Made available online by Project COBB (the Project for the Chronicling of British Baseball)

http://www.projectcobb.org.uk/brit-ball.html

With kind permission from the BBF Board BRIT BALL-l

SUPPORTED BY P,:!flP,:N:A1jL:NW'S ~SPOITS (BJl5P,(BjL££ aliCOUnCIL {f~{{~~~{{{f{f{{{f~ rppscrlo/jL£ ~ qOO~ ....tZfCZ ~ ~ {( International is happy ~ to Enfield Spartans who are competing {t to announce the staging of the Entenmann's ~ in Europe this month. They will be Baseball Festival at London's Covent Garden 1iJ travelling to Vienna in Austria to ~ between 4 July and 7 July. Once again the {{ compete in the CEB Cup B Pool from 12- ~ festival will feature plenty of interactive it 16 June. Their opponents will be: {( activities including the opportunity for visitors to try their hand at batting, clock their pitching ~ Alby from Sweden {f speed, have their own baseball card made up •. Savigny from France wearing their favourite Major League Baseball 1:1 Frogs from Czech Republic ~ team uniform and watch top baseball highlights ~ Vienna Wanderers of Austria. ~ in the video pavilion. Major League Baseball looks forward to seeing you all at this popular ~ We're sure they will represent our {f event which is part of MLBI's continuing ~ country well and we wish them every ~ commitment to the development of baseball in l!1 success. , Britain. -liJ {{ ~{[~~~i!{f~~~~~ ************************* fjlliiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil : Keep in touch with what's : : happening in British Baseball, : THE LONDON TOURNAMENT * call the "'ritish Baseball * a full weekend of senior baseball games : Federation Hotline. : hosted by London Wolves Baseball Club * * * * Saturday 13 and Sunday 14July 1996 * * * * Roundshaw Playing Fields * * * * Hannibal Way * * Wsallington j- ~, : 0891 884533 : urrey -- * * For further information please contact * Calls charged at 37p per minute * : off-peak, 49p per minute peak time : Neil McLeod on 0181 7150214 ************************* Page 2 Brit-Ball Brit-Ball Page 3 ENQUIRIES CALLING ALL CAD~T~ ..•.... Editorial Enquiries: To all BBF Coaches: British Baseball Federation, 66 Belvedere Road, Hessle, A Cadet· baseball camp will be held from 18-23 August North Humberside, HU13 9JJ 1996 at Moorlands School in Leeds. The camp is for players in the 13-15 year age range. which explains the aims and length as a normal baseball bat - 32" Tel: 01482 643551 The following items are available from the BBF to help objectives of the coaching and are approximately twice as thiclc Fax: 01482640224 We need you as coaches to recommend players in this association and gives you details on The barrel of the bat is coloured red, develop your club. http://ourworld.compuserve.com:801 age group to be invited to try out camps. One camp will how to attain level A, AA and AAA white and blue in a union jack design. be held in the London area and the other camp in Leeds. qualifications. A must for supporting the GB squad homepages/SRHERBERT/bbf.htm Diamond Development - contains in the European Championships, and We will select 25 players for the camp. The east will be details of all bodies to whom you can The Great Game of Baseball - an they're only £1 each Editor: Kevin Macadam £50, which will include meals and lodging, T-shirt and apply for funding. A2 poster explaining the game and Deputy Editor: Wendy Macadam cap. it's history. Ideal for displaying in BBF Caps - Let people know that Diamond Construction - every your local library, sports centre and you belong to the British Baseball BBF Executive The instructors will be Major League Baseball possible dimension you could require schools to encourage people to play. Federation. These caps are of an President: Steve Herbert Intemational Envoys and GB National Coaches. for building and marking out your exceptional quality, embroidered with Coaching: Ian Smyth diamond. The Sporting News Official the BBF logo. The are available in Technical: Gary Mortimer Please send your recommendations by 1 Baseball Rules - 1995 Edition ­ either white with a blue peak or red Premier Division: Gerry Walmsley July 1996 to: Introduction to the Game - for SPECIAL PRICE - only £1 per copy with a royal blue peak. At a cost of Conferences: Sharron Bonfield beginners to baseball, it briefly - can your team afford to be without £10 can you afford to be without one Publicity and Publications: Kevin Macadam explains the rules and what them. this summer? Ralph Rago equipment is required. BBF Technical Committee GB Head Coach BBF Scratch Cards - what easier BBF Polo Shirts - Again an Conference Commissioner - South: 7 Sandringham Gardens History of the Game - a brief history way can there be for your team to excellent way to promote the British Sharron Bonfield Leeds LS 17 800 of baseball in the UK, good for any raise funds. Available at a special Baseball Federation. These shirts Conference Commissioner - North: Nigel Moss youngsters doing a school project on price of 15p a card. are available in red, royal blue, white, Conference Commissioner - Scotland: baseball. grey or white with a blue collar. We Brian Edwards BBF Baseball Camp Handbook ­ have XL sizes in stock but S, M, or L Umpires Commissioner - North: Frank Scherer How to set up a Baseball Team ­ This 45 page book is a must for may be ordered at an excellent price National Umpiring Coordinator and Umpires WE'RE ALL GOING How do you go about starting your anyone organising a baseball camp of £12 each. Commissioner - South: Ted Gerard-Thesingh own team - ideas for fund-raising, this summer. It full of ideas for Scorers Commissioner - South: Brian Holland recruiting plaY(,is, details of fees, ·schedules, lesson plans, posters, Scoremaster Scorebooks - Let's where the BBF spend the money etc. make the statisticians lives easier Scorers Commissioner - North: Clive Maude ON OUR SUMMcER advertising, competitions etc to and all use the same scorebook - the Scorers Commissioner - Scotland: Liz Graham make your camp a success plus Teeball - an instructional leaflet on official scorebook of the BBF ­ Great Britain Team Manager: Ralph Rago examples of certificates and awards HOLIDAyS . the game of teeball. Ideal for that can be made at the end of the available at a cost of £4.00. passing on to your local school to camp. It's available at a cost of Advertisement Enguiries: encourage them to play the game. £3.50 per book. BBF Line-up Pads - feel ashamed Kevin Macadam (01482643551) Please note that BBF Head Office will when you present the umpire with The Sporting News Chronicles of your line up on a scrap of paper you Sponsorship and Event Enguiries: Baseball Information Sheet - again be closed from Monday 17June until Baseball - the story of America's found in the bottom of your bag? Get Keith Peskett (01243 867861) another leaflet which is ideal for Tuesday 25 June. During this period people new to the game, it explains National Pastime from 1900 to the yourself a line-up pad. Each pad the telephone will be diverted to what the BBF is and what we can present day. An A4 hardback book contains twenty quadruple sets which HOPE LEISUREWEAR provide. containing 700 historic photographs will last you the season. At £4.25 a another BBF Board member. and 351 pages of great baseball pad can you afford to be without? events - £15 including postage and We have been informed that Hope Leisurewear have Parent Information - a leaflet designed for you to hand out to your packing BBF Pin Badges - Identifies you with gone into liquidation. If anyone has paid any money to For BBF teams, if you have any the BBF - excellent as end of season the company for the purchase of uniforms, please write junior players parents. It explains Inflatable Baseball Bats - You've gifts for players - these iron based to them stating how much you have paid and when. We queries, please contact your relevant baseball to them and gives details of seen chop, now three colour badges are a snip at 75p believe the company are trying to reimburse any money how they should become involved in Conference Commissioner. Details here's your chance to start a new each. wi..ch has been paid to them. Their address is: your club. can be found in the BBF Handbook. trend and do the BBF Bash! These Baseball Qualifications - a booklet inflatables blow up to the same 37 Lome Park Road, Boumemouth Dorset BH1 1JL If you require more information on any of the above please contact: If we have any more information regarding the company British Baseball Federation, 66 Belvedere Road, Hessle, North Humberside, HU13 9JJ it will be published in a future edition of Brit-Ball. Tel: 01482643551 Fax: 01482640224 Page 4 Brit-Ball Brit-Ball Page 5

