Winter Training Dates Confirmed for 2026
New Forest Baseball is pleased to confirm the schedule for our 2026 Winter (Indoor) Training programme, which gets underway on Sunday 11th January at The Romsey School. Winter training sessions will mostly be split between Romsey and Avonbourne Academy in Bournemouth. This split should make it easier for players from both sides of the Forest to attend our indoor sessions throughout the winter months. These sessions are a key part of our off-season programme, focusing on skills, fitness, throwing, hitting fundamentals, and plenty of baseball fun in an indoor setting. Whether you’re a returning player looking to stay sharp, or completely new to the sport, winter training is a great way to stay involved and build towards the new season. Winter Training Schedule New Players Welcome If you’ve ever thought about giving baseball a go, this is the perfect time to jump in. New players are very welcome at any of these sessions, and your first few sessions are completely free, giving you a chance to try the sport, meet the team, and see what we’re all about. No pressure, no experience required. All you really need is comfortable sportswear and a willingness to have a go. We’ll provide the coaching, the equipment, and the encouragement. And fair warning… there’s a very good chance you’ll love it as much as we do. For more information, or to let us know you’re coming along, get in touch via the website, email info@newforestbaseball.co.uk or our social channels. We’d love to see you there. Full Winter Training Dates:
Join the Team Behind the Teams
New Forest Baseball is already looking ahead to the 2026 season with big ambitions and fresh energy. A brand-new Committee has been elected to guide the next stage of development for our two teams, the Thunder and the Knights, and we’re determined to make this our most exciting year yet; on and off the field. Media Team One key part of that journey is telling our story better. From thrilling walk-offs to rookie debuts, every moment matters. And we want to capture it all. That’s where you come in. We’re looking for passionate volunteers to help bring New Forest Baseball to life. Whether you’re a budding sports writer looking for experience in a different sport, a keen photographer eager to sharpen your skills, a student videographer looking to build a portfolio, or simply someone who loves the game and wants to be closer to the action, this is your chance to be part of something special. ✅ Cover live games and capture the emotion on the field and the spirit of the club✅ Write reports and features that showcase the drama and the players✅ Help grow the visibility of baseball in the New Forest and beyond You don’t need to be a pro; just enthusiastic, reliable, and ready to get involved. We’ll support you with access to games, introductions to the teams, and a platform to share your work with our community of fans. If you’re interested in joining our talented media team, drop us a message on our socials or email us at media@newforestbaseball.co.uk. Gameday Team If writing posts or getting behind a camera isn’t really your style, then there are plenty of other ways to get involved! We’re always excited to welcome new people who’d like to support the team as Scorers or Umpires. You don’t need any experience to start. We’ll help arrange training, guide you through everything, and make sure you feel confident in the role. Plus, qualified Umpires receive a small match fee as a thank-you for their time. If you’d like to find out more or have any questions, just drop us an email at info@newforestbaseball.co.uk. ⚾ Help us make 2026 a season to remember. Be part of it.
