United States ambassador to New Zealand, Mark Gilbert, talked baseball tactics, skills and philosophy to keen young Kiwi players at The Fieldhouse in Pakuranga, East Auckland.

Gone are the days when United States diplomats would scratch around to find local Kiwis they could talk with about America's favourite pastime – baseball.

US ambassador Mark Gilbert slipped out of his suit for a few hours on Thursday, between official engagements in Auckland, to hits a few balls and talk about his days as a professional ball player with young New Zealand baseballers.

The Kiwis listened closely to Gilbert's tales of "growing up with a baseball glove on my hand", and never giving up on fulfilling the dream of one day being called up to the "Big Show".

PJ TAYLOR Mark Gilbert enjoyed imparting his knowledge and experience of his time as a professional player in America to the enthusiastic group of New Zealand baseballers.

It's the expression traditionally used in the US when Major League Baseball clubs enlist minor league players.

"It's great, I just love doing it," said Gilbert, at The Fieldhouse, in Pakuranga, the area acknowledged as the home of baseball in this land.

"I did it with some of the guys from the [New Zealand] national team about a year and a half ago.

"We were doing clinics all around New Zealand. We had a major league manager here, and a former major league pitcher."

Despite coming to Auckland from Wellington on regular diplomatic business, Gilbert had never been to The Fieldhouse, operated by NZ international pitcher Andrew Marck.

He said he was impressed by the indoor baseball facility, with its up-to-date batting cages and nets.

"That's why we're here today. I got out of the suit, I put on some tennis shoes – it was great.

"Last time I swung a bat? A couple of years ago. I felt pretty good."

Sure enough, the left-hander still has the ability to knock the cover off the ball from a tee, some 30 years since retiring from the American professional leagues because of a knee injury.

He also spent a good 20 minutes loading the tee for the young Kiwis who lined up for batting practise and tips.

Gilbert's fully aware of the strong growth of baseball in this country. And he hinted that it might not be too far away from when New Zealand has, at least, a semi-professional franchise side.

"Absolutely. I think we're pretty close to getting a team here, and that would be really great.

"Because you get a team here, the kids see them out playing and they pick up baseball, and then there are unlimited opportunities.

"Chances to go to universities in the United States on scholarships, or sign a professional contract. It's going to take off.

"You've got great softball teams, so there's no reason why you can't have great baseball teams."

When first asked what team he supports, because baseball is all about following a side like most team sports, Gilbert said he supports "the team at the Embassy of the United States".

"Because I played for the Chicago White Sox, I really care about the White Sox. Post my career and living in Florida I also became a Marlins fan.

"Growing up in Pittsburgh, I was a big Pirates fan. I played for a team called the Little Pirates run by the Pittsburgh Pirates. I enjoy going out to the game and seeing everyone play."

Gilbert has served as the US ambassador to New Zealand for 19 months. He was nominated for the job by long-time friend and associate President Barack Obama in 2013.

After he hung up his baseball glove, Gilbert, an outfielder for the White Sox, had a successful career in the financial sector and got involved in politics and supporting President Obama when he was an Illinois senator.

Gilbert's close interest and encouragement of baseball in New Zealand is appreciated by the game's national body.

"Having him spend time with our young up and coming players in invaluable to our programme," said Ryan Flynn, Baseball NZ chief executive.

"Any time our young players get to spend quality time with a former major leaguer, our programme and our players are better as a result."