Category: Adult Leagues

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Heavyweights meet again this Sunday

(NBL) FALCONS @ NATIONALS (Harlow, 1pm start)

We are only into week 3 of the National Baseball League (NBL) season so it is too early to build-up games as pivotal, but it would be fair to say that Sunday’s encounter between last year’s top two teams is the biggest game of the NBL season so far.

The reigning champions from Harlow (1-1) didn’t play last Sunday due to waterlogged field so they find themselves 1 game back on the joint-leaders, Herts Falcons (3-1), but they will know that two wins on Sunday and they will jump over Herts.

In the encounters between the two teams last year the Nats came out on top with 3 wins and 1 loss. The new faces in the Nationals’ roster this season compared to 2012 are right-handed pitcher Matt Gilbert who moved over from the Arrows, Dominican catcher and infielder Ambiorix Hurtado who joined from the Latin Boys, pitcher Ben Powell from Leicester, as well as South African, Gary Snyman.

George Lintern and slugger Edwin Alcantara who were influential in 2012, do not feature in the Nationals active roster at the moment.

HERTS TEAMS IN ACTION

This is the first week in which all 5 Herts teams are in action. Fans travelling to see Herts teams in action this Sunday should note the irregular start times of some of the games:

NBL, Herts Falcons @ Nats (1:00pm, venue: Harlow)

AAA-League, Leones at Herts Ravens (1:30pm, venue Grovehill Ballpark, Herts)

AA-League, Hove at Herts Hawks (1:00pm, venue: Grovehill Ballpark, Herts)

A-League, Herts Eagles at Coyotes (2:00pm, venue: Milton Keynes)

A-League, Herts Raptors at Leicester (12:00pm, venue: Leicester)

 

by Rob Jones

Hawks Overcome by Mammoths Stampede

Match report by Ben Marques

The Herts Hawks were absolutely chomping at the bit to begin their season, but with rain pouring down on Friday and again on Saturday, these hopes were looking in doubt.  However, the baseball gods were looking down at Grovehill early on Sunday morning, as the sun beat down, drying out the boggy parts of the Old Diamond.

The game started off with the Mammoths scoring two runs on three hits, setting the pace for what was set to be a tight game. The bottom of the first also went the way of London, striking out the side.

Ben Marques
New AA player Ben Marques at bat

The top of the second looked like the momentum was swinging back in favour of the Hawks, the only blip being a throwing error charged to second baseman Ben Marques, after he attacked a slow roller, picking up but throwing wide of Greg Bochan at first base. The error meant nothing, as Marques completed a 4-3 put out on the next play, and starting pitcher Nick Russell rung up the following hitter.

The Hawks’ momentum continued into the bottom of the inning with the Herts side getting one hit and two walks. However, a lapse in concentration cost them two base runners, with the third out being Callum Vangundy going down swinging.

The fourth inning contained eight runs, with a 4-4 split. Herts’ runs came from what looked like a sure fire triple from OF/C Paul Auchterlounie, however, the hole in the fence restricted him to a Ground Rule Double. Jose Morillo Jr. came in for Vangundy and singled, moving the runner over. Both Morillo and Auchterlounie scored on an error, which left Hunter Devine on second.

Bobby Gould earned a walk, which looked like a good rally starting to build for the Hawks.  But Ross Asquith was out on an infield fly, and Bochan swiftly grounded out. Ilya Dimitrov (1-4, 1R, 2RBI) came to the plate with two outs, and came through with a two-out, 2-run single.

The Hawks couldn’t build on this momentum as Russell grounded out ending the inning, with the Hawks two runs behind, 7-5. The Mammoths then put six runs on three hits with four errors, one LOB in the fifth, shutting the Hawks out in reply.

After five innings, Nick Russell was finished pitching for the day.  Hertsbaseball.com asked Nick how he felt after a long off-season:

“I felt a bit rusty and started aching after only a few innings.”

“Were you confident with AA rookies supporting you on the mound?”

“I wasn’t sure about the new Hawks, as I hadn’t seen them play before. The jump from A to AA will be tough on some players but with a bit more training and game time I’m sure they will be picking up their game. The new guys showed a lot of enthusiasm which helped us rally back and score a few runs.”

Greg Bochan came in to relieve for Russell, who had pitched better than his line score suggested: 5IP; 12H; 13R; 5ER; 2BB; 3K, and immediately made a statement, earning four outs in seven pitches. His AA rookies Marques and Devine both made great plays in support of their manager, Marques a 4-3 put out and Devine making a great backhanded snare L6.