Tayside Cobras 11 Edinburgh Reivers 12 Premier Division - South

Southern Conference Division One Cambridge Monarchs 14 London Wolves 8 MAY RESULTS Cambridge were leading in the 3rd but in the 4th and 5th Croydon Pirates 18 City Slick Sidewinders 7 Wolves pUlled the score to 7-3. However Cambridge came back to take the win in the 8th. Winning pitcher Burgess Hill Red Hats 12 Tunbridge Wells Royals Matt Gilbert. Kitsons Cambridge Monarchs 2 Enfield Spartans 22 SENIOR LEAGUES 6 Hounslow Rangers 22 Hemel Red Sox 2 Spartans scored five times in the fourth to ease to Hounslow Hawks 0 Bournemouth B's 9 4 May victory. Brighton Buccaneers 3 Enfield Spartans 11 Southern Conference Division Two On the opening day of Brighton'S new diamond, winning Hull Warriors 3 Great Britain 11 Kitsons Cambridge Monarchs 10 Enfield Spartans pitcher was Ron Whitehead. 4 Brentwood Stags 9 Caterham A's 0 5 May Andrew Gilbert took the win. Essex Arrows 2 London Warriors 5 Bracknell Blazers 26 London Wolverines 16 Winning pitcher was Chris Ackley Northern Conference Division One Paul Vernon took the win also hitting a triple whilst Rob Premier Division - North Rance two homers. Division One North Stretford A's 0 Birmingham Brewers 9 Hull Royals 8 Hull Warriors 13 Tiptree Rays 6 Gillingham Dodgers 41 Manchester Cougars 5 Cartmel Valley Lions 2 Cartmel Valley Lions 9 West Midlands Razorbacks Winning pitcher James Hather1ey Nottingham Stealers 31 Liverpool Trojans 5 42 Guildford Mavericks 16 Brighton Buccaneers 11 Tony Pellwarden took the win striking out six with Tony Barnsley Strikers 24 Newark Yankees 6 Ellis going 4 for 4. Ben Stanley homered. Sheffield Bladerunners 18 Barnsley Strikers 3 Guildford Mavericks 17 Brighton Buccaneers 22 Simon Allen hit an enormous home for Yankees. Shortstop Steve Ellison was man of the match going 3 Dave Liwoshko losing pitcher. Winning pitcher T Allott. Birmingham Bandits 18 Menwith Hill Pirates 9 for 3 with a two run homer in the third inning. Southern Conference Division Three West Midlands Razorbacks 4 Stretford A's 18 Hull Mets 18 Leeds Owls 3 Sheffield Bladerunners 21 Barnsley Strikers 22 Guildford Mudcats 16 Bracknell Blazers 12 Despite a two run homer from Bladerunners Dylan Yes at last the Mudcats finally won with Simon Sparrow Division One Scotland Premier Division - South Holman, Bamsley rallied in the sixth to score eight runs taking the win and Jamie Cooney taking the 10,55 in a very and eventually win the game. close well contested game. London Wolves 2 Hounslow Rangers 6 Dundee Dodgers P Edinburgh Reivers P Preston Bobcats 22 Manchester Cougars 17 Fulham Flames 11 Kitsons Cambridge Monarchs London Warriors 33 Hemel Red Sox 2 Anthony Howarth took the win with Damian Mullen 8 Tayside Cobras 40 Glasgow Comets 15 Alan Smith took the win with Mark Beresford taking the taking the save. Flames Char1es Smith completed an utJassisted double 31 runs were scored in the third inning. David Donaldson loss. Warriors homered three times. play and went 3 for 5 with a triple with Steve Jamet taking hit a . Scotland the win striking out fifteen. Essex Arrows P Brighton Buccaneers P Glasgow Comets 21 Dundee Dodgers 13 Eastbourne Mariners 15 Waltham Abbey Arrows 22 Boothferrv Trophies limited GAZELLE 12 May BOOK: SER.VICES Premier Division - North Suppliers to the LIlVIITE:D Menwith Hill Pirates 14 Nottingham Hornets 4 British Baseball Federation Winning pitcher Gary Abbott Falcon House Liverpool Trojans 9 Hull Mets 0 Queen Square

For all your baseball trophy Hull Royals 19 Leeds Owls 9 Lancaster requirements call 01482 226459 Winning pitcher Andy Wiltshire LA11RN Hull Warriors 2 Birmingham Bandits 19 Winning pitcher Martin Godsall with Russ Mercer taking Tel: 0152468765 94 Spring Bank, Hull, North Humberside, HU3 1QH the loss. Fax: 01524 63232 Page 6 Brit-Ball Brit-Ball Page?

Division One South Collins. Chris Tricky for the Mudcats got 2 3 base hits Liverpool Tigers 20 Preston Bobcats 1 and Karl Day for the Flames had a one base hit 4 out of Bobby Alger took the win giving up one hit and striking barnett~ Bournemouth B's 11 City Slick Sidewinders 8 5 times at bat and two RBI's. Dermot Delaney for the out twelve. Tigers Steve Smith, Mark Stanley and John Mudcats got a solo double play in the ninth. Mo... tU. 1000 d P;.ropt Winning pitcher Ian Macleod Gibson had three rbis apiece. Preston completed two tns. o.r ., ! double plays. Glon.Pro Eastbourne Mariners 18 Cambridge Monarchs 31 FIollerala lutlJ

Address: ~ _ Netherhampton, Salisbury, Wilts James Hattersley took the win with Earl Dias taking the Tel: 01722744869 loss. Tel Fax' ,---- BARNETT· BP321- 73103 AIXLES BAINS FRANCE Fax: 01722743232 TEL(33) 7934 117 51- FAX (33)7934117 49 Page 8 Brit-Ball Brit-Ball Page 9 26 May 18 May North West North East Northern Conference Division One Preston Panters 21 Cartmel Valley Lions 24 Sheffield Pumas 11 Hessle Apaches 34 Liverpool Tigers 9 Stretford A's 0 Kirkby Braves 9 Bolton Knights 0 Lee Englestone took the win as the Apaches combined for six home runs, two apiece coming from Englestone and EUROPEAN BASEBALL Liverpool Tigers P Stretford A's P South Kart Riley IS COMING TO BRITAIN Sheffield Bladerunners 14 Newark Yankees 13 Hunslet Harriers 2 Hull Mets 27 See the best baseball to be Bracknell Blazers 0 Cambridge Monarchs 9 A 9 inning game, with the Bladerunners behind until the Peter Owen for the Mets hit two home runs with Stephen played in Britian. 9th. Winning pitcher James Ellis, losing pitcher Dave Pickles taking a fantastic one handed catch on the home Liwoshko. Darren Bristow for the Bladerunners hit two Hemel Red Sox 16 Milton Keynes Braves 6 run line to prevent Mets scoring further. The European home runs, one with 2 RBis. Championships are coming Windsor 22 South Bucks Blue Jays 7 North West this August... Preston Bobcats 18 Cartmel Valley Lions 6 Phone the BBF on the South East Preston Panters 20 Kirkby Braves 8 number below to make Preston Bobcats 5 Cartmel Valley Lions 13 Alex Macdonald took the win with team mate Chris sure you don't miss out. Brighton Jaguars 15 Tonbridge Bobcats 23 Addison hitting two home runs. Kirkby's Dean Cassidy Discounts and special Scottish Conference had a spectacular game catching and pitching. offers available.

