What is baseball?
Baseball is a team sport with nine players per side. The goal is to score runs by hitting the ball and running around four bases. Read more on our what is baseball page.
How do I get started with baseball?
Come to a practice! Most clubs let you try before you join. Here's how to get started with baseball with us.
Is baseball for beginners?
Yes. Most people who take up baseball in Norway have no prior experience. We teach you everything from the ground up — all you need is the willingness to try something new. Read more about baseball for beginners.
Is baseball for kids?
Yes. Little League is the world's largest youth baseball program, for kids ages 6–12. VIF offers Little League in Oslo with practices, games, and tournaments. Read more about baseball for kids.
How does baseball work? What are the rules?
Baseball is played in innings — each team bats and fields in turn. Three outs = switch sides. You score by running around four bases. Read more about the rules of baseball.
What are the baseball terms in Norwegian?
Pitcher is 'kaster,' batter is 'slagmann,' bat is 'balltre,' and home run is 'hjemmeløp' — but in practice the English words are often used. See the full baseball-in-Norwegian glossary.
What are the positions in baseball?
There are nine positions: pitcher, catcher, four infielders (1B, 2B, 3B, SS), and three outfielders (LF, CF, RF). Read more about all the positions on the field.
What's the difference between baseball and softball?
Softball uses a larger ball and shorter basepaths, and pitching is underhand. Read more on our baseball vs softball page.
Where can I play baseball in Norway?
Baseball is played in several Norwegian cities — Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and more. Vålerenga Baseball is Oslo's largest club. Read more about baseball in Norway.
Is there baseball in Norway?
Yes! The baseball scene in Norway is thriving, with clubs in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and other cities. Read more about baseball in Norway.
Do I need my own gear to play baseball?
Many clubs have equipment available for new players. You don't necessarily need to buy everything yourself to get started. Read more about baseball equipment.
Which baseball glove should I choose?
Choose a glove by age and position — kids need smaller gloves (9–11 inches), adult infielders 11–11.75 inches, outfielders 12–12.75 inches. We recommend leather — borrow one free from the club first, then buy a leather glove (from about 800 NOK) once you know you'll keep playing. See the full baseball glove guide.
How many baseball clubs are there in Norway?
There are around 10 active baseball and softball clubs in Norway, with teams in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Kristiansand, Bærum, and Drammen. Eliteserien has six teams. See all baseball clubs in Norway.
Which baseball teams are there in Norway?
Norwegian baseball is organized in three levels: Eliteserien for adults (6 teams), juniors ages 13–18, and Little League ages 6–12. Each club fields teams at the levels they have players for. Read more about baseball teams in Norway.
How long does a baseball game last?
An MLB game lasts about 2 hours and 40 minutes. The Norwegian Eliteserien often plays 7 innings and lasts roughly 2 hours. Little League (6 innings) typically runs 1 to 1.5 hours. There's no clock — the game ends when the innings are done.
What is softball?
Softball is a team sport with the same basic rules as baseball, but with a larger ball, a smaller field, and underhand pitching. It's played by all genders. Read more about what softball is.
What is slåball?
Slåball is the traditional Norwegian bat-and-ball game you played in the schoolyard and gym class. It's closely related to baseball — four bases, hit the ball, run around — but with a softer ball, flexible rules, and no special equipment. Read more about what slåball is.
Are baseball and slåball the same?
Not quite. Baseball has fixed bases, a hard ball, and specific rules. Slåball is often a simpler variant. Read more about baseball vs slåball.
Where does baseball come from?
Baseball has roots in rounders and cricket in Britain, and developed in the USA from the mid-1800s. Read more about the history of baseball.
