Genesis and revelations
There have been big hits, infield dribblers and strikeouts; tag-outs, blown calls, and infield flies; late starts, rain and even sunburn. The season is only two weeks old but so far it has all the ingredients of a feast, writes Rob Jones. The Herts Raptors don’t yet have a win to show for it all […]
Herts Baseball 2013: the Quest for Glory
How do you cap a year which saw two Herts adult teams in the post-season playoffs, and the cream of the youth players challenging for a trophy? How about a year in which three adult teams made the playoffs, and the cream of the youth players challenged for a trophy. 2013 was another step forward […]
The red flag and the green grass: Miliband and the Sox
Those of us who follow the game closely — and who even get lucky enough to play it once in a while — understand why baseball has secured its place in the public consciousness far beyond a mere sport. It has acquired mystique and enviable history over the course of years. But it has that […]
The baseball bonus: the Hunlock Series
It’s one of the moments in life that you rarely know about as it actually happens. It is not until later that it all becomes clear, writes Rob Jones. And, so, only now can I confirm that my final baseball activity of 2013 was lining out to the first baseman as the Blue Dogs went down […]
Baseball gods, birthday gifts, baked goods
The first pitch was up around my shoulders. I left it, and it was called a strike. The second pitch was a little higher, but I swung at it anyway, and missed. This being a training game between the playoff-bound Raptors and the cobbled-together Herts Rebels, I was still ribbing the umpire — and being ribbed […]
Fastballs, hot dogs and underpants: Herts in Croydon 2013
One of the most famous sayings in sports goes something like this: Winning isn’t everything. It’s the only thing. But there are times when it isn’t true — and the annual London Tournament is one of them. For me anyway. Perhaps not everyone comes with the same attitude. But I see this weekend as a […]
Marauders take Eagles treasure in tropical heat
London Marauders 42-14 Herts Eagles, Sunday 7th July The powerful London Marauders brought their 6-2 record to Grovehill on the hottest day of the year so far, looking to maintain their challenge for a playoff spot. The Herts Eagles stood in their way, trying to fight back towards .500 and continue their learning curve. It’s […]
Greetings from Wilderness Park
My aching muscles and joints — including those in my typing fingers — have finally recovered enough from my outing a fortnight ago against the Richmond Dukes, writes Rob Jones, that I can now share a few thoughts on the game. In fact, since I have now begun a forced month-long break from the game due […]
Eagles brought down to earth by Richmond
Herts Eagles 9-37 Richmond Dukes, Grovehill Ballpark The Eagles’ impressive winning streak was brought to a sharp halt on Sunday (June 2nd) by the power of the Richmond bats, and a dominant performance on the mound by Dan Collett. The game started with the teams seeming evenly matched. Andrew Slater was pitching for the home […]
Eagles strike again, devour Redbacks
Herts Eagles 40-23 Essex Redbacks III, Forest Glade, Sunday 19th May The Eagles travelled to the Essex Redbacks on Sunday with hopes high that they could build on the walk-off win over the Raptors. Both teams went into the game with 1-2 records, and all to play for. It started well enough for Herts as the Eagles […]