Nick Russell
Nick Russell pitched five innings with three srikeouts

Russell and John Kjorstad made the other two outs in centre-field and right field. After that though, London kept putting bat on ball and finding gaps, going 8-8, 1K and an F8.

The bottom of the 7th inning meant the Hawks needed seven runs to avoid a mercy rule defeat. Nick Russell (1-4, 1R) led off, and set the rally going, with Marques then reaching on an error after laying down a bunt down the third base line. Russell advanced to third.

Auchterlounie stepped up to the plate, and reached on an error, plating Russell (he ended his day 2-3 with 2R). Marques had stolen second, and advanced to third on the error, but as he rounded third, the ball was still a fair way out. He went for it, and a huge collision at home plate followed from a great throw. Marques was called out, and time was taken for the catcher to recover, who to his credit still had the ball in his mitt. This summed up Marques’ day at the plate, who struggled going 0-4, 1SB, 2Ks.

With one out, Jose Morillo Jr. popped up for the second out, leaving a huge task for the team, particularly Devine who reached on an error and later scored along with Auchterlounie from a 2-run single by Bobby Gould (1-2, 1R, 2RBI). This brought Ross Asquith (1-4) to the plate who, although still showing speed, was unable to beat out the throw, and grounded out, ending Herts’ hopes of an
Opening Day win.

After a 21-8 loss, it might be fair to say that the Hawks have yet to hit their stride offensively. On a warm but windy afternoon, the Hawks ended up scoring eight runs on seven hits, striking out six times. The Hawks also struggled with  runners in scoring position, going 4-11).

“I think everybody is trying to get to where we want to be,” Ben Marques said. “Everybody is battling, we’ve had bad weather and limited training sessions, both inside and outside. A new group of players stepping up to AA:  myself, John, Hunter and Jose Jr.  As well as losing some great players like Nic Goetz and Rod Naghar…It has been a combination of things, but I don’t think anybody is concerned about our offense just yet, not after Game 1. I’m not. It’s a long grind.”

However, the Herts fielding was better than the line score suggested with Gold Glove performances from rookies Marques, Devine and Kjorstad, as well as Russell and Auchterlounie.  All five had outstanding days in the field letting nothing past, with Marques the busiest at second base with a left-handed heavy lineup (1 tag, 6 put-outs).

After the game, we asked Hawks manager, Greg Bochan, for his assessment of the performance:

Next time around we need better organization. There were a lot of missed cuts from the outfield and a general sense of players not knowing where to be.

“Although the Hawks lost, what positives can the team take from the game?”

Stand out moments would be our middle infield. Ben made a bunch of great plays and Hunter made that
awesome grab at short.

“Finally, what are you looking for from your team next time around?”

Next time around I am looking forward to a little more attention to detail. A little more baseball smarts. I think that will have to start with pre-game infield/outfield.

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Raptors prepare for a big playoff push

The Herts Raptors start their season this Sunday on the road at the Leicester Two Sox, who, in a Houston Astros-like move, have switched to the BBF Single-A League over from the AA Midlands. We had a chance to put some questions to Raptors Manager, Arnie Longboy.

We are just days away from Opening Day. Do you feel ready or has the bad weather in March affected preparations?

Arnie Longboy: Less than ideal weather is something that baseball players here just have to take as a given. So on one hand all of our competitors have faced the same challenge. That said I hope the indoor training we’ve had, especially with our strength and conditioning coach Tony, will prove to be a competitive advantage for all Herts teams.

What are your main goals for this season?

Arnie Longboy: Our goal is similar to last years. Field a competitive team and have fun in the process. We’ve also had some players move up so I’d like them to further develop and see them move up in the ranks as they progress with their baseball prowess.

What win-loss percentage would be seen as a successful season for the team and is it realistic to expect your team to reach the playoffs or even challenge for the title?

Arnie Longboy: I want all of the team to expect a winning season and a goal is always to make the playoffs. We almost did it last year and want to challenge for the title this year.

Will the entry of the Herts Ravens in the AAA League affect your team’s chances this season by diluting the strength of the Herts rosters across a larger number of teams?

Arnie Longboy: Herts is blessed to have the numbers to field 5 teams! I think it’s a result of the efforts we’ve made in trying to grow the sport in our region.

Who are the players we should look out for this year?

Arnie Longboy: We’ve again recruited a few of the junior club members so I expect much from them. But some of the veterans returning will provide the wisdom from their experience. It should make for a great team dynamic.