2025 ThunderKnights Wrapped
2025 was a year of big swings, bigger moments, and absolute chart-toppers on the diamond. From breakout rookies dropping surprise hits to veteran sluggers staying on repeat, the New Forest lineup put up numbers worthy of the year’s hottest playlist. So plug in, turn it up, and scroll through your ThunderKnights Wrapped; a stat-packed highlight reel of the players who dominated the charts, climbed the rankings, and kept the season playing on loop. Let’s hit play… The Hit Makers Most Hits in 2025 Mitch Sullivan 18 Eddie Donald 17 Andy Bashforth 16 Sam Williams 13 Doug Sutherland 13 MOST PLAYED Most Plate Appearances in 2025 Andy Bashforth 49 Eddie Donald 47 Sam Williams 44 Ben Coxhill 41 Sam Powell 35 TOP CHARTERS Best Average in 2025 (minimum 10 PA) Mitch Sullivan .783 Angus Blair .714 Amber Rainbird .600 Kieran Jewell .588 Doug Sutherland .481 MOST STREAMS Most Stolen Bases in 2025 Andy Bashforth 34 Ben Coxhill 26 Eddie Donald 26 Lewis Kelly 21 Simon Schwarz 21 The headliners Highest On Base Plus Slugging in 2025 (min. 10 PA) Shannon Hall 1.950 Angus Blair 1.857 Mitch Sullivan 1.827 Bobby Samuelson 1.381 Doug Sutherland 1.341 MOST PLAYLISTED Most Used Pitcher (by innings pitched) in 2025 Bobby Samuelson 13.1 Leigh Froud 13.1 Doug Sutherland 12.0 Andy Moore 10.1 Sam Williams 8.0 k-pop Icons Most Strikeouts (as a pitcher) in 2025 Leigh Froud 12 Sam Williams 10 Bobby Samuelson 9 Andy Moore 6 Doug Sutherland 6 BREAKOUT ARTISTS Best Performing Rookies of 2025 Sam Powell Ernesto Ramos Anna-Lisa Gailey Ben Martin Luke Callum OTHER CHART TOPPERS Stat Leaders from Other Categories Most Runs: Eddie Donald / Mitch Sullivan 18 Most Runs Batted In: Sam Williams 19 Most Walks (as a batter): Leigh Froud 16 Least Strikeouts: Mitch Sullivan / Angus Blair 0 Most Total Bases: Mitch Sullivan 23 Most Put-Outs: Chris Stickland 22 And that’s a wrap on our season’s greatest hits. From clutch performers to breakout stars, every player added their own verse to the New Forest soundtrack in 2025. Whether you topped the charts, smashed personal bests, or just kept the rhythm going week after week, you helped make this year one to remember. Thanks for being part of the band; and here’s to an even bigger, louder, and better-mixed season ahead. Turn the volume up… 2026 is loading.
The Top 10 Forest-Based Sports Jerseys of All Time
From football to basketball to baseball, a number of clubs have embraced forest iconography, woodland names, or shades of green in their jerseys; just like the New Forest ThunderKnights! With that in mind, here is our completely objective, entirely scientific, and definitely unbiased rundown of the Top 10 Forest-Themed Sports Jerseys of All Time. 10. Vermont Green FC (USL League 2) Vermont Green FC may be a young club — founded in 2022 — but they’ve already built one of the most distinctive identities in modern football. Their mission goes far beyond the pitch: the club is committed to weaving environmental justice into everything they do, from how they compete to how they operate. That ethos shines through in their 2025 home shirt, a rich forest-green kit wrapped in an elegant ivy pattern that feels equal parts stylish and symbolic. Made from 100% recycled polyester, it’s a jersey that doesn’t just look good, it stands for something. 9. Southampton (EFL Championship) Southampton FC’s 2023/24 Third Kit is the closest thing on this list to our own backyard. Built around the iconic tree in the club crest and officially inspired by the New Forest, it was basically destined to earn a place here. The shirt features a bold, camouflage-style pattern of trees in black, charcoal, and grey. But we can’t help but imagine how sharp it would have looked with a splash of our favourite green! 8. Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) Timberwolves were always a shoe in for this list, I mean you can’t have timber without a Forest! But to help them place higher the Wolves’ have recently announced the revival of their “Black Trees” jersey, which will feature in the 2025/26 season. 7. Sacramento Republic (USL Championship) With an estimated seven million trees throughout the region, Sacramento’s urban forest is one of the largest in the world. And Sacramento Republic drew inspiration from that for their 2022 “City of Trees” alternate shirt, featuring a green wood-grain pattern across a black background symbolic of the shade from Sacramento’s dense tree canopy and urban forest. 6. Vancouver Canadians (MiLB) The Vancouver Canadians’ Lumberjack Alternate is a masterpiece of Minor League marketing; a jersey that looks like it could win a ballgame and chop firewood without breaking a sweat. Inspired by British Columbia’s logging heritage, it feels like it came straight out of a cabin in the mountains. Worn with equal parts irony and pride, it’s one of the most memorable recent alternates in baseball. 