Tayside Cobras 18 Dundee Dodgers 19 11 May South

Glagow Comets 20 Edinburgh Reivers 19 North East Brentwood Bucks 15 Cambridge Monarchs 30

Windsor 19 Milton Keynes Braves 18 Southern Conference Division One Sheffield Pumas 9 Leeds Lugnuts 0 Windsor 24 Milton Keynes Braves 23 Tunbridge Wells Royals 13 City Slick Sidewinders Hessle Apaches 23 Hunslet Harriers 0 16 Bracknell Blazers 9 Hemel Red Sox 39 Winning pitcher Will Beglane. Two home runs by City Menwith Hill 14 Hull Mets 13 Slick and one by Tunbridge Wells. South East North West Arun Panthers P Milton Keynes Truckers P Brighton Jaguars12 Leyton Cardimtls 24 Cartmel Valley Lions 1 Bolton Knights 20 Lee Turner took the win with Shane Tugwell taking the Southern Conference Division Two loss. Trafford Saints 22 Kirkby Braves 4 London Wolverines 30 Brighton Buccaneers B 32 25 May South Southern Conference Division Three South Milton Keynes Braves 30 Bracknell Blazers 18 Waltham Abbey Arrows 31 Bracknell Blazers II 14 Hemel Red Sox 17 Windsor 12 Cambridge Monarchs 14 Windsor 25 Eastbourne Mariners P Guildford Mudcats P Milton Keynes Braves 9 Brentwood Bucks 0 South Bucks Blue Jays 9 Brentwood Bucks 0 Cambridge Monarchs Juniors 20 South Bucks Blue Jays 7 Winning pitcher Oliver Simms BBF I PONY YOUTH LEAGUES South East Bournemouth B's 25 Brighton Jaguars 21 South East 4 May Tonbridge Bobcats 6 Leyton Cardinals 0 Leyton Cardinals 19 Bournemouth B's 21 Winning Pitcher C Anthony, losing pitcher D Agah If you only catch one thing this year North East make sure it's theEuropean Championships ~.... ~ 3rd -11th August 1996 Hull Leeds Lugnuts 19 Hessle Apaches 24 "'\..4J For more information phone ~::--...f ~ Hunslet Harriers 5 Menwith Hill 34 The British Baseball Federation 01482 643551 ...... Page 10 Brit-Ball Brit-Ball Page 11

NORTH EAST SOUTH EAST

_~ WINS I. neec.. -&•• RaCK PREMIER DIVISION - NORTH SCOTLAND - DIVISION ONE Menwith Hill Pirates 4 a Hessle Apaches 4 1 0.5 4 a a WINS I n~~I:~ I ~AMI:~ RAr-K WINS ' ne~l:e GAMES~CI< Sheffield Pumas 2 2 2 4 a a Birmingham Bandits 5 a Edinburgh Reivers 2 1 Hull Mets 2 2 2 3 1 1 Menwith Hill Pirates 5 1 0.5 Ifavside Cobras 2 2 0.5 Leeds Luanuts 1 3 3 Nottingham Stealers 3 2 2 Glasgow Comets 2 2 0.5 Hunslet Harriers a 5 4.5 SOUTH - DIVISION TWO Hull Mets 3 2 2 Dundee Dodaers 1 .3 1.5 Hull Warriors 2 3 3 NORTHWEST WINS 'ne""c"" [

