The ThunderKnight of the New Forest
People often ask us, where did you get your name from? Why the ThunderKnights? Over the past few years we’ve told people the same thing; our players couldn’t decide between the Knights or the Thunder. So we smashed them together. But, the truth is, the ThunderKnight name goes back centuries. And now we bring to you his story. Long before he was known as the ThunderKnight, Sir Aldric Vey was simply Aldric of Minstead, the son of a forester whose family had protected the New Forest’s ancient glades since the days of William the Conqueror. Like many who lived within the Forest bounds, Aldric grew up hearing whispered warnings; of the Burley Witches, of Herne the Wild Huntsman, the Bettesthorne Dragon and of the Cadland Lights that lured travellers from the path after dusk. Aldric’s life changed during the Great Storm of 1299. Lightning split the sky again and again, shattering trees and igniting pockets of heathland. Aldric, then a young squire in service to a lesser lord of Hampshire, was sent into the forest to search for lost villagers and bring them to safety and shelter. What he found would shape the rest of his life. The Night of the Storm Aldric had been sent into the Forest alongside two mounted retainers to search for villagers who hadn’t returned from the grazing lands. As the storm intensified, Aldric was separated from the others. Lightning shattered limbs from ancient oaks, and visibility collapsed into sheets of rain. Deep within Mark Ash Wood, Aldric came upon a clearing scorched by lightning. At its centre lay an elderly verderer; one of the Crown-appointed guardians of the Forest. He was gravely wounded after a falling beech struck him and pinned him down. With the storm raging and no way to carry the man out, Aldric shielded him through the night, using his own cloak to protect him from rain and repeatedly driving back panicked ponies and boars fleeing the chaos. At one point lightning struck a tree so close that a shower of burning splinters scorched Aldric’s face, cloak, and the round metal buckler slung at his hip. When dawn came, the old verderer was still alive. He later claimed he survived only because “the forest itself sent a protector, wrapped in thunder and green.” Word of Aldric’s bravery spread quickly through the surrounding villages. When Aldric was knighted the following year, he commissioned a helm with a stylised lightning-bolt engraving, echoing the scar pattern left on his charred buckler from that night. It became his symbol; part honour, part remembrance. Thus the villagers began to call him the ThunderKnight, because the storm shaped the man he became. The Oath of the Greenwood Aldric petitioned his lord for permission to serve the Crown not as a battlefield knight, but as a wandering guardian of the New Forest. His duties were unusual: he mediated disputes between verderers, protected the royal hunting lodges, escorted travellers through haunted stretches of woodland, and ensured that charcoal-burners, glass-workers, and commoners all respected the fragile balance of the land. Over time, legends began to form around him: Aldric and the Sleeping Dragon Among the many stories that grew around Sir Aldric Vey, the most whispered was the belief that the ThunderKnight served as a warden of something ancient beneath the Forest. Local elders in Bettesthorne (now known as Bisterne) and Avon had long spoken of a great wyrm that once plagued the land. The creature had supposedly been lulled into sleep by a clever woodsman generations earlier. The tale was old even in Aldric’s day, mentioned only in fireside murmurs and half-forgotten charms used to keep livestock calm near the river’s edge. Most people dismissed the Bettesthorne Dragon stories as superstition. Aldric did not. During his patrols, he walked the borders where the oldest earthworks lay, where strange warmth rose from the ground in winter and where animals refused to graze in summer. Villagers saw him leave small offerings; sprigs of rowan, bowls of clean water, iron nails driven into the soil. These were old traditions meant not to defeat something monstrous, but to keep it sleeping. No one knew where he learned these rites. Some said an ageing wise woman from Burley taught him. Others believed he found an ancient charm-stone near Bettesthorne, carved long before the Forest was a Forest. But all agreed on one thing: While Aldric lived, the dragon slept. The Final Ride Sir Aldric served the Forest for decades, refusing wealth or title beyond his knighthood. His armour remained plain, battered, and always cloaked in green—symbolising his oath to the land rather than to any court. His end, fittingly, became its own legend. In the late autumn of 1334, during another ferocious storm, Aldric rode into Knightwood Oak to rescue a group of trapped woodcutters. They survived; he never returned. Only his helm was found, resting at the foot of an ancient lightning-scarred beech, its yellow streak glowing dimly in the stormlight. The verderers claimed the Forest had simply reclaimed its champion. The local people mourned their guardian. Yet in one corner of the Forest, sorrow turned quickly to fear. A few years later, strange sights began again. Scorched grass, livestock missing, a mare refusing to enter the river crossing at dusk. The old fears returned. And by the time the legend of the Bisterne Dragon was finally recorded in the 15th century — the tale of a fearsome serpent defeated by a noble knight — many whispered that it was Aldric’s disappearance that allowed the beast to stir again. The later dragon-slayer legend became famous. But the oldest people of the New Forest insisted there had been another guardian first: A knight whose lightning-marked helm and green cloak kept the wyrm’s dreams deep for decades. To this day, some New Forest locals swear that during violent storms, when thunder cracks through the canopy, a figure in dented armour and a green cloak can be glimpsed among the trees; standing sentinel between the people and the
Key Transfers Ahead of 2026 Season
