BASEBALL5 LAUNCHED AT OYDC ZAMBIA - SPORTS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) joined the Zambia Baseball and Softball Association (ZBSA) in launching Baseball 5 for young upcoming, and seasoned athletes at OYDC Zambia - Sports Development Centre earlier today.

Speaking at the launch, ZBSA Vice President Andrew Zulu echoed that this is a strategic approach to develop and grow the sport to all corners of the country.

He said Baseball 5 has the potential of becoming one of the most celebrated and played sports in the country if people take a keen interest and invest in it.

Mr. Zulu also disclosed that the association is in the process of approaching schools to introduce the sport to learners as an extra-curricular activity.

Meanwhile, NOCZ Treasurer Victor Banda who was representing NOCZ President Alfred Foloko applauded the association for introducing Baseball5 at the centre as an addition to the already existing 21 sports codes and added saying that such efforts help develop athletes for World-class performance.

NOCZ Treasurer Victor Banda hands over Baseball5 Materials to OYDC Zambia - Sports Development Centre Programmes Manager Mwange Kampamba

He also urged associations present to leverage and maximize the rich pool of talent that the young people are endowed with.

He further encouraged the association to work tirelessly and prepare athletes in readiness for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

So far baseball 5 has been introduced and is currently played in Chipata in Eastern Province, Senanga in Western Province, Kabwe in Central Province, and various parts of Copperbelt Province.

Baseball5 is a new five-on-five, five-inning street version of the game of Baseball/Softball that can be played anywhere 365 days a year.

The game played in a mixed-gender format revolves around two teams of five players taking turns playing offense and defense, with each of the offensive team's players hitting a small rubber ball with their bare hands into the field of play and then running counterclockwise around four bases laid out in a square shape to score a run, while the defensive team tries to eliminate ("get out") offensive players before they complete their trip around the bases to prevent them from scoring. Outs occur either when a hit ball is caught before touching the ground, or (in specific situations) when a defender with the ball touches either a base or a runner.