5. Forest Green Rovers (National League) The self-proclaimed “greenest football club in the world” absolutely earns a place here. They’ve gone from traditional stripes to a standout Lime Popsicle base with bold leopard print patterns that make you feel like you’re watching football on a nature documentary channel. Their commitment to sustainability is admirable, and their kits are unmistakable. 4. Nottingham Forest (Premier League) A historic name, a large fanbase, and a badge featuring a tree that’s somehow adorable and intimidating at the same time. Forest may not be known for radical kit changes, after all sometimes classic red done right is all you need. But their 1992/93 third kit is a gorgeous green number. A quiet giant in the woodland jersey category. 3. Portland Timbers (MLS) If you name your team after the local logging industry, you’d better deliver on the forest aesthetics. And the Timbers do just that. Rich greens, axe motifs, and a loyal fanbase that literally cuts a log slice every time the team scores. Their kits ooze lumberjack swagger, and we particularly like this 2024/25 Community Jersey. 2. Portland Hearts of Pine (USL League 1) A cult favourite among sports-shirt connoisseurs, the Portland Hearts of Pine have built an almost mythical reputation for beautifully niche forest-themed kits. Their home “Woods & Water” jersey is the standout: deep green and navy hoops representing Maine’s endless pine forests and sprawling coastline, tied together with a wonderfully retro collar and a splash of red that pops like a campfire ember in the dark. It’s the kind of jersey that says, “Yes, I hike, and yes, I know what craft beer pairs with a 4–3–3 formation.” A perfect fit for any ranking celebrating tree-powered greatness. 1. New Forest ThunderKnights (South West & Wales Baseball League) Now, some will claim that placing ourselves at number one is biased.They’re right.But also: we simply don’t care. You just can’t beat this….. can you?
Our Favourite Baseball Movies
Baseball season may be over, but there’s no off-season when it comes to great baseball films. And as the nights draw in, what better time to curl up with a good movie? We asked the ThunderKnights to cast their votes, and after plenty of debate, here are the team’s top nine baseball movies; counted down from #9 to the unanimous favourite. 9. BASEketball (1998) Ok, this is our left field pick. A real curveball. It was a write-in nomination from Angus Blair. BASEketball is a chaotic blend of slapstick comedy, sports parody, and late-90s absurdity. Staring Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the minds behind South Park, it isn’t “baseball” in the traditional sense, but its irreverent humour, ridiculous rules, and underdog spirit have made it a cult favourite. 8. Bull Durham (1988) Chosen by: Doug Sutherland, Thunder Manager. Long before analytics took over the game, Bull Durham showed the beauty, frustration, and poetry of minor league ball. Kevin Costner’s veteran catcher, a young Tim Robbins, and Susan Sarandon’s iconic Annie Savoy combine for a smart, witty, and deeply baseball-savvy film. A favourite for anyone who appreciates the grind behind the game. 7. Mr. Baseball (1992) Chosen by: Shaun Barrett. What happens when a loud, brash American slugger is traded to Japan? Culture shock, comedy, and surprisingly, some of the best cross-culture baseball storytelling ever filmed. Tom Selleck’s moustache alone earns this one a spot on the list, but the genuine heart beneath the humour is what keeps players coming back. Fun Fact: Knights player Al Galpin wears #54 because of this movie, the number worn in Japan by Tom Selleck. 6. Rookie of the Year (1993) Chosen by: Ivan Kwan. Few childhood baseball dreams top suddenly gaining a 100-mph fastball. This family classic taps into pure wish-fulfilment: a kid playing in the big leagues, Wrigley Field roaring behind him. Half fantasy, half comedy, all nostalgia. It’s the film that made many of us check our arms after slipping on a staircase. Into the top 5 now, and it’s down to the movies which all received multiple votes from our players! 5. 42 (2013) Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford42 tells the powerful and moving true story of Jackie Robinson’s groundbreaking entry into Major League Baseball in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. It features a brilliant performance from the late Chadwick Boseman and a memorable turn from Harrison Ford as Dodgers GM Branch Rickey. It’s respected for its emotional weight, historical importance, and the way it honours Robinson’s courage in breaking baseball’s colour barrier. Inspiring, moving, and essential, the movie remains essential viewing for baseball fans and non-fans alike. 