Category: Raptors

by AspiDimitrov

HSL WEEK 1 ROUND-UP

 

Before the battle – Herts and Southampton clash in the HSL Majors (Group A) 

  

Baseball returned to ballparks around the South East with the start of the 2011 Herts Spring League (HSL).  18 games were played at Herts, RAF Feltwell and Richmond. 

  

MAJORS (GROUP A) 

First up were the teams in the HSL Majors Group A and the most eagerly awaited game was 2010 National Championship rematch between Bracknell and Richmond.  The Flames came out on top once again and the 11-2 score line was strangely similar to last year’s 10-1 win. There were several new faces in the Richmond line-up and it looks like they will be very valuable additions to the Richmond roster this year.  Earlier on Saturday Richmond picked up another convincing win against the Essex RedBacks. 

  

Another team to get off to a perfect start in the Majors Group A are the Herts Falcons.  The HSL hosts started their Spring Training campaign with an 8-4 win against the Southampton Mustangs and followed that up with an 11-9 come-from-behind triumph over the Bracknell Blazers.  With Richmond and Herts going into the final group games with a 100% record it sets up an exciting prospect of the group being decided in the direct game between the two teams at 5pm next Sunday, 3 April 2011, at Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead.  The other teams, and Southampton in particular, are not out of the race and they may have something to say about that. 

  

MAJORS (GROUP B) 

The Southern Nationals who earlier this week were confirmed as one of two new NBL teams for 2011 had a dream start in the HSL with two wins.  They first overcame the GB Juniors National Team by a score of 10-0.  They followed that up with another shut-out win over the Mildenhall Bulldogs, but this time it was a much closer encounter decided by one run.  The GB Juniors were then involved in a real pitchers’ duel with the Essex Arrows, which the Arrows won 1-0.  Richard Chesterton driving in the winning run.  All the games in Group B of the HSL Majors were played at RAF Feltwell which is the home of the Mildenhall Bulldogs and the Lakenheath Diamondbacks, the latter also being confirmed as an NBL expansion team for the upcoming season.  These two teams faced each other on Sunday but the game ended in a 5-5 tie.  This will certainly be an interesting rivalry to follow in this year’s NBL. 

 

MINORS (GROUP A) 

The Sidewinders swept their opponents aside in style.  They first took care of the Richmond Knights with a 24-2 win and followed it with a 23-2 victory over the London Marauders. Earlier in the day Guildford beat the Knights in a thrilling 7-6 ballgame. This would suggest that the race for first place in this group is between the Sidewinders and the Guildford Mavericks, but Sidewinders are expecting to be missing many of their players in week two which may open the door for all the other teams to get back in the race. 

  

 

Essex RedBacks running over the Leicester Blue Sox on Sunday 

  

MINORS (GROUP B) 

Group B in the Minors section of the HSL got off to a great start with a very high quality game between the Milton Keynes Bucks and the hosts Herts Hawks.  This was a rare encounter between AA Midlands and AA South teams which was a good opportunity to see how these two regions compare.  The Bucks took an early 2-0 lead but the Hawks were always in contention.  Thanks to good pitching and defence by both teams, this was a fast-moving and crisp game of baseball.  The Hawks mounted a come back with two runs in the late innings, but it wasn’t enough as the Bucks won it 3-2 with a 6-inning game completed within one hour and thirty five minutes, which is unusually fast for a AA game. 

  

MK Bucks maintained their perfect record with a 8-0 win over last year’s HSL Minors winners, the Leicester Blue Sox.  This group remains nicely poised after the Essex RedBacks’ minor league affiliate also ended the day with two wins and no losses.  Their first win was against Leicester and the second against the Herts Raptors who made an incredible came back from 15-5 down in the final inning to take a 16-15 lead, but in the bottom of the final inning the RedBacks struck back driving in the winning run on a sacrifice fly to right field with one out. 

  

The HSL action continues next weekend with the final group games taking place at the ballparks in Herts, Essex and Richmond.  For full details visit the official HSL website. 

 

by AspiDimitrov

BRITISH BASEBALL COMES OUT OF HIBERNATION AS HERTS ANNOUNCE 2011 HSL

 

The biggest pre-season baseball tournament in Britain is back. Commencing on 26 March, the Herts Spring League will see a record 20 teams travel from as far afield as Leicester and Southampton to hone their skills and compete for the title. Organised by Herts Baseball Club, it’s Britain’s very own version of the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues currently under way in the US, and it signals that the season is just around the corner.

