Category: Featured

by Rob Jones

Back in time: Herts young players help mark the dawn of baseball

Among the events featured in this British summer of baseball was one to mark the game’s origins right here in England. Herts’ own Robert Gregory was on hand to witness the day, and sent this report:

On Sunday July 7th a Blue plaque unveiling event was held at Walton-on-Thames to commemorate the first recorded baseball game that was held there. It took place at Ashley Park, what is now Walton cricket ground, in September 1749.

On that day, the Prince of Wales took part. As part of this year’s festivities a demonstration game was played by players that are either on GB team rosters, or are selected for the national development programme.  This included players of various age groups, among them 5 from Herts teams – Josh Jones, Pedro Gomez-Jones, Jack O’Brien, Lucas Lebrato and Chris Gregory.

Herts’ Chris Gregory in action

The day began with a wet start with the teams “warming up’ in a constant drizzle. All eyes were on the weather forecast and just before the start of the game the weather obliged and cleared up.

Managed by GB head coach Liam Carroll the players were split into two teams — one ‘Team USA’ and one ‘Team GB’. The former Radio 1 DJ Mike Read made the introductions, the two teams took the field and the GB and USA National anthems were sung.

A good crowd took their positions and it was ‘Game on’. 

It was decided that the older players should pitch and catch at a suitable level to provide a balanced game for the range of ages of the players. Chris Gregory of the Herts Londoners pitched first for Team GB.

Some good fielding allowed GB to take a 2-0 lead after the first innings. Team USA then put in two strong innings scoring 6 runs in each, this included strong hits by the younger Herts players.

The game progressed with the crowd enjoying the experience and being provided details of finer points of the game from the announcer, Cris Knoblock. Some young children were keen to play and so soon were playing a game of there own.

The game looked over in the 6th (and final) inning as Team USA stretched out to an 8 run lead. But Team GB came charging back from 18-10 down to tie the game. A final hit deep to centre field by Herts’ Lucas Lebrato provided the winning runs, much to the delight of the crowd.

The players could then relax and enjoy the rest of the festivities with batting and pitching cages run by BaseballSoftballUK. There were also food stalls, entertainment and various performances on the stages. VIP guests enjoyed a buffet lunch in the marquee that was decorated with USA and GB flags and baseball items.

In the afternoon, the blue plaque was unveiled by the comedian Bobby Davro and his father Bill Nankeville, who was a national and record breaker on the track and a two-time Olympian. After that a softball game was held with the celebs and special guests. A great day for promoting baseball in the UK.

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Herts Falcons’ Robert Smith to represent his country at the U18 World Cup in South Korea next month

Herts Falcons’ pitcher, Robert Smith, received the exciting news that he has been selected by the South Africa Under-18 National Team to compete in the 29th WBSC Baseball World Cup which will be held in South Korea from 30 August to 8 September 2019.

South Africa is ranked 23rd in the world and has been drawn in a particularly difficult group with the number one and two seeds, Japan and USA, respectively. They will open their World Cup campaign against the USA in a night game on 30 August.

The games will be played at the impressive newly-unveiled Gijang-Hyundai Dream Ballpark in Busan (pictured above).

Robert Smith’s family moved from South Africa to the UK in 2016 when he joined Herts Baseball Club playing for the Herts U17 team. He immediately impressed the Herts coaches and soon after joining was added to the Herts Falcons which is the club’s first team playing in the National Baseball League which is Britain’s top league tier.

Rob Smith up to bat for Herts in the 2017 UK Little League Qualifier

Smith will be one of only two players in the South Africa 20-man roster who are based overseas. This adds an additional financial burden on his family.  Herts fans and anyone who wants to help Rob Smith to raise funds to play in the World Cup can do so by going to the online crowdfunding campaign which has started already.

by Herts Baseball News Editor

MLB London Series – we still can’t believe this is happening

We are about to experience a historic week for baseball in Great Britain and Europe. We have been waiting for this for many years. We are just days away but still can’t quite believe that this is going to happen in our home city.

Below you will find details of this week’s events and links to more information to make the most of the MLB London Series.