WINS ' ~"''''t= ... I r.AMFS BACK NORTH - DIVISION ONE EAST Bracknell Blazers 5 a Gillingham Dodaers 3 1 1.5 WINS I n~t:!I:~ !r.AMFS RACK Brighton Buccaneers B 3 1 1.5 HESSLE APACHES 2ND ANNUAL YOUTH Bamslev Strikers 4 1 Caterham A's 2 1 2 Sheffield Bladerunners 2 2 1.5 Guildford Mavericks 3 3 2.5 BASEBALL AND TEEBALL TOURNAMENT Hessle Aoaches 1 2 2 lTiptree Ravs 1 3 3.5 Newark Yankees a 2 2.5 Brentwood Staas 1 4 4 The 2nd Annual Hessle Apaches baseball and Teeball London Wolverines a 5 5 Toumamem was held at Sydney Smith School on Teeball Saturday 25 May. NORTH - DIVISION ONE WEST 1st Trafford Saints SOUTH - DIVISION THREE The day consisted of a teeball competition for under 11's 2nd Cartmel Valley I and a baseball competition for 12-16 year aids. Five WINS I. I r.ll.MI:~ RACK 3rd Hessle Apaches baseball and four teeball teams entered the competition ,n",,,,c... nll.MI:~ RACK 4th Cartmel Valley II Manchester Couaars 4 1 WINS with over 100 children participating. The results were as Birmingham Brewers 4 1 a Fulham Flames 5 a follows: Liverpool Tigers 3 a a Boumemouth B2's 3 1 1.5 Steve Herbert, BBF President presented the trophy at the end of the day and commented that is was great to see Preston Bobcats 4 3 1 ~ambridae Monarchs B 3 2 2 ~.. Baseball so many young people playing and enjoying the game of Stretford A's 1 4 3 lGu,idford Mudcats 1 1 2.5 baseball, and as an umpire he had seen some very lCartmel Valley Lions 2 5 3 lWaltham Abbev Arrows 3 2 2 1st Menwith Hill Pirates tallented players. West Midlands Razorback 1 4 3 Eastboume Mariners a 4 4.5 2nd Cartmel Valley Lions Bracknell Blazers a 5 5 3rd Bolton Knights Thanks go to all the teams who competed, 4th Hessle Apaches from the Hessle Apaches, for helping to 5th Sheffield Pumas make their tournament a success. · _....__..._.. -...._.._--_._------Brit-Ball Brit-Ball Page 13 [K~~ [b~lj~~ ~lj (S(S @ @ AGtQat Day Out..... ~lj~O@[H]lj lj@ Spartans lead off hitter Chris scoring from third on a passed ball McGovern to ground out down the to make it 3-2. Hot dogs, burgers, double line straight to first baseman lj[H] ~ [P@ a~lj~ plays and strikeouts were Or1ando Lopez for an easy out. Enfield broke the game open in the the order of the day as 12 Will then walked Steve Simmons fifth with a five run rally off three who advanced to second on a Rob doubles, a single and an infield error May saw the official opening Lanario single and then to third on which put pressure on the Bues FBI are out in front when it comes to of Brighton Buccaneers an error. Brother of Rob, Ian going behind 7-3. Brighton sorting you out with the kit you need new baseball field at Lanario then flied out to Bues right remained scoreless through the FBI POINTS Waterhall Valley as the Bucs fielder Maurice Mirosolin allowing middle innings before the Spartans at a price you can afford. Add this to Simmons to score and the added two more in the sixth and two THE WAY entertained the Enfield Spartans to take a 1-0 lead. in the eigth to extend their lead to the new points system which many Spartans. The game was the Wilson then trapped Marcellino to 11-3 before bringing on left hander first Premier Division game to retire the side. Steve Hibbert to close the game teams are switching on to and you be held in the town and saw down and put it beyond Brighton's Brighton hit back immediately in reach. have a winning combination. the return of the sport to the bottom of the first innings Brighton after an absence of much to the crowds delight, with BBF President Steve Herbert many years. The event one out, designated hitter, Nick having recently returned from the emulated a typical day at a Carter slapped a single over the US commented "Over recent ballpark on the other side of infield into right centre field before weeks I've been spoilt with all the FBI would like to sav abig stealing second and getting ballgames I've been able to see, the pond with the exception of himself into scoring position. however it's wonderful to return it being on a much smaller Or1ando Lopez was thrown out at to the UK and realise that the scale, creating a unique first base before Mirosolin hit a British game'can also create the Baseball Thank YOIIO single into right field scoring atmosphere using a game magical atmosphere that has Carter and both Vettese and Jim been badly lacking for so long. I announcer, sound effects, Clarke were walked by Spartans Birmingham Braves, Chichester Kyotes, ~righton think the day has been a game day programmes,. starting pitcher 6'7" Ron tremendous success for British Buccaneers, Essex Arrows, Hull Mets, London Wolves, Whitehead. Bues catcher Nik pocket schedules, raffle Baseball". Birmingham Brewers, Dundee Dodgers, Burgess Hill Red prizes and free giveaways. Warminck stepped to the plate and drove the ball up the middle Hats, Darlington Demons, Bristol Black Sox, Totteridge Head Coach Craig Savage Trailblazers, Liverpool Trojc;ms, Droitwich Spa-Tans, An excited crowd of several hundred scoring two runs to give Brighton a 3-1 lead. believes "we have set the Kirkcaldy Baseball Club, Nottingham Pirates, West Midlands watched as one by one players from standard in terms of what can be Razorbacks, Manchester Cougars, Bracknell Blazers, both teams were introduced onto the achieved if clubs apply field by the announcer and each in In the third inning the crowd were Sheffield Bladerunners, Brentwood Stags. treated to a perfectly executed themselves effectively in the tum were then greeted by officials Premier Division. We cannot from the British Baseball Federation double playas Simmons Can we be of service to you soon? afford at present to put on an and Brighton Borough Council grounded the ball to Bues event like this for every home before the game got underway. shortstop Ben Gogan who threw to And for all you other teams out there that have not had the FBI Jim Clarke for the out at· second , game, however we will endeavour The game had all the hallmarks of base before relaying to Lopez at to put the funding in place over experience the season is not over for you yet. FBI are getting ready being another epic battle between first to get the oncoming Steve the next two years. I really to have a mad, bad, end ofseason sale. All those established these two teams who had met four Simmons. Rob Lanario hit a line believe that this sport has the times during last season resulting in drive straight at Vettesse at third potential to grow to huge customers will get the details first, so ifyou are not on the hit list some of the most closely fought base to end the innings with the proportions in the UK, but all the games of last year in the Premier Bues still up 3-1. teams must pull in the same what are you waiting for. Division. direction. Sadly this is not Spartans centre fielder Larry happening right now, but It will". The opening three innings of the Fingleson stopped Brighton game probably saw the liveliest and increasing the lead ear1y on with a mot exciting action with both teams superb diving catch in right centre Give us 0111 8315100 not wanting costly errors ear1y on. field off Mirosolin with a runner on acall first before himself, cutting the Buccaneers starting pitcher Andy Wilson got an early break getting deficit with a superb shot ripped to First Base International, 113-117 Farringdon Road, London, EC1R 3DQ left centre, and then eventually Page 14 Brit-Ball Brit-Ball Page 15

rtester-years (]Jase6atI is a newfeature, wliicli willprovitfe an opportunityforourpfayers of It was then that the umpire called the game. When the outfield were asked about the balls tlie past to recount tlieir pfaying days. TJie thrown in they swore they knew nothing of information wif{ also prow va{ua6fe them, in fact they were still searching for the You have heard of PonTel . liistorica{information on our sport. original ball hit out! You have read about PonTel . A pre-season friendly game in 1951 had been With the appalling weather I can't say ifthere arranged between two local. teams, the were any spectators for sure, so where had You have friends who get PonTel ... Nottingham Royals and the Nottingham these new balls come from? Senators. Time to take YOUR TURN AT BAT! Benny Benson The game was to be played on Melbourne Park, Aspley, Nottinghamshire. I recall the year I became interested in PonteI is the real thing. Baseball from your favourite ballpark in Baseball, along with my long time friend At first the game had to be delayed for about America straight to your telly. The best games. The original Tony Cross, it was 1951. We had no ball an hour due to a heavy drizzle, but by 2.15pm gloves, only an elderly baseball with half a recordings. The original announcers. The original commercials. it had eased of and by 2.30pm both teams cover on, but undeterred we utilised an ice took the field. hockey glove of which the palm was stuffed This season is your turn to thrill to your Baseball team. Every Friday with handkerchiefs, and two woolly gloves By the third innings a thick fog had you will get the best available game· of your favourite team. over which was pulled a woolly mitten ­ descended and it was then that things took a armed with these we proceeded to our local Complete and uncut. All the action. All the analysis. All the stories. tum for the worse, in fact it became so bad park and began 'training'. Later that year Plus a half hour of highlights from around the leagues after each that the umpire was heard to remark "I'll see Tony managed to obtain a well used softball this inning out and then call it". game. What does all this cost? glove which resembled a cow pat, over which we argued continually. That same Christmas The next batter stepped into the box, the ~... Just £9.90 per tape. Including p&p. So try one. Or two. Or take my father bought me a real baseball glove, it pitcher did his wind up and pitched the ball. advantage of this super offer: Order six weeks of your favourite There was a mighty crack as the bat was off white with unlaced. fingers and was manufactured team and we'll add the seventh week tape for free. That's right. You thrill to the best connected with the ball and left for parts by Baileys of Glastonbury here gam~s unknown. played by your favourite team for about two months for just £59.40. Here is how in England. So in 1952 I to order. started along with Tony, After a short while, about half a minute, no playing for the Mitcham ball came into the infield, so the umpire did Royals in the Western League. no more than shout "come on fellas... let's have the ball in, or I call the game here and CREDIT CARD ORDERS, TELEPHONE 00411 2020024 On an occasion I recall in 1952, the Royals now". All of a sudden from nowhere came were playing the Wokingham Monarchs, TO PAY BY CHEQUE, Fill IN COUPON AND MAil TODAY TO: four balls - all brand new!