 

THE TEAMS

As in previous years, teams from the British NBL, AAA, AA and A Leagues will be placed in the Majors and Minors Divisions, based on the team rankings going in to the new season.  This time around, the HSL will also feature the Great Britain Juniors National Team as they prepare for the international schedule in 2011.  They will face NBL opposition throughout so it will be a beneficial competition for Will Lintern’s men.

 

Bracknell has dominated the HSL winning the Majors Division two years in a row.  Will any of their opponents manage to dethrone them this year?  They open the 2011 HSL with a mouth-watering clash against the Richmond Flames in a repeat of the 2010 National Baseball Championship Final.  The HSL Majors division is packed with teams of the highest calibre including most of the NBL teams.  This includes the Lakenheath Diamondbacks and the Southern Nationals which the BBF is expected to add to the ever-expanding National Baseball League (NBL).  Similar to the Mildenhall Bulldogs, the Lakenheath Diamondbacks are made up predominantly of US air force personnel stationed in East Anglia so they are expected to be a very tough opponent. 

 

The HSL Minors will once again see some off the best teams from the British AA and A Leagues and, as always, it will be fascinating to see how teams from the Midlands will fare against their Southern counterparts.  The Leicester Blue Sox won it last year in a dramatic final against the Sidewinders and they are back to defend their title.  There will be two new teams in the Minors groups – the Cambridge Royals who were recently resurrected and will enter the British Leagues this season as well as a second Essex RedBacks team who are proving themselves as a fast-growing force in British Baseball.

 

With so many teams entering this year the Majors and Minors are divided into several groups and at the end of the group stage the teams will go head to head in the HSL Finals to determine the overall standings and the 2011 HSL Champions. 

 

THE VENUES

The action will be spread across three weekends – starting on Saturday, 26 March and ending on Sunday, 10 April – and at four excellent venues, Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead, Ham Ground in Richmond, Townmead Field in Essex and RAF Feltwell which is the home of the Lakenheath Diamondbacks. 

 

Herts Baseball President, Aspi Dimitrov was delighted with the surge in interest: “We have once again broken the previous year’s record with 20 teams entering the HSL, but Herts Baseball Club would not have been able to satisfy this demand without the other organisation who have so generously agreed to host HSL events at their own ballparks. Richmond, Lakenheath and Essex have been so supportive and professional over the last few months and our club is very grateful to them.”

 

 

 

 

GET THE KIDS INTO THE GAME

The HSL may be a tournament for adult players (14 and over), but Herts Baseball Club will be looking to get the youngsters involved as well. Saturday, 26 March will be an Open Day for boys and girls aged between 6 and 16 who may be interested to give baseball a try.  They will be able to join in with the other players from the Herts youth teams for an intensive and fun day of baseball.

 

It will start at 10:30am at Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead (click for map and directions) and is absolutely free and open to everyone. Baseball equipment will be provided.  After play the youngsters and their parents can stay and enjoy baseball of the highest quality including the Herts Falcons vs Southampton Mustangs and the British Champions, Richmond Flames vs Bracknell Blazers. 

 

If the event has to be postponed due to rain, this will be announced on the Herts baseball Club website. If in doubt, contact the club or check the website before you set out for the Ballpark.

 

EXCITEMENT BUILDING UP

The Herts Spring League adds a competitive edge to Spring training.  It’s the time for managers to work out their winning formula going into the BBF league season. It is an opportunity to evaluate existing and newly recruited players – which players will earn a spot in the pitching rotation and who will be batting where in the batting order?  Who will make the first team and who will have to work their way up with the minor league teams?  Not forgetting, it’s a chance to size up your rivals for the year ahead.  It’s the first big challenge and the first big excitement of the baseball year. Don’t miss it.

 

The opening weekend will feature games at Herts, Richmond and RAF Feltwell. For a full games schedule and other HSL details please visit the official HSL website .

by AspiDimitrov

SPRINGING BACK INTO SHAPE

They came blinking into the watery sunlight from their winter hibernation. From across not only Hertfordshire but also north-west London, Buckinghamshire and even Northamptonshire, HBC ball-players took their first tentative steps into the Spring on Sunday. They gathered at Berkhamsted Sportspace to share tales of Christmas, to compare waistlines — and to start work on shrinking them.