Which of your opponents in the league are likely to be the biggest challengers for the national title?

Arnie Longboy: The Eagles will be a formidable team and as their manager now has a year’s experince under his belt I expect that team to go far. Given we play them twice I think those will be the games to watch for our Herts fan base.

by Herts Baseball News Editor

We do try to do things the right way

The Herts Eagles had a very successful 2012 finishing the season with a .500 win-loss percentage.  We asked Eagles manager, Duncan Hoyle, for his thoughts on the Eagles, ahead of their 2013 season opening game at league debutants, MK Coyotes.

We are just days away from Opening Day of the BBF Single-A League. Do you feel ready or has the bad weather in March affected preparations?

Duncan Hoyle: It has affected our preparations. We have lost two HSL games to the weather, but several of the Eagles have played for other Herts teams during the HSL. All clubs and teams must have been affected by weather but we have had some good indoor and outdoor training sessions and overall I think we are in a good position going into the league season.

What are your main goals for this season?

Duncan Hoyle: The main goal for me is to provide a team for new players to be able to come into the sport and play in a friendly and committed team, in an enjoyable environment. We don’t take things too seriously but we do try to do things the right way. I want all the players who play for the Eagles to have the chance to develop as baseball players.

What win-loss percentage would be seen as a successful season for the team and is it realistic to expect your team to reach the playoffs or even challenge for the title?

Duncan Hoyle: I don’t want to set targets as I think this is unhelpful for us, as we won’t know the quality of the teams we will play against until a few weeks into the season at least. However I would like to think we will be competitive for the most part.

Will the entry of the Herts Ravens in the AAA League affect your team’s chances this season by diluting the strength of the Herts rosters across a larger number of teams?

Duncan Hoyle: For a short time, possibly. However in the long-term I think the introduction of the Ravens will benefit all of the existing teams as we should attract more players to join the club, as we have teams at all BBF levels, and this will in turn increase competition and movement between players within the teams.

Who are the players we should look out for this year?

Duncan Hoyle: We have several young players who I think could have a very good season, it would be unfair of me to single anyone out at this stage. But I am looking forward to the return from injury of last season’s joint Single-A home run-leader Adrian Smithers, the game is never dull when he is involved!

Which of your opponents in the league are likely to be the biggest challengers for the national title?

Duncan Hoyle: Difficult to say. In my time in baseball Single-A has been slightly damaged by always having one or two teams who should obviously be playing a higher grade, but at first glance this year seems to have a balanced line up. London Marauders, Guildford and the Old Timers are always tough to beat.

Which league game are you looking forward to most?

Duncan Hoyle: I am looking forward to the trips to new teams MK, Leicester and Haverhill – all new diamonds for us.

The postseason playoffs will be played at the brand new Farnham Park. Will this act as an even greater incentive for players to reach the postseason?

Duncan Hoyle: I don’t think so. I would hope that players will want to get to the playoffs wherever they are held, but it would be nice to play at such good facilities such as Farnham.

What is your message to Herts Baseball fans ahead of Opening day?

Duncan Hoyle: Watch this space for bigger and better things at Herts!

 

 

by Herts Baseball News Editor

The small man with the big heart

Kimiyoshi Saionji launches a home run over the right field wall against the legendary Cody Cain in a 2-1 win over the eventual NBL champions, Richmond, in 2010

Herts Baseball Club has announced the departure of one of its most loved members, Kimiyoshi Saionji. He has just completed his transfer from the Herts Falcons to NBL rivals, Southampton Mustangs.

Kimi joined Herts in 2005 recruited thanks to another Herts legend, second-baseman, Shunji Kakutani. He made his debut for the Falcons on Opening Day of the 2005 season as the team made its debut in the Premier League (AAA-class) at the Shropshire Panthers after earning promotion in 2004.

Since then Kimi has been an ever-present figure at the club giving everything on and off the field through the ups and downs of relegation to AA in 2006 and then two consecutive promotions which included winning the AAA National Championship and promotion into the NBL in 2008 and finishing as NBL runners-up last season.

In 2006 Kimi suffered a horrific injury fracturing his jaw after a brave play as second baseman covering first base and colliding with an oncoming Richmond batter. That didn’t deter him. He was back within a few months better than ever.

In his 8 years with the club Kimi’s outstanding performances were recognised with a long list of awards, including the 2010 Falcons Most Valuable Player (MVP), three-time Infield Gold Glove Winner (2006, 2007, 2008), Batting Champion (2008), Home Run Champion (2010), Most RBIs (2008, 2010).

