The Honkbal Hoofdklasse is the highest level of men’s baseball in the Netherlands and represents the top tier of Dutch club competition. Founded in 1922, it is one of the oldest continuously operating baseball leagues outside North America and has played a central role in the development of baseball in Europe. The league is organized by the Royal Netherlands Baseball and Softball Federation (KNBSB) and operates as a semi-professional competition, combining experienced international players with elite domestic talent.
The Hoofdklasse season is played during the spring and summer months, with teams competing in a regular season followed by postseason playoffs that culminate in the Holland Series, where the Dutch national champion is decided. As the primary pathway to the Dutch national team, the Hoofdklasse remains a cornerstone of player development and a leading domestic league within European baseball.
