Meet the Aussie star who is on the verge of creating sporting history in the USA - and he'll make a stunning $15million
- Will join some of the biggest names in US sport
- The only Australian ever to achieve the accolade
- Wants to use his profile to grow the sport down under
Americans don't know much about Travis Bazzana yet, calling him 'The Bazzmanian Devil' even though he does not come from Tasmania. But they are about to find out all about the big-hitting Aussie.
Bazzana is tipped to join the ranks of American greats including Alex Rodriguez, Bryce Harper, Ken Griffey Jr., Darryl Strawberry and Joe Mauer as the No.1 overall pick in Major League Baseball.
The 21-year-old is on the verge of being the first player chosen in next month's draft, an honour never before achieved by an Australian - not even the great Hall of Famer Dave Nilsson.
Bazzana's rise is extraordinary, especially for someone from a country known for cricket and footy.
Despite playing multiple sports at Turramurra High School in Sydney, including cricket, soccer, track and field, and basketball, baseball was his true passion.
Travis Bazzana is tipped to become the first Australian selected as the No.1 draft pic in the American Major League Baseball competition
The Aussie has had an enormous season playing for Oregon State in college baseball
'It started very young but it was my own doing – I was just drawn to it,' Bazzana said.
His father, Gary, who also played baseball, introduced him to the sport at age three.
With guidance from Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams and NxtGen Baseball founder Ryan Rowland-Smith, both former MLB players, Bazzana quickly emerged as an elite prospect.
His nicknames, including 'The Wonder from Down Under' and 'The Bazzmanian Devil,' reflect his growing reputation, although he's actually from Sydney.
In a country where baseball isn't the dominant sport, Bazzana's story is uncommon.
Only one Australian-born MLB player, Nilsson, has more than 30 career home runs.
While Bazzana is set to become the next big thing in the American sport, he wants to focus on elevating Australia at international level as well
Bazzana grew up in Sydney and captained his cricket side, but baseball become his first love from a very early age
But Bazzana has big dreams for Australian baseball too. He dreams of elevating the Australian team to a world force again, as the Team Australia are currently ranked 11th in the world.
'My why for wanting to be great in the game of baseball has sort of developed over time,' he said.
'I used to want to prove people wrong, and had big goals and passion. I still have the big goals and passion, but it's more about paving a path and creating an impact that can change the game in Australia.'
MLB experts regard Bazzana as the 'best pure hitter' available in the draft.
The Cleveland Guardians are expected to pick him first, a choice that comes with an AUD $15million signing bonus.
His draft stock soared after a record-breaking season at Oregon State University, where he could cap off the year with the Golden Spikes Award for the best amateur player in the US.
Bazzana has strong designs on playing for Team Australia at the next World Baseball Classic
The Aussies made history at the 2023 WBC by reaching the quarter finals and Bazzana wants to help the side get even further in 2026
American fans have quickly taken to Bazzana.
'Best pure hitter in all of college baseball,' one posted on Instagram.
'He is just getting better and better,' added another.
'Camera guy couldn’t even find it,' said another with a rocket emoji.
At Oregon State, where he studied psychology, Bazzana focused on analytics and mental edge, becoming the university's all-time home run leader.
Coach Mitch Canham praised Bazzana as 'part of the 0.001 per cent.'
'He wants to go be a Hall of Famer, he wants to win championships,' Canham said.
Bazzana's dedication to Australian baseball was evidenced in a document he created at 16, projecting the Australian lineup for the 2025 World Baseball Classic with himself batting leadoff.
Though the WBC was delayed to 2026, Bazzana's goals remain unchanged.
'I've been dreaming of that and discussing that with my friends from Australia who have played in the U.S. for a long time,' he said.
'I really hope that we can make a great run in that tournament and just spur growth in the game of baseball in Australia.'
