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.<\/p>\n
Media coordinator with the association Terry Smith said not many children had taken up baseball in recent years.<\/p>\n
\u201cBasically, the idea is to re-establish our under 10 competition and expand the junior base to another level, that being under eight,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
Mr Smith said as the numbers grow, the divisions will be established, and teams from each club will compete.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be opportunities for parents to be involved as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n