 This is how the 2011 baseball season began for the Herts club, looking to build on its historic 2010. Little Leaguers joined members of the National League Falcons and several novice players trying the game for the first time. It’s always good to see fresh faces at Spring Training. And it’s good to be reunited with last year’s fellow travellers. For the Raptors, where I played my games last year, the manager is back on board and he hopes to retain the core of the team which showed such promise as they were baptised by fire. Arnott, Gover, Drummond. These could be big names for the club by year’s end.

The Berkhamsted hall was a tremendous facility. We were able to create batting cages with the enormous net curtains, and to separate areas for pitching, infield and outfield drills. We revelled in the smooth surface and the even bounce as we practiced fielding ground balls — and we dreamt that Grovehill might one day be just as placid. I still managed to pick up my first bruise of the year, fielding one of those ground balls with my shin. We also recreated the struggles of Minnesota Twins outfielders as we played the ball’s carom off the lights, and the basketball equipment. All good fun.

More than a full team’s worth of players showed interest in the pitching masterclass offered by Eagles MVP, Darrin Ward. Which is a good sign — at this stage in the season, anything seems possible. One of the highlights of the experience was handling a pristine, white ball from a newly-opened box. There is something special about a new baseball, like the aroma of a fresh pack of coffee. In fact, it has an aroma of its own. And it has a texture unlike the practice balls which are worn to a slippy sheen; it has real seams, standing proud. Is it a bit geeky to even notice the new ball? Maybe. But I think it’s one of the most touchable of the game’s intangibles.

And now how do I feel, 48 hours on? An extraordinary aching which had tried to paralyse my body seems to be fading. Slightly. Playing baseball does have a far harder effect on the body than my usual choice of exercise — such as running, or cycling, or even sometimes the weights. I don’t know if it’s the repeated impact involved. And of course part of it is that I am a year older. When I took up baseball I had recently turned thirty, and was training to run 10k races. Several surgeries, two children and many years later, I still look ahead to a year thinking “This time I’ll get in better shape….” At some point reality dawns that I will probably never recapture that youthful elasticity. But at least you know that the waistline may have got the message.

by AspiDimitrov

2011 – THE YEAR OF THE UNDERDOG

 

The clock has struck midnight and 2011 has arrived, but more importantly, this means that Spring Training for baseball clubs across the country is just around the corner.  New Year’s resolutions for those involved in British baseball are far from run-of-the-mill. A call-up to the first team, better batting average, becoming the first choice shortstop or securing a spot in the team’s pitching rotation are just some of the targets which players set for themselves ahead of the new season.  Coaches also have baseball on their mind.  They hope to discover a new talent or pick up that key player who will make the difference and turn a struggling team into an unbeatable machine.

 

Herts’ adult teams will go into the new year after a difficult 2010 season.  The club’s four adult teams had a combined record of 33 wins and 50 losses (W-L% .398). Only the Seattle Mariners (.377) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (.352) had a worse record.

 

Every new season is different but for Herts Baseball Club one thing remains unchanged – throughout its history the Herts youth and adult teams have never gone into a new season as the favourites.  They have always been the underdogs.  2011 will be no different, even for the championship-winning Herts All Stars most of who will be moving to the Under-17 age group which will be a big challenge.

 

Despite this, over the years Herts have managed to triumph against all odds.  From the Falcons’ incredible bottom of the ninth inning walk-off win in the 2004 postseason playoffs and clinching the AAA National title in 2008 to last year’s win by the Herts All Stars against the odds-on favourites London Mets and the Herts Eagles’ phenomenal run in the AAA postseason.

 

Herts Baseball Club prides itself on the ability to attract so many players who are completely new to the game of baseball.  The Club has welcomed everybody who wants to wear the Herts jersey regardless of ability or level of experience. This has turned Herts into the largest and most respected club in the UK. The club’s coaching staff deserves tremendous credit for being able to put together teams of rookies in the space of just a few weeks of Spring Training, sending them into battle against opponents with many years of baseball under their belt. This is exactly what will be needed during the vital pre-season period this Spring. The club does not have the power hitters or the 90mph flame-throwers, but will be counting on the team spirit, togetherness and loyalty of its members and supporters.

 

Can they do it?  Can Herts make 2011 The Year of the Underdog once again?

 

The adult players will be reporting for their first Spring Training session on Sunday 16 January 2011, while the youth teams start on Sunday, 6 February 2011.  These first few sessions will take place indoors.

