Author: Rob Jones

20 November 201620 November 2016 by Rob Jones

Excelling Young Men: Herts Kites 2016

Once autumn fades away, baseball does not fade away. Instead it begins its awards season. For the Major League players in the US, this means the Cy Young award, the leagues’ Most Valuable Player, and Gold Gloves for the top fielders.

Well, things are no different at Herts baseball! Club-wide voting is under way for several awards, and teams will also give out gongs. First out of the blocks this year are the Herts Kites, the Under-17 team, who enjoyed a tremendously successful season. Their coach and spiritual leader Andrew Fulford here gives us his take on how it all went:

“Wow, what a season. It started off with a bunch of shy and intimidated 13, 14, & 15 year olds on a U17 Herts Baseball Club, and I believe we ended the season with confident and excelling young men. For some, it was their first year of baseball and for others it’s been a life long passion. Regardless, every single one of them improved in their individual performances and as a team.

At the beginning of the year I selected two Captains, Adam White (Veteran) and Lucas Lebrato (Rookie) they both did a fantastic job in leading our team this year. These guys are natural leaders. We will miss Adam White as a player next season, but hope to see him back as a Junior Coach.

While on the topic, I want to give a huge thank you to Jeff Witter and Duane Badenhorst. Both of you were a huge help to me this season, and the quality of training and coaching would not have been near the same without your voluntary help. Thank you to all other parents who contributed this season, including Genevieve Chew, who did most of our scoring.

The fundamentals

This season we alternated games and practices. One Saturday was a double header, the next would be a 4 hour practice. There’s no doubt in my mind that these long and hard practices paid off.

At the beginning of the season I was pulling my hair out during the games, because not every player was familiar with the fundamentals of the game. At the end of the season, I swear we knew exactly what we were doing in any situation.

I was able to keep my hair, but not my beard unfortunately. After losing a bet to the team in one of our practices, (betting that out of an entire bucket of balls, no one would throw from centerfield into a bucket) my beard was in their hands.

As Manager, I’ve had an absolute blast this season, and I hope all the players and parents feel the same way. This season being my first as a Manager, I took it easy on you guys. I played Mr. Nice Guy to make you all like me, but next season you’re gonna be pushed a lot harder. Why? Because we got unfinished business to take care of.

This season we were just getting on our feet, and we did more than that! Winning the Herts Future Tournament screams of the potential success we’ll have for next year.

Mental strength

But we need to work harder than ever before, we got to want the Little League Championship. We gotta crave that National Championship Trophy. Everyone’s heart has to be in it!

Whether you’re a starter or a sub, you are all a vital part of us being the best. Remember the theme of most my talks this season was about our Mental Game, its gotta be strong and must be positive, Mental Strength is what wins ball games.

To complete the recap, we have some award announcements – but before we get into that, there’s just one more thing to mention.

You all are at a very important age in life, I know you probably hear this all the time from your teachers in school, but it’s true. Take it from me, I’m not your parents’ age, I’m 25 years old and being your age is fresher in my mind. (No offense parents)

You guys will blink and before you know it you’ll have your independence and a whirl of responsibilities. Being 14, 15, 16 its now time to find a balance in your lifestyles. Yes, no matter how old you are, fun and social life should be on the priority list. But right now you’re shaping your futures, being your age feels invincible and you’re anxious to be a bit older so you can drive and have additional liberties.

Kites, with London Sports, taking on an Australian side

But hear me clearly when I say, you’re only this age ONCE. And that means two things, one, you better be having lots and lots of fun discovering who you are. And two, have some sincerity in choosing the course you want to take in your life. Learn from those older than you, seek advice and guidance in every step to adulthood. There’s lots of people around you who want to support and who really care. And as I’ve said before you all can speak to me about anything, even if I’m harder on you guys next year in practice. I’m still your friend off the field.

Now enough of the wishy washy stuff, without further ado, here is the 2016 Herts Kites Awards! Literally every single one of you deserve an award making it very difficult for me to choice one person per category.

MVP – Aaron Witter

Aaron is certainly deserving of this award. With his fantastic pitching performances, clutch at bats, and glove in the infield. He really carried his teammates when they needed him. Not only is he MVP but Adam White has passed on his Captain legacy to Aaron for next season.

Infield Golden Glove – Juon Oono

Anytime the ball was hit to Juon I would take a nice big sigh of relief because I knew it was a guaranteed out. He was also one of our strongest catchers this season. Not many people work harder and are more dedicated to the game than Juon.