Every season brings new stories, and for 2026 a group of familiar faces will be writing their next chapter in Storm Blue. Several players who predominantly pulled on the Knights jersey in recent seasons will be “On The Move”, joining the Thunder for the upcoming campaign. It’s a shift that reflects what New Forest Baseball is all about — Growth, Community and Fun — with players stepping into new challenges while keeping the same club spirit that binds the ThunderKnights together. Shaun Barrett – CF – #51 A dynamic presence in centre field, Shaun has been one of the Knights’ most electric players over the last two seasons. His 2025 numbers tell the story: a .467 average, a huge .690 OBP, and an eye-watering 18 stolen bases without being caught once. Shaun’s speed and on-base ability make him a natural spark plug at the top of the order, and his move to the Thunder gives the team an immediate injection of pace and pressure on opposing defences. Leigh Froud – CF / P – #8 A 2025 SWWBL All-Star, Leigh brings versatility, experience and plenty of personality to the Thunder roster. Equally comfortable roaming the outfield or taking the mound, he’s the kind of player every team needs: adaptable, committed, and always ready to step up. At the plate, Leigh’s excellent on-base percentage shows his discipline and awareness, while his willingness to take on different roles highlights the Community spirit at the heart of the club — doing whatever the team needs, whenever it’s needed. Lewis Kelly – 3B – #46 The 2024 Rookie of the Year and current GM, Lewis’ move is a significant one for 2026. A powerful bat and confident presence at third base, he’s posted outstanding numbers across his first two seasons, including a .421 average and 1.119 OPS in 2025. Lewis represents Growth in its purest form — from rookie standout to club leader, and now stepping onto the Thunder roster to continue pushing his game forward while helping guide others along the way. Ben Martin – 3B / LF – #69 Reliable and quietly effective, Ben adds depth and flexibility to the Thunder defence. Whether at third base or in left field, he brings steady hands, a team-first attitude and a knack for getting the job done without fuss. His move is another reminder that Community is bigger than any single team name. Thunder or Knights, the badge stays the same — and players like Ben help keep that shared identity strong. Ernesto Ramos – 2B – #73 A Venezuela native, Ernesto made an instant impression in limited action in 2025, hitting .500 with a 1.367 OPS. A right-handed second baseman with sharp instincts and infectious enthusiasm, he adds international flavour and exciting upside to the Thunder line-up. Ernesto’s journey perfectly captures the Fun principle — bringing energy, passion and a love of the game that lifts everyone around him. Simon Schwarz – C – #24 Simon had already played a chunk of the 2025 season as a Thunder player, but now makes the move permanent. His catching skills behind the plate, as well his batting skills at it, make him another exciting addition to the Thunder roster. Si was the Knights Offensive Player of the Season in 2025 and will hope to bring more offensive prowess to Thunder in 2026. One Club, Two Teams, Ready for 2026 While the jerseys for these players may be changing from forest green to storm blue, the philosophy stays the same. These moves aren’t about leaving one side behind; in fact there are a lot of new faces to be unveiled for the Knights this season. Preparing for 2026 has been about strengthening both teams and continuing to build one connected ThunderKnights community. Because no matter where our players line up on game day, they’re all still playing the New Forest way.
Built for the Forest: Our New Jerseys Up Close
We’re excited to unveil brand new New Forest Baseball jerseys for 2026, created in partnership with Covee. Inspired by our home in the New Forest, the design keeps things classic, bold, and built for the long summer days ahead on the diamond. For the first time, the jerseys proudly feature “New Forest” across the chest, reflecting that every player who pulls one on represents not just their team, but the whole club and the wider community we’re part of. Each jersey is personalised with player name and number, plus a nationality flag on the back. It’s a small but important detail celebrating the mix of backgrounds that make our club what it is. You’ll also spot the classic ThunderKnight helmet logo on one sleeve and the ThunderKnight name on the other. A nod to where we’ve come from. To launch the new look, we headed into the Forest itself. Bats over shoulders, jerseys on show, and a camera rolling; capturing the spirit of the club in the place that inspired it. The Knights will continue to wear their traditional green — a shade inspired by the towering trees, open heathland, and winding trails of the New Forest itself. Meanwhile, the Thunder kit mirrors the same design in a deep stormy blue — a colour representing dramatic skies, rolling thunder, and the unmistakable sound of a bat meeting baseball somewhere across the Forest. This year also marks the debut of dark forest pinstripes, giving the jerseys a classic baseball feel while adding a little extra edge. Different colours. Same club. Same spirit. These jerseys represent what New Forest Baseball is all about: Community – everyone pulling together under one name.Growth – new players, new jerseys, and the game spreading across the Forest.Fun – because baseball should always be played with a smile. We can’t wait to see them out on the field this season.
GALLERY: Suiting Up for 2026: The New Jerseys
VIDEO: New Forest Baseball 2026 Jersey Launch
VIDEO: Winter Training
The ThunderKnights are back for 2026 and our winter training is in full swing. This week we returned to Avonbourne Academy in Bournemouth for another great session, where our coaches covered ground balls, fly balls and batting. It was great to see so many new faces over the past two weeks, and the future is looking bright for the Thunder and the Knights. Check out our video from last week, our first session at the Romsey School:
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? EDIT – 15/03/2026: Well, perhaps we can beat that… with our new 2026 jerseys!