Ground-Breaking News! New Forest Baseball breaks ground on a diamond at Gang Warily Recreation Ground.
The New Forest Thunder Knights have taken a huge step towards bringing a home for baseball to the New Forest. Entering their third season, New Forest Baseball Club have installed a diamond at Gang Warily Recreation Centre to provide a dedicated space for training and for games in the South West and Wales Baseball League (SWWBL). Gracelands Civil Engineering and Groundwork (Gracelands) kindly donated their time and resources to dig out the four bases and pitching mound, with members of the baseball club picking up the tools over the weekend to get the work completed. More than 20 of the current team turned out to be part of building the new home of New Forest Baseball, with New Forest Tea Co. providing refreshments. The team’s Fundraising Manager, James Knight, said: “When we started this club three years ago, we never could have foreseen the levels of success we’ve reached in such a short amount of time. From first year playoffs, to second year expansion into two teams, to a true home in our third year, our club just keeps growing. “None of this would have been possible without support from our players, families, friends, Fawley Parish Council, Gracelands, or our other sponsors and donors through the years. A massive thank you from all of us!” As a thank you to Gracelands, the field will be named “Gracelands Field at Gang Warily” for the inaugural season. It wasn’t just through support from Gracelands that the field was possible. The club managed to raise more than £2000 via crowdfunder over the winter break, with contributions from friends, family, and the wider baseball community. Ibstock Bricks also donated vital material for the building of the pitching mound. The field will host weekly training sessions on a Wednesday as well as games for both the AA New Forest Thunder and the Single A New Forest Knights. Opening Day for the British Baseball Federation is 6th April, with the New Forest Thunder kicking off their campaign in the AA League against the Cornish Claycutters. Come down as the first pitch at the new ground is thrown, and the first game of baseball is played at our new home. Notes:
2025 Fixtures Announced
The 2025 British Baseball season is fast approaching, and now we have confirmation of which leagues our teams will play in and who their opponents will be for 2025. New Forest Knights will continue at the Single-A level in the South West & Wales Baseball League; Severn Division. This year there will be no inter-divisional play and so the team will have games against Bournemouth Bears A, Bristol Buccaneers, Bristol Brunels, Cardiff Merlins A, Weston Jets and SWWBL newcomers Yeovil Whirlwinds. Knights open the season with a trip to Yeovil on Sunday 6th April on Opening Day, with the return fixture the following weekend. The Knights end the season with a trip to Bristol to play the Brunels on July 27th. Meanwhile the New Forest Thunder will play the 2025 season at the Double-A level, after having played at Triple-A in 2024. They join the newly formed SWWBL Double-A Division alongside Cardiff Merlins AA, Bournemouth Bears AA, Bristol Bats, Cornish Claycutters, Taunton Muskets and another newcomer to SWWBL; Wellington Khaki Sox. Thunder are at home for Opening Day, with the Cornish Claycutters being the first visitors to our new diamond at Gang Warily. Thunder’s final game will be on August 3rd when they travel to local rivals Bournemouth. One key date to look out for is Sunday July 13th; Derby Day! The Knights host Bournemouth Bears A at Gang Warily, and at the same time the Thunder travel to Bournemouth to play Bears AA. The full fixture list for both our teams can be found here: https://newforestbaseball.co.uk/fixtures/
ThunderKnights Crowdfunder Success
After launching a Crowdfunding campaign in late 2024, New Forest Baseball are thrilled to announced that the campaign has successfully raised the funds required to allow the build of a permanent home diamond. Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our players, their families, friends, and the wider community, we have reached our fundraising goal and are now set to build a dedicated baseball field at Gang Warily Recreation Centre. This milestone marks a huge step forward for the ThunderKnights, one of the fastest-growing baseball clubs in the UK. Since our inception, we have fielded two competitive teams and expanded rapidly, proving that baseball has a strong and passionate following in the New Forest. With this dedicated facility, we can provide a consistent, high-quality playing environment and continue to grow the sport within the community. But the hard work doesn’t stop here! The ThunderKnights will be rolling up their sleeves and putting in the labour to construct the field themselves, ensuring that every member plays a part in shaping the future of baseball in the New Forest. What’s Next? With the funding secured, work on the field will begin in the coming weeks, with the goal of having it ready for the upcoming season. This dedicated baseball diamond will not only benefit our current teams but will also allow us to explore new opportunities such as Youth Baseball, ensuring a bright future for the sport in our region. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this campaign—whether through donations, spreading the word, or offering support in other ways. This is a momentous achievement for our club, and we can’t wait to take to the field and play on a pitch that we can finally call home. Thank you for making this dream a reality—see you on the field!
