Junior Baseball
General information
Welcome to Junior Baseball at the HP Hawks, where we focus on developing skills, building confidence, and fostering a lifelong love for the game. Our junior programme provides a clear pathway for players of all ages and abilities, from their first swing in KiwiBall to competing in the highly competitive older grades. We are committed to providing a fun, safe, and supportive environment for all our young players.
Here is some general information that applies to most of our junior grades.
Baseball Season
Our regular season typically starts after Labour Weekend in late October and runs through to March, with a break over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Pre-season training and "Have a Go" days are usually held in September.
Uniforms
For most grades (10U and older), players are provided with a club jersey for games, which must be returned at the end of the season. All players receive a club cap to keep. Players will need to provide their own white, unstriped baseball pants.
Required Gear
Baseball Glove: This is the most important piece of equipment. The correct size is crucial for a player's development; a glove that is too big or heavy can make catching difficult. If in doubt, please ask your coach for advice before purchasing.
Footwear: For younger grades, regular running shoes or touch rugby boots are fine. Moulded plastic or rubber cleats are permitted in older grades, but metal cleats are only allowed from the 16U grade upwards.
Protection: An athletic protector (box) is mandatory for all male players in every grade from 10U and up.
Club-Provided Equipment
The club provides all other necessary gear, including team bats, batting helmets, and catcher's equipment. While players are welcome to use their own approved personal gear, please ensure any personal bats meet the correct USA Bat or BBCOR certification for your grade.
Games & Locations
Our home ground is at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga. For grades 10U and older, the season includes both home and away games, which means travelling to play other clubs across the Auckland region, from Orewa to Karaka.
KiwiBall (7 years old & under)
KiwiBall is the perfect introduction to baseball for our youngest players. It’s all about having fun, learning the basics of throwing, catching, and hitting off a tee in a supportive, game-based environment. There's no pitching, and the rules are simplified to ensure everyone gets a go and enjoys their first taste of the sport.
Age Groups: KiwiBall (4-5 years) and Sluggers (6-7 years).
Game Day: Saturday mornings, 8:30am at Lloyd Elsmore Park.
Uniform & Gear: We provide it all! Every player receives a team shirt and a cap to keep. Just bring closed-toe shoes and a can-do attitude.
10U (10 years old & under)
The 10U grade is where players transition from T-Ball to real baseball! This is where they first experience player-pitching, base stealing, and playing as a team with umpires and scorekeepers. While we introduce competition, the primary focus is on skill development and ensuring everyone enjoys the game.
Age Groups: Typically 8, 9, and 10-year-olds.
Game Day: Saturday mornings, usually around 9:00am.
Diamond Size: Games are played on a 60-foot diamond with a 46-foot pitching distance.
12U (12 years old & under)
In our 12U league, players continue to build on their core skills in a more competitive environment. Played under official Little League Baseball rules, this grade introduces more advanced strategies and gameplay. Many players at this level have come through the younger grades, but we warmly welcome new players and teach them the skills they need to succeed.
Age Groups: Typically 11 and 12-year-olds.
Game Day: Saturday afternoons, usually around 1:00pm.
Diamond Size: Games are played on a 60-foot diamond with a 46-foot pitching distance.
13U (13 years old & under)
The 13U grade serves as a crucial transition year, preparing players for the move to the full-sized senior diamond. The field size increases, and the game becomes faster and more strategic. This grade focuses on refining skills, understanding complex game situations, and preparing for the next level of competition.
Age Groups: Typically 13-year-olds.
Game Day: Saturday mornings.
Diamond Size: Games are played on a larger 70-foot diamond with a 50-foot pitching distance.
14U (14 years old & under)
In the 14U grade, players make the exciting leap to the full-sized senior diamond. This is a competitive grade where game results are tracked, and players hone the advanced skills and baseball intelligence required for high-level play. This grade provides a strong foundation for moving into our Senior League and beyond.
Age Groups: Typically 14-year-olds.
Game Day: Saturday afternoons, usually around 1:00pm.
Diamond Size: Games are played on a 90-foot senior diamond with a 60'6" pitching distance.
16U (16 years old & under)
Our 16U league is a highly competitive grade for teenage players. The game is faster, the pitching is stronger, and strategic play becomes paramount. This grade provides a challenging environment for dedicated players to test their abilities and represents a key step in the pathway towards Senior baseball and international competition.
Age Groups: Typically 15 and 16-year-olds.
Game Day: Saturday mornings, usually 9:00am.
Diamond Size: Full-sized 90-foot senior diamond.
19U (19 years old & under)
The 19U league is the pinnacle of our junior programme, designed for skilled players preparing for senior baseball. At this level, coaches expect a high degree of commitment, personal responsibility, and hard work. This grade is the final step for players looking to advance to our Premier teams or pursue opportunities to play professionally in New Zealand and overseas.
Age Groups: Typically 17, 18, and 19-year-olds.
Game Day: Saturday afternoons.
Diamond Size: Full-sized 90-foot senior diamond.