Outfield Golden Glove – Jamie Warren

Anyone who has watched Jamie play baseball, know they are watching a master at work. He is by far one of the most mechanically sound players I’ve seen. All around a fantastic player and was incredible to see some great diving catches in CF this season from Jamie.

Slugger Award – Felix Maldonado

Felix has some beastly at bats this season. Leading the team in extra base hits. We all hope to see more of that from him next year!

Rookie of the Year – Matthew Lister

This is a well deserved award. Matt showed up at the beginning of the season with little to no baseball experience at all. By the end of the season, he became a player I could rely on. Both at the plate, on base, and in the OF. Congrats Matt!

Cy Young Award – Tyler Badenhorst

Well, lets not toot his horn to much, but I think its safe to say Herts Baseball acquired one the best to ever play in British Baseball at the end of last season. Tyler is a phenomenal ball player, not only that, but a GREAT kid. His fastball never ceases to give me a nice breeze when coaching from the dugout. He really helped us out at the end of the season with some great pitching performances. Welcome aboard Tyler!

And to the rest of the team …..

Adam White; Giuseppe Basilea; Michael Johnson; Tom Weatherilt; Plamen Georgiev; Matthew Benge; Maximilian Ixer; Oliver Durer; Tobi Simmons; Robert Wallace; Lucas Lebrato; Thomas Garton.

…. you guys are all incredibly talented!”

31 August 201631 August 2016 by Rob Jones

Bochan gem, Hawks bats end Raptors dream

The Herts Hawks glittering season was polished further on Sunday by a powerful batting display which took them through to the national finals. They will play in the semis at Farnham Park next weekend in search of the Single-A title.

The downside for the club was that their victims were the Herts Raptors, who saw their own remarkable season come to an end. They had beaten the defending champions, Tonbridge, in their wildcard playoff, but the Hawks had too much for them.

Greg Bochan threw a complete game with 9 K’s

There were showers and clouds over Grovehill as the players prepared for this one. There were ceremonies and photos and good-natured joking. But the prize at stake made this serious for everyone.

The early stages of the game were tight. Co-manager Greg Bochan was on the mound for the home side, the Hawks, who went through the regular season undefeated. The Raptors lead-off man Michael Cresswell got aboard and manufactured an early run. But it was the only one.

The Hawks hit back with four runs, as they showed the power of their lineup. Hunter Devine scored first for them, after narrowly escaping a double play on the bases.

The Raptors defense limited the damage, and they uncorked their own offense in the shape of Matt Jackson. The centre fielder hit a triple, then came home on a pass ball, to cut the deficit.

The first rain delay soon interrupted proceedings. Showers would mix with downpours and only the odd burst of sunshine as the day went on.

Manny Banson at bat in the closing stages of the game

When the game resumed the Raptors took the lead, going up 5-4 by the middle of the third. Their starting pitcher Paul Barton had been keeping the Hawks in check, striking out one and giving up only one walk.

But when Gilberto Medina unloaded on a fast ball which strayed too close to the heart of the plate, it was a sign of what the Hawks could do. The line drive went over the left field fence in a flash and Medina was greeted at home plate by his team-mates.

The Raptors were blanked for the first time in the top of the fourth, and by the end of the inning it was 10-5 to the Hawks. Matt Jackson — who also made a series of crucial catches during the game — then hit his second triple of the day.

The gap narrowed to 10-7, then stretched again to 13-7 with Jon Lewys, Jamie Warren and Greg Bochan piling up the hits.

Then the rain intervened for a longer delay. Players sheltered under umbrellas in the increasingly muddy dugouts, or under a gazebo which the manufacturer had probably intended to protect from the sun.

Even once the rain stopped, there was a further delay as both sides worked to clear water from the diamond without damaging the playing surface. An impressively careful operation scooped up the water with any available receptacle and cleared it away.

The Raptors seemed to come out cold from this second stoppage. They went down one-two-three in the inning, with Bochan picking up more strikeouts. He ended the day with 9, and only 2 walks.

The Hawks had made substitutions now, making use of the impressive depth of their bench, and they put the game away. Sonam Lama was 2-for-2 with a pair of runs, Tim Elkins and Matthew Gentry also scored.

The Raptors relief pitchers Jim Arnott and Aaron Witter weren’t able to close it down this time, and a big 12-run inning ended the contest.