4. A League of Their Own (1992) Starring: Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Madonna, Lori PettyA League of Their Own tells the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II. With standout performances and memorable moments; like Tom Hanks shouting “There’s no crying in baseball!” It’s funny, heartfelt, and inspiring. It endures because it showcases women’s impact on the sport, blending history, humour, and real emotional depth. 3. Field of Dreams (1989) Starring: Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray LiottaA magical, emotional classic, Field of Dreams tells the story of Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, who hears the famous whisper: “If you build it, he will come.” What follows is a heartfelt journey about family, hope, and the lasting pull of baseball. Kevin Costner anchors the film with warmth and sincerity. It remains loved because it captures the romantic, almost mythical side of the sport; baseball as memory, connection, and healing. 2. The Sandlot (1993) Starring: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, James Earl JonesA beloved coming-of-age film, The Sandlot follows a group of neighbourhood kids enjoying a summer of baseball, mischief, and friendship. Told with huge nostalgia and charm, it’s one of the most quotable baseball movies ever (“You’re killin’ me, Smalls!”). Fans love it because it reminds them why they fell in love with the game in the first place; simple joy, wide-open summers, and playing for the love of it. 1. Moneyball (2011) The clear winner, with double the number of votes of the runner up. Moneyball combines modern baseball strategy with a true story of innovation, defiance, and rethinking the game from the ground up. The movie tells the true story of Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane as he builds a winning team using data analytics instead of big budgets. It blends smart writing with great performances, especially Brad Pitt’s understated lead role and great performances from Jonah Hill and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Players love it because it shows the strategy behind the sport; how numbers, grit, and creativity can compete with raw power. It’s often the go-to favourite for anyone who enjoys the brainy side of baseball. What do you think of the list?Would you pick differently? Let us know; and maybe we’ll arrange a watch-along movie night this off-season.
Double Play: Meet the MLB Stars With Familiar Names
From Major League Hall of Famers to New Forest Rookies, baseball has a way of connecting people. Here we’ve paired up a few ThunderKnights with their MLB namesakes to see if there’s more that links them than just their names. These MLB stars might have played under brighter lights, but the spirit, and the names, feel right at home here in heart of the Forest. Merrill Kelly’s rise to the majors is one of perseverance. After several years pitching in Korea, he debuted for Arizona at 30 and quickly became a cornerstone of their rotation. His story is a reminder that consistency and commitment can open big-league doors. New Forest’s Lewis Kelly knows that feeling. The 2024 Rookie of the Year made his pitching debut in 2025 while also co-managing the Knights, and now his commitment to the cause has lead him to the role of General Manager for 2026. His steady leadership and work ethic mirror his MLB counterpart’s in proving that determination travels well, no matter the level. A right-handed reliever from the Mets’ early days in the 1960’s, Darrell Sutherland was known for his reliability and calm presence on the mound. He was often one of the most dependable players, carving out a solid role as a reliever for the Mets and the Indians. Doug Sutherland (a lifelong Mets fan) brings that same presence to the Thunder. A 2025 All-Star and the newly appointed Thunder manager for 2026, Doug’s easygoing style and deep baseball knowledge make him a trusted leader and the steady hand guiding the club’s next chapter. Ted Williams remains one of baseball’s most revered hitters, combining science, skill, and swagger. A lifelong Red Sox legend and two-time MVP, he famously served as a fighter pilot in both World War II and the Korean War; then returned to baseball without missing a beat. Simply put: “The Kid” could do it all. That same spirit runs through Sam Williams, affectionately nicknamed “Slam.” A consistent offensive threat and a 2023 All-Star, Sam delivered one of the most memorable moments in Knights history. As manager he subbed himself into a game against arch rivals Bournemouth with the team trailing in the final inning, then preceded to hit a walk-off grand slam. Like his legendary namesake, Williams brings both power and poise to the plate. A hard-nosed third baseman who played for several clubs, Ray Knight’s shining moment came in the 1986 World Series with the Mets, where he earned MVP honours for his clutch hitting and fiery leadership. The kind of player