BANGALURU :Major League Baseball is all set to revive interest in the ‘Yankee’ sport city. A two-day event begins today at the SAI South Centre grounds in Kengeri.
The popular American sport caught the imagination of the youth in Bengaluru in the 1980s and 1990s. The National College grounds in Basavangudi was a hive of activity as also the grounds in Jayanagar 7th Block with Spartans playing a very active role. Youngsters flocked here in brand new two-wheelers and cars. The Central College ground was also a bustling venue.
But tournaments came down to just a trickle in the last decade or so. Nothing of note has happened in the last five to six years, except for the state teams taking part in the national championships.
But the Caspians Sports Club has now come forward to organise the MLB to promote the game in the city and state.
The organisers have managed to organise four teams: the Jain Group of Institutions-supported Shaivik, KK VLA Bricks, Spartans and Sri Sai Gold Glove. The four teams square off on the pitch, with four games slated for Saturday, two for Sunday and the final billed for a late afternoon start.
But why have it at such a far off venue? “The problem is in getting a ground. It needs a big ground to hit the ball long distances. As such, we had no choice but to play at the SAI South Centre in Kengeri,” said Sankirth K V, joint secretary of Caspians Sports Club.
“Players were chosen after an auction and they will be given remuneration. In the first year, they will not get much, but in due course, it will increase,” he added. “We want to popularise the sport and restore its old glory.”
In any case, better days are in store for the pitcher and batter sport with the old base being restored.