PonteI LJ Parkring 25 LJ 8002 Zurich LJ Switzerland

~p1ate Yes. Send me _ (how many?) weeks of Baseball. Each video contains a game featUring the team of my choice, plus a q r- -- - .: -. - ..- .It} highlight show covering the action from around the leagues. Please send me the videos of _... ~ .. -... :'..-:-~-:. .... -y D my favourite team _ , o the best game of each week -. -'-- -. -- -'- o I order at least six videos and get one additional week FREE o For each video I pay just £9.00 (inc! P&p). I prefer to pay .... D by credit card (Access, Visa, American Express) Card No: _ Exp:_--- o by enclosed cheque

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Address: _ :r 7Hlftlk IrS 7'/,;,£:r: ePLLE1> 7H£ ,,,,,.,C Page 16 Brit-Ball Brit-Ball Page 17

when the late Geoff Moffitt came up college season. Hitters will find out that college players to bat (he had removed his cleats can stand still, get hit and go to first, so they'll try it this barnett~ due to extremely wet ground), there summer. That's why it's an important topic for discussion. M...... IOOOd I...,. was a runner on 2nd and on the first IL...._I_A_K_E_Y_O_U_R_B_A_S_E_!'_I ...... r .,. I pitch the runner broke for third ­ Just like the committees, players and coaches talk about UNIPORMS 111 Geoff took the pitch and the Royals EL PASO, Texas - The afternoon is warm and sunny (at last) and you're their games. You can expect whatever subtle techniques .. Qe-Icrxy .. · I~ polY"ler catcher, Hank Edwards, fired the ball cruising through a "good ballgame" - both pitchers are around the plate, surface this April, May and June to pop up during ·.v. nock.1tIn1 · CoIotr as you wi,h to third - unfortunately Geoffs head your timing is solid and the dugouts have been quiet. "Baseball is a American Legion, Pony, Babe Ruth and Little League -SIlO S -XXL - Rei, 025031 was in the way and he ended up on wonderful game," you think. games (and others) in July and August. Then, by next ·1'11",,£18 the ground, out cold with an spring, the high school hitters will have the routines down .. Pubk=·,1c p...... enormous lump on the side of his Locking in for the next pitch, a 2-1 offering, you're ready for that nasty pat. What's tough to forecast: the techniques hitters will • 100... poIyesler head, STILL IN THE BATTING slider you've seen a dozen times already. Instead, a fastball explodes up use to take full advantage of the rule. At the risk of · doubl. belt loop resembling Willard Scott, let's give forecasting a try. : rc::~:'~lrIl8hl POSITION. Geoff was catching for and in, and you hear the muffled "thump" as the ball hits the batter's ribs. ·Siu:S·XXL • Ref: 025039 the Monarchs this Up go your hands, signalling a dead ball. Purposefully but without fanfare · Pri..: £ 18 day, but could no you move around the batter and step between him and the mound. Even Freeze and go. The first think I see coming is exactly • B.lt 20 pero longer because the as you point the big clean-up hitter to first, you hear a high-pitched voice what the NCAA committee is addressing. The pitch is mask would not fit from the dugout: "He never moved! He's got to make an effort!" inside, the batter never moves, the ball hits him and he UNIFORMS ..lkIno over the bump ..... trots happily to first. That's obviously correct in a college .shJII:m:. ·50 pliy....' "Baseball is a wonderful game," you remind yourself, bracing for what may game this season. It will often be the case at other levels. • 50 couoo Geoff was avenged or may not become a heated discussion with an angry head coach. :ii':."';' .~l.u with · Ref: 025033 later in the same From the earliest days of our careers, we've rationalized .1'11..: £ II season when a low ball from the Let's face it - 99 percent of the time when the batter is hit by a pitch, we this call to the defensive coaches and to ourselves. pitcher took a nasty hop which Hank correctly send him to first base. But for some of us, it's 100 percent ­ "Fastball, Coach. He didn't have time to move. First .. Datblc Its. "PI_". · Male and tr&In1nll Edwards the Royals catcher could perhaps in the name of consistency instead of rule enforcement. We know base." Or, "Breaking ball, Coach. It broke into him at the · Coloo.r. as you ....sh ,Slu:S.XXL not control, and it struck him firmly in that not many players are all that anxious to take one for the team. When last minute." Or, with a straight face, "Coach, I saw him · R.r: 025025 his wedding tackle - on to the field move even if you didn't." (Then, to the catcher: "You bet, · Pric.: £ II they're young, they're afraid; when they're older, the ball is moving and the · Belt 20 pero rushed Hank's wife and, in front of pain, even the danger, is very real. Thump goes the ball into the ribs .... big guy. He doesn't have to move mUCh.") both teams and their supporters and to first goes the batter. BALLS pro spectators, pulled down Hank's pants We've made those decisions for some good reasons. We .J1..l. and. began giving him a massage, The remaining one percent - the few times when it was obvious that the and the people around us believe in our hearts that unless · Th. proross,002l·s ",a'chboU · FuU gram leather whilst all Hank could do was groan, batter stood in to face a mighty 68-mph knuckleball or leaned into a he moves into the b~ll, the batter who gets hit deserves · Doubl. l\ITIed up seam · IllSlde 100... plrI: whate wool as he came round. hanging curve - it has been an easy decision to get big and sell the call. first base. A few courageous umpires have drawn a - Double I"•• heart. 9in-5oz · In accordance ..;th inte:matiooal norms "Time! No! Stay right here! Never moved!" There was the obligatory gripe mental line between fastballs and breaking balls, believing -Ref: 018001 - I'I1crptr dozen £ 50 The following year Royals pitcher I from the offensive team's dugout, but it was half-hearted at best. hitters are more willing to "take" a curve to the ribs. No outfield, Norman Adams, was given one I know has kept a batter in the box when he's been hit ·IJW· · TIle, .OffiClal League:. matC,hball ...... the signal to steal to 2nd on the first on the head. .. •Ormane leather ' Well, as happens occasionally through the years, one of the rules · Doubl...mi turned up lOlllJ »ll . · 1000de: SO'llo purr white woll. 5O'llo rIO'J ",ool .•. ,.: pitch, which he did. The opposing committees is asking umpires to accept a fundamental change to our · Double I".. hellt. 9in-5oz ....' - In accordance Mth intemabooal nonns teams catcher, from Southend Aces philosophical approach to baseball. That change led me to this topic. The key: The NCAA rule change does not alter standards · Ref: 018002 I think, fired the ball to 2nd, ten feet at other levels. Ifthe batter stands still, he is not supposed · Pricrptr dozen £ 41 · If you buy 5 doz...., 8e11 dozen h.. wide and it struck Norman on the We all know that a batter must at least attempt to avoid being hit by a pitch to go to first, even if the pitch does "belong over the plate." side of his head, pole axing him. (Federation 8-1-1d Exception, NCAA 8-2d, pro'6.08b). It's one of the few BALLS trola", Norman however was so determined Lean forward, pull back. We move a step closer to rules most players and coaches have understood, even if they've .JJ..1. to make second that he half crawled problems with this subtle action. As the pitch approaches, - Theleathrr tll10108 ball occasionally challenged our enforcement. . Doubl• ...." the ten feet to the bag, finally going the batter leans toward the plate, maybe 12 inches, then - Inside: cork. bub and rubber · 91n-5oz out cold lying across it. But beginning this season, the NCAA rule no longer requires an attempt by pulls back two or three. The ball glances off his shoulder · In accordance with in1.ernatiooal norms - Ref: 018003 the batter to avoid a pitch. Even when he stands perfectly still (as long as or shirt and he trots happily to first. · Priceptr dozen £ 29 - If you buy 5 dozens. 8e1 I dozen rre. These three example show how the pitch is not in the strike zone and he's not attempting to hit it), if he's .I.U. important protective equipment is, hit by the pitch, he is awarded first base. Of course, if the batter Should he? Isn't he cheating the rule? Maybe the batter · The vinyl ball - Double seam but we didn't have it in those days. "Obviously was attempting to get hit by the pitch," he is not awarded the did expect a slider down and out; maybe he didn't want to - Inside. cork. bub and rubber ·91n-5oz base. get hit. If you visualize the play from the pitcher's view, · In accord&nce with internabma! norms Ref: 018005 he released the pitch with 12 inches of clearance between · I'I1ceptr doz.n: £ 15 Barry Mayfield · If you buy 5 dozens. ,eI I dounr... Why worry? That's probably not a major concern if you're not working the batter and the plate, then missed the strike zone by •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• college games. You might not even know the change was adopted. I think two inches and put a runner on base. Ouch. BE.t: m;t; CWJUlB QIl fIW;£ So come on a[[you ora fJimers, you should be concerned. The rules committees do talk, particularly fet 's !iear some on your IT' embers of the Federation and NCAA groups. Changes made in one Chicken wing. Her~'s a popular technique, one I learned T book often surface in another within a few years. No better example exists while playing high school ball in Ohio in the '70s. The 2-0 • Shipment: 1-2 pc:1=£4; 2-4 pco=£~ .... pc:1=£7 · Cub pel' dehvery £4 memories. 1fand'Written notes than the batters' box restrictions of 1994 (NCAA) and 1995 (Federation). pitch means the batter is taking, so the pitcher spots a lazy

