BASEBALL returns to the Limestone Coast Friday night with a bang with the grand final rematch, as reigning premiers Tigers take on arch rival in Centrals at Blue Lake Sports Park.
The power house clubs of last season’s Mount Gambier and District Baseball League will go at it again under lights in a special night for the league.
New South Australian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Darryl “Syd” Hosking will throw the opening pitch to start the season off.
Tigers will be a new-look side for 2022/23.
Hayden Jones and Brayden Morton have both headed to Adelaide to continue their baseball careers, while Garth Ransom will step aside to devote more time to his family.
Those departures will leave a big gap in the Tigers batting but the club welcomes Jake Powell from Adelaide who brings valued experience.
Centrals will be around the mark again but under a new coach this year, with Dylan Chuck stepping down to hand the reigns Dylan Gull.
Centrals have seen Jordy Aston depart but will welcome into the starting nine Colby Muller and Zeb Chant who can both hold down their position.
Meanwhile, Federal Baseball Club is back in the Division 1 ranks with a young and exciting side keen to prove a point.
Shane Howard and Alex Pearson will lead the young group with the hopes of some competitive hit-outs.
South will also sport a young side, with the departures of club champions Dean Hamilton to retirement, Damien O’Dine and Bruce Morale, who both step down to Division 2.
It leaves some opportunities for the younger players to step up under the guidance of Travis Lockwood.
South will take on Federals on the main field on Saturday, October 8 at 4pm.
