History was made on the Gold Coast last night with Australia’s first-ever game of Baseball5 taking place at the Gold Coast Sports Festival 2019.
Baseball Australia and the WBSC joined forces to launch the new urban, youth-focussed discipline of the game in Australia and across Oceania.
Baseball5 is a five-on-five, five-inning street version of baseball and softball that can be played anywhere and by anyone with the only requirement a rubber ball.
Local Gold Coast school students helped launch the age and gender inclusive game on Thursday night, completing three games in an hour.
“It was a great opportunity to showcase Baseball5 in our own backyard on the Gold Coast,” Baseball Australia general manager of participation Mat Sundstrom said.
“Baseball5 is an exciting product and it was great to see it so well received by those who took part in and witnessed Thursday night’s games.
“Baseball5 can be played anywhere and by anyone and we’re really excited about its future in Australia.”
In addition to last night’s exhibition games, more than 150 students from Queensland Sports Schools had the chance to try out Baseball5 on Friday.
Lisa Norrie, Australia’s first accredited Baseball5 coach, took sessions with the students and introduced them to the game.
“The enthusiasm of the kids was mind-blowing,” Norrie said.
“They just loved it … the way they played the game was amazing and they really just loved it.
“It was great to see Baseball5 action in Australia.”
WBSC special projects coordinator Giovanni Pantaleoni said Baseball5 had been building since its global launch two years ago.
“It was great to see the fun they were having on the field and so many people on the sidelines watching being engaged by Baseball5,” Pantaleoni said.
“You can go on the street, a park, a basketball court or beach and just have fun playing Baseball5.”
Olympians and local little leaguers and school students were on hand on Wednesday night at the Opening Ceremony.
For more information on Baseball5 head to http://www.wbsc.org/baseball5/.
Stay tuned to baseball.com.au and Baseball Australia’s media channels for more information on the format’s official launch in Australia.