breaking ball on the inside half about belt high. The batter Nam.: ...... ~ _ wif( sufjU:e for us to protfuce a 000 _ With deadlines, I'm writing this before working any college games this strides even though he's not swinging, then when the ball Addrru _ story. season, so I'm trying to figure out just how the rule change is going to is close to his elbow he "wings· his arm out and the pitch clips the back of hiS arm and he trots happily to first. Tel Faa change games. My belief is the change will have as much or even more BARNETT· BP321 ·73103 AI-X-LES-BA-IN-S-PRAN-C-E-- (Continued on impact during high school and summer leagues as it does during the page 22) TEL(33)7U4 rn 51· FAX (3))1934 rn 4' Page 18 Brit-Ball Brit-Ball Page 19 1996 BRIT-BALL MLBI FANFEST The Official Voice of the The GB Senior National Baseball Team participated 4-7 JULy 1996 British Baseball Federation in the Flanders International Baseball Toumament, that was held in Brasschaat, BRITISH Belgium on 25, 26, 27 May 1996. Last year saw the first "Festival of Baseball" staged in Covent Garden, London. If you The teams participating in the tournament were Ringer-USA, visited the festival you will be aware of just how BASEBALL BRrT'~BALl Kansas. This team was composed of well received the venture was. This year Major -...c::BdII'\tieD college age players from the Mid-West and Eastern League Baseball International are keen to build d ... part of the US; the Belgian National Team; Sebo 8 ... 8 '. on their initial success and are planning even RK:twiillllu • Braves of Brasschaat; the German National Team and more features for the same venue. FEDERATION the GB National Team. The Dutch Alumni National was a no show. The festival will run from Thursday 4 - Sunday 7 JUly The GB Team played 4 games in 3 days. We played a July. The vent will be manned, as last year, by BBF Wlllrl"~ 14kSW _ ti..-=-..--­ • personnel, and we are inviting you to become a partner _"'"_...... b' ... u...~ double-header on Saturday. The GB Coaching Staff HANDBOOK .....,,_~_.....-un"'~_...... ,. ...-1 .....tI , were satisfied with the performance of the GB squad as a in this exciting event. If you are able to provide =-~---'-"'''''~d...-:a.:::.-,__....~...... -.._...... _.-*'_.. I ----­ whole. We were pleasantly surprised with the volunteers, the first 30 will receive the following: =u--;-:::=.,...... _d~ A~~...... w. Contains all the contact details and fixtures for performance by players who had not participated in ~ 1"'_-..------~­ ...... -. ~ weI...... International Competition before. MLBI Replica Jersey the .1996 season. An. excellent buy for any ...... ,...... =====...... ~e-.-_ ...... ~ ...~ intrepid baseball fan. ~ MLB or Sponsors hat The coaching sta; felt that even though we did not win a ~ Raffle ticket for MLB prize SUPPORTED BY game, it was a valuable learning experience for the GB ~ To reserve your copy ( to be published mid ~~ players. They were able to witness first-hand the type of On-site lunch and drinks March) please return the form below along with skill and commitment one must have to compete against teams that are of Olympic and A Pool level. Any members who do not have a travel card will be a cheque for £4.00 made payable to the British Why not have your own copy mailed directly reimbursed a maximum of £12 to cover travelling costs. Baseball Federation. to you each month, 'to keep up to date with all The only game that we were seriously out of contention, You must keep your receipts. the news and views on British Baseball. was against the American Team. They won the tournament. We were in contention against the other 3 Starting times for the events will be: teams. A hit here and there at the proper time would Please ensure I receive a copy of the 1996 have enabled us to win a game or two. • Thursday 10.30 - 18.00 Please ensure I receive a copy of Brit-Ball Friday 10.30 - 18.00 British Baseball Federation Handbook. I each month. I enclose my cheque for a £10 One thing that was evident from this tournament was that Saturday 9.30 -18.00 enclose my cheque for £4 (cheques made annual subscription (cheques made for GB to improve to the Olympic and A Pool level we Sunday 10.00 - 18.00 payable to the British Baseball Federation). payable to the British Baseball Federation). . must play this type of competition at least every fortnight. Every pitcher that we faced threw in the mid-eighties. A All volunteers will need to arrive on Thursday 4 July, at couple of the Americans threw in the low nineties. Covent Garden, at 9.00am for the initial orientation. Thereafter one hour before the start times listed for daily Name: _ Name: _ All in all it was a very enjoyable tournament. The weather set up procedure. This year the Baseball Festival will be left a little to be desired - it rained most of the time. sponsored by Entenmann's. Address: Address: The squad was as follows: Talk to your team, especially students and the unemployed, to see if they are interested. It will be a Players - Pete Arthur - Leeds Owls, Darrin Ward, Alan great four days for them to be involved in. Bloomfield - London Warriors, Steve Simmons - Enfield Spartans, Martyn Dutton, Joe Yarnold, Ray Brownlie, Ifyou or a member of your team would Martin Godsall - Birmingham Bandits, Nick Carter - f Brighton Buccaneers, David Donaldson _Tayside Cobras, like be part 0 this excellent event, Jim Pearce, Martin Sawyer - London Wolves, Billy please contact Jenkins - Edinburgh Reivers, Lee Evans, Brian Thurston Keith Peskett Postcode: Postcode: - Hull Mets, Ben Moore - Essex Arrows, Martin Bladon - Hounslow Rangers and coaches Ralph Rago, Gary on 01243 86787. Roberts, Ian Smyth, player/coach Frank Parker and Return this form to Return this form to umpire Frank Scherer, BBF, 66 Belvedere Road, Hessle BBF, 66 Belvedere Road, Hessle North Humberside, HU13 9JJ North Humberside, HU13 9JJ Ralph Rago MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL GB Head Coach I N T ERN AT ION AL Page 20 Brit-Ball Brit-Ball Page 21