Both sides agreed that the final scoreline of 25-7 failed to tell the true story of the ballgame. The Hawks put up the gaudy numbers — two dozen hits, 7 doubles, a home run – but for over 5 innings it was a close contest.

Hawks catcher Ken Pike said it had been a great game, and a shame they had to knock out a sister team. Co-manager Andrew Slater — who couldn’t be at the game — offered congratulations to his players on reaching the finals at Farnham Park for the second year in a row.

For the Raptors, Paul Barton felt the game had gone really well until the sixth inning, when the team was overpowered. Michael Cresswell added that it had been “the most enjoyable season ever”.

Herts Baseball President, Aspi Dimitrov, said it had been a great day for the club, and that everyone was proud of how far the Raptors had progressed against the odds. “We are now willing on the Hawks to go one better than last year, and win the title”.

22 August 201625 August 2016 by Rob Jones

Kings of Kent: Raptors upset champion Bobcats

Herts Raptors match reports always maintain a certain professional detachment, a level of decorum. But after an historic playoff victory against the defending Single-A champions, thanks to an epic four-hour game littered with heroic performances, how can we do that today?

The Raptors travelled to Kent face the Tonbridge Bobcats after a late switch of games by the BBF. No question, on paper it looked as if the Herts side had got the worst of the federation’s change of heart about the seedings.

The Bobcats beat the powerful Herts Hawks on the way to claiming last year’s crown, and they had lost only one game all season in 2016. The odds were stacked against the Raptors.

But when the game began on a blustery playing field almost in the shadow of Tonbridge castle, all bets were off.

The victorious, and very serious, Herts Raptors

The first three innings were tight, defensive, and scoreless. Herts managed to load the bases in the top of the first as the home side’s pitcher, Gareth Nutt, settled in on the mound. But they couldn’t push the run across.

Co-manager Paul Barton was the starting pitcher for Herts. After getting up at the crack of dawn to drive more than 200 miles from Leeds, he twirled an absolute gem for three innings.

The first clutch of runs came in the top of the fourth, as Herts capitalised on a handful of walks. Third baseman Jim Arnott scored the first of them, with catcher Joe Court using his Major League slide to create a run, and second baseman Rob Jones also coming home.

The Raptors plated nine runs before it was over.

The first big Herts hit of the day had came from Matt Jackson. He was playing centre field, just days after eye surgery which had threatened to rule him out of the game entirely. His booming drive to right centre allowed him to motor round for a triple.

The Bobcats hit back quickly in the bottom of the inning, scoring five runs of their own. Barton began to lose the zone, but he and his joint manager Michael Cresswell made a swift decision to stop the bleeding and Arnott came in to relieve.

Both sides then put up zeroes, before the runs began again. Cresswell was hit by a pitch for the second time to start the sixth, and got aboard.

13 year old phenom Aaron Witter then stepped up to bat, and hit a monstrous shot into Tonbridge’s gaping outfield. There are no fences in Kent, so he was able to circle the bases for a vital home run to extend the Herts lead.

Witter then showed his defensive prowess in the bottom of the inning. A sharply hit chopper flicked off Paul Barton’s glove at third base, but the shortstop was right behind him to cover.

Witter gloved the ball and made a full-on Derek Jeter leap to hurl the ball towards first base. It arrived in time for Michael Cresswell to scoop it up, juggle it, and then seize hold of it just in the nick of time to nab the runner.

Tonbridge had managed to pull back another two runs, meaning it was 11-7 after six innings. But Herts were still pushing on. Left fielder Darren Priest got one of a pair of hits, while Aaron Witter — whose day was far from over — claimed his seventh RBI. Arnott stole home as the climax approached.

The last Herts pitching change saw the young shortstop take to the mound and settle in quickly. The defending champion Bobcats showed no signs of lying down, but Witter stayed calm to keep the game under control.

The Raptors chipped in with their final runs and chased Gareth Nutt from the game after more than 200 pitches.

Third baseman Jim Arnott scored three runs

Rob Jones finally got a hit, while debutant Rob Henney ripped a double. Herts could only manage a couple of runs off reliever David Mote, and led 23-18 going into the bottom of the ninth.

There was a quick debate about whether Aaron Witter should stay in to pitch in such high pressure circumstances. But he made the call, and stepped back on to the pitchers mound.

Herts secured the first out, then the next batter skied a ball on the infield which looked ominously as if it would drop in between everybody for a cheap hit.