Kimi may have been one of the smaller players in the NBL but he has a big heart and the power of a giant.

Herts Falcons Manager, Lee Manning, said: “I’m sad to see Kimi leave but I will hold onto the great moments we had together on the field. I will never forget the image of Kimi with his trademark battle cry at second base every time he hits a double to start a rally.” He added “I and everyone connected with the club is grateful to Kimi for always playing hard and for sticking with the club during the dark years. Kimi will always be one of Herts Baseball’s greatest legends”.

His Herts Falcons team mates and members of the front office tried their best to convince him to stay, but the club will ultimately have to accept and respect Kimi’s decision.

Before his departure Kimi had a message for the club’s members: “Thank you for your kindness for nine years as a member of Herts Baseball Club. I love Herts and all the members. I want to wish the Falcons and all the Herts teams good luck this season. Please don’t feel sad. I will see you soon.”

 

by Cristobal Hiche

Falcons bounce back after dramatic walk-off loss

Falcons player-manager, Lee Manning, came up big with a 3-run double in game two (photo by Will Baxter)

written by Cristobal Hiche

The weather was perfect for some great baseball if it wasn’t for some strong winds from right to left field which effectively killed the “long ball” from the game. This set the tone for the first game in which solid pitching by Jordan Farkas (Herts) and Ryan (Diamondbacks), kept batters at bay with few hits and no runs scored by either team in the first 4 innings. Added to that was the fact that both teams weren’t efficient and both teams left too many men on base. In fact, Herts had men on 2nd and 3rd with no outs in the first inning but the heart of the order couldn’t bring the runners home. Lakenheath also had the bases loaded with 1 out in the bottom of the 3rd but ended up empty.

Both teams realised this game was going to go down to the wire and a small mistake could prove costly. Also, both teams realised they needed to manufacture runs and switched strategies by playing small ball. Sacrifice and drag bunts were attempted but a great play by third baseman James Brooks prevented Herts left fielder John Blose reaching base on a great surprise bunt down the line.

It wasn’t until the bottom of the 5th when Xavier Gonzales made an error on a very routine ground ball. The ball made an unusual bounce due to poor ground conditions and Xavi couldn’t do anything about it. Tough luck but this sparked the Dbacks to go on and score 3 runs. Herts felt the blow and quickly bounced back to tie the game at 3-3 in the top of the 6th inning. All looked like it was going to extra innings with quick two outs in the bottom of the 7thinning, but Jordan Farkas’ pitch count was rising and he gave up the first and only walk of the game for him, which at the end of the day proved to be costly. Matt Mulvaney, who was already 2-3 in the game, hit a timely line drive for a double in the gap in left-centerfield. The runner was held at 3rd base, but Shawn Benton became the hero with a single up the middle, which neither Robbie Unsell (2B) nor Xavier Gonzalez (SS) could reach. Walk-off single – game over.

This was truly a MLB-type game, with solid pitching, changing strategies by both teams, and with a nail biting finish which unfortunately didn’t go the way the Falcons wanted. “We left too many guys on base and we didn’t give Jordan the run support his pitching deserved” said Falcons manager, Lee Manning, after the game.

Click to view game 1 box scores

Given the disappointment by the Herts players and believing they should have won the first game, they were hungry to respond in the second game. They came out of the dugout with determination and in the top of the first they scored 5 runs. The highlight of this inning was a great 3-run bases-clearing-double by Lee Manning, proving the manager still has the skills to play at the top level. This proved to be enough as Darrin Ward again pitched a solid game, managing the game and his pitching repertoire to keep the Diamondbacks’ bats quiet. It was only in the 3rd inning that the heart of the Dbacks batting order managed to string a few singles together and scored two runs. With 2 outs and a man on first and third, Matt Mulvaney who was 3-4 with that great double in the first game, came up to the plate with the potential tying run. However, Ward won the battle and Matt hit a ground ball to second for a routine 4-3 play. Herts managed to get an insurance run in the 5th and sealed the game with additional 3 runs in the top of the 7th.

Click to view game 2 box scores

Herts Falcons Manager, Lee Manning, felt that the team responded well after the difficult loss in the first game.  He said: “we quickly picked ourselves up and exploded on the ball. Wardy (Darrin Ward) coasted through the game and we never looked back.” Manning added that “It’s always hard to travel to Lakenheath with the extra players they have for their home games. The wind played its part and affected both teams. Losing the way we did in game 1 was hard for the boys to take but we showed spirit to get ahead early in game 2 and stay there.”

