Category: Featured

27 July 202227 July 2022 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Herts receives BSUK grant for the upgrade of Grovehill Ballpark

Herts Baseball Club has been awarded a grant of £2,851.63 by BaseballSoftballUK (BSUK). The club has separately raised £3,000 and the total amount of £5,851.63 will be invested into upgrading its Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead.

The work on the project has already commenced with the installation of the pitching mounds on the two diamonds using clay mound blocks which will provide a more stable and durable structure in line with baseball regulations.

The next steps in the project involve a number of procedures to enhance the grass playing surface including verti-draining, top dressing, aeration and fertilising on both diamonds. The club is consulting with the contractor to determine the optimum time to implement these procedures – either in the autumn after the end of the baseball season or in the spring for the start of the 2023 season.

Grovehill Ballpark was opened in the early 1990s. The facility expanded its capacity with the building of the second diamond in 2010 enabling it to host high-profile events such as the National Baseball Championships, Herts Spring League, Herts Futures Tournament, Hunlock Series, and others. This year over 100 adult and youth league games are scheduled to be played at the ballpark and this project will make the ballpark even better.

Herts is one of seven recipients of the 2022 Facilities Fund, with £10,558.24 being directly invested in grassroots facility development projects this year.

As part of BSUK’s Two Sports, One Ambition Strategy launched in August 2020, BSUK reaffirmed its commitment to help grassroots baseball and softball organisations across the UK to become stronger, safer and more sustainable. A key part of the commitment was creating the Facilities Fund to support Chartered clubs and leagues to develop and improve their facilities, with BSUK committing £50,000 over five years, starting last year, to allow clubs and leagues to use the investment not only to support facility development but also act as a lever to attract further match funding.

Chris Rawlings, Head of Development at BaseballSoftballUK, commented on the submissions, remarking, “This year’s submissions were just as strong as last year’s, and the selection committee had a very tough task in awarding funding. This is a further step towards improving facilities across the United Kingdom, and we are very proud of all the clubs who submitted for the fund this year.”

18 July 202218 July 2022 by Rob Jones

Derby drama as Eagles and Londoners face off

HERTS Eagles pulled off a stunning comeback win in the opening game of their home double-header against division leaders and club rivals Herts Londoners.

The two sides – once compared to AC and Inter Milan due to their ground sharing arrangement – eventually split the double header in the July heatwave, with the Londoners roaring back in a dominant second tie.

In the spirit of unity, this report has been co-authored by a member of each roster.

GAME 1 by Kumail Jaffer

THE EAGLES flew back from 9-1 down to chalk up a well-earned 12-11 win at Basing Hill.

The Londoners, who have been swatting aside other Single A teams with ease, looked like giving the plucky Eagles similar treatment.

Although Jamie Lang-Richards was pitching well on the mound, the veteran batters kept finding the gaps in the field, and scored nine runs in the first two innings.

The Eagles sole reply came from Kumail Jaffer, who whacked a ground-rule double before stealing two bases to come home.

But the Eagles, still hunting a .500 record, were never going to give up.

Mo Abdule singled, classics expert and cramp-stricken Dowan Bellerose drew a walk before Peter Wilson loaded the bases.

It was down to Evan Robbins and Jaffer to bring the boys home, before Lang-Richards returned the favour to put the Eagles right back in the game.

A motivated Eagles side tightened it up, limited the Londoners to just two runs, including a powerful hit by Rob Jones. They matched it up again in the bottom of the inning, with Tom Hill and Wilson bringing home the batters.

It was down to Lang-Richards to continue his assured dealing on the mound. Two scoreless innings sandwiched a three-run effort from the Londoners to tie up the game.

But Greg Bochan was pitching with a vengeance, and picked up two quick outs – the Eagles were already suiting up for extra innings when Robins turned up at the plate.

A powerful hit out to centre-field saw a triple come through, leaving Jaffer with the responsibility of bringing home the bacon.

But controversy struck. The Londoners gave him the Barry Bonds treatment and intentionally walked the leadoff hitter.

Lang-Richards, to complete a well-rounded performance, took one strike before hammering the next pitch to centre-field for the crucial RBI single.

