The Newcastle Baseball Association Graded Competition is a highlight of the baseball calendar in Rathmines. From April to September, baseball lovers flock to witness the showdown between the talented teams participating in this exciting event.
One of the standout features of this competition is its format. Taking place on both Saturdays and Sundays, teams go head-to-head in home and away matches. This allows players to not only demonstrate their skills but also experience the thrills of competing in a challenging environment.
The graded competition consists of three team groups, each offering a different level of play. At the top of the ladder, we have the premium competition, which comprises 1st and 2nd grades. These games attract players with professional experience from various countries, including Australia, Japan, the United States, and Europe. It's a fantastic opportunity to witness some top-level baseball action!
The premium competition games are held over nine innings, and if needed, extra innings can be played to determine the winner. The level of intensity and dedication on display during these games is second to none.
Next up is the Double A competition group, which includes 3rd and 4th grades. In this category, timed games are played, adding an extra layer of excitement to the matches.
The Newcastle Baseball Association also caters to female players with their Senior Women's League, which takes place in May and June. This league gives talented women a chance to showcase their skills and participate in competitive games on Sundays.
As for the game times, they vary depending on the grade. 1st grade plays 9-inning games, 2nd grade has 15-minute games, 3rd and 4th grade enjoy 2-hour games, and 5th and 6th grade play timed games lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes.
We are proud to have several senior clubs participating in the competition, such as Belmont Seagulls, Boomerangs, Lake Camels, Maitland Mavericks, Nelson Bay Strikers, Phoenix Charlestown, Seaham Storm, Torono Tigers, White Sox, and Woodberry Wolves. These clubs bring together talented players who exhibit remarkable sportsmanship on and off the field.
So, if you're a baseball enthusiast looking for a thrilling experience and a chance to witness some amazing talent, mark your calendars for the Newcastle Baseball Association Graded Competition. This event promises to captivate and entertain everyone who attends.