MLB LONDON SERIES – EVENTS SCHEDULE

  • Sunday, 23 June, – MLB Cup London (U13 Baseball) – The London Stadium
  • Tuesday, 25 June, MLB Elite Development Tournament – Farnham Park, Slough
  • Wednesday, 26 June, MLB Elite Development Tournament – Farnham Park, Slough
  • Thursday, 27 June, MLB Elite Development Tournament – Farnham Park, Slough
  • Friday, 28 June, MLB Workout Day – The London Stadium
  • Friday, 28 June, MLB London Yards – The Truman Brewery
  • Saturday, 29 June, MLB Play Ball Park – The London Stadium
  • Saturday, 29 June, MLB London Yards – The Truman Brewery
  • Saturday, 29 June, New York Yankees @ Boston Red Sox – The London Stadium
  • Sunday, 30 June, MLB Play Ball Park – The London Stadium
  • Sunday, 30 June, MLB London Yards – The Truman Brewery
  • Sunday, 30 June, New York Yankees @ Boston Red Sox – The London Stadium

MLB LONDON SERIES – USEFUL LINKS

PLAY BASEBALL

You don’t have to be just a spectator this week. We have Midweek Evening Baseball at our ballparks in Hemel Hempstead and NW London. Contact us for details how to take part.

by Rob Jones

An historic adventure: the Herts Falcons in Europe

There were trophies, triumphs, blowouts and rainouts in Herts baseball club’s first ever experience of European competition. And the players and fans lapped it up.

The Herts Falcons, sponsored by Regin Products, took part in the European Federations Cup qualifier in Bulgaria, thanks to their position as runners-up in last year’s National Baseball League. In a history stretching back to 1996, Herts has never before been in Europe, so it was a big step forward.

Falcons, in new red uniform thanks to Regin

The first of five games in five days in Blagoevgrad was against the Polish side, UKS Deby Osielsko. They would go on to be the runner’s up in the tournament, and so provided stiff opposition.

Herts took an early lead, with Tetsuro Shinkawa writing his place in history by driving in the club’s first ever European runs. Miguel Sarmiento later hit Herts’ first ever European home run, as the Falcons rallied late in the game. Shortstop Carlos Casal Jr went 2-2 with two walks, but Osielsko won 18-8.

It had still been a solid start from the travelling Herts side. The sport of baseball is far more solidly established in Europe, with professional leagues in countries such as Austria, Italy and the Netherlands – so we knew the challenge would be tough.

Tetsuro Shinkawa

Herts were overpowered by Athletic Sofia from Bulgaria on Tuesday – despite a 3-for-3 day at the plate by Gary Davison – and by eventual Swedish tournament winners Solvesborg Firehawks on Thursday.

In between was the most dramatic game, against Atletico Alexandria. Herts led the Romanian side 3-0 going into the fifth inning, behind the superb pitching of Davison. Ryan Trask and Miguel Rodriguez had scored the runs.

Then Alexandria rallied to take the lead on a couple of Herts errors and wild pitches. They scored 5 from only 2 hits. But the Falcons were still in the game.

A cloudy day then brought rain which interrupted proceedings with Herts 6-3 down. Casal had come on to pitch in relief, and struck out three, and the Falcons hopes remained high. But the rain delay became a cancellation and the game was called. Herts were disappointed by a 6-3 loss.

It was frustrating as, inside the camp, the Falcons felt their performance had been their best as a team so far. Manager Cris Hiche put it simply: “We should have won it”. The team had been more relaxed and had more fun.

Parental advisory – Falcons “showering”

That strong team spirit showed in the way they washed away their disappointment. Stripped down to their underwear, the team sprinted from the dugout, through the rain, and slid across the outfield.

The moment was memorably caught on camera. It proved a success not only on Herts social media channels, but on a Facebook page covering baseball around the world – where it racked up more than 20,000 views.

On Friday, the Falcons ended on a high when they faced Utenos Titanai from Lithuania. Young Chris Gregory got the start on the mound and pitched a gem. He went the full eight innings, scattering 7 hits and striking out 7.

