Play baseball in the Netherlands
- OrgsOrganizations
- Top levelTop-level leagues
- Levels
Governing body
The national federation that runs the sport here.
Koninklijke Nederlandse Baseball en Softball Bond (KNBSB)
knbsb.nl
Top national league
The top domestic division.
Honkbal Hoofdklasse (7-team closed league, no promotion or relegation since 2021)
Netherlands · KNBSB
knbsb.nl
Lower divisions
Divisions below the top league, where many adult players start.
Honkbal Overgangsklasse (second level 1987-2000 and 2010-2020, promotion/relegation with Hoofdklasse until 2022)
Netherlands · KNBSB
knbsb.nlHonkbal Tweede Klasse and lower open classes (Grizzlies 2025 Tweede Klasse champion per fan site)
Netherlands · KNBSB
knbsb.nl
Softball
Softball leagues and federations.
Softbal Hoofdklasse (dames/women, 2025 table; one source says six teams in 2026)
Netherlands · KNBSB
knbsb.nl
Other
Other organizations and events.
Honkbalweek Haarlem (international tournament, Pim Mulier Stadium)
Haarlem · KNBSB
late Jun-early Jul
For Americans
Rule announced Dec 2009 for 2010 season: up to 3 foreign (non-Dutch passport, EU included) players per team; only one may start as pitcher in a 3-game series, foreign catchers max 2 of 3 games; players with 5 years in NL no longer count as foreign. Current rule not verified.
Honkbal Hoofdklasse.
Source:mister-baseball.com
Pay and housing are set club by club and are not published here; ask the club directly. Rules change by season, so confirm with the league. Last checked Oct 2026.
Sources
Each organization above was checked against a published page on Oct 2026. Seasons, divisions and rules change, so confirm with the league before you plan a trip.
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