveal the jersey that will be worn by our national teams for future events,” Williams said.
“The addition of the Indigenous recognition symbol is a way we can recognise the rich culture and history of our First Nations people.
“It will be an exciting day when our national teams can take the field again wearing these new uniforms.”
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