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.