He was backed up by the bats, with Jarrod Pretorius going 3-for-4 and Tyler Badenhorst and Conner Brown both having a multi-hit game. It ended 13-2 to Herts and they claimed the fourth place trophy.

This had been an epic adventure, for these players and for the club as a whole. Herts veteran Lee Manning – who made some guest appearances as a reliever – said “We’ve left everything on the field every day. After 23 years, making it into Europe has taken us to the next level.”

Falcons’ manager Cris Hiche was proud of what the team had achieved, while club President Aspi Dimitrov hailed it as an historic week for the club.

Generous donations from players, supporters and from the Falcons sponsor Regin Products had made the trip possible. The reaction from the fans and families – and from the rest of British baseball – had made it worthwhile.

 

 

by Rob Jones

Eagles twice bitten by Redbacks

Herts had tied the score in the final inning of Game 2. They had put the winning run at third base. A spare runner was at first base as insurance, and there was only one man out.

The Eagles were poised for a glory moment.

After working the count, the hitter lined it up the middle. Off the bat, it looked promising. But then it flew straight into the shortstop’s glove. And he promptly doubled off the runner on third, who was inescapably hung up.

Inning over. Chance missed. Game still tied.

Yasu Ichige at bat in Game 2

It perhaps summed up a day when the Herts Eagles simply couldn’t get enough good hits into gaps to ever gain any momentum.

Let’s skip back to the start.

The Eagles were hosting the Redbacks at Basing Hill ballpark. The Essex team won both games when these teams met at Forest Glade a month ago. But since then the Eagles had shown consistent improvement and had finally won their first game.

Simon Langton got the start on the mound for Herts and worked around one walk for a scoreless opening inning. He struck out five over the first three frames, limiting the Redbacks to 5 runs.

But the Eagles bats were struggling even more. In those same three innings, they had mustered just one hit and scored no runs.

Redbacks’ pitcher Dennis Rodebush – who had bamboozled the Eagles when they first met – now did the same again. His final line was very different to Langton’s – only one strikeout compared with 8, but – crucially – no runs.

Somehow he induced a consistent series of squibs, dribblers, and pop-ups. Only Kumail Jaffer managed a solid hit, driving a double to centre.

Rodebush helped his own cause, golfing a home run to lead off the fifth inning as the Redbacks finally managed to break open what had remained a tight game despite everything. They brought home 5 runs in that inning, 4 more in the next, chasing Langton.

Kumail Jaffer – slugger, outfielder, infielder

Rob Gibson stepped in as relief pitcher, striking out 3 in two innings of work. But he could not close down the Redbacks offense. The game went a full seven innings, but ended with the first shutout the Eagles had suffered all year. 19-0 the final score.

In Game 2, Herts turned to their winner from last week Yasu Ichige as starting pitcher. This was to be a very different type of game. Instead of a cagey affair which turns into a blowout, this was back and forth with good hitting on both sides.

Essex scored 3 in the first, but Herts matched them immediately. Essex hit another homer to give them a 4-3 lead in the second.

For Herts, Gibson – who had hit the ball a long way in Game 1, but always a long way into the air – now got his eye in and drove balls to the outfield. Ichige got vital hits, as did first baseman Max Trautman.

Essex led 10-8 going into the final inning, with no run limit. But they were held to just one, so Herts needed four to walk it off and win.

With three runs in, Kumail Jaffer at third and Adam Collins at first, things looked good. Then that liner off the end of the bat from catcher Rob Jones, and swift work from the Essex shortstop, took it to extras.

This time, the Redbacks were able to pile on some runs, and Herts could not get them back. It ended 16-11 to Essex.

Lewis Harrison at bat

Frustrations came in different forms for the other Herts teams, because of the weather.

The Hawks were able to get under way at Grovehill against Richmond, with manager Michael Cresswell back in place after a trip to Bulgaria playing with the Herts Falcons. As an added bonus, Louis Hare hit a homer in the first.

But a downpour caused a delay then a cancellation. It was the same story for the Herts Raptors, who hope to reschedule quickly against the Essex Archers.

In Triple-A, the Londoners were due to be miles away in Oxford. But the rain wiped them out too.