And as Robins crossed home plate, the Eagles celebrated. This was a top team they had not only gone toe-to-toe against, but edged out a tough win.

Was the sweep on?

GAME 2 by Rob Jones

Losing is never fun, and losing to a walkoff hit can be a gut-punch. But the Londoners were quick to strike back.

The opening exchanges of Game 2 indicated that the Londoners were perhaps going to assert their dominance. They racked up the maximum 5 runs in the first frame, with Sonam Lama and Norman Peng among those with hits.

Londoners had their enigmatic slowball ace Andrew Slater on the mound, and he sat down the Eagles in order in the bottom of the first. Then the visitors scored 5 more. So far, so tidy.

But with 2 outs in the third, and one man on from a walk, the Eagles got a sniff of an opportunity and they took it. Dowan Bellerose reached on a throwing error, and his team followed it up with 4 straight singles.

The Londoners responded, capitalising on walks issued by the Eagles tiring pitching staff. In sapping heat, Kenny Liao and Simon Langton continued their hot hitting, and the visitors took advantage of a depleted Eagles bullpen.

After 3 innings it was 14-5 but a scoreless top of the fourth again indicated that the Eagles would not roll over. A wide throw allowed their leadoff man aboard in the bottom half of the frame, and soon the bases were loaded. Another five runs came across.

The last of them was driven in by Jaffer, after substitute first baseman Rob Jones saw the ball fly from his glove as he attempted to tag the approaching batter-runner. The call was out, but then overturned to safe, so the run scored. Was there to be more controversy? Fortunately, the hot weather did not fray tempers.

It did further deplete the Eagles ranks, though, when Bellerose finally succumbed to cramp. Catching two games in such heat took its toll, and the Londoners were able to finally crack the game open and lock down the win.

A fly-out, a pop-out and then a ground-out — with the tag securely applied – ended the game. 21-10 was the score, and Slater took a complete game victory.

These games had been moved forward in the day to avoid the worst of the heat. The temperature probably still influenced play, with some unusual errors, and a see-saw scoreline. But honours ended even and both sides now move forward to their next challenges.

They meet again in August.

20 June 202220 June 2022 by Rob Jones

Eagles downed by Minotaurs

by Kumail Jaffer

SHORT on numbers but high on chutzpah, the Eagles flew into Finsbury Park on Sunday aiming to wrestle themselves back into the Playoff hunt.

The Minotaurs were an interesting proposition – it was a team that the Eagles had got the better of last season, but an improving side who were playing on their own, slightly misshaped home turf.

Game 1

With upcoming star Alex Trautman on the mound, it was no wonder things started so smoothly for the visitors.
The young Herts pitcher dealt four devastating innings – the perfect Fathers’ Day gift for Max, who was egging him on from 1B.

But on a small field, any semblance of contact can result in extra-base hits and, despite a great effort from Tom Hill behind the plate, an inevitable couple of runs also squeaked through from base-stealers.
Regardless, it was a solid defensive effort from the Eagles, who limited the Minotaurs to just three runs in the first three innings.

Things also looked great on the offensive end. Appearing in just his second game of the season, Eagles veteran Kumail Jaffer went 3-4 as leadoff hitter, picking up an RBI alongside Hill, the senior Trautman and captain Saira Smith.

In a particularly impressive show of spirit, the visitors battled back in the top of the 5th while 7-4 down – and were unlucky not to defend their narrow lead going into the bottom of the final inning. Minotaurs walked off with a 9-8 win.

Game 2

On-loan Londoner Jack Page – who fully embraced the Eagles ‘chant’ – did his best to make sure morale stayed high going into the second game.
The team knew that going 1-1 on the road against a well-stocked outfit wouldn’t be the worst result to take home – but they needed to dig deep.

Unfortunately, the home pitcher didn’t quite have the same idea. Though he walked six batters, clutch strikeouts at crucial times limited the Eagles’ momentum early on and stranded runners on base. And in a flash, it was 8-0 to the Minotaurs going into the bottom of the third.

It was time for the Eagles’ offence to spark, and the defence to lock it down to give the batters another shot. Some clever pitching from Smith and young Prime Mencias limited the hosts to a single run in the third, meaning the Eagles needed nine to extend the game.

