Big League (19 & Under) Baseball

Big League 19U baseball is played within the Auckland Baseball Association league under WBSC / Little League rules.  Games are played on a senior diamond – with 90’ base-paths and a 60’6" pitching distance. Most players at this grade are experiences, with some players invited to play in the Bayside Reserves or Premier WOLVES team.

19U prepares players for Senior baseball, with many players going on to play overseas in the US and Canada, or if they're extremely talented.  Players are expected to attend team training and the coaches expect more individual performance than at the junior grades.  Players should also be taking responsibility for their development away from structured practices and are expected to work hard to develop their game. Big League 19U is a competitive grade under Auckland Baseball Association – this means that games are scored and team & player results are tracked on My Ball Club. 

For the 2023/2024 season aim to field teams of between 12-14 players.

Season Details: Registrations open in August,  Pre-Season training starts in September, with Season Training kicking off in early October, games start in late October.  ABA league breaks for Christmas resuming in mid January.  The season ends in late March or early April, with the Baseball New Zealand National Championship tournament generally in March.  

Age: For the 2023/2024 season players please see AGE CHART (if your birthday is not on this list you are 19U)

Note: dispensations are not permitted to play down a grade.

What you need: All players are supplied with a club jersey for games, which must be returned at the end of the season.  If you would like to order a jersey with your name and number printed on it, they can be ordered here 

Players will need to provide the following equipment - see the guys at The Fieldhouse or The Dugout.

• Cap - these can be purchased from our Tuck Shop or request here.

• Pants – white baseball pants

• Belt - Dark blue

• Glove – players will need their own baseball glove, at this age group many players will want a glove that reflects their preferred playing position, such as a smaller infielders glove, larger outfielders glove, first baseman's mitt or catcher's glove. 

• Shoes – Baseball cleats are generally worn, although they are not compulsory. Note: some fields do not allow metal cleats. It is your responsibility to ensure the appropriate footware at all games.

• Male players require a box / athletic protector - Auckland and New Zealand baseball rules require every male player to wear a box / athletic support. 

• Optional – some players like to have their own bats, helmets or catchers gear. This is fine as long as it is suitable for the game – your coach will be able to advise on this. Please check first as equipment such as softball bats will not be allowed in the game. 

All other gear & equipment is provided by the club, including bats, batting helmets, catchers gear, balls etc. 

Training: Training is twice weekly for 90 minutes. - Tuesday & Thursday.  Tuesday training is a skills based session with players in other youth grades. Skill stations will be set up with players being placed in ability groups to enable greater player development.  Thursday training sessions will be grade or team-based sessions, with team coaches.

Games: 19U home games are generally played on Davies (#1) Diamond at Crossfield Reserve, Glendowie.  19U games are typically held on Saturday afternoons at 1.30pm.

Away games will be played during the season at other clubs from Hamilton to Orewa.  A schedule will be available closer to the season start date.

Cost: $300 for the season including your Training Shirt . Fees cover equipment, field maintenance, ABA & BNZ Affiliation fees.

Safety: Many of the rules of baseball, particularly at the younger age groups are focused on player safety.  Umpires will enforce these rules to ensure player safety.

Want to help out?  Get involved by helping out as a game-day coach or assistant coach, Team Manager, Scorer or Umpire. Just comment in your registration or let us know.

Code of Conduct

REGISTER HERE