 

Baseball has become one of the fastest growing sports in Hertfordshire and those who want to give it a try should get in touch with the club for full details of how to get involved.  The Club can offer baseball for boys and girls as young as 6 and for men and women as old as 50 and above, regardless of their level of baseball experience.

 

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by AspiDimitrov

HERTS ANNOUNCE MORE APPOINTMENTS

        

      

Earlier this month Herts Baseball Club announced its 2011 members of staff.  On the eve of the New Year the Executive Board of the club has confirmed that four more members have been added.

 

Nic Goetz has been installed in the Sponsorship Manager position.  The current economic environment is not ideal for sponsorship activities but there are still opportunities out there which are worth exploring.

 

The Media Department headed by Rob Jones is receiving the biggest boost with three new members joining the team.  As confirmed earlier, Bruce Dullea is back with his insightful baseball column “Dullea of Game” which will give readers a new perspective on the big leagues through the eyes of the Big Unit.

 

Rod Naghar and Herts legend, Paul Raybould, hosted the first ever live TV broadcast on the Herts Baseball Channel a few weeks ago and they will be part of the team which will be looking to deliver more TV programming in 2011.

 

These additions increase the total number of staff members to 15 which is the largest in the club’s history.  There are still a few more positions which the Club will be hoping to fill shortly so that number will increase further.

by AspiDimitrov

RAPTORS, HAWKS, EAGLES AND FALCONS RECEIVE 2010 AWARDS

 

The 2010 season was officially put to bed with the announcement of the 2010 award winners of Herts Baseball Club’s adult programme.  The achievements of the Raptors, Hawks, Eagles and Falcons over the past 12 months were recognised at the club’s annual end of season event.  This year the presentation took place at Leisure World in Hemel Hempstead.

 

Kimiyoshi Saionji was voted as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the Herts Falcons and he also picked up the Most RBI (16) and Home Run (2) trophies.  In fact two home run trophies were presented as Petar Kikel also accumulated two home runs.  Power-hitter Alex Ganster played only in the last few games of the NBL season so he was at a disadvantage but he would be expected to challenge Kikel and Saionji next season.  Ganster was not left empty-handed as he deservedly received the Batting Champion title with a batting average of .467.

 

For the Herts Eagles there were many shining stars in what was a very successful year for the team but the list of award winners was dominated by three players in particular.  In his first year with the club, Sri Lanka National Team player, Mahendra Prasad, won three of the award categories – Outfield Gold Glove, Most Stolen Bases and the Home Run title.  Louis Hare received the Infield Gold Glove and the Best Pitcher award.  For a third consecutive year Darrin Ward was voted as the MVP.  He also received the batting title and Most RBI.  Paul Auchterlounie’s contribution to the team’s success was also recognised as he received the Coach’s Award.

 

Six of the eight Hawks awards went to two of the team’s most exceptional players.  The rise and rise of young prospect Hunter Devine within the organisation continues and he was awarded the Herts Batting title, Infield Gold Glove and Most Stolen Bases. Manager Greg Bochan led by example all year long and his team mates voted him as the 2010 Hawks MVP.  He also received the Best Pitcher and Most RBI awards.

 

Jim Arnott was undoubtedly the outstanding player for the Raptors in 2010 so it was no surprise that he was voted as the team’s MVP.  He also received the Best Pitcher, Most RBI and Rookie of the Year awards, the latter being a club-wide prize which recognizes Arnott as the best newcomer from the large group of first-year players in the Herts four adult teams. Third baseman Bobby Gould picked up the Batting title and the Stolen Bases award.  Bryan Drummond had a tremendous year as one of the team’s key pitchers and his contribution in the outfield was also recognised with the reward of the Outfield Gold Glove.  2010 may have been Simon Elkington’s rookie year but he impressed everyone and spent the latter part of the season with the club’s AA team.  His fantastic performances were rewarded with the Raptors Infield Gold Glove. Manager Ken Pike recognised the incredible contribution of catcher Will Belbin on and off the field presenting him with the Coach’s award.

 

Andy Cornish received the Excellence in Leadership award reflecting the club’s appreciation for his dedication and contribution in every department of the club. Most Improved Player trophy went to Ilya Dimitrov, to add to his Hawks Outfield Gold Glove.  With a substantial majority of votes from club members the Play of the Year Award went to Liam Green for gunning down back-to-back Thames Valley runners at home plate in the same inning on balls hit to the outfield.  Marty Cullen was voted as the Nob-Out Award winner for his bunting master class in front of the TV cameras.  Fans of Herts Baseball Club can see this on digital channel Blighty where the programme will be shown early in 2011.