And to their credit, they put the Minotaurs under real pressure. After loading the bases with just one out, two disciplined walks from Mencias and Jaffer brought home a couple of easy runs before Hill drove in another.

But it just wasn’t meant to be. This one ended 9-3. The Eagles shall fly again.

25 May 202225 May 2022 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Coach Monte Brooks is coming back to the UK to work with Herts players

In June 2019 the head coach of The Master’s University baseball team, Monte Brooks, was a special guest of Herts Baseball Club and Herts players had the unique opportunity of being coached by him.

He will be coming back to the UK and he will once again be working with the Herts adult and youth teams at the club’s two branches in Hemel Hempstead and in London. The two events which he will be taking part in are:

6pm, Wednesday, 1 June, Grovehill Ballpark, Hemel Hempstead
6pm, Thursday, 2 June, Basing Hill Ballpark, London

Brooks has just completed his 26th season as head coach of The Master’s University baseball team in the USA. He is the program’s all-time leader in wins with a record of 790-535. He has led the Mustangs to four NAIA World Series appearances (2000, 2013, 2016, 2017) and three regular-season GSAC titles.

As a player, Brooks was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1987 with whom he spent four seasons in the minor leagues and later coached in the Padres organisation before his appointment with Master’s University.

Players who have developed through The Master’s University have gone on to be drafted by MLB clubs. One of them is Conner Menez (pictured above) who was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 14th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Shortly after Coach Brooks’ visit to London in 2019, Menez made his MLB debut for the Giants where he played until last year. This season he was signed by the Chicago Cubs and with rumours going around that the 2023 MLB London Series will feature the Chicago Cubs and the St Louis Cardinals, Herts fans may have the opportunity to see Menez in action at the London Stadium.

Coach Brooks’ area of expertise is working with hitters and infielders so his visit to the club is a fantastic opportunity for players from the various Herts teams.

The sessions are open to all current Herts members as well as new players who are considering joining the club. If you are not a current club member and wish to take part in one of these sessions, please contact us.

17 May 202217 May 2022 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Herts Baseball Club looking for volunteers and paid coaches to host the pilot MLB First Pitch school baseball event in Hemel Hempstead

As part of Major League Baseball’s investment in the UK and the London Series, a pilot programme in association with the Youth Sport Trust was introduced where a hub of around 15 schools is created in a number of regions to run the MLB First Pitch programme. One of these hubs is in Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding area.

The programme culminates with an end-of-school-year baseball event bringing all the schools from the hub together. Herts Baseball Club was approached to host the end of year baseball festival scheduled for the summer of 2021, however that event could not take place due to Covid restrictions in schools.

*Grovehill Ballpark has previously hosted baseball and softball events as part of the Herts School Games*

Steps are being taken now to stage this event this summer on Tuesday, July 12, at Grovehill Ballpark, the home of Herts Baseball Club in Hemel Hempstead. The event is likely to feature a skills session from 9:30 to 12:00 and games from 12:30 to 14:45. It is expected to cover students aged 9 to 11 – school years 5 and 6.

The club is inviting Herts club members or players and coaches from other clubs who would be interested and available to act as event staff volunteers and as paid coaches on that day. The fee for the coaches will range between £12.50 and £23.75, depending on the role and the level of the coach. For more details and to express interest contact us.

9 May 20229 May 2022 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Saira Smith is the new Eagles manager

Saira Smith has been appointed as the new Herts Eagles manager and has also been co-opted to the club’s executive board.

She joined the Eagles as a player at the start of the 2021 season and quickly established herself as a key member of the team. Smith is originally from Australia where she has played baseball extensively. She will be able to count on assistant coaches Jamie Lang-Richards, Mike Wakelam and Tom Hill who will be part of the team’s coaching staff.

The team had a win-loss percentage of .370 last season and it will be interesting to see if they can improve on that this season. The team caused an upset when they picked up two wins away at the reigning Single-A national champions, the London Mustangs, on Opening Day. That was followed by two losses against a strong Bracknell Inferno team.

Next up for them this Sunday is a trip to the Herts Hawks who are one of the early pace-setters in the Single-A league after winning their last three games.

