THIS Sunday marks the return of the Hastings Baseball Association winter competition.
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The sport returned in a big way last year and was able to form four teams.
This year is going to be even bigger with the competition doubling in size.
Ten sides will now compete in two different grades and teams from Taree and Kempsey will also be involved in the competition.
Having two grades operating will allow those not so experienced to play and get the feeling of the game.
President of the association Dave Boyton said the growth of the competition was simply not expected to be so great.
“We had a feeling it would be bigger this year but we had no idea it would double in size,” he said.
“Its a great response.
“Once apon a time the sport had up to 1000 members, so we know the potential is there we just didn’t expect it to grow so quick.”
The competition will be made up of four A grade and six B grade sides.
The influx of teams playing makes for a big day of baseball each Sunday at Blackbutt Park in Wauchope.
The first senior games will now get underway at about 10am with two fields operating at once at certain stages throughout the day.
In preparation for the 2015 competition Blackbutt Park has undergone $15,000 worth of works to bring it up to scratch.
There is new dugouts, new fencing and the infield has been resurfaced all of which Boyton said will provide better playing conditions.
The first two weeks of competition will consist of trial games for new players and coaches to get a handle on the game before the competition proper kicks off.
Anyone interested in playing can email info@hastingsbaseball.com.au for more information.