Welcome back to the Richmond Baseball Club newsletter. We are almost ready to kick off our preparations towards the 2026 season.
Winter and Spring Training
Christmas is approaching and so it is time to announce plans for the build-up to next baseball season.
The club has again secured the gym at Grey Court School in Ham for indoor training. This will start on Sunday 4th January and the final session will be Sunday February 15th. We will then hold a field day on 22nd February to make both Connare and Flood ready for the coming season.
The details:
Sunday 4th January: Rookies only 10am-Noon
This will be a session concentrating on the basics of baseball for new players. Anyone who didn’t play competitively last season is encouraged to attend - including anyone who is considering joining the club. The session will also be open to Single A players who want to re-visit the fundamentals and to those who are re-habbing injuries.
Sunday 11th January: Rookies only 10am-Noon
This session will be run on the same basis as the first session.
Sunday 18th January: Open session 9am-Noon
All club members are encouraged to attend. The emphasis will be on building up core baseball strengths.
Sunday 25th January: Open session 9am-Noon
We will gradually progress with baseball skills over the remaining weeks of indoor training.
Sunday 1st February: Open session 9am-Noon
Sunday 8th February: Open session 9am-Noon
Sunday 15th February: Open session 9am-Noon
All indoor sessions will cost £10 per member per session to cover the cost of the hire of the hall.
Sunday 22nd February: Field Day
We ask all club members to meet at the container from 10am where our field guru Per will assign jobs to prepare both Connare and Flood for the coming season. Task will include:
Equipment maintenance
Cleaning and tidying the container
Weeding
Filling and levelling the plate areas and infields
Please wear appropriate work clothes. There will be no baseball activity on this day
From March 1st we hope to be able to start practice outdoors. Further details to follow.
New League format
The British Baseball Federation has revamped the league system for the coming year. Instead of four levels - NBL, AAA, AA and A - there will be five levels from 1 (the highest) to 5 (the entry level). The club is awaiting further details of the new system and where our teams are likely to be placed.
World Baseball Classic
Don’t forget that the World Baseball Classic takes place during MLB spring training this year. GB is one of 20 national teams taking part in this quadrennial tournament and will play its pool games in Houston.
The club will be looking to advertise some watch parties for the GB games. Look out for further information.
Swap and Sell
Baseball players love kit and equipment. And we get to the stage where we end up with gloves, bats and other stuff that we no longer use. As a growing club we have new members who are looking to buy their first glove, bat or protective gear. So please consider selling or donating your unused gear to another club member. We expect all gear to be in usable condition and that prospective buyers are able to try before they buy (but if they break it they bought it). If you have something that you may be willing to pass or sell on, please contact the club and we will advertise it for you.
Have a very happy and relaxing holiday season and see you in the New Year!