New Forest announced for Showdown by the Severn
New Forest Baseball is excited to announce that they will be sending a team to take part in Showdown by the Severn, a four team one-day tournament being held in Bristol on Sunday March 30th 2025. Joining the ThunderKnights will be Bournemouth Bears, hosts Bristol Baseball Club and newcomers to the South West & Wales Baseball League; the Yeovil Whirlwinds. The event is taking place at Somerdale Pavilion in Keynsham and everyone at New Forest Baseball is looking forward to taking part. Baseball is (nearly) back!
New Forest Baseball Launches Recruitment Drive Ahead of 2025 Season
New Forest Baseball is inviting new players to come and try the great American pastime as they work on developing a permanent home. Following permission from Fawley Parish Council, the club will soon be installing a pitching mound and bases at Gang Warily Recreation Centre. This will give the Thunder Knights a permanent home in the New Forest, fulfilling one of the key ambitions that the club set out to achieve on their founding in 2022. With the sport set to be played at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and Major League Baseball continuing to play a yearly series in London, enthusiasm for the sport is growing across the UK. The British Baseball Federation now contains clubs from all over the UK, with the Thunder Knights predominantly competing against teams in the South West of England. As the preparation for the new field continues and baseball itself grows in popularity, the club is now recruiting for new players ahead of the 2025 season. No experience is required, although those that have played before are definitely welcome, equipment is available to borrow and thorough coaching is provided. Since its founding in 2022, New Forest Baseball has doubled in size with players joining from Southampton, Eastleigh and Winchester. To ensure the long term future of the club, more committed players are always needed. Anyone aged 16+ is welcome, with both men and women playing in both of the club’s existing teams. “As one of the new players that joined the Thunder Knights after their founding, I have been made to feel incredibly welcome. The chance to play an exciting and ever growing sport is something I have loved doing and I would encourage anyone thinking of trying something new to come and have a go.” New Forest Knights Co-Manager, Lewis Kelly The Thunder Knights are currently at the start of their pre-season training, using sports halls across the region to practice on a Sunday morning. During the season this will move to Gang Warily on a Wednesday evening. The club has entered the Thunder in the BBF’s AA division for the 2025 season, with the Knights continuing at the Single A level. For more details please contact us via Instagram, Facebook or by emailing info@newforestbaseball.co.uk.
ThunderKnights Launch Crowdfunder to Build Baseball Field in the New Forest
New Forest Baseball are launching a crowd funded to support their goal of building a brand new baseball field in the New Forest. Being one of the newest and fastest growing teams in UK Baseball, The ThunderKnights provide two welcoming, inclusive, and competitive teams based in the New Forest. Growing on the success of the first two seasons, which saw team numbers expand exponentially and the club fielding two teams last season, the team are looking to cement their place in British Baseball by building their own field. After fielding a ‘Triple-A’ team and a ‘Single-A’ Team in the South West & Wales Baseball League (SWWBL) 2024 season, the ThunderKnights look to field a Double-A and Single-A team this year and continue their on-field success. Earlier in 2024, Fawley Village Council approved the installation of a baseball diamond at Gang Warily Recreation Centre. Achieving this dream of building a home for baseball in the New Forest will help the ThunderKnights take their next steps by providing a consistent, quality area to play games and grow the sport. The dedicated field will be a huge step in providing quality baseball facilities to the New Forest community, with plans to continue to run two teams in the coming season and explore offering options for Youth Baseball. The team themselves are not only putting in commitment on the field through stellar play and sportsmanship, but the team members will be getting their throwing hands dirty by building the field themselves. This would not be possible without the support of our team members, their families and friends, and our wonderful sponsors. How can you help? Donations are currently being accepted on our Crowd Funder page which can be found at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/newforestbaseball, Any donations are a huge help in setting up a permanent home for baseball in the New Forest, and donations will be put towards the materials required to install a diamond, and any specialist labour required. Anyone interested in giving baseball a go, or playing for the team next year should contact the club via email at newforestbaseball@outlook.com or via any of the social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram or Facebook).