 

During the 2010 season members and friends of the club were involved in the Fantasy Baseball League competition with glittering prizes for the winners.  As winners of the American and National leagues, Jason Greenberg and Andy Cornish will receive baseballs signed by Cleveland Indians star, Grady Sizemore and New York Mets gold glove winner, Carlos Beltran.  Overall winner, Jason Greenberg picks up the grand prize of the Porsche Driving Experience, and it is understood that he is planning to donate it to the GB National Team programme if Porsche agree to transfer it. Both Jason Greenberg and Marty Cullen were key to securing the prizes for the winners and organising this fun competition which raised significant amount of money which will be invested in facilities and equipment at the club’s Grovehill Ballpark.

 

More images from the 2010 Herts Baseball Awards

 

FULL LIST OF 2010 AWARDS

 

HERTS FALCONS (NBL)  

MVP, Kimiyoshi Saionji

Batting Champion, Alex Ganster (.467)

Infield Gold Glove, Luis Goncalves

Outfield Gold Glove, Jamie Munn

Best Pitcher, Petar Kikel (4 W)

Most Stolen Bases, Jamie Munn (12)

Home Run Champion, Petar Kikel (2)

Home Run Champion, Kimiyoshi Saionji (2)

Most RBIs, Kimiyoshi Saionji (16)

Coach’s Award, Brandon Deal

               

HERTS EAGLES (AAA)    

MVP, Darrin Ward

Batting Champion, Darrin Ward

Infield Gold Glove, Louis Hare

Outfield Gold Glove, Mahendra Prasad

Best Pitcher, Louis Hare

Most Stolen Bases, Mahendra Prasad

Home Run Champion, Mahendra Prasad

Most RBIs, Darrin Ward

Coach’s Award, Paul Auchterlounie

               

HERTS HAWKS (AA)       

MVP, Greg Bochan

Batting Champion, Hunter Devine

Infield Gold Glove, Hunter Devine

Outfield Gold Glove, Ilya Dimitrov

Best Pitcher, Greg Bochan

Most Stolen Bases, Hunter Devine

Most RBIs, Greg Bochan

Coach’s Award, Kal Dimitrov

               

HERTS RAPTORS (A)       

MVP, Jim Arnott

Batting Champion, Bobby Gould

Infield Gold Glove, Simon Elkington

Outfield Gold Glove, Bryan Drummond

Best Pitcher, Jim Arnott

Most Stolen Bases, Bobby Gould

Most RBIs, Jim Arnott

Coach’s Award, Will Belbin

 

CLUB AWARDS

Rookie of the Year, Jim Arnott

Most Improved Player, Ilya Dimitrov

Excellence in Leadership, Andrew Cornish

Play of the Year, Liam Green

 

FANTASY BASEBALL AWARDS

National League Champion, Jason Greenberg (Carlos Beltran signed baseball)

American League Champion, Andy Cornish (Grady Sizemore signed baseball)

World Series Winner, Jason Greenberg (Porsche Driving Experience)

by AspiDimitrov

BRYAN DRUMMOND IS HERTS BASEBALL’S BOWLING SUPREMO

Ahead of the 2010 Herts Baseball Awards presentation for the club’s adult teams, players, coaches, family members and friends of the club took part in the club’s first Bowling Tournament at the Hotshots Bowling centre in Hemel Hempstead.  The participants were divided into two teams – the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers – in a repeat of this year’s World Series. They were competing for individual and team honours over two games, with the individual and team averages over the two games used to determine the winners.

 

In the individual contest Tim Elkins had the advantage after the first round with a score of 152, followed by Jim Arnott (136), Rod Naghar (129) and Will Belbin (125). Surprisingly, the top four players from the first round were all pushed out of the medal positions after a wild dash in the final frames of the second round.

 

The final standings could not have been any closer as only one point separated third from second and second from first. The bronze medal was claimed by Herts Raptors Manager, Ken Pike, with an overall average of 134.  Third baseman, Bobby Gould (135), took the silver medal, and the winner with an average of 136 was Raptors Pitcher, Bryan Drummond. The top three players were all members of the 2010 Raptors, which would suggest that the Raptors mean business as the gear up for the 2011 baseball season.