Next week, the Falcons, Londoners, Hawks — and possibly now the Raptors – are back in action. Then British baseball takes a break from playing to watch the historic first MLB game in London.

by Adam Collins

Showdown in Richmond sees Eagles’ first win!

Another Sunday, another double-header for Herts Baseball’s newest single-A team. This weekend saw the Eagles travel to Connare Field to take on the 4-4 Richmond Dukes in search of their first win.

Rob Jones opened the game at the plate for the Eagles, drawing a walk and making it to third on aggressive base running. With a runner in scoring position Arnie Longboy got the ball in play to bring home Jones for an early Eagles lead, unfortunately being thrown out at first in the process. Two more quick outs ended the inning with a narrow lead for Eagles.

Herts then took to the field with regular starter, Alex Trautman, on the mound. The Dukes got off to a quick start bringing home 4 runs. The Richmond line-up were making consistent contact. However, Rob Gibson had control at the Hot Corner making a clean throw to Max Trautman at first and taking a fly ball for outs two and three. Eagles down by three at the end of the first.

At the top of 2, the Eagles were ready to rally with the first three batters getting on to load the bases. Out number 1 was taken on a five pitch strike out with Mo Abdule working the pitcher hard. The next three would take walks to load the bases.

Yasu Ichige steps up in the three hole with the bases loaded, tied ball game. Lewis Harrison (DH) is at third, Jones at second, Longboy on first. The next out is forced at home on a ground ball.

Next up to the plate Rob Gibson, not satisfied with his fielding credentials unleashes a shot into the gap in left field, a ground rule double bringing in a pair of RBI’s bringing up the 5 run limit – Eagles lead 6-4. Richmond would come back in the bottom of the second with aggressive base running on 3 hits and 3 walks to bring in their 5 runs for the inning making it a tight 6-9 game going into the third.

With a close game on their hands Eagles came into the third looking for a big inning, some solid at bats drawing walks got runners on bases with RBI’s from Lewis Harrison and Rob Jones. These would be the only runs for the Eagles, reducing the deficit to one.

As the Eagles took to the field the next inning kept the game tight with a shut-out inning on three hits for Trautman giving the team a chance into the fourth, and final, inning as time-limit was called.

To start the fourth Gibson remained consistent, going 2 for 3 with a single. Aggressive base running sees him progress to third with Max Trautman at the plate, who draws a walk. Simon Langton achieves the same and the bases are loaded again giving the Eagles the opportunity to take the lead.

Adam Collins next in swings at the second pitch, its a ground ball to short who makes the throw to second forcing out Langton, meanwhile the game is tied by Gibson running in to home. With the score even, Mo Abdule steps up to the plate driving a solid RBI single to bring Max Trautman home, Eagles lead!

Eagles would score one more with Collins running in on a wild pitch before the next two outs. A narrow two-run lead into the final half. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be; the top of the Richmond order came out strong scoring three runs to end the game 11-12 and another narrow loss for Herts Eagles.

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Game two saw Yasu Ichige take to the mound in an impressive outing, which saw defensive prowess and aggressive base running from the Eagles. The top of the first saw Jones and Longboy reach base on balls and stealing to get into scoring position, with Ichige batting in the runners from second and third.

Yet more stealing and three more walks allowed the Eagles to reach 5 on no outs in a strong first inning. Ichige came out in the bottom of the first with aggressive pitching recording one groundout and two strikeouts. Unfortunately, one hit mixed with stealing and a wild pitch allowed one to come home for the Dukes.

The second inning showed patience in the batting order with walks being the order of the day, one base hit brought one home with the Eagles scoring 4 in the second. The defence in the Eagles line-up continued to be problematic for Richmond with two quick outs.

With two down one man managed to get on base and progressed to third on steals. With a runner in scoring position the Dukes needed to get back into the game, the pitch from Ichige receives a big swing, the ball high in the air but lacking distance is easily fielded by Longboy at second base to retire the side resulting in one very pleased pitcher – a shutout inning and Eagles lead 9-1.