As everyone held their breath, grizzle-faced veteran Rob Jones raced in from second base, slid desperately and came up with an improbable catch. Emotions started to break out, as he was hugged by the bosses. The team was now a whisker from a stunning win.

There was another intake of breath as the next batter drove a pitch to the outfield. But Matt Jackson, he of the eye surgery, was right there under it. Cool as anything, he caught the ball and the Raptors celebrated.

This was a famous victory for Herts. The defending Single-A champions Tonbridge had fought hard and played well, their bats always posing a threat and their fielding giving nothing away.

But a series of great performances from all nine Raptors earned their place in the next round of the playoffs. Paul Barton was awarded the pitching W, while Aaron Witter was surely the game’s MVP.

“Amazingly proud of them all”, was Michael Cresswell’s assessment of the players. “Everyone was amazing and fully deserved the win”. Barton added: “Everyone played really, really great baseball. So happy I can’t believe it!”

The first year managers march on, and won’t fear their next opponent, whoever it is.

13 July 201613 July 2016 by Rob Jones

Raptors routed in the rain

This was another tight and evenly-balanced contest between the Herts Raptors and one of the leading Single-A teams, the London Musketeers. The problem was, that it was only tight for an inning and two thirds.

Then, on a damp and gloomy day at Grovehill, the visitors powered into a lead which they would not surrender. By the end, the sun had come out. But it wasn’t much relief for Herts.

Co-manager Michael Cresswell started on the mound and began with a scoreless inning. The first batter forced a tremendous play from young shortstop Aaron Witter, who made a backhand stop deep in the hole and then made a strong throw to first. The next Musketeer popped up to third base, and then a lineout ended the threat.

Musketeers pitcher, Billy Atkinson-Warne

But it was London’s pitcher, Billy Atkinson-Warne, who was the dominant force. His first inning was marred only by a walk to left fielder Adam White. Of the first seven batters he faced, Atkinson-Warne struck out six.

Hitting in the nine hole, Rob Jones was the first Raptor to put a ball in play. Even then, the ground ball forced out Michelle Johnson, who had worked a walk, at second base. But a steal and a pass ball meant that Mike Cresswell could then drive in the run and put Herts on the board.

But here’s the rub. By that point the Raptors were already 18 runs behind.

With two out in the top of the second, the Musketeers had scored five. After quick outs in the third, they then piled on for 13 more. They hit confidently and hit it hard. But it was a day when a series of Herts infielders were unable to apply the necessary finishing touch and secure the out that was needed.

The rain which had dampened the start of the game became more heavy and forced a long suspension, which did little to revive the Raptors. Cresswell handed over pitching duties to Paul Barton, who later gave the ball to Witter.

Between them, they limited the damage. London scored only three runs in each of the next innings. That left Herts needing an astonishing rally to prevent a slaughter rule defeat in five innings.

Barton got the first hit of the game to lead off the fifth and came round to score. Boruch Boudilovsky turned his walk into a run. But as Herts appeared to be enjoying their success against the relief pitcher Lloyd Winters, a base-running mix up led to a double play at second and it was, in effect, all over.

Aaron Witter made an impact at shortstop

Musketeers ran out 24-4 winners in the end, and extended their lead at the top of Pool B in Single-A. They won their season series over Herts 2-1.

The Raptors will sweep Haverhill, but the other two series against Essex Archers and Old Timers could be decisive for any prospect of playoff baseball. Essex are first up, visiting Grovehill on Sunday 17th July.

6 July 2016 by Rob Jones

The best of times, the worst of times

A walk-off victory feels sweet no matter how badly you might have played in the game, writes Rob Jones. A walk-off defeat feels galling, no matter how well you might have played to take the game to the wire. The last moment is the one that affects you the most, and lives with you the longest.

So it’s a curious feeling when your final two actions were poles apart, and yet as close together as the bang-bang of a play on the bases.

It was the bottom of the ninth inning against the Old Timers in Enfield on Sunday. The Herts Raptors had misfired a bit to start off, and so were behind all the way. But a late rally had meant we started the ninth just 3 runs behind. Two had already scored, the tying run was at third base.

Two men were out. So it was now or never as I stepped up to bat. After driving in two runs in the first inning I had popped up, lined out, grounded out to the pitcher and — according to my own scoresheet – hit an infield single off the handle of the bat.

Risky

This time, I took a strike, I took a ball. And then I hit one sweetly through the infield to tie up the game. Job done. Not quite hero time, maybe, but definitely on the high end of the high scale.

