The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Alderman Hazel Legge from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council ahead of Baseball Ireland’s B league post season playoff finals matchup between the Belfast NorthStars and the Dublin Hurricanes at Hydebank Playing Fields.
Opened in 2016, this purpose-built baseball facility provides the necessary infrastructure in sports development for the learning and mastering of the essential skills in the sports of baseball and softball.
The Ulster Baseball and Softball Club (USBC) extended the invitation to mark this season’s triumph for the Belfast NorthStars winning Baseball Ireland’s pennant, coming top of the league table and starting the final series at their home field of Hydebank.
Speaking at the opening, Alderman Legge, Vice-Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee said: “The inclusive environment at Hydebank Playing Fields is a credit to everyone. It is fantastic to see so many individuals from different communities and backgrounds playing baseball and softball. This facility provides opportunities for all ages to learn a new sport in the council area while enjoying competitive sport and physical activity in a safe, trusted environment. May I wish the Belfast NorthStars all the success in their upcoming final series.”
Diplomat Dr Christopher Stange, from the Consulate General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Northern Ireland, who is the lead liaison person to the council on baseball and softball said: “I would like to commend Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for their vision and continued investment in the sports of baseball and softball. From little league, youth and adult, through to the national teams, baseball and softball, are now firmly embedded in Northern Ireland.”
Consul General Dr Stange presented Alderman Legge with the ceremonial baseball signed by the Belfast NorthStars players in a display case to commemorate the achievement.