9 May 202210 May 2022 by Herts Baseball News Editor

MLB and London announce long term strategic partnership aimed at growing the game in the UK

This evening Major League Baseball and the Mayor of London issued the following press release which Herts baseball fans have been hoping for.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred Jr. today announced a long-term strategic partnership that includes Major League Baseball’s commitment to hold major events in London over the next five years including regular season games in 2023, 2024 and 2026. Also announced was the formation of the MLB London Legacy Group which will include members from the Greater London Authority, Baseball Softball UK and other key stakeholders in the UK. The Group will be focused on delivering a wide-reaching and long-term legacy program that maximizes the impact of hosting MLB regular season games in London.

The Mayor of London is in New York City as part of a four-day trip to America to support London’s economic recovery from the pandemic and promote the capital to international visitors and business. Mayor Khan said: “Today is an historic day for London and baseball. I want to continue attracting world-class sport to our city as part of my mission to make London the sporting capital of the world. This long-term partnership with Major League Baseball is ambitious and includes regular season games as well as a legacy program designed to grow the number of Londoners watching and playing baseball at a grassroots level in
London. These games will be a fantastic opportunity to once again showcase the London Stadium as a multi-use venue and a fantastic asset for the capital.”

“All aspects of the inaugural MLB games in London were an overwhelming success,” said Commissioner Manfred. “It was clear that sports fans in London had a great appetite for baseball and that passion was shared by Mayor Khan as well as the business and media community. We are confident in making a long-term commitment to London and are looking forward to returning to the city with more MLB games, special fan events, and other opportunities to play and watch the game.”London hosted Major League Baseball games for the first time in June of 2019 when the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox met in the inaugural MLB London Series. The two-games at London Stadium were the first-ever regular season games played in Europe.

To complement these events, MLB Europe will continue to conduct new London-based fan engagement events, expanded UK-focused content, baseball participation programs, and other city specific media arrangements to help continue the growth of baseball’s popularity across London.

A prime example of this is Home Run Derby X, an electrifying new baseball format which will take place in London’s Crystal Palace Park on July 9, 2022. Home Run Derby X has been designed to frame baseball in a fun and unique way to a new audience, with MLB Legends competing alongside characters new fans trust and care about and integrated into digital platforms and live event experiences that appeal to them.

Fans can register their details at [link] to keep up to date with the latest information from MLB Europe.

26 April 202227 April 2022 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Basing Hill Ballpark crowdfunding target reached

Earlier today, Herts Baseball Club issued the following message to supporters who contributed to the Basing Hill Ballpark (Phase 2) crowdfunding campaign.

With the fantastic support and generosity of club members, Sport England and the wider community, today we reached the Basing Hill Ballpark (Phase 2) Crowdfunding target of £20,068.

This now makes it possible for the club to install the backstop, infield perimeter fence and the infield cutout clay areas around the bases and the pitcher’s mound. We hope that we can replicate at Basing Hill Ballpark the growth and the wonderful programmes which we built at our Grovehill Ballpark branch in Hemel Hempstead over the years.

There were several critical moments over the four weeks of this campaign when there was very little light at the end of the tunnel and the project seemed impossible, but club members and supporters mobilized friends, family, neighbours and colleagues and generated vital momentum for the campaign in those critical moments.

Over the next few days, we will start the process of distributing the rewards which supporters picked up as part of their donations.

The next step is to go through the formalities with Barnet Council and book the contractors to implement the installations. We hope that we will be able to complete it by the end of May. We are relying on contractors and the Council and hopefully we can deliver the project without any major delays.

We will keep everyone updated.

The crowdfunding campaign is still live in case any other supporters would like to make a donation. A number of rewards are still available to pick up. Any extra funds that we raise above the original target can be used to add items such as team benches, field equipment and other upgrades around the park.

Thank you for the amazing support.

Herts Baseball Club

26 April 202226 April 2022 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Herts Cardinals to make BBF league debut this Sunday. Interview with Manager Brian Dearing.

The wait is over for the newest team in the Herts Baseball family, the Herts Cardinals. They will play their first ever BBF league game this Sunday, May 1^st. Their Triple-A league campaign starts on the road at the Bournemouth Bears (4-2).

