What’s new in baseball & softball

  • Forgotten birthplace

    Forgotten birthplace

    Baseball might be America’s favourite pastime, but it has a long and storied history in Britain. US baseball historian David Block discovered that the first recorded game of ‘Bass-Ball’ actually took place in 1749 in Surrey, and featured the Prince of Wales as a player.

  • A Royal Connection

    A royal connection

    The British royals seemingly took a shine to the sport. In 1918, a game between the US Navy and Army at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge stadium attracted 38,000 fans, including King George V.

  • Swing for the fences

    Swing for the fences

    Both baseball and softball are experiencing significant growth in the UK, with baseball seeing around 8,000 active players and softball engaging over 10,000 participants. The rise in grassroots programmes, youth leagues, and recreational play is helping to develop a new generation of athletes.

  • Recent history-makers

    History makers

    Great Britain made their first-ever appearance at the World Baseball Classic in 2023, and earned a historic first win when they beat Colombia at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

  • LA28 Olympic Games

    All Eyes on LA28

    Baseball and softball will make their return to the Olympic Games in LA in 2028. For British players, it’s a golden opportunity with a renewed motivation across the UK’s grassroots scene to build competitive national teams. From local clubs to national development programmes, the countdown to Los Angeles has already begun.

Bring it back

"Our goal was to put together the most competitive team we could find, because the spoils go right back here to the grassroots."

Drew Spencer GB Baseball Coach at the 2023 World Baseball Classic
Future is bright

"We don't have big funding but the trajectory of the programme and players that we're bringing in is positive"

Brad Marcelino Current GB Baseball Coach

Grassroots in baseball & softball

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