New Forest Baseball Continues to Grow as Season Ends
After a mixed season on the field, the New Forest Baseball club have continued with their mission of growing the sport in Hampshire and Dorset, with new members joining from across the region. The positive growth of the club mirrors the successful debut season of the New Forest Knights, the club’s Single A development side, which saw the vast majority of its players make their British Baseball debuts. After being dealt a late surprise double promotion by the British Baseball Federation, the AAA New Forest Thunder struggled against opponents with greater experience and depth. However, the whole squad continued to battle, with the last home game of the season against Cardiff providing a particular highlight for 2023’s Rookie of the Year, Amber Rainbird. Back in April, the Knights roared out to a 4-2 start, with wins against the Bristol Brunels and Bournemouth Bears showcasing the ability of key players such as Lewis Kelly, Ben Coxhill and Manager Sam Williams, whose walk off Home Run in week one was arguably the highlight of the whole season. A difficult stretch ensued, as the Knights faced three of the four South West and Wales League playoff teams either side of the away leg at the Brunels. Kieran Jewell’s walk off winner against the SWWBL’s Severn Division Champion Bristol Buccaneers was the midseason highlight – closely followed by home runs for Coxhill and a rejuvenated Eddie Donald. Two forfeits by the Cornish Pioneers boosted the Knights win total, as did a final day win against the Bournemouth Bears. With most of the team having not played a single inning of baseball prior to the season, eight wins, a team batting average of .347 and .999 OPS provides an incredibly strong basis for Williams and the team to build upon in 2025. Over a season in which they only faced three teams, the Cardiff Merlins, Bristol Badgers and Bracknell Inferno, the Thunder picked up seven wins as they were often overmatched at the plate and struggled for pitching depth when Chris Lawson, Shannon Hall and Al Banerjee weren’t available. However, despite a tough season, there were plenty of positives. Amber Rainbird picked up her first hit of the season in the Thunder’s last game, taking a pitch from Cardiff’s Eiki Ito through the shortstop and third base gap. Banerjee came incredibly close to a no-hitter against the Merlins in a midseason clash, and Bobby Samuelson tripled against Bracknell at Farnham Park. As the offseason kicks off, the club is moving forward with plans for a permanent home in the New Forest. Backed by a range of amazing sponsors, the Mailman’s Arms, Clayson Scaffolding, the International Sports Turf and the New Forest Tea co, the club also enters the autumn break in a much stronger financial position, ready for a successful 2025.
