Sydney Blue Sox and Lifeline Canberra Cavalry produced four of the greatest baseball spectacles seen at Albert Park, Lismore, last weekend.

The matches, promoted by Visit NSW, were played before packed grandstands and shown on Fox Sports and Kayo. There was a NxtGen Baseball kids camp happening on another diamond, all the regular softball teams lining up for their return to season matches and the canteen and visiting food vans buzzing with fans.

The main games featured a high level of skill from MBA players but also all the entertaining bells and whistles of a US Major League game with music, live commentary and games for the kids between innings.

Damien Santin, a local baseball player, said "it’s the best baseball I’ve watched in person". Matt Gahan, a former Australian pitcher, was in the stands with his dad Maurice and uncle Paul, who both played baseball for Queensland.

Former Australian pitcher Matt Gahan, his father Maurice and Paul Gahan watch Sydney Blue Sox take on Canberra Cavalry at Albert Park. Photo: Steve Mackney

Sydney Blue Sox, who lost all four matches, promised to return to Lismore.

"A huge thank you to the Lismore Karinga Motel and Lismore City Council for their hospitality this weekend and for going above and beyond to help keep the Sydney Blue Sox season alive. 

"We cannot wait to be back here in Lismore in the future to bring the fans some more Blue Sox baseball!"

Lifeline Canberra Cavalry stayed at the AZA Motel on Keen Street, Lismore.

Part of the large crowd enjoying the upgraded facilities at Albert Park to watch the Blue Sox and Cavalry

Former Lismore MP Thomas George secured the $4.95 million from Gladys Berejiklian's NSW Government, with it announced by Deputy Premier John Barilaro with the Blue Sox's Zac Shepherd in Lismore in February 2018.

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Albert Park will next see an ABL All Stars versus the Futures game, rumoured to be late next month. The teams will comprise the best players in the Australian Baseball League, including players from the national men’s team.

May 8th to 12th sees the stadium hosting the Australian Senior League Championships utilise the world class facilities at Albert Park.

“The Senior League Championship brings some of the country’s best up-and-coming talent to Lismore and is a great chance for us to show off our region,” said Far North Coast Baseball Association commissioner Paul Latta.

June marks the exciting return of the Little League Championships, which had to be cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is an Australian national competition for under 12s which is a culmination of state championships and provides a great opportunity for our local aspiring little leaguers to see some of their talented peers in action.

Hurford’s Timberjacks Tournament returns in early July, an annual friendship tournament for under 18s, where teams from all over will participate.

There’s more. Albert Park plays host to both the Senior Men’s Country Championships and the Australian School Boys Championships.

And let’s not forget the Twilight Sessions for local eight to 13 year olds which return to Monday afternoons, starting February 1. The sessions run from 5.30pm to 7pm and are a fun way to ease your budding baseballer into the skillset of the game. They have an opportunity to learn some throwing and catching techniques and have a go at the game itself from all positions within a team on the main diamond. If you’ve seen the posters around town it’s not a typo, it really is $20 for the whole 9 weeks. Be prepared for the kids to be well inspired by then and ready to sign up for the season which starts April 10 and runs through to September, with all games happening on a Saturday morning at the same location.

Come and try/sign on Day for Juniors is Sunday, February 21. All coaches are accredited and experienced and are often top grade players themselves, all committed to helping the juniors so the sport can thrive.

With such a sterling calendar of baseball events, Lismore is sure to attract many people to boost the local economy.