As we build-up to the team’s season opener, we had a chance to chat with Cardinals player-manager, Brian Dearing.

Q: Welcome to Herts Baseball Club. After a number of years playing elsewhere in British baseball, how are you feeling about the new start?

A: I feel very good about move to Herts, the club has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. I’ve heard it over and over from members of the team, they feel at home already and we can’t thank Herts enough for everything they have done to make our transition a success.

Q: As several players from last year’s London Mammoths roster have joined, the Herts Cardinals roster already seems to have strong foundations. What are your expectations for this year? Do you think the team can hit the ground running and be involved in the Triple-A playoff race in their first season?

A: First, I would say my main goal this year is to make sure our club transition is a complete success for the players, I believe our team is possibly the strongest it has ever been. Our entire roster moved to Herts, and we have had some tremendous ball players participate in our try-outs. We have already hit the ground running, and feel confident that we will be a competitive and fun team to play in 2022.

Q: Herts fans are excited about the Basing Hill Ballpark project and the club is currently raising funds for the second phase. Whether in MLB, NFL or the Premier League, clubs get enormous injection of energy when they move into their new home. Basing Hill cannot compare to those enormous sports venues but do you think that there could be a similar effect for Herts players?

A: I can only speak to the Cardinals, but we are both moving venues and clubs. I think that we’ve got a huge injection of energy. The team is very motivated right now to train, improve, be competitive, and win a championship (or make a playoff run). 2022 is going to be a lot of fun.

Q: If everything goes to plan, the ballpark is scheduled to open in May and as a result the Herts Cardinals have to play their first few league games away from home. Would this have an effect on the team’s plans?

A: We are really excited to play on the newly renovated Basing Hill field, and the BBF has very helpfully organized around the construction timeline so there is no effect on the team.

Q: When you moved from America you spent some time playing for the Edinburgh Cannons. Our players and fans might not be very familiar with the Scottish League and would be curious to learn how baseball in Scotland compares to the British baseball leagues.

A: Scottish Baseball is a blast, and is run by some great characters. There is only one “level”, so there is huge diversity on each team in terms of baseball ability and knowledge, which is fun and challenging! Overall, they’ve got a lot of dedicated players, and good access to equipment. I never expected that when I moved to the UK from the USA!

Q: You experienced baseball both in the United States and in the United Kingdom. Are there elements that are very effective in growing the game in the US which British clubs should put greater emphasis on?

A: I think an emphasis on high quality fields, and access to practice facilities, would bring a greater level of seriousness to the game. I think also that there are so many baseball-player transplants in London that just don’t know they could play baseball in London or the UK, so ways to market our club and federation would be a great start.

Q: Finally, do you have a message for Herts baseball fans ahead of the 2022 season?

A: We look forward to meeting you and enjoying the new Basing Hill facility together!

15 April 202217 May 2022 by Herts Baseball News Editor

Herts youth baseball teams to work with GB National Team coaches and players

Herts Baseball Club will be hosting the Great Britain National Teams as they prepare for international competition later this year.

As part of this, Herts youth players will have the unique opportunity to work with the GB U18 players and coaches over the next few weeks.

There will be three sessions as follows:

11:00-13:00, Saturday, 23 April 2022, Grovehill Ballpark, Hemel Hempstead
11:00-13:00, Saturday, 7 May 2022, Grovehill Ballpark, Hemel Hempstead
11:00-13:00, Saturday, 21 May 2022, Grovehill Ballpark, Hemel Hempstead

Note: Dates and times may be subject to change due to weather or other factors. For the May 21st event, if the construction of Basing Hill Ballpark is not completed by this date, the event will be moved to Grovehill Ballpark.

The last time Great Britain National Team coaches and players worked with Herts youth players was in 2008 (pictured above).

This is a good opportunity for any new players – boys and girls aged 6 to 14 – to come to one of these sessions and try baseball to help them decide if they would like to join the Herts youth baseball teams for the upcoming league season. Each session is expected to be around 2 hours and 30 minutes long.

New players who are not current members of the Herts youth teams can book their place for one of these sessions by completing this form.