Marauders’ Iredale Chasing Baseball Dream Far from Down Under

Brent Iredale is learning how to play baseball, the Pittsburgh Pirates way, a very long way from his native Australia.

9,000-plus miles is how far the Bradenton Marauder’s first baseman is from Sydney, one of Australia’s largest cities. That’s home for Iredale. Southwest Florida is where he has landed to chase his dream to play pro ball.

During this week’s homestand at LECOM Park, the Marauders are hosting the Daytona Tortugas. Thursday's game saw the second-year pro positioned at third base. He’s also been positioned in the outfield since being drafted by the Pirates in 2025 out of the University of Arkansas. Iredale’s journey from one continent to another that began when he was a teenager remains anything but ordinary.

Just for the Pirates to recognize him defeats all odds. How does a ballplayer with dreams of being a big leaguer find his way to Hobbs, New Mexico, land a roster spot at the local junior college, then athletically graduate after two years, and then be recruited by Division- I University of Arkansas to play baseball?

“A guy back home, Ben Moore, runs a travel team – the DownUnder Travellers. He basically helps kids from Australia, New Zealand, and a little bit in Asia, get to college or pro ball,” Iredale said prior to taking the field for Thursday’s game. “I did a video session with him, and it was sent out mainly to schools in Texas. I ended up finding New Mexico. After speaking to the coach there, I ended up signing with them a few weeks later.”

Aside from stepping on the field for the Thunderbirds and acclimating himself to a new program, adjusting to American ways required an adjustment period for Iredale. Learning how to drive was one of the daily tasks he needed to tackle. In Australia, the steering wheel is located on the passenger side of cars in America. Figuring out the turns was initially a big deal for Iredale.

“Within a month or two I got used to it. And I had my phone if I needed GPS.”

For the Pirates to have Iredale on their radar, the Hobbs to Fayetteville, Ark. route was vital. Annually the New Mexico-Texas JUCO All-Star Weekend is presented in September, in Dallas. Iredale was invited to participate. This is when, after two stellar seasons in Hobbs, and after a productive showing in Dallas, the Arkansas Razorbacks program came calling.

“I was fortunate to play in it, and played well. One of the Arkansas coaches was there. He saw me, and I spoke with him that night. I ended up visiting the place, and a few weeks later committed,” says Iredale, 22.

As a collegiate athlete, and now in Pittsburgh’s organization, although baseball keeps Iredale busy, being away from home and the things that remind him of his native Australia is still a work in progress. Missing his family, especially close family members who he was around everyday growing up, and familiar foods head Iredale’s adjustment list.

After the 2025 season, Iredale did return to Australia. As a bonus, during the three months that he was there, it was summer. Prior to 2025, it had been two and a half years since Iredale stepped foot in his own country.

At the conclusion of the 2026 MiLB season, Iredale’s plans are up in the air as far as where he will remain. After the long season, and admitting to then being “gassed out”, Iredale is leaning towards exploring visiting friends and teammates in Texas, South Carolina, Nebraska, and up north.

Iredale, who visited PNC Park in Pittsburgh when signing his Pirates contract, tells of an interesting timeline in how he has been introduced to playing first base this season.

“Two weeks before spring training ended, I was told that I would be playing first. I played there every day, and getting used to the view of the game from that side. I was taking ground balls, learning how to set up, and how to catch pickoffs.

“During the last few days of spring training and the first few days of the season, I was a lot more comfortable taking more reps every day.”

So far this season, the Marauders lead the Florida State League in walks. Iredale’s contribution is 18 walks and counting. His patience demonstrated at the plate is obvious.

“I’ve kind of had it (patience) in my whole life. I grew up trying not to chase striking out, even though it’s part of the game. I have good hand-eye coordination. Walks are good because you get on base. It’s always good to sit on a pitch,” explained Iredale, who during his three college seasons drew a combined 123 walks.

From following MLB happenings by watching ESPN and checking in on the game via the MLB app, to crossing the Pacific Ocean and being recognized by the Pirates, it’s clear there’s no quit in Iredale or his game.