every dugout needs; gritty, determined, and unafraid to get his uniform dirty. James Knight will take on a leadership role of his own this season as co-manager of the Knights for 2026. Focused, composed, and respected by teammates, he brings the same combination of accountability and quiet confidence that defined his MLB counterpart. A modern fan favourite, Steven Kwan is known for his speed, sharp instincts, and incredible ability to make contact at the plate. With a throwback playing style and a focus on fundamentals, he’s quickly become a symbol of smart, team-first baseball; a perfect modern example of consistency and heart. Ivan Kwan brings that same textbook reliability to the New Forest lineup. Known for his consistency and attention to detail, he’s the kind of player every team needs; calm, prepared, and steady in any situation. Marty Barrett was the kind of player who made good teams better. An underrated part of the Red Sox of the ’80s, the second baseman was known for his consistency, sharp defence, and smart situational hitting. His standout performance in the 1986 postseason cemented his place in Boston baseball lore as the definition of reliable. Shaun Barrett has earned a similar reputation for New Forest. A sharp outfielder with dependable defence and a knack for getting on base, he’s regularly among the club’s stolen base leaders. Like his namesake, his reliability makes him one of the team’s most valuable everyday players. Before his executive days in Boston, Haywood Sullivan built his career behind the plate; a cerebral catcher with leadership qualities that extended well beyond the field. His career spanned decades in baseball, both on and off the field, showing how a love for the game can take many different forms. Mitch Sullivan continues that catching legacy for the ThunderKnights. Known for his deep understanding of the game and strong communication with pitchers, he’s the kind of presence every rotation wants behind the mask; smart, steady, and respected. A promising young talent in the Angels’ system, Christian Moore represents the new wave of athletic, multi-skilled players coming through the ranks. He’s adaptable, confident, and ready for any role. Still early in his professional journey, he’s one to watch for fans who love seeing the next generation rise. Andy Moore has shown his adaptability and ability to fill any role since New Forest Baseball’s founding. A 2023 All-Star and General Manager from 2022 through 2025, he’s contributed at every level; pitching at Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A over the last three years. His hard work off the field has established the club and has been fundamental in establishing Gang Warily as the clubs home. His versatility has been central to the ThunderKnights’ growth and success. A left-hander for the California Angels in the early ’90s, Hilly Hathaway was known for his smooth delivery and calm poise under pressure — the kind of pitcher who never seemed rattled, no matter the situation. Rozi Hathaway brings that same steady presence to the Knights. She plays with composure and focus, anchoring the team with a quiet confidence that mirrors her Major League namesake. Billy Martin made his name as a fiery second baseman and one of baseball’s most colourful managers, known for his competitiveness and sheer will to win. Ben Martin showed that same spark in his rookie season with New Forest Baseball in 2025. His energy and intensity made an instant impact on the club — a player who, much like the
Committee Update: New Leadership Team Elected for 2026
With the close of the 2025 season comes a new chapter for New Forest Baseball, as several long-serving Committee members step down and a fresh team is elected to guide the club forward. The most significant change is at the top, with General Manager Andy Moore stepping down after three years at the helm. Andy has been instrumental in bringing the ThunderKnights to life and overseeing a period of real growth. His legacy includes two competitive teams and the creation of a brand-new ballpark at Gang Warily. The club extends its sincere thanks and best wishes to Andy for all his dedication and leadership. Also stepping aside are other founding members of the club. Sam Williams and Shaun Barrett have both stepped down as Treasurers, with Williams also moving on from his role as Knights Co-Manager. Shannon Hall departs as Head Coach and Thunder Manager, while Kieran Jewell did not seek re-election as Social Secretary. The club is grateful to all outgoing committee members for their tireless contributions. They leave behind a stronger, more vibrant club having laid the foundations that the new members will seek to build upon. Looking ahead, a new Committee has been formed. Lewis Kelly takes over as General Manager, stepping up from his role as Knights Co-Manager. He will be succeeded in that role by Ben Coxhill and James Knight. Doug Sutherland becomes the new Thunder Manager, while Bryan Barry and Sam Powell take on the roles of Treasurers. This year also sees the introduction of a new position: Club Secretary, a role filled by Al Galpin, who will also continue as Communications Officer. He will work alongside returning Social Media Officer Rozi Hathaway, joined this year by Cameron Houghton. Ben Coxhill and Leigh Froud remain in post as Equipment Officers, while the Committee welcomes Luke Callum as the new Social Secretary. Rounding out the team, Ian Tiffen has been recognised for his outstanding work on the Gang Warily field with the official title of Groundskeeper and a place on the Committee.