Into the third, and pitching frustrations continued for Richmond. Four walks and two outs later Gibson steps up to the plate, finding the gap in left field again for another ground-rule double and notching up two RBI’s in the process. Although no one mentioned the number of runs at the time it was 13-1 Eagles heading into the bottom of the third.

Ichige started strongly again, striking out the first man up but the top of the order brought the Richmond bats to life, five hits including a double allowed the home side to bring in 4. Though the Eagles kept their resolve retiring the side on a pop-up to first and a final K with a beautiful curveball for Ichige.

Time was called on the fourth inning. With no cap on runs now the Eagles couldn’t afford to lose their resolve, some showing their superstitious dispositions not wanting to discuss wins, numbers or score lines. After all, we all know anything can happen on the diamond.

However, here at Connare field the Eagles batting order were seeing the ball well and making contact. Max Trautman opened the inning with a beautifully hit double and a contender for the best sounding hit of the season, the next three would walk on to first base with an out in between with Trautman making it home on a passed ball.

Yet again aggressive on the base paths, Eagles would get runners in scoring position with Kumail Jaffer and Lewis Harrison showing off their wheels. Inspired by the events, Longboy smacks a long ball into centre scoring a ground rule double, followed by base-hits from Ichige and Gibson. Through the order we go and Trautman is back at the plate, another swing, the crack of the bat, another double and one for the highlight reel. The inning ends with 9 runs scored with a further RBI for Kumail Jaffer.

DSC_9610

At the bottom of 4 Eagles knew they had a commanding lead, all that needed to be done was to bring it home with a clean defensive effort. First pitch and the ball is hit hard on a line drive towards Aspi Dimitrov at short, a leap and his glove hand stretched high he makes the play for the first out.

Two walks saw the runners on the bases for the Dukes as we head through the top of the line-up and the three-hole hitter. A well hit ball on the first pitch flies into centre field, Kumail Jaffer is on the move and under it to make the play putting two away.

The Eagles bench is on their feet, Ichige needs to see one more out to get the W, the first batter is walked on a seven pitch duel and the bases are loaded. The next man up is patient, waiting for his pitch to come in, he swings and makes contact, the ball zipping towards Alex Trautman at second base, the ball is fielded off the ground and all that stands between the Eagles and their first win is a force at any base. But what would baseball be without a sense of family? Trautman throws to Trautman for a 4-3 play to end the game and secure Herts Eagles first win!

If nothing, this outing was a display of how much this Eagles team has grown since the start of the season. The progress individually and as a team has resulted in some close games in recent weeks and I’m sure that everyone on the roster feels that this one has been in the pipeline for some time. Now the Eagles can rest up before facing Essex Redbacks at Basing Hill on Sunday 16th June.

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by Herts Baseball News Editor

Herts looking for more youth baseball coaches with MLB London Series around the corner

The highest number of Herts Baseball Club members was 150, recorded in 2015. That number has already been beaten this season and this is even before the anticipated impact of the MLB London Series games between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees which will be played on 29 and 30 June.

The club is now looking to add more coaches to its youth baseball programmes in Hemel Hempstead and North West London in preparation for this game-changing event for British baseball.

The roles are ideal for someone who would like to pass on their knowledge and experience to a new generation of Herts players and create an enjoyable family atmosphere during games, practice and other events.

Below are links with more details about the roles. For more information or to apply for one or several of these roles, please contact us.

• Team Manager, Youth Baseball Leagues (Hemel Hempstead) (click for details)

• Head Coach, Midweek Evening Youth Baseball (Hemel Hempstead) (click for details)

• Team Manager, Youth Baseball Leagues (NW London) (click for details)

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Coach Monte Brooks to work with Herts players while keeping one eye on MLB Draft this week

This Thursday evening, 6 June, Herts Baseball Club will be hosting an open session with special guest coach Monte Brooks.

Brooks has just completed his 23rd season as head coach of The Master’s University baseball team in the USA, having led the Mustangs to the NAIA postseason in five of the last seven seasons. He earned the 700th win of his Master’s career earlier this year and is the program’s all-time leader in wins with a record of 715-483. 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.

