The Mount Gambier and District Baseball League will kick off tonight 2022/23 with a grand final rematch seeing regaining premier Tigers take on arch-rival Centrals.

The powerhouse clubs of last season will go at it again under lights in a special night for the league, with the newly South Australian Hall of Fame inductee Darryl ‘Syd’ Hosking to throw the opening pitch to start the season off.

Reigning champions Tigers will be a new-look side for 2022/23 with the departure of Hayden Jones and Brayden Morton both to Adelaide to continue their baseball, while Garth Ransom (family) will leave a big gap the Tigers batting. But the club welcomes Jake Powell from Adelaide who brings valued experience.

Centrals will be around the mark again but under a new coach this year, with Dylan Chuck stepping down to hand it over to Dylan Gull.

Centrals have seen Jordy Aston depart (travel) but Colby Muller and Zeb Chant to the starting nine who can hold down their position.

Federals Baseball Club is back in the Division 1 ranks with a very young and exciting side itching at the bit to try and prove a point.

Shane Howard and Alex Pearson will be the leaders for the season and the side will be competitive fun baseball with results playing a small part.

South will also be a young side with the departures of club champions Dean Hamilton (retirement), Damien O Dine and Bruce Morale (both Division 2), which leaves the kids to step up under the guidance of Travis Lockwood.

South will take on Federals on the main field on Saturday at 4pm.