Standout Herts players:

Robbie Unsell: 3-5, 1R, 2RBI, 3BB, 3SB, 1K

Darrin Ward: 7IP, 2R, 2ER, 3SO, 3BB

Xavier Gonzales: 3-6, 4R, 2 doubles, 2BB, 1SB

 

by Herts Baseball News Editor

UPDATE: Ravens vs Knights postponed. Hawks vs Mammoths is on

The Herts Ravens’ Opening Day game at home against the Richmond Knights has been postponed. The rain on Saturday has flooded the new diamond and the grounds crew will simply not be able to repair it in time even with the help of the expected warmer weather on Sunday.

The new diamond was already flooded on Saturday and the youth games scheduled for that day had to be moved to the Old Diamond. The additional rain on Saturday afternoon and evening has added to the problem and the grounds crew had no other choice but to postpone the Ravens verus Knights game on the new diamond.

UPDATE: A later inspection at the Old Dimaond has indicated that the grounds crew should be able to have that field ready for a 1pm start of the Hawks vs Mammoths game with some assistance from warmer and sunnier weather predicted for today.

 

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Falcons strengthen roster ahead of Dbacks clash

Last week the Herts Falcons were approached by pitcher, Barry Wiles, with a view to joining the National Baseball League team this season. He is expected to make his Herts debut this Sunday against the Lakenheath Diamondbacks.

Wiles has previously played for the Mildenhall Bulldogs in 2010 and for the Essex Arrows in 2012. His NBL career winning record on the mound is 4-7 with 57 strikeouts over 71 2/3 innings (7.2 per 9 innings). His NBL career batting average is .364.*

The Falcons also expect to welcome back Cris Hiche who missed the Opening Day encounter against the Pirates with a hamstring injury. Great Britain U16 National Team catcher, Conner Brown has also been added to the squad, in a call up from the club’s AAA League team, the Herts Ravens.

* – statistics courtesy of Project COBB

 

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Ravens prepare for their first ever league game

The newly formed Herts Ravens will play its first ever league game this Sunday as they host the Richmond Knights. We put several questions to Ravens Manager, Carlos Casal, and here are his thoughts.

We are just days away from Opening Day. Do you feel ready or has the bad weather in March affected preparations?

Carlos Casal: Being a newly formed team it is always difficult to achieve readiness at the beginning of the season however the preparation programme started slowly during the Spring League but will be fully implemented soon after week one.

What are your main goals for this season?

Carlos Casal: Enjoy playing the game and help the development of the club’s upcoming prospects. However, remember that physical, mental and skills preparation are a key factor to achieve these goals.

What win-loss percentage would be seen as a successful season for the team and is it realistic to expect your team to reach the playoffs or even challenge for the title?

Carlos Casal: Difficult to define. Our goal(s) for the AAA team this first season will be all around individual and team performance. With the right motivation and mindset surprises are possible. Remote, but it would be fantastic securing a spot in the postseason.

Who are the players we should look out for this year?

Carlos Casal: We have a great group of skilled and experienced players equally important for the process. However, the young group of players in our roster are a strong acquisition who will need our support to progress during the year.

Which league game are you looking forward to most?

Carlos Casal: Every game where the weather is clear and in the right temperature, otherwise every game.

The postseason playoffs will be played at the brand new Farnham Park. Will this act as an even greater incentive for players to reach the postseason?

Carlos Casal: I think this is a great incentive for every team in each league to go and play postseason games in these new facilities as all eyes will be there during those days.

What is your message to Herts Baseball fans ahead of Opening day?

Carlos Casal: Get behind each team and every player in our club and where possible come to the games and cheer us on. We all promise an exciting season for the club this year.

 

 

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Is British Baseball inadvertently damaging its competitiveness and market share?

What would be the effect on British Baseball if superstars like Mike Piazza (left) were able to play in some of the NBL games? Would they be ineligible to play in the postseason as a result of the 45%-rule?

In the winter of 2011 delegates of the National Baseball League (NBL) clubs met in central London to discuss issues at hand ahead of the 2012 season. Among the various items on the agenda was the subject of postseason player eligibility.

Prior to those winter meetings the BBF had a rule in place, which required players to have played in 20% of the regular season games of that team in order to be eligible to play in the postseason. The rule has been in place over the years to ensure that only players who have been part of the team during the regular season are fielded during the high-profile postseason games.

