"It's definitely a growing sport in New Zealand. People are getting into it because there are so many more opportunities associated with baseball. New Zealand has also started looking into entering a team in the new professional Australian Baseball League," Allen said.
Allen first became involved at Baseball NZ when his son Cole, 8, decided he wanted to play the code a few years ago.
"Cole is the youngest in the team and started playing as just a young fella. I've always watched major league baseball and played softball when I was younger, so ended up getting involved with Baseball Northland."
Baseball Northland began six years ago after the game was introduced by American Miguel Abascal, a former professional baseball player. Abascal saw a chance to develop the sport and more than 100 children participate in after-school competitions.
Currently, Northland have two age grade teams (under-13s and under-15s) who were selected at recent trials - preparing for next month's 2012 Baseball NZ National Youth Championships, from February 23-26, at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Howick-Pakuranga.
In an initiative driven by Baseball NZ to grow the game in NZ, the two Northland teams will be taken through their paces today by renowned coach of more than 40 years American Phil Rognier, to help bring them up to speed ahead of nationals, where they will be competing against teams from new clubs Orewa and Mt Albert in Auckland, and Wellington, along with Northland, Central City, North Shore City, West City, Howick Pakuranga, Bayside Westhaven, Cambridge and Canterbury.
This is the first year Northland have fielded an under-15s grade, who is coached by Baseball Northland president Aaron Moore.
At the 2011 championships the under-13 team, many of who have moved up to the under-15 grade, had their best finish, making it into the semifinals to place fourth, which Allen said he was hoping the team could better this year.
