Baseball has been played in New Zealand for much longer than you may realise. And the explosion in player numbers at West City Baseball Club demonstrates the sport’s growing popularity.
Set up in 1997, West City Baseball Club has seen player numbers increase by 200% in recent years. ‘We are a family-oriented, community club,’ declares President Sally Walker-Garner. The club strives to make everyone feel welcome, from social baseballers to more competitive ones of all ages.
The club boasts the only full-sized 90′ dirt diamond in West Auckland at its McLeod Park home in Te Atatū South. Players can start at age four, and several teams are in the junior division.
Sally proudly says the 12U Rebels team took out the top spot in the Auckland championship for the second year in a row. They have been recognised for their outstanding success, recently winning the team and coach of the year awards at the Auckland Baseball Association prizegiving.
Adults also have plenty of opportunities to play ball. The club has four senior teams, including three that are made up of members of the Korean community. Players can compete in social leagues or top-quality Auckland-wide competitions.
Sally says West City Baseball is a community-based, volunteer-led club. Membership fees are kept as low as possible, making the sport accessible to everyone.
Coping with the massive surge in baseballers has been challenging for the club. Sally estimates it costs around $5,000 to kit out a team to play, and gear can be very expensive.
West City Baseball Club applied for help to the 2023 Your West Support Fund. Funding of $7,160 arrived at just the right time, ensuring all players were properly equipped right off the bat. ‘We go through a lot of balls!’ says Sally. Alongside new balls, the club invested in practice nets, gear bags, baseball gloves, tees, and more.
‘The support has had a significant impact in enabling us to retain our talented players and expand our teams,’ declares Sally. She adds that it’s helped enhance the quality of play and develop a sense of belonging and loyalty within the player community.
The baseball season runs from October to April. However, winter pre-season training is about to start, so now’s the perfect time to get involved. Check out the website for all you need to know, or follow the club on Facebook.