Dear Sirs Trevor Simms, 9 Primrose Close, Cherry Hinton, Cambs, li~[MI~~~ CB14BE Tel: 01223511984 Our baseball and softball @[b[g) club Keystone Stealers, Kitsons Cambridge Monarchs Juniors organise a big international Please not the following changes to your 1996 BBF ~[MI ~~i!\[b New address for 2nd contact Stephen Gilbert is: tournament "Felix Cup 96". [MI @ Handbook: This year it will be the 7th 54 Blakeland Hill, Duxford, Cambridge time that we organise this Guildford Mavericks li@(1D~[Mi!\[MI~[Mli South Bucks Blue Jays event. But therefore we New address for 1st contact Nick Jolly is: need to update and to 34 Badshot Lea Road, Badshot Lea, Farnham, Surrey, New ground details are: Great Kingshill Combined School, Cryers Hill, High expand our list of addresses The Old Timers held their second annual GU99LU Tel: 0125227301 from foreign contacts. Wycombe tournament on Monday 27 May 1996. This Our tournament will take place on 4, 5, 6 October. Five tournament is a memorial to players and club Stretford A's There are also several university teams setting up baseball teams and ten softball teams will participate and 1st contact is now: around the country. If you have a free weekend and members associated with baseball teams who Paul Murray, 11 Wesley Street, Westhoughton, Bolton, compete for the "Felix Cup 96". are no longer with us. would like to play them in a friendly details are as Lancs, BL5 3ST Tel: 01942816626 follows: If any teams are interested in taking part they should 2nd contact is now: Sunderland University Four teams compete :n the tournament: contact: Patrick McDermott, 2 Melfort Ave, Stretford, Manchester, Barbara Sowerby, University of Sundertand Students M328JE Tel: 0161 8653102 Union, Wearmouth Hall, Chester Road, Sundertand, SR1 Maikel van Bakel Brentwood Stags Frank Brady 3SD Tel: 0191 5145512 Tournament Commissioner, Keyston Stealers Bracknell Blazers Geoff Moffitt Kitsons Cambridge Monarchs Newcastle University van Coothstraat 14 Boumemouth B's Vic Beach Premier Division Christopher Allan, 54 Chipchase Crescent, Hillheads NL-5831 HL Boxmeer 1st contact is now: Estate, Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 5JU Tel: 085572278 This was an all day event and very well organised by Rosemary Hancock, 5 Kinnaird Way, Cambridge, CB1 Oxford University Fax: 0485520910 George Simmons - administrator of the Old Timers. 4SN Tel: 01223410639 Sam Fysch, K2A Crescent Hall, Crescent Road, Temple 2nd contact is now: Cowley, Oxford, OX42NS Tel: 01865485455 Dear Brit-Ball A total of 4 games were played, the first being Stephen Gilbert, 54 Blakeland Hill, Duxford, Cambridge Hertford University Brentwood against the Old Timers. A very close game Mr Khan 77-3 Telford Court, Bishops Rise, Hatfield, Sad to see that some teams are finding it not possible to with the Old Timers taking the lead in the final stages. Kitsons Cambridge Monarchs B Herts, AL10 9BT fulfil their fixtures and are dropping out of competition. 1st contact is now: Warwick Warriors Will Cosgrave in .Iast month's issue suggested some Next Bracknell took on Boumemouth, where Stephen Gilbert, 54 Blakeland Hill, Duxford, Cambridge Adrian Liew, 61 Abergeldie Road, Lee, London, SE12 possible remedies. I don't know the answer except that Boumemouth showed their excellent skills and out went 2nd contact is now: 8BH Tel: 0181 8527687 two hundred mile plus round trips on a cold and wet Bracknell. Sunday are not much of an incentive. The losers then played each other for 3rd and 4th Instead, a few words of praise to two relatively new teams positions and Brentwood had the edge. in the Northern Conference. On 5 May Preston had no 1996 SOUTHERN LEAGUE FAN PACK scheduled game and I, along with senior player Pete The final between Boumemouth and the Old Timers was Howarth and scorekeeper Pauline Howarth, was invited really nail biting, and very close with 8 hits to Fan Pack Includes: to officiate the game Manchester Cougars v Cartmel Boumemouth and' only 3 to'the Old Timers. However • 1996 Southern League Yearbook--Team Statistics, Player Features, 1996 Schedule, Extensive Valley Lions. Cougars in only their second season and the final score gave the game to the Old Timers, 13 runs League Records, Major and Minor League Club Directory, 1995 Review and much more! (Sold Separately $15.95*) • 1996 Bi-\Veekly Newsletter (Sold Separately $15.95*) Lions playing I think only their third game ever. Two to 12. The cup belonged to the Old Timers. clubs working really hard to promote the game of • Southern League Wool, Adjustable Baseball Cap (Sold Separately $16.95*) baseball and who deserve every bit of support and • 1996 Southern League Official Baseball••.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••.•••(Sold Separately $ 6.00*) After the presentation of trophies an all star game was • 1996 Soutbern League Poster Scbedule (New item tlris year) (Sold Separately $ 3.00"') encouragement that is going. played - Old Timers vs All Stars. However i( \vas the Old • 1996 Selected Team Card Sets (2 Teams).•••••••••••..•••..••.•••••••••••••••.••••••••.•.•.•.•.....•.•••••••••••(Sold Separately S 7.00"') Timer's day and they had yet another win. Final score • 1996 Opening Day, All-Star and Playoff Rosters (Sold Separately $ 3.(0) I don't know if the players felt differently, but as chief was 6 runs to 5. Total ifitems purchased separate/y $67.85· umpire I thoroughly enjoyed the game. Yes I made *P/ease add S3.00 slrippingforeach item ordered separate/v. mistakes as did the players but nothing to start a war A thoroughly enjoyable day and a very Your discounted Fan Pack price only $45.95 + 55 postage & handling __ over. A score of 5-2 in under three hours, no falling out and both sides gracious in their thanks to the officials sincere thank you to our three visiting Don't delay - order your FAN PA eK today! Total Amount Enclosed afterwards. I say well done and good luck for the future, teams, supporters and friends. They gave ------but look out when you come to our field! us all a good time, friendly and entertaining. Name. _ (Sorry--no credit cards or phone orders accepted.) Address. _ If all games could be played in such a sporting fashion Make check or money order (U.S. funds only) then giving up your weekends would not seem such a bad Jean Crook payable to: idea. Publicity Officer and City, State, Zip. _ Southern League Scorer, Old Timers Day Phone, ..,...