There is the cracking sound of bat hitting ball and a cloud of dust rises as a scramble of sneakers skid across the rain-parched grass.

No, this is not the sight and sound of Bermuda's national summer pastime, but the American equivalent. Baseball is suddenly big in Bermuda.

This particular field of dreams is situated in Southampton, at the now almost deserted US Naval Annex. The children who whack the ball on its way are mostly Bermudian and the coaches include a French Canadian, an Englishman and a Bermudian. So far, there's no American.

But the sport of baseball seems to be a growing hit with Bermuda's youth and, thanks to the generosity of the US Navy personnel who are leasing facilities to the newly formed Bermuda Youth Sports Programme, indications are that the game is set to become a favourite amongst Bermuda's young crowd.

This is the view of Mr. Harley Hayward, commissioner of the Little League Baseball section of the sports group.

"We already have four teams in the Little League (10-14 years), six in the Rookie League (seven to nine years) and six teams in the Two-ball, which is run for five to seven-year-olds. And this is only our first year,'' he enthused.

The non-profit Youth Sports Programme came into being when the Annex closed last year.

"Until then, local children could sign up for the sports programmes run by the Base. When the Americans moved out, we asked if we could move in and keep the baseball, soccer and basketball going.'' Mr. Hayward credited Youth Minister the Hon. Pamela Gordon with successfully handling the necessary negotiations between Government and Pentagon lawyers.

Now, the youngsters, with parents in tow, are the only people using the once-busy facility. The only sign of the military are the guards who still stand sentry over buildings that already have the forlorn air of a ghost town.

"We have to observe strict rules in order to use the sports fields,'' he explained. "We have to pay insurance, keep the place clean and we're not allowed to roam all over the place. But we're very grateful to the US as we believe we have some very enthusiastic and talented young sportsmen here who deserve encouragement.'' One of the bonuses of the new sports group, said Mr. Hayward, is the way in which a real cross-section of the community have come together. "We have locals, expatriates, rich, poor, black and white. We've all got to know each other and after the games we like to get together for a cold soda,'' he said.

His comments seem to be borne out by the spectacle of parents, who shout the odd word of encouragement to their offspring as they sit and chat together from the ring of wooden stands, and occasionally heckle the umpires! Mr. Terry West is president of the Programme, Mr. Russell Petty is secretary and Mr.

Blake Marshall is treasurer.

"We are a registered charity and Blake is doing a great job, raising sponsorship amongst individuals, businesses and corporations,'' explained Mr.

Hayward. "We've been able to bring in a Canadian coach and next year we're hoping to bring in more coaches so that we continue to upgrade the standard of play. We've already had a talent scout down from Canada. Who knows, one of these days, maybe one of these kids will win a scholarship to university.'' Mr. Hayward said he has no particular training in baseball. "I got interested just by watching it on TV!'' he added.

Since he has been running the baseball at the Base, Mr. Hayward said he is more and more convinced that a permanent sporting facility should be established there.

"It makes sense, because there's already a bowling alley, tennis courts, a gym, soccer field and three baseball diamonds. There are also docks that could be used for sailing facilities and, of course, there are wonderful beaches.'' Last week, the baseball season, which has attracted some 280 youngsters (over 90 percent Bermudian), came to a close with a series of exciting playoffs. In the first playoff game the Reds beat the Pirates 15-9 and in the second the Cardinals defeated the Mariners 12-6. Then on Saturday in the consolation final the Pirates had a 17-9 victory over the Mariners while in the championship game the Cardinals defeated the Reds 15-2.

Mr. Hayward said: "It was a great day. About 500 parents and fans showed up for the prize presentation in the afternoon.'' Transport Minister, the Hon. Ralph Marshall presented the prizes to the kids.

AT THE PLATE -- Cleon Gaiton from the Pirates seen playing against the Reds.

IN THE DUGOUT -- The Pirates are all smiles in the dugout while playing against the Reds. However the Reds eventually beat them 15-9.

CONCENTRATION -- Young Jeffrey Staynor about to pitch for the Reds during the playoffs. Mr. Harley Hayward.