I stole second easily enough after the lefty pitcher tried a couple of throw-overs. And once on second, my thoughts turned immediately to taking third.

Once up on a time, I never stole third. My schooling from watching Major League teams was that you didn’t do it. There is no real need, and it is risky.

But practical experience in British single-A baseball made me much more inclined to do it. A good jump should see you safe, and most pitchers don’t and can’t pick off well to second.

Being on third would have given me the chance to score on a close play at first from the next batter, or would allow me to score on a pass ball.

Casual-ty

So I looked, and the pitcher looked at me. Then he settled in to make his next pitch. I was thinking of taking a walking lead and going — rather than setting up as an obvious steal. But as I took that casual extra step the pitcher turned, and immediately I was screwed.

My weight was going the wrong way, but I hadn’t strayed far enough to make it worth dashing for third. I tried to get back, but felt the tag applied. From hero to goat in seconds.

I can’t remember when I was last picked off on second base. To be honest, I’m not sure I have ever been picked off from second base. Yes, picked off at first a couple of times. That’s sort of inevitable if you play the game for long enough. But never at second.

However, having a career not-getting-picked-off-at-second-base average of 0.001 doesn’t make you feel any better about it when it happens. Getting hit by a bus doesn’t hurt any the less because you haven’t been hit by a bus before. As I said at the start, it’s the most recent moment which most colours your opinion.

A rare glimpse of your correspondent in action – usually he takes the pictures too.

Even though July is just a few days old, I am already nearing the tail end of my season. Four games gone, two to go.

We have games against London and Essex looming, then a rematch with the Old Timers which I can’t make, and a game against Haverhill which they have already forfeited. By my own reasoning, I am approaching the defining and lasting moment! The one to remember all winter!

It’s been pretty good fun so far, I have to say. Three wins and one defeat in my games . A refreshing change from so many previous years! The batting average is about .400, the on base percentage a smidgen higher.

Playing one consistent position at shortstop has been a highlight. I’ve had one memorable fielding play in each game, and have felt mostly happy with how I handled the ball. It is recorded elsewhere on this website that I had some frustration at Haverhill, but even that ended with three put-outs.

The other highlight of the year has been the spirit in the team. A winning record certainly helps, but there has been a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of smiles.

If we can keep playing at our best we could head into post-season playoffs. Which would add a whole new opportunity to create a final moment to remember.

NB. we do not own any rights to Charlie Brown. They reside with Charles M. Schulz, and Peanuts Worldwide. We are merely fans. Thank you.

4 July 201618 July 2016 by Rob Jones

Walk-off woe for Raptors

Any game against the Old Timers is guaranteed to include drama, but the Herts Raptors did not much enjoy the ending of Sunday’s encounter in Enfield. The home side had led from the start, but the visitors drew level in the ninth, only to see the Old Timers walk off with a win.

Lefty Michael Cresswell was the starting pitcher for Herts, and he spent much of the first inning coming to terms with the vertiginously high mound, and the notably low strike zone. It allowed the Old Timers to score four runs and quickly surge ahead of the 2 which Herts had put up in their half of the frame.

Michelle Johnson in action. Her fielding helped keep Herts in the game

It was a similar picture in the second and the doughty veterans had stretched their lead to 12-7 by the top of the sixth.

Herts never really did anything wrong in the field. But they never quite clicked either. There were a couple of close plays which — on a good day — would go your way, but didn’t on Sunday.

The bats made regular contact, with Darren Priest and Paul Barton collecting multiple hits. But on many of those occasions the contact wasn’t clean, and it became a routine out. Also, there were uncharacteristic errors by Raptors on the base-paths, which took the wind out of rallies.

Cresswell got better every inning. He picked up a couple of strikeouts and fielded sharply. But he was tiring so Barton took over pitching duties.

In this stretch of the game, both sides were putting up zeroes. Raptors’ left fielder Michelle Johnson — who has links to the club back to youth days, but is only now playing for a team — was the outfield star, taking a series of vital catches.

But with time now starting to run out, Herts did what they had to do and rallied. Third baseman Jim Arnott had smashed two balls deep into foul territory during the game. Now he got one just right, for a monster triple which brought in crucial runs.

And so the Raptors went into the top of the ninth three runs behind, 14-11 the score.

Michael Cresswell scored. Matt Jackson scored. Paul Barton worked his way to third base. With two out, Rob Jones stepped in. He took a strike, then a ball, then rapped a single through the left side to bring home Barton and tie up the game.

