Howick-Pakuranga Baseball Club
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19U league (17-19 years old & under)

Big league baseball is played under WBSC/Auckland Baseball Association rules, as used for Senior games. Big league games are played on a senior diamond with 90' base-paths and a 60' 6" pitching distance. Many of the players at this age have played through Intermediate league and Senior league grades, but we also get new players joining all the time. These new players are taught the skills and soon learn the game.

Big league prepares players for Senior baseball, with many players going on to play overseas in the US and Canada. 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. The Big league grade is classed as competition grade by Auckland Baseball Association – this means that games are scored and results tracked on My Ball Club.

Pre-Season

Pre-Season training begins mid-September

Season

The season starts late October (after Labour Weekend) and runs until March. There is a break in the season over Christmas.

Age

For the 2023/2024 season players who will turn 20 after 31 August 2022 are eligible to play in the 19U league grade.

  • Example #1 - the player will turn 20 on 28 August 2023, they must register for the Reserve/Premier/Divisional grade

  • Example #2 - the player will turn 20 on 13 October 2023, they are eligible for the 19U league grade

Gear

At Big league grade players are provided with a club jersey for games, which must be returned at the end of the season, and a hat they can keep.

Players will need to provide the following equipment - see the guys at the Fieldhouse - 1/57 Ben Lomond Crescent, Pakuranga:

  • Pants – white baseball pants

  • Glove – players will need their own baseball glove, at this age group many players will want a glove that reflects their preferred position, such as a smaller infield glove or larger outfield glove.

  • Shoes – at Big league, most players wear Touch rugby boots or baseball cleats with metal cleats.

  • 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 is provided by the club, including bats, batting helmets, catchers gear, balls, etc.

Games

Home games are played on the No1 and No2 diamonds at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga. 19U league games are typically held on Saturday afternoons. Away games will be played during the season at other clubs with Big league teams, such as:

  • Counties – based at Karaka Sports Complex, Karaka.

  • Bayside Westhaven – based at Crossfield Domain, Glendowie.

  • Central City – based at War Memorial Reserve, Mt Roskill.

  • West City – based at McLeod Park, Te Atatu.

  • Waitakere Bears – based at Starling Park, Waitakere

  • North Shore City – based at Stafford Park, Northcote.

  • Orewa - based at Victor Eaves Park, Orewa.