 

In the team competition the Giants had a healthy lead after the first round.  Their team average was 94 compared to the Rangers’ 90.  In the second round the Rangers stunned the Giants with a team average of 97, but that wasn’t quite enough to win the team title.  The final team averages over the two rounds were Giants (94.41), Rangers (93.88).

 

More images from the Bowling Tournament

 

GIANTS LANE Round1 Round2 AVG
Tim Elkins B 152 102       127.0
Simon Elkington C 99 102       100.5
Rebecca Neil C 67 69          68.0
Ilya Dimitrov E 89 90          89.5
Geoff Hare B 101 118       109.5
Rob Crouch DL      
Rodney Naghar B 129 135       132.0
Jon Gamble C 91 74          82.5
Valerie C 61 92          76.5
Ken Pike E 124 144       134.0
Jim Arnott E 136 123       129.5
Paul Auchterlounie B 72 86          79.0
Lewis Auchterlounie B 16 22          19.0
Nick Russell C 104 113       108.5
Sarah Russell C 106 109       107.5
Liam Green F 93 76          84.5
Lewis Green F 64 62          63.0
Andy Cornish DL      
TEAM AVERAGE       94.00       94.81       94.41
by AspiDimitrov

FOUR BABIES, TWO DIAMONDS, ONE CHAMPIONSHIP, AND A TITLE

The first signs of a big year were there even before the playing season began.  The club had worked hard and raised money for years with the aim of laying a second diamond, so that the facilities would expand to match the numbers of players now turning out for the club. The grass on the new diamond had been laid last autumn, and in the Spring a bevy of talented ball-players turned out to help prepare the infield. The local police and the Mayor joined in for an operation which also involved a digger, a tipper truck, and mounds and mounds of gravel.  The field was christened in competitive games in late May – fittingly the Little Leaguers were the first to enter the new era, with the Raptors staging a dramatic finale to the weekend in a nailbiting 31-30 defeat by Tonbridge.

The arrival of the second diamond meant the club could add several more firsts to the list for 2010. It was the venue for a new National League event, the Summer Classic, which saw all the teams playing competitive games at the same venue on the same day.  And above all, Herts was able to host the National Baseball Championships for the first time. In September, clubs from Liverpool, Leicester and Richmond were among those joining Herts very own Eagles at two days of often thrilling baseball. It was a big step for the club on the national stage, and we will hear more about those Eagles later….

Before we move on to the details of the playing, we must pause briefly to marvel at the fact that the BBC allowed us to grace one of its flagship television programmes this year. In April, Mike Bushell from the BBC1 Breakfast show came to Grovehill to take part in a training session with Little League players and National League Falcons alike. It was all caught on camera, and won attention for the club and the sport across the UK. Mike gamely tried to field some fly balls, and tried to hit a Dan Kerry fastball — with a predictable lack of success. But he did really hit the balls that you see in the film, and ran the bases with enthusiasm. 

And so to business. The Falcons would be the first to tell you they were disappointed with a 9-19 record.  But there were struggles in both the pitching and the hitting departments, meaning that it was hard to put together a good run. Despite all of this, the Falcons fought to the very end of the season for a playoff place, and were only denied by a sweep by the Mildenhall Bulldogs in the final series of the season.  And there were plenty of highlights. The brightest of them was the superb 2-1 win against the champions, Richmond, and their MVP pitcher Cody Cain. A home run from Kimiyoshi Saionji helped secure a famous win.  The infield defense was perhaps the strongest part of the team, and Pete Kikel went from rookie upstart to established National League pitcher and hitter in just one year. The Falcons also added the big bat of Alex Ganster late in the season, and they are looking forward to fighting back next year.

The Eagles in the AAA division were Herts’ most successful adult team. Helped by the pitching of Darrin Ward and Louis Hare, and the ability to keep a consistent line-up together, they notched up an 18-6 record to qualify for the playoffs. Further victories ensured they would represent Herts at the first ever National Baseball Championships at Grovehill. They battled through to the semi-final to take on the ultimate champions, the Oxford Kings, but were undone in a game which turned on a controversial umpiring decision. The Eagles manager Lee Manning – who had represented his team with vigour all year – was justly proud of what they had achieved. 

The Hawks had a tougher time of it, facing teams in the AA division who probably belonged higher up.  Greg Bochan led the team in his customary spirit, and they always competed hard, even having been ruled out of post-season contention.  They ended the year with a 5-13 record, claiming wins over Croydon, Brentwood and Horsham. Youngsters Perrie Sherman and Hunter Devine provided plenty of spark, while Simon Langton was a strong defensive addition in his year in Hertfordshire.

