The Malta Baseball and Softball Association (MBSA) has highlighted the lack of a dedicated home ground as one of the biggest challenges limiting the growth of baseball and softball in Malta.
In comments reported in the local press, MBSA president Andrew Bajo explained that although the sport has been played locally for decades, the association still does not own or control a permanent field.
Baseball in Malta dates back to the early 1980s, with the association itself founded in 1983, and the sport has gradually grown with local leagues, youth development and international participation.
Despite this progress, the sport’s development remains restricted because players rely on a shared field at the Marsa Sports Complex, which does not belong to the association. The land was previously government-owned but was later transferred to another party, leaving the MBSA without long-term control over the facility.
According to Bajo, the association has repeatedly requested that the government provide a new site or transfer the existing field, noting that a promise to find an alternative location was discussed in Parliament more than a year ago, but no clear progress has been communicated.
The MBSA even launched a parliamentary petition in 2024 to safeguard the current Marsa field, gathering around 1,000 signatures within a week. The association warned that without a dedicated facility, the future development of baseball and softball in Malta could be at risk.
Officials say having a permanent home would allow Malta to develop youth programmes, host international teams and organise training camps, especially during winter months when teams from colder countries look for warm-weather training venues.
Despite the challenges, the MBSA said it remains committed to growing the sport, supporting athletes and creating opportunities for young players, while continuing to push for a permanent baseball and softball facility in Malta.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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