Knights and Thunder Stars Crowned in 2025 Awards
The weekend marked the club’s annual End of Season Awards Night, the final one overseen by outgoing General Manager Andy Moore. Held at Brockenhurst Football Club, the evening featured 11 awards recognising individual excellence throughout the 2025 season. Three players stood out by collecting double honours. For the Thunder, Bobby Samuelson claimed both Offensive Player of the Year and Manager’s Player of the Season, while fellow SWWBL Double-A All-Star Doug Sutherland was named Defensive Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Season. The Knights’ standout star Andy Bashforth capped off his All-Star campaign by winning the Knights Players’ Player of the Season and the club’s prestigious overall Player of the Season. Other Knights awards included Offensive Player of the Year for Catcher Simon Schwarz, Defensive Player of the Year for Ben Coxhill, and Manager’s Player of the Season for Al Galpin. Rookie Sam Powell was a popular choice for Rookie of the Year after a superb debut season, while Ian Tiffen received the Club Contribution Award for his outstanding work on the new field at Gang Warily. The night was a true celebration of talent and commitment, shining a light on a season of great baseball during a challenging year of transition.
2025 Season Recap: Thunder and Knights Show Fight, Build for Brighter Future
The 2025 campaign will be remembered as a season of challenges, but also of growth, resilience, and lessons learned for both the Thunder and the Knights. While the final standings may not reflect the full story, the foundation has been laid for stronger seasons ahead. For the Thunder, their debut year in the SWWBL’s brand-new Double-A division brought excitement, learning curves, and plenty of memorable moments. Despite a schedule disrupted by cancellations and forfeits, the Thunder still managed to make their mark with four victories. They opened the season in explosive fashion with a 20–9 victory over the Cornish Claycutters, capped by a towering three-run homer from Shannon Hall. Later, they delivered one of the league’s most unforgettable games, storming back with a nine-run rally in the bottom of the final inning to walk off the Bristol Bats, 17–16. Those flashes of resilience and power proved the Thunder can compete at this higher level — and with a year’s experience now behind them, the team looks well-positioned to turn potential into consistency in 2026. The Knights, holding strong in the Severn Division at the Single-A level, also showed plenty of grit and determination throughout the year. Their lone victory came in thrilling fashion, when Lewis Kelly picked up the win in his first-ever pitching appearance during a 15–14 triumph over the Yeovil Whirlwinds in the second weekend of the season. Later, they produced a comeback for the ages, erupting for a 10-run final inning to earn a 19–19 tie against the Bristol Brunels. Narrow losses in several contests showed how close this group is to turning the corner, and their two hard-fought draws at season’s end proved the fight never left them. Both clubs also leaned heavily on the strength of their wider rosters, with several standout storylines shaping the year. The Thunder called up Knights stars Chris Stickland, Doug Sutherland, and Kieran Jewell after strong performances in 2024, while mid-season promotions saw Simon Schwarz, Mitch Sullivan, and Amber Rainbird join the Double-A ranks as well. Meanwhile, the Knights found fresh energy in a wave of promising rookies, with Sam Powell, Ben Martin, Ernesto Ramos, Luke Callum, and Anna-Lisa Gailey all making their mark in their first season. Their contributions not only highlighted the depth of talent within the club, but also provided a glimpse into a bright future. Taken together, the Thunder and Knights showed that the record book doesn’t capture the full story of 2025. With game-changing highlights already under their belts, young talent stepping up, and valuable experience gained at every level, both teams now look ahead to 2026 with momentum, belief, and plenty more highlight-reel moments on the horizon.