But after stealing second comfortably, Jones became the latest and last Raptor of the day to suffer a misadventure on the base paths. As he took an extra step towards third, the left-handed relief pitcher spun and threw perfectly for the second baseman to apply the tag.

Old Timers had the top of their order come up to hunt for the one run they needed in the bottom of the ninth. Raptors couldn’t keep him off the bases, and with the infield drawn right in the home side were able to drive one through and end the game.

Herts Raptors are now 5-3 on the season, with their rubber matches against London and Essex coming up in the next fortnight.

23 May 201613 July 2016 by Rob Jones

Barton and the Haverhill Adventure

This was a game of towering pop-ups, and of monster, moon-shot home runs. If it wasn’t so damned hard to hit a moving baseball, this could have been a very high-scoring game. But, as it was, there were bursts of scoring, and tense patches when pitching and defense held sway.

Paul Barton got his first start of the season for the Raptors on the pitching mound. Well, actually there is not a pitching mound at the Haverhill Blackjacks. If anything, you are pitching uphill.

But Barton, the Raptors 2015 MVP, found his rhythm quickly, and the hosts were held scoreless for the first two frames. Centre-fielder Matt Jackson made a great catch on an enormous fly ball towards the fence, and third baseman Aspi Dimitrov caught the first giant pop-up of the day.

By contrast, the Herts bats made a brisk start, three runs scoring in the first. There were two down in the second before the offense struck again. Manager Michael Cresswell hit a triple out into the wastelands, and was driven in by Adam White. It was 6-0 to Herts after two innings.

Then runs dried up. The Blackjacks pitcher was giving nothing away, and the home fielders were doing good work to back him up. Haverhill’s bats pulled back two runs in the bottom of the fourth — despite the brilliant work of catcher Ilya Dimitrov in catching two pop-ups at the backstop which were even higher than the first one I told you about.

Booming home runs

Herts extended their lead in the top of the fifth, Paul Barton continuing to help his own cause and the talismanic veteran Nick White continuing to deliver at the plate.

But Haverhill came right back with more, and had their biggest outburst in the bottom of the sixth to narrow the score just 10-9 to Herts. A big slugging line-up was starting to find its range, hitting booming home runs to left field and to right, as well as ground rule doubles which outfielder Darren Priest could barely see let alone catch.

Aspi Dimitrov came on to pitch in relief, and got to work swiftly. Neither side scored in the seventh.

Now, the test of a team comes when their back is against the wall. Raptors were determined not to let their unbeaten record go without a fight, and players who had endured a frustrating day at the plate came through. Ilya Dimitrov clobbered a double, closely followed by one from Matt Jackson, who was hitless until then.

Shortstop Rob Jones – whose day was frustrating with bat and glove – worked a walk, added a steal and scored a run. Nick White showed off his speed to steal a base, and Herts scored a vital five runs, their biggest inning of the day.

The Raptors Twitter feed at this point summed it all up — “God, this is tense”. Herts were held scoreless in the top of the ninth, meaning Haverhill were 15-11 behind and needing four to tie, five to walk- off as winners.

Dimitrov got the first dangerous batter to ground out close to his own feet, and a weight started to lift. One more out was secured. Then the next Blackjack batter smashed another monstrous shot towards the outfield fence.

It arced out to centre field. Matt Jackson went back on it, back further. And as the ball came down in his glove he squeezed it safely. His back was virtually touching the fence. The Raptors had won.

Grace and humour

The co-managers had been immense again in all their roles. Michael Cresswell saved a number of plays at first base, scooping up short or errant throws, while Paul Barton started the day 4-4 with the bat. The win was also his first W as a pitcher.

But this was a team effort, with everyone part of the victory. Haverhill Blackjacks had put up a tremendous fight and had done it with grace and good humour which made it a really enjoyable game in the Suffolk sunshine.

Raptors are 4-0 on the season, having played and beaten every team in their pool in the Single-A league.

The Herts Hawks were pushed all the way when they traveled to the Cambridge Monarchs, but they also came away with a win. The Hawks survived a big rally in the fifth inning and won 19-16 to remain undefeated.

9 May 201613 July 2016 by Rob Jones

Poetry in Bochan helps lift Herts hearts

A masterful pitching performance by Greg Bochan helped the Herts Hawks to a comfortable 19-2 win over the Milton Keynes Coyotes on Sunday (8th May 2016), extending their unbeaten run.

