Kids under 10 can get into the swing

MEMBERS of the Bendigo Baseball Association are aiming to bring younger players into the sport with a series of T-ball games for kids aged five to nine.

Media coordinator with the association Terry Smith said not many children had taken up baseball in recent years.

“Basically, the idea is to re-establish our under 10 competition and expand the junior base to another level, that being under eight,” he said.

“The association has been very successful over the past five years in building a strong and vibrant competition at under 12, under 14, and under 16 levels.

“The under 10 competition was low in numbers in three of our clubs, Bendigo East, Scots, and Falcons, and so we now need to find more players for that division.

Mr Smith said as the numbers grow, the divisions will be established, and teams from each club will compete.

“For now, Tuesday evenings will be more of a social event where every child who attends will be split off into teams, and a fun, social environment of competition will result,” he said.

“There will be opportunities for parents to be involved as well.”

Known as the Youngsters Baseball Slam, the event is not competition-based, and the association said the focus is on enjoyment, inclusion, and skill learning.

Games will run on Tuesday evenings at Albert Roy Reserve in Eaglehawk, from 5pm to 6pm, and for more information visit bit.ly/3M7dCXq.