He will be visiting London this week and Herts players will be able to work with him at this session. His area of expertise is working with hitters and infielders so a fantastic opportunity for players aged 14 and over from the various Herts major and minor league teams as well as those considering joining the club.

During his visit to London, coach Brooks will be forgiven if, from time to time, he checks on the MLB Draft which starts this week as three players from his Master’s University team will be hoping to hear their names called out by an MLB team.

This Thursday’s open session will take place from 6pm to 8pm at the club’s Basing Hill Ballpark in northwest London. It is open to all current Herts members as well as new players who are interested to take part in this session with a view to joining the club. If you are not a current club member and wish to take part in this session, please contact us.

by Rob Jones

Sponsor unveiled for Falcons Euro push

Herts Baseball Club is proud to announce the arrival of Regin Products as a sponsor for this season, in a partnership which offers crucial help to the Falcons as they travel to Europe.

Our National Baseball League (NBL) team will soon be playing in the European Federations Cup in Bulgaria,  for the first time in their twenty year history. They will face teams from Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Romania and Bulgaria over a week of action in Blagoevgrad.

Baseball diamond at Blagoevgrad

One of the missions of the Herts club this year has been to help support the players and coaches on this trip, as baseball receives no funding for international competition. So we are delighted that Regin Products have come on board to help the Falcons make this possible with their generous support.

Regin is a family-run company with 30 years of experience supplying products to heating and plumbing engineers. The firm is based in Cambridgeshire, but has a wide network of stockists.

The firm’s watchwords are pride in its quality and its service, and we share those values at Herts. Our players are always ambassadors for the club, and we are proud that they will be representing not only Herts but British baseball when they play in Bulgaria.

The Falcons qualified for this tournament with their post-season heroics in 2018, in which they dramatically beat the Southampton Mustangs and the London Capitals to reach the NBL final. The London Mets got the better of them in the final series, and the Mets are also playing in Europe this summer, in Moscow.

Another crucial contribution to the Falcons’ efforts in Europe will come from the newly launched Herts Baseball Lottery. This is open to anyone over the age of 16, whether or not they are a member of the club.

Everyone who enters will have the chance to win the monthly jackpot, while the net proceeds will be put towards the trip to Blagoevgrad. In the future, the money raised from the Lottery will go towards major club projects and help recruit more players to the sport of baseball.

Over its history, Herts has developed Grovehill ballpark to become one of the country’s top venues, and it has expanded in 2019 into northwest London.

Falcons players and other members of the club have already been making their contributions this season to raise money for the European Federations Cup..

Herts players have been coaching youth teams, and the club has been matching their fees and paying them into the Herts Euro Fund.

One of our coaches, Marianna Casal – a European softball champion and a participant in the first official women’s baseball game in the UK – took part in a National Geographic television programme about baseball. She has pledged 50% of her fee to the Euro Fund.

Members of the club have also been using the online shopping portal, easyfundraising. This scheme offers donations to the charity of your choice – such as Herts – when you buy goods from a wide range of retailers, including Amazon, John Lewis and Sainsbury’s. It can also be used when you buy your holiday from Thomas Cook or Tui, or your car insurance from RAC and ComparetheMarket.

 

 

by Herts Baseball News Editor

Announcing the Herts Baseball Lottery

Over its 23-year history, Herts Baseball Club has been running various fundraising activities and projects which have helped this non-profit organisation to invest in new and better facilities and to increase the number of people playing baseball.

The club is now expanding its fundraising activities further with the launch of the Herts Baseball Lottery.

You don’t have to be a club member to play. Anyone over the age of 16 can buy a ticket and play for a chance to win the Jackpot every month and, at the same time, raise funds for club projects.

The net proceeds from every monthly Lottery draw between June and December 2019 will be used to help fund the Herts Falcons’ European Cup campaign.

Herts Falcons’ heroics in the National Baseball League Playoffs last September meant that next month they will play in the European Federations Cup for the first time in the club’s history. They have been drawn in a group with teams from Sweden, Poland, Romania, Lithuania and Bulgaria. The games will be played between 10 and 15 June 2019 in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria.

For full details how to play go to the Herts Baseball Lottery webpages.