During those December 2011 Winter Meetings some NBL teams felt that 20% is insufficient protection and that the criteria needed to be stricter. Apart from setting a mid-season player registration deadline for postseason eligibility, it was also proposed that the percentage should be increased from 20% to 45%. Most of the NBL teams cast their votes in favour of this proposal and so the 45% requirement was adopted by the NBL (this 45%-rule does not apply to BBF’s minor leagues or youth leagues).

Although the reasons for adopting the 45%-rule are understandable, are there some unintended side effects?

In 2012 the NBL encountered problems with the maintenance of statistics and they were only partially available. This meant that we were not able to see how NBL postseason rosters would be affected and how many players had played in 45% of the regular season games of their team. Estimates would suggest that most NBL teams would have had 10 or less players eligible to play in the NBL postseason – not enough given the gruelling postseason schedule on pitchers, player ejections, potential injuries and player unavailability due to other reasons.

Commendable efforts are being made currently by the BBF to utilise the latest technology to achieve reporting of 100% of all league game stats. If this is accomplished, in 2013 the 45%-rule could prove to be a ticking time-bomb for the NBL and could damage the credibility of British Baseball. We could potentially end up with one or more teams which simply do not have 9 players who meet the 45%-rule and would either have to forfeit games or the BBF would have to issue special dispensations just to make sure that teams have 9 players.

NBL managers reading this article are likely to take note and in fact we have already seen in the first weekend of NBL games that managerial decisions are being influenced by the rule and they are making unnatural lineup decisions and substitutions just to prepare themselves for the effect of the 45%-rule. This implies that there will be times this season when NBL teams will play with under strength lineups, which means that at a time when the NBL is looking to increase the standard of play and attract fans and media interest, the hands of managers will be tied.

Perhaps an even greater concern is the fact that the rule will make some very big stars of British baseball ineligible to play in the postseason games when the BBF is investing resources to showcase the sport to a wider audience. The 45%-rule was not in place in 2009 and Bracknell were able to field some high-profile baseball players who played a few games during the regular season but their other commitments prevented them from reaching the 45% mark. Bracknell won the national title that year. If the 45%-rule was in place they, along with the other NBL teams, would have ended up with significantly weaker rosters.

Assume an NBL team has managed to secure a high-profile player, perhaps one with professional experience in MLB, for example someone like former MLB star, Mike Piazza. The team then registers that player at the start of the season knowing that he would be available only for a few regular season games but most importantly will be there for the postseason. A high-profile player like Mike Piazza would attract hundreds and perhaps thousands of fans to the postseason events if this is promoted correctly. However, with the 45%-rule in this example Mike Piazza would not be eligible to play. Removing the 45%-rule would give teams the incentive to actively recruit such star players, even if it is just for the postseason games. This could potentially place the NBL right alongside the established European baseball leagues of the Netherlands, Germany and Italy.

The world’s most successful sports leagues, from MLB (baseball) to the English Premier League (football), do everything possible to remove such restrictions and allow teams to bring the best talent in the world. The English Premier League’s superiority in world football and ability to win multi-billion dollar TV contracts across the globe is based to a large extent on the fact that the leagues have established the right regulatory environment to give teams the freedom and incentive to sign the best players on the planet.

Obviously, the integrity of league competition has to be protected to avoid movement of players away from clubs who are out of contention. Governing bodies achieve this by imposing a deadline on player transactions such as the MLB trade-deadline in August and the January player transfer deadline in football.

A similar deadline, for example 1 July, would also be appropriate for British Baseball to prevent movement of players away from teams which are out of the postseason race. At this stage of the development of the NBL there is an argument that such deadline should apply only to movement of players from one team to another, while new arrivals who have not been registered with a club during the season should still be eligible to play after the deadline and in the postseason.  This would give teams the freedom and incentive to recruit, grow and imporve the standad of play throughout the year, bringing the Mike Piazzas of this world.

None of the leading sports leagues have restrictions such at the 45%-rule. While MLB increases the size of the postseason team rosters from 25 to 40 players, British Baseball rules appear to have the effect of leaving the teams down to the bare bones. Is British Baseball inadvertently making itself less competitive than other European leagues and more importantly, is this damaging the ability of baseball to start winning market share in the competitive UK sports industry? We are currently running a poll on Facebook to gauge the opinion of British Baseball fans on this subject. Click here to take part in the Facebook poll.
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