My First Taste of UK Baseball with the New Forest ThunderKnights!
Guest Writer: Alex Markiewicz Having only ever experienced live baseball a handful of times across the Atlantic, I decided it was time to experience what the sport had to offer in the UK. Last Sunday, I headed down to Gracelands Field at the Gang Warily Recreation & Community Center to catch the New Forest Knights in action against the Cardiff Merlins for a double-header. The New Forest ThunderKnights are comprised of two teams who play in the South West & Wales Baseball League (SWWBL), the New Forest Thunder play at the Double-A level and the New Forest Knights play at the Single-A level in the Severn Division. The baseball diamond at Gang Warily is the ThunderKnights new permanent home for the 2025 season. This new space was custom built for the team purely for playing baseball. It was also a move that meant the team would actually play in the New Forest from which their name derives. This isn’t your stereotypical sporting event with huge crowds but this made it more immersive. In-between innings you can hear the players grumbling about umpire decisions or missed opportunities as well as congratulating each other on a hit. The ThunderKnights are a fantastic mix of personalities – you’ve got seasoned veterans sharing the field with enthusiastic youngsters, and it was brilliant to see male and female players stepping up to the plate and making their mark. This diverse blend creates a really welcoming and inclusive vibe, something that truly stood out. What also struck me was the genuine camaraderie between the two teams. Yes, the competitive spirit was definitely there, every player giving it their all, but it was punctuated by moments of great sportsmanship. Seeing opponents high-fiving after a well-played hit or a stolen base was refreshing and added to the enjoyable atmosphere. It’s clear these teams have a mutual respect, making for a positive experience for everyone watching. Now, for someone new to baseball, the idea of a potentially lengthy nine-inning game might seem a little daunting. However, this level of British Baseball operates with a fantastic format that keeps the energy high and the game flowing. Each game has a time limit that means no new innings are to begin after 1 hour and 45 minutes, and each inning concludes if a team gets the standard three outs or the opposition scores five runs. The exception being the final “open” inning, where there is no run limit and teams often push to chase down any score deficit. This clever approach ensures a dynamic pace and makes it incredibly easy to follow. There were no long lulls, just consistent action and strategic plays that kept me on the edge of my seat. Beyond the game itself, it felt like a proper day out. There was a real community feel, with families and friends cheering on the ThunderKnights as well as some travelling fans for the Cardiff Merlins. It’s the kind of event where you can set up your lawn chair, eat some lunch while watching teams who are passionate about showing baseball isn’t just for America. My first taste of UK baseball with the New Forest ThunderKnights was an absolute blast. It’s a sport that’s accessible, exciting, and played by a team with a fantastic spirit. If you’re looking for a fun and engaging afternoon out and live in the New Forest or Southampton area, come and cheer on the ThunderKnights – you might just find yourself shouting “Play ball!” before you know it! British Baseball continues to grow, with teams representing a variety of towns and cities all over the UK. The South West & Wales Baseball League includes teams ranging from New Forest and Bournemouth, to Cornwall, Bristol and Cardiff. Find your nearest team at www.britishbaseball.org.uk.