Huge Sponsorship Boost for New Forest Baseball
New Forest Baseball are delighted to announce Clayson Scaffolding as the latest company to sponsor the club. An incredibly generous sponsorship contribution from Clayson has helped to ensure the club has the funding to pursue growth and the further development of its existing players. With the cost of field hire and equipment a constant issue for clubs across the country, this latest sponsorship deal has helped the Thunder Knights to cover all match day hire through the 2024 season. In turn, this has allowed the reallocation of funds towards a prospective permanent home for the club, as well as much needed equipment such as balls and protective wear. New Forest Knights Manager & Club Treasurer, Sam Williams, said: “We’ve been very fortunate to have brought in some fantastic sponsors this season, which is testament to our players and the local community who are working hard to support the club. “Our goal from day one of the club was to make it sustainable and grow baseball in the New Forest and the surrounding region. Clayson’s support is invaluable and will help us achieve this goal, giving us a strong platform to finish this season and move in 2025.” Based in Dorset, Clayson Scaffolding provide services across the South West of England. With decades of experience, owner Leigh Cornick is more than happy to help with all things scaffolding, no matter how big or small the job is. On the field, the New Forest Thunder got back on track against the Bristol Badgers at the weekend, picking up a 6-2 win in their home opener. Chris Lawson pitched seven strong innings, striking out six and allowing only four hits throughout the full game. Bobby Samuelson made the play of the game with a stunning diving catch in the outfield, and the Thunder bats got to work with eight hits against the hard and fast pitching of Alex Martinson. A run of home games awaits the Thunder as they make up for a long spring on the road. Cardiff are next up, as they make the trip from South Wales on Sunday. ENDS
Thunder Knights Secure American Sponsorship
New Forest Baseball Club are delighted to announce another stateside partnership for the 2024 season. International Sports Turf Research Centre (ISTRC) near Kansas City have become the New Forest Thunder’s game ball sponsor for the 2024 season. With the Thunder Knights extending to two teams and the need for extra equipment, the support from ISTRC will prove invaluable. Based in Lenexa, in the Kansas City metro area, ISTRC develop a better understanding of the physical properties of sand-based greens, push-up greens, and athletic fields throughout the US. Working with hundreds of courses throughout multiple States, including most of the top-rated courses in the world, ISTRC has built a strong database of information and knowledge. ISTRC President and COO Eric Doherty said “I’ve been following the progress of the Thunder Knights since their formation and I am very happy to support the growth of this fantastic team. Even though we are across the pond, we are New Forest Baseball fans and we wish them nothing but success for 2024 and beyond.” TK’s General Manager, Andy Moore, said: “Not only does this sponsorship highlight the worldwide reach baseball has, the growth of the sport in the UK, but it also highlights the hard work our baseball club has put in. ISTRC will be a welcome addition to our ever growing club and we can’t thank them enough for their support!”
New Forest Knights Set for British Baseball Opening Day
With the New Forest Baseball Club expanding to two teams ahead of the 2024 season, the New Forest Knights are set to get their season underway on Sunday. The expansion to two teams is a sign of how much the club has grown in the 18 months since their founding in Autumn 2022. Over the winter 25 new players joined, allowing the club’s committee to make plans for teams at two levels of the British baseball pyramid. On Sunday, the Knights will take on the Bristol Brunels in the South West and Wales ‘Single A’ division. New Manager, Sam Williams, is heading into the season with a focus on developing new players and creating a team in which everyone has the opportunity to contribute. As well as the Brunels, the Knights will face up against divisional rivals, the Bristol Buccaneers, Cardiff Merlins and Bournemouth Bears in 2024. Cross division games against the Cornish Claycutters, Taunton Muskets and Weston Jets also beckon, as the South West & Wales league continues to expand. New Forest Knights Manager, Sam Williams, said: “We’re very lucky to have so many enthusiastic new players on board for the 2024 season. The club is growing all the time, which mirrors how popular baseball is becoming in the UK. “I’d love to see new players or anyone interested in baseball at a game this season, please get in touch if you think this is the sport for you.” The new season also brings a new home ground for the Knights, as they’ll play all their games at Ballard School in New Milton. With the scheduled games coming thick and fast, the Thunder will play the majority of their games at Wide Lane in Southampton as the club continues to search for a permanent facility to build an infield and mound. After being allocated to AAA this season, the Thunder are continuing preparations for their first game of the season against Bracknell on April 28th. With some notable new additions, the team will compete predominantly against the Bristol Badgers and Cardiff Merlins’ AAA side as they look to make a splash at a level the majority of the team have never played at before. Last season, the Thunder Knights reached the semi-finals of the South West and Wales playoffs, before finally falling to defeat against the Merlins. The Merlins went on to win the national playoffs, before also being promoted to AAA where the two teams will renew a healthy rivalry this season. If you’re interested in playing baseball, or coming along to watch either team, please get in touch via the club’s Facebook or Instagram pages or by emailing newforestbaseball@outlook.com.