Northland pitches for players

"Batter up, here batter batter batter," will be the call at Tikipunga's sports park tomorrow as Northland Baseball look to glove new members.

The Whangarei baseball faithful will turn out in force as their annual rally day kicks off the season, along with the presence of Baseball New Zealand's development officer and Kiwi under-18 representatives.

Northland Baseball president Paul Allen welcomed potential players of all abilities and understanding of the game.

"It's a good sport for parents to help teach their kids basics skills like throwing and catching a ball," Allen said, adding that anyone over 5 was welcome and would find a team.

"It's amazing how many schools you go to and people don't know how to throw and catch."

For older participants, there will be a pitching machine which can chuck a ball at around 100km/h, that is if they are up for the challenge. Allen said the rally day was a good opportunity for people who may just want to have a look to come along, adding they would be able to sign up on the spot.

Officially, the baseball season in Northland gets under way on October 21 and runs for the duration of the fourth school term.

However, there was the option for older kids to participate in a secondary schools competition early next year if the desire was there.

The rally day will run from 10am until noon.