By: John O'Brien Jr. - 12 May 2026 - 13 views
DUBLIN, IE After recently leading a successful transformation of the baseball culture in New Zealand, seasoned baseball marketer and organizer Ryan Flynn has been named to direct the fortunes of baseball in the Emerald Isle.
The following article first appeared in iIrishnewsmagazine and documents Flynn's past and addresses the affect his hiring may have on Irish baseball. ISG friend and contributer John O'Brien Jr. penned the story.
Ryan Flynn is widely recognised for his work in developing national and regional baseball organisations, most notably during his ten‑year tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Baseball New Zealand, where he helped elevate the sport’s profile and international competitiveness, while also founding and guiding New Zealand’s first professional team, pre-Covid, that competed in the Australian Baseball League. Prior to this, Flynn led the Guam Baseball Federation, overseeing development initiatives and national team programs and leading the national team to within three wins of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
A native of the United States with deep Irish roots, Flynn’s appointment represents both a professional milestone for the organization and a personal homecoming. His family emigrated from Ireland to America in the early-to-mid 19th century, making this role a return to his ancestral homeland.
“This is more than a job – it’s a responsibility and an opportunity to build something lasting,” said Flynn. “Baseball in Ireland has strong foundations, passionate people, and untapped potential. The task now is to professionalize the organization, expand participation across the country, and create a pathway for Irish athletes to compete on the world stage. The Irish have played a major role in the growth of the sport, especially in North America. Now is the time to build up the nation’s infrastructure to contribute even more globally.”
More recently, Ryan worked in various roles across Australia, where he notably served as General Manager of Baseball Canberra and was tasked with expanding grassroots participation, strengthening high‑performance pathways, and increasing the sport’s visibility and accessibility across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). “Ryan is a transformational leader with the experience, vision, and energy required to take Baseball Ireland forward,” said Jason Wiebe, President of Baseball Ireland. “His appointment signals our commitment to building a sustainable future for the sport and creating real opportunities for players, coaches, and communities across Ireland.”
As CEO, Flynn will prioritize:
Flynn will initially undertake a targeted fundraising and partnership campaign in the United States, engaging with the Irish diaspora and global baseball community, before relocating full-time to Dublin to begin implementation of Baseball Ireland’s long-term strategic plan.
“This is a pivotal moment,” Flynn added. “With the right support, Ireland can become a serious baseball nation – not just in participation, but in performance. The opportunity is real, and the timing is right.”
In addition to his governance and sports‑development experience, Ryan brings a strong background in communications, marketing, and fundraising, having worked as a journalist and marketing professional earlier in his career and consistently applying those skills to grow organisations, secure partnerships, and build sustainable programs.
As Chief Executive Officer of Baseball Ireland, Ryan will be responsible for leading the organisation’s strategic vision, strengthening participation and performance pathways, supporting clubs and volunteers nationwide, and advancing Ireland’s presence on the international baseball stage.
Ryan’s appointment marks an important step in Baseball Ireland’s continued ambition to expand the reach of the sport, enhance player development opportunities, and build a strong, sustainable future for baseball across the island of Ireland.