The Raptors had the worst record of any Herts team, but as a genuine development squad – packed with complete rookies – winning was not the measure of their achievements.  It was all about learning and improving. They were thumped more than once, but also narrowly lost spectacular games against the Tonbridge Bobcats and the Chelmsford Clippers. The Raptors' one win of the season was on the road on a blazing hot Fourth of July, against the then-division leaders, the Braintree Rays.  The shock 22-18 victory made the news in reports across the country, being described as “one of the results of the season” in British baseball.  Players who had never before pulled on a glove – Jim Arnott, Bryan Drummond, Will Belbin – grew in stature as the season went on. The Raptors manager, Ken Pike, hopes to keep the core of the team together and secure a winning record next year.

Finally we move away from the adult teams, and on to the even brighter news about the future of the Herts Baseball Club – the youngsters. Another successful Little League summer came to a climax when the Herts All-Stars won the Little League National Championship in September. They reversed last year’s 1-0 defeat by the London Mets, beating their biggest rivals 2-1 to claim the crown. The All Stars went through their entire season unbeaten. It was a proud moment for the club, and for the large numbers of parents and coaches who regularly turned out to help the boys and girls develop their skills. And the National title was not the only good news for the youth programme. Liam Green, who only took up baseball when he became a founder member of the Herts Little League in 2007, was called up to the GB squad which went to the European Championship qualifiers in Sweden this summer.

And the club showed its commitment to youth in a quite extraordinary way – all four team managers had babies in the 12 months from the end of the 2009 season. Can any other club boast that sort of commitment? OK, maybe the managers didn’t actually have the babies – everyone knows the managers don’t do the hard work – but Sebastien, Riley, Nathan and Violet all have great futures ahead of them. Their parents adapted admirably to the challenges they face, and the family atmosphere at Grovehill was enhanced. Herts Baseball Club is looking forward to 2011 with confidence.

by AspiDimitrov

HERTS ANNOUNCE 2011 MEMBERS OF STAFF

          

 

With no baseball on TV it is easy to assume that baseball clubs around the world simply lock up their ballparks and fly off to warm destinations for the five months of the winter close season between October and March. In fact the close season is a very busy and important period for the MLB clubs. 

 

This is also the case at Herts Baseball Club. The club held its Annual General Meeting a few weeks ago appointing the Executive Board for the upcoming season and the Board has just announced the 2011 members of staff.

 

The club goes into the new season with a strong team in its various departments the number of which seems to increase every year. There are some new faces joining the club’s management who will bring fresh ideas and new energy, and at the same time the club has retained a large number of the 2010 members of staff which will provide continuity as the club aims to continue its growth and progress in every department.

 

Lee Manning has been elected as the Manager of the Herts Falcons as they prepare for their third year in the top tier of the British baseball league pyramid.  He moves to the Falcons Manager position after managing the Herts Eagles last year, so the club will be looking to fill the AAA League managerial vacancy.

 

Greg Bochan continues at the helm of the Herts Hawks, but this year he will be joined by Andy Cornish as a co-manager and both of them will be looking for the winning formula in the AA League.  One thing is for sure, the Herts Hawks season will be a lot of fun.

 

After the end of the 2010 season Herts Raptors Manager, Ken Pike, was concerned that commitments at work and new arrivals in his family would make it difficult for him to manage next year, but the buzz he got out of his first year as manager seems to have prevailed and the Club Board has just confirmed that Ken Pike has been appointed as Manager of the Raptors for the upcoming season.

 

The following is the full list of the 2011 members of staff.  There are several vacant positions which the club is aiming to fill in the coming weeks as it prepares for another season of Herts baseball.

 

President, Aspi Dimitrov

Treasurer, Dave Hamilton

Secretary, Aspi Dimitrov

Herts Falcons Manager (NBL), Lee Manning

Herts Hawks (AA) Co-Manager, Greg Bochan

Herts Hawks (AA) Co-Manager, Andy Cornish

Herts Raptors (A) Manager, Ken Pike

Webmaster, Greg Bochan

Deputy Webmaster, Kimiyoshi Saionji

Club Media Officer, Rob Jones

Statistics Officer, Greg Bochan

Volunteer Coordinator, Jon Gamble

Club Welfare Officer, Kal Dimitrov

Club Shop Manager, Ilya Dimitrov