He scattered five hits across five innings of work, striking out four and walking just two. He gave up no earned runs.

The Hawks — led by managers Bochan and Andrew Slater — are now 4-0 on the season and leading their division in the BBF’s Single-A league.

Greg Bochan pitches in the win over MK Coyotes

The powerful offense was driven this week by Sonam Lama, who went 3-for-5 at the plate. He drove in three runs, and scored three himself. There were also two hits for Louis Hare — a double and a triple — and one RBI each for Aspi and Ilya Dimitrov.

The Hawks were held mostly in check by Milton Keynes until the third inning, when they suddenly piled up seven runs. That gave them an 11-1 lead and it was already looking bad for the Coyotes.

The visitors added on two and then six more, and Bochan helped stifle any attempted comebacks. The game was called on the mercy rule after five innings, the Hawks securing a 19-2 victory.

Back at Grovehill in Hemel Hempstead, the Herts Raptors were taking on the Essex Archers. Herts had played only one game, a tight one at London which they won 7-3. The Archers had scored for fun in their two wins. So everything was poised.

The early exchanges were even. The first Essex batter fell victim to Matt Corran’s impressive fastball, but then batters made contact for force the defense to try to make tough plays. They then stole aggressively to open up with a run.

The Raptors answered back with two, then Essex tied it back up. Their starting pitcher Billy Bridger was working the zone well and Herts could manage only one run in the second.

Then in the third, the Raptors were able to make pressure tell. Essex were unlucky on a series of hard hit balls which caromed around the defense like pinball. Herts scored seven in the third, then eight in the fourth after veteran Rich Sprent came in as reliever for Essex.

Herts co-managers Michael Cresswell and Paul Barton both hit well, while the bats up and down the lineup did their jobs. Youngsters Joe Court and Adam White have already showed great improvement in their hitting this season.

As Raptors stretched their lead, they could see the chance of a mercy rule win. Three runs in the bottom of the fifth sealed the deal, Court driving in Darren Priest for the winning run in a 21-6 victory.

4 May 20166 July 2016 by Rob Jones

Back in the game

There was frost on the grass when I got up for the Raptors season opener on Sunday. Not usually a good sign, writes Rob Jones. But the sun was shining by the end of the day — in more ways than one.

Scheduling had meant this day was a long time coming. The first of May before we had a league game. I was not at all happy about that when I found out — but since I would sooner eat my own socks than attempt to please all the people by drawing up a schedule, I can’t really complain!

The interminable off-season and the elongated pre-season had seen very little baseball activity for me. Sometimes my work pattern can be kind to me, sometimes not. This year it was not.

I had been to a couple of sessions at Grovehill which amounted to little more than freezing cold pick-up games. Barely even training sessions. I say that not to denigrate the efforts of the organisers, because these were over and above the formal training sessions. It’s just that these were the only ones I made it to.

Overall I had actually been happy with the way I fielded the ball during these sessions. After more than a decade playing baseball, maybe it was finally becoming second nature to pick up the ball cleanly. Now at last I might be on a par with some 10-year old American kids.

Just some of them, mind you. Most will be waaaay better than me.

Anyway, I felt that side of things was going well. Throwing the ball was more of a challenge. Maybe too much over-thinking, too much caution fearing that I hadn’t warmed up thoroughly. I’ve been trying hard to run a couple of times a week and keep fit, but have had very few visits to the park where I throw the ball against a wall.

I had at least been watching some MLB spring training. It’s a wonderful thing in the depth of a British winter to see the lush green ballparks in Florida and Arizona.

And oddly, one of the most satisfying things is watching stars of today and the future boot the ball around like they are amateurs! In the random selection of games I saw I found muffed double plays, misplayed grounders and even dropped fly balls.

It’s not schadenfreude. As such. Not quite. But while we are all nagged by our inadequacies, it is good to see that the world’s top professionals don’t always get it right.

It was clear that there was also some rust in the Herts Raptors as the opening game got underway at Finsbury Park. There were some half-hearted swings, some late decisions with the bat which suggested we had not faced much live pitching.

There were let-downs on the base-paths too. When I blooped a single over first base, the runner on third did not take off as you would expect. And with us then having first and third, I promptly missed the obvious chance to steal and help the inning develop.

I stole on the next pitch, which was fouled back; then the next one, which was popped up and neary turned into a double play. Then I had no more legs for stealing! In a tight game like this one, we could have done with the extra couple of runs that could’ve been gained by ironing out these mistakes.

