Baseball for Kids
If your kids are team players who are looking for something new, they might like to try baseball. Baseball can be a fabulous activity for kids with energy to burn. It's a relatively simple game, played with a bat and a ball between two opposing teams. Teams take turns to hit the ball and try to run around a diamond shaped course before the ball is caught and returned by the opposing team. The team with the most 'runs' at the end wins the game.
This kid can hit the ball - hard!
A video of Baseball for Kids
Information on baseball for kids in South Africa
Will your kids enjoy baseball?
Do your kids want to improve their ball skills and make new friends? Baseball might just be the sport for them. Baseball can help kids improve their:
- Fitness
- Co-ordination
- Team skills
- Social skills
- Conflict resolution skills
Baseball is also less costly than many other kids activities. Baseball is played by boys and girls, and children can start lessons from as young as five. There is a kids' version of the sport known as tee-ball, which is suitable for younger children. Once they have mastered tee-ball, kids can then progress to junior and senior levels.
How to organise baseball lessons and events for your kids
The best way to start your kids playing baseball is to enrol them in one of the many baseball clubs that are located across South Africa. The Kwazulu Natal Baseball Association (KZNBA) is the official governing body for the sport of baseball in South Africa, and a number of amateur and professional clubs operate throughout the country. Many of these provide baseball coaches for kids who are looking to play for fun or competitively.
There are a few things your kids will need to get started:
- A baseball helmet to protect against injuries from flying balls
- A baseball bat
- Good running shoes
- A baseball uniform or appropriate clothing (a baseball outfit can usually be purchased from a club)
- Sunscreen
- A hat
As baseball is a summer sport, you will need to register your child with a club around late July/early August. There are usually costs associated with club subscription and coaching may be extra.
Don't miss these baseball stars and events!
Baseball teams from all over the country compete in the South African Inter Provincial Tournament. There are divisions for boys under 18, boys under 16, boys under 14, and boys under 10. Tim Harell, a South African baseball player, played for the minor in league in the USA.