By KELSIE JOHNSON, NG Sports Reporter, kelsie@nasguard.com

There has been an increase in the number of teams and players over the years in the Bahamas Baseball Federation (BBF). This steady growth is being seen in more than five of the major islands in the country, and president Craig 'Salty' Kemp is sure that the high level of play from these teams will be shown in the annual baseball nationals.

The 6th Annual Andre Rodgers National Baseball Championships, hosted by the federation, is set for the Labour Day holiday weekend, from June 6-8, in New Providence. The games will be played at the Freedom Farm Baseball Park, and the JBLN Field of Dreams, both located on the eastern side of the island. According to Kemp, this year's tournament will be the largest ever hosted.

"We know that this is going to be the best nationals ever hosted," said Kemp. "We expect some nine to 10 islands to be represented as we play in six age categories. We are looking forward to a great weekend."

The tournament will be divided into six sections, the coach pitch for the beginners, and then there will be divisions which will cater to persons from ages seven to 25. Some powerhouse teams are expected to come from Grand Bahama, Long Island, Eleuthera, Spanish Wells and Bimini. Kemp applauded the teams from Grand Bahama and New Providence, but said you cannot rule out any of the teams, drawing illustration to teams from Spanish Wells, Bimini and Long Island.

"We expect Eleuthera to come in a big way, they attended last year for the first time," said Kemp. "We have Bimini coming back and we have Exuma which is coming in for the first time so we are looking forward to a competitive and a good nationals. In addition, we have a lot of our collegiate players who are returning and they are playing exceptionally well, also, our high school athletes who are over there.

"The bigger boys will certainly showcase their skills in the tournament. In previous years, most of our youth teams were really showcasing their skills, but because we have had so much success in high school and college, everyone is looking for those kids to return, and looking forward to the match-ups in those categories."

On a different note, the BBF congratulated Sherman Ferguson and Neil Forsythe for their outstanding achievements during their 2008 collegiate seasons. Ferguson plays for Edward Waters College and Forsythe plays for Northwood University. They were both named to the All-Florida Sun Conference team, and received regional honors. Both players are expected to come home to compete in the nationals.