- _ One Depot Street, Suite 300 Frank Caunce 1 Please send information on '96 Fantasy Camp Marietta, GA 30060-1909 Preston Bobcats 1 Please add my name to your mailing list Phone 770-428-4149 -Fax 770-428-4849 Brit-Ball Page 23 Brit-Ball Page 22 (Continued from page 17) I~ ~COR~R 1199B fUROPfAfJ CHAMPfOfJ~HfP~ ~CHfDUlfl Hey this time he did move into the ball; that's a problem. YOUR He ~houldn't go to first, but he often does. Frankly" it's easier to let him go. It's an acceptable call and there s a R~GI~T~R~D'? GROUP 1 Croatia, Great Britain, Austria, Slovakia, Bulgaria bigger hassle when you deny the base. But know.the GROUP 2 Lithuania, Czechia, Poland, Norway, Ireland, Yugoslvaia level of play. If you give this batter first base, you mIght have to give six or seven others the same base on the If not, then you cannot expect us to record your stats, so Start Time 10.00hrs 15.30hrs same standard. your playerswill not be eligible for any awards at the end Saturday 3 August of the season. You are also putting them in danger. If Hull North Yugoslavia V Poland Check swing. When hitters figure out that you've they are seriously injured during your game, they are not Hessle Slovakia V Croatia Great Britain V Bulgaria spotted the chicken wing, some will move to .the insured, and your club will be liable for any c1aim~ they Hull East Norway V Lithuania Czech Republic V Ireland proverbial next level. This move starts as a check swmg, wish to make. Is £12 too much to ask you to contnbute? then ends with the batter grabbing his forearm or elbow. Start Time 11.30hrs 15.30 hrs He's about to swing at a pitch. Then he "decides" he Also, a note for team managers. Please try to assist the Sunday" August doesn't want to hit the pitch after all, so he "pulls back". scorers by submitting a line-up to them at least 15 Hull North Lithuania V Yugoslavia Bulgaria V Slovakia Suddenly, the pitch hits him. minutes prior to the start of the game. It's no good to Hessle Poland V Ireland Czech Republic V Norway them when the game is starting, they can't score and Hull East Great Britain V Austria No, it doesn't happen often; yes, planned a~s are. rare. write everyone's name down at the same time. Don't includ~ na~es ~nd When this batter gets hit by a pitch, it may be mtentlOnal, forget that your line-up must both fi.rst Monday 5 August but it isn't always. Compounding the problem is the !act surnames, otherwise you are creatmg an ImpoSSIble Job Hull North Austria V .Slovakia Poland V Czech Republic that the batters' arms are already legitimately movmg, for the statisticians. Hessle Bulgaria V Croatia which makes it tougher to spot a subtle, late-lifted elbow Hull East Ireland V Lithuania Yugoslavia V Norway that moves into the path of the pitch. So come on, get your act together. We kno~ that man~ scorers are long suffering wives and girlfriends who sit Tuesday 6 August Shoulder roll. The last example is the one I expect to there and watch you play, no matter what the weather, Hull North Lithuania V Poland be most frequent and most difficult for umpires. If you've wrapped in dozens of jumpers and blankets, clin~ing to Hessle Norway V Ireland Czech Republic V Yugoslavia seen the 1996 NCAA baseball rules video, you've seen an umbrella. Why not make their life a little easier? Hull East Bulgaria V Austria Croatia V Great Britain a great demonstration. Wednesday 7 A,..",ust For several years, coaches have taught batte~ that r Hull North Ireland V Yugoslavia when a pitch is inside the batters should rotate their lead Hessle Poland V Norway Great Britain V Slovakia shoulder past the plate and toward the umpire. It's ~ SPORTSP~ Hull East Austria V Croatia Lithuania V Czech RepUblic more effective method of dodging the inside pitch, and It GEM " exposes less vital areas of the body in case the batter is THE SPECIALIST SPORTS BOOKSHOP Thursday 8 August REST DAY- hit. Europe's leading sports booksr'1p Friday 9 August with branches in London and Manchester I've noticed that when hitters are honestly trying to avoid Hull North 5th Group 1 V 5th Group 2 the pitched ball, their shoulders tend to rise away from Hessle 4th Group 1 V 4th Group 2 1st Group 1 (GameA)V 2nd Group 2 the plate. Watch carefully for the batter who rolls that DON'T ST~IKE OUT Hull East 3rd Group 1 V 3rd Group 2 1st Group 2 (Game B)V 2nd Group 1 shoulder and dips down toward the plate. YO~ may be dealing with a hitter who has found out the pItch won't Stockists of the largest range of baseball Saturday 10 August hurt too bad if he gets hit on the back. You're also books in Europe Hull East Loser of Game AV Loser of Game B Winner of Game A V Winner of Game B dealing with a batter who is moving into the pitch. Sunday 11 August REST DAY The bottom line to all this is that batters do get hit by KEEP IN TOUCH pitches. With the college rule change, there will be more WITH MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL scrutiny of the situation at all levels. Before you take the Tickets for the above are now on sale at a cost of £1 per day or £5 for the full field be sure you and your partner know exactly how you Suppliers of USA Today Baseball Weekly week (7 days). To order please complete your details below: . want to handle the play. That way it will be the same call The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated during both ends of the double-header. (subscription selVice available) Ip------.I would like to order tickets for the following days (please tick): I (Shawn Lehigh is a high sch~ol a~d .college baseball and I I basketball official, working pnmarily In eastern Texas and SPORTSPAGES : Saturday D Sunday D Monday D Tuesday 0 Wednesday D Friday D Saturday D: southern New Mixico. He is the sports director of I I Champions Sportplex, a privately owned softball, Caxton Walk Barton Square I I enclose my cheque I postal order made payable to the British Baseball Federation for £ I baseball and volleyball facility in EI Paso.) 94-96 Charing Cross Road St Ann's Square I I London WC2H OJG Manchester M2 7HA : Name: Tel No: : Tel: 0161 8328530 This column originally appeared in the May Tel: 0171 2409604 I I Fax: 0171 8360104 Fax: 0161 832 9391 I Address: I 1996 issue of Referee Magazine, Franksville, I Please return this form to 66 Belvedere Road, Hessle, North Humberside, HU13 9JJ I Wis., USA \... Retail or Mail Order ~ ._------.I I Page 24 Brit-Ball Brit-Ball Page 25 Over the past few weeks many of you have BBF requested details of places to stay for the duration of the European Championships. Ceri ~6Si- Morgan of Dragon Tours has negotiated an CLUB TOURS - TOURNAMENTS - SUPPORTERS TOURS extr.emely good deal with Hull University in their Halls of Residence. At £28 per night including 6 UPPER COED CAE, BLAENAVON, GWENT, NP4 9JA, U.K. meals, you won't find anywhere else much cheaper. If you would like to book, please TEl-: (01495) 791260 TEUFAX: (01495) 7912 66 complete and return the booking form below with your cheque, direct to Dragon Tours. DRAGON TOURS (U.K.) LTD. is a fully licensed Tour If you are going to be in Hull for the week, why Operator I Travel Agent offering complete financial protection to not join the organising committee. We're sure EUROPEAN our clients. there will be some way in which you can assist, BASEBALL and you will still be able to watch the games. DRAGON TOURS (U.K.) LTD. was formed to concentrate Let us know if you are available. CHAMPIONSHIPS on all aspects of Sports Travel, whether it be arranging Club participating Tours I Holidays - Tournaments - Supporter Tours, [Q)M@©)!M tr©)~~ Can Britain hold it's own and Special Events. Since 1970 our experienced staff have ~~()l:t) I6tr[Q) against the teams from Europe? specialised in outbound group travel Worldwide and inbound CLUB TOURS * TOURNAMENTS group travel to the U.K. and Ireland. * SUPPORTERS TOURS 3 -11 AUGUST 1996 6, UPPER COED CAE, DRAGON TOURS (U.K.) LTD. are licensed to offer FLIGHT BLAENAVON, GWENT, NP4 9JA UK HULL ONLY (Scheduled and Charter); PACKAGE HOLIDAYS; TEL: 01495791260 - FAX: 01495791266 Special discounts and offers available ACCOMMODATION and CAR HIRE; obtaining SPECIAL For more information Tel: 01482643551 OFFERS and LATE AVAILABILITY with our fully Computerised BOOKING FORM Information and Reservation System. IOffice use only: BOOKING REFERENCE NO: DATE: So if you are planning a Club Tour I Holiday - Tournament ­ NAME: _ Supporters Tour - Special Event - Flight Only or Package ADDRESS: _ Holiday, then do not hesitate to contact us for a no - obligation price quotation. TEL NO: _ FAX NO: _ For Further Information Contact: FOR: European Baseball Championships - Hull UK DATES: