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.
“To see the enthusiasm the team has for building our very own field is inspiring. For such a young team to have such vigour for creating a community where people can join and play regardless of previous experience has been brilliant to see.
This vital step in our development is no small task, and to have the backing of our members’ friend, families, and the wider New Forest Community has been amazing. Without their support, the team would not be going from success to success in the manner we are.”
Shannon Hall, Head Coach and Thunder Team Manager
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).
