Honkbal hoofdklasse

The Honkbal Hoofdklasse is the highest level of baseball in the Netherlands, organized by the KNBSB. The league is known for its blend of Dutch national-team talent and top Caribbean imports, and its role as the primary pathway to international tournaments like the European Champions Cup. The Hoofdklasse stands as one of Europe’s most established and competitive baseball leagues.

Teams in the Hoofdklasse

Logo of HCAW Bussum, a Dutch baseball club, shown in its recognizable blue and yellow team colors.
Bussum HCAW
Logo of Kinheim, the Haarlem-based Dutch baseball club, featuring the stylized red and white team design.
Haarlem Kinheim
Logo of Hoofddorp Pioniers, a Dutch baseball club, featuring the dynamic red, white, and blue team design.
Hoofddorp Pioniers
Logo of Oosterhout Twins, a Dutch baseball club, featuring the bold red and blue team emblem.
Oosterhout Twins
Logo of Curaçao Neptunus, a Rotterdam-based Dutch baseball club, featuring the iconic trident and navy-and-gold color scheme.
Rotterdam Neptunus
Logo of UVV Utrecht, a Dutch baseball and softball club, shown in its classic red-and-white shield design.
Utrecht UVV
Logo of Amsterdam Pirates, a Dutch baseball club, featuring the black, gold, and white pirate-themed design.
Amsterdam Pirates

Information

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.

Stadiums

Amsterdam Pirates
Rotterdam Neptunus
Haarlem Kinheim
Hoofddorp Pioniers
Oosterhout Twins
Utrecht UVV
Bussum HCAW