Our esteemed president, Aspi, had some adventures on the base-paths too, but that was probably my fault. He got on, and looked over for a signal. I gave a series, but had not intended to send him due to his still recuperating knee.

When he then surprisingly set off, he was nearly doubled off because of a pop-up! He scrambled back successfully, and I then changed our signals to the mould-breaking shout of “Don’t steal! No steal!” Not sure if the opposition cracked that code….

As you can find out elsewhere on this website, the game actually ended as a great success. Those were the sunny uplands we Raptors reached by Sunday lunchtime. A tight, MLB-style game ended 7-3 thanks to great pitching from Matt and good defense behind him, especially from Mikey at first base.

I did my little bit from shortsop, getting a runner out on a routine grounder, and driving in two runs with a 2-4 performance at the plate.

But the rust prompted me to strike out on high pitches, and to misjudge an infield dying quail. So I shall get out my polish, and head on into next week’s game looking to take another step forward.

2 May 20163 May 2016 by Rob Jones

Raptors start with win, as Hawks roll on

The Herts Raptors kicked off their season in Single-A with a statement of intent. A tight game at Finsbury Park against the London Musketeers ended with a 7-3 win. While Single-A can often bring drama through high scores, drastic errors and marathon contests, this one was a more classic baseball contest.

Raptors’ rookie pitching ace Matt Corran was dealing from the every first moment of the game. The Musketeers lead-off man was struck out and Corran went on to sit down 14 more batters in a full 9 innings of work.

A converted cricketer, Matt was a regular at midweek training last year. He appeared in a few games at the tail end of the 2015 season and now promises to have a big influence on the Raptors prospects. He mixed in breaking balls with a powerful fastball, and located pitches perfectly.

This was not a tale of one man, though. The defence had to remain sharp behind the pitcher, and they did that. Second baseman Adam White dealt calmly with ground balls his way, and co-manager Michael Cresswell turned a crucial unassisted double play at first base to end a London threat in the seventh inning.

Constant threat

Musketeers have been getting stronger and stronger in recent years — reaching the national semi-finals in 2015. Herts knew they would have to take their chances if they were to prevail, and they did that in the top of the first as starting pitcher Lloyd Winters battled to find the low strike zone.

First Michael Cresswell and then Ken Pike got on base, and they both worked their way to home plate to score. Cresswell would be a constant threat all day, and he later tacked on an insurance run with a slide into a close play at home.

Winters soon settled into his usual assured stride, and Herts were held scoreless for the next two innings. He ended the day with 6 strikeouts, and reliever Billy Atkinson-Warne racked up another seven to complete an excellent day’s work for everyone who took the pitching mound.

The Raptors’ crucial burst of offense came in the top of the fifth. It was kick-started by a superb at-bat by Nick White. After years supporting his son through the Herts ranks, Nick had been pressed into service on Sunday hitting in the 9-hole. He watched balls, he took strikes, and he battled off pitches to keep alive to work a walk.

Cresswell followed behind, then Paul Barton got on. White scored before shortstop Rob Jones drove a ball to the outfield, bringing home two more runs to stretch the lead to 7-1.

There would be no more scoring until the bottom of the ninth, when the Musketeers faced a do or die challenge needing 6 to tie, 7 to win. The lead-off got on base and runners stole aggressively. Herts allowed the steals, but the London policy bore fruit quickly and one run scored to chip away at the lead.

Powered through

Matt Corran bore down, though, and when a second runner scored it was at the cost of an out at first base, Corran fielding a comebacker and running it to the bag himself in a belt and braces approach. All it needed was a final strikeout and the victory was secure.

Back at Grovehill, the Herts Hawks were facing the Northants Centurions. The hosts — who were actually the visiting team for this occasion — powered through to another big win.

A home run by Jon Lewys was the obvious highlight, but he didn’t stop there — he also finished a double shy of the cycle. The Hawks doubles were provided by Hunter Devine and Ilya Dimitrov, who picked up 3 and 2 RBIs respectively.

Three pitchers combined to limit Northants to 10 runs, eight earned. Simon Langton struck out three and gave up just one run in his three innings of work.

The Hawks are now 3-0 on the season and already looking poised for another run at the playoffs. They travel to Milton Keynes Coyotes next week, who are 2-2 and will be looking to stop the Hawks momentum. The Raptors next opponent is the Essex Archers, who have won both of their opening games.