Moving abroad often means leaving behind a team: the weekend league, the pickup games, the teammates who became friends.
For many expats, finding a new team is one of the best ways to feel at home.
If you have moved to Amsterdam and miss the diamond, there is good news.
Baseball, known in Dutch as honkbal, has a long and proud history in the Netherlands.
This guide explains how team sports work in the Netherlands, how to find a baseball or softball club in and around Amsterdam, and how to stay in shape between games.
Key Takeaways
- Dutch sport is organised through member clubs (verenigingen), not private leagues
- The Netherlands has a strong baseball tradition and a national top league, the Hoofdklasse
- Clubs welcome newcomers, but expect members to help with volunteering
- Cross-training such as boxing or home workouts keeps you game-ready
Baseball in the Netherlands: A Brief Background
Baseball arrived in the Netherlands in the early twentieth century and found a lasting home.
The national federation, the KNBSB (Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Federation), oversees competitions from youth level to the Hoofdklasse, the country’s top league.
The Dutch national team has a strong international record, including winning the Baseball World Cup in 2011.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands also benefits from players from Curaçao and Aruba, several of whom have reached Major League Baseball.
Haarlem, a short train ride from Amsterdam, hosts Haarlem Baseball Week, a long-running international tournament that brings national teams to the city.
In Amsterdam itself, the Amsterdam Pirates are one of the best-known clubs in the Hoofdklasse.
How Dutch Club Sport Works
The vereniging model
In the Netherlands, almost all amateur sport is organised through clubs called verenigingen.
You become a member, pay an annual fee and can then train and play in the club’s teams.
Clubs often have their own fields and a clubhouse, which serves as the social heart of the club.
Volunteering is expected
Dutch clubs run largely on volunteers.
Members help with coaching, umpiring, bar shifts in the clubhouse and field maintenance.
As a newcomer, signing up for a few shifts is one of the fastest ways to make friends.
Levels for everyone
Clubs usually field several teams at different levels, from competitive squads to recreational teams.
Many also have softball teams, including mixed and slowpitch options, which are popular with adults returning to the game.
Finding a Team in Amsterdam
Start by looking at club websites in and around Amsterdam, and contact them before the season starts, since spring is the busiest time for new members.
Most clubs offer trial training sessions.
Mention your experience and position, and ask whether training is in English or Dutch; many clubs with international members are flexible.
If baseball is not available at a convenient time, other team sports are also well organised in the city, including football, field hockey, rugby, basketball and cricket. This guide to sports clubs in Amsterdam for expats and locals gives an overview of how to find and join clubs across different sports.
Staying in Shape Between Games
The Dutch baseball season runs mainly from spring to autumn, and the winter months are long.
Off-season training keeps you healthy and ready.
Combat sports for conditioning
Many athletes use boxing and other combat sports for conditioning.
Footwork, rotational power and hand-eye coordination all transfer well to hitting and fielding.
In Amsterdam West, The Fight Company on Jan Evertsenstraat is a martial arts shop for boxing, kickboxing, MMA and BJJ, offering gear such as gloves, hand wraps and protective equipment along with personal advice in the shop.
It is a good stop if you are starting a boxing class to stay sharp over winter.
Backyard training and family fun
If you have a garden, simple equipment at home can help the whole family stay active.
Trampolines are a favourite in Dutch gardens and build balance and leg strength in children. Rainbow Trampolines & Outdoor, in Spierdijk north of Amsterdam, sells trampolines and parts as a premium dealer for Berg and Akrobat trampolines, and also sells hammocks and hanging chairs.
Simple drills
- Throwing: a partner and a park are enough for long toss and accuracy work.
- Hitting: a tee and a net at home keep your swing grooved.
- Strength: focus on legs, hips and core for rotational power.
- Mobility: shoulder and hip mobility work prevents injuries.
Tips for Expats Joining a Dutch Club
- Be patient with language. Team talk may switch between Dutch and English.
Learning a few baseball terms in Dutch is appreciated.
- Show up consistently. Reliability matters a lot in Dutch club culture.
- Join the social side. Drinks in the clubhouse after games are part of the experience.
- Bring your own glove. Clubs may have spare gear, but your own glove and cleats make the transition easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is baseball popular in the Netherlands?
It is a niche sport compared with football, but it has a dedicated following, a national league and a strong international record.
Can adult beginners join a club?
Yes.
Many clubs have recreational or softball teams for adults, including complete beginners.
When does the season start?
Most outdoor competitions run from spring to autumn, with indoor training during winter.
Conclusion
Playing team sports is one of the best ways to build a life in a new country.
In Amsterdam, baseball and softball offer a familiar game in a new setting, wrapped in the warm, volunteer-driven culture of Dutch clubs.
Find a club, show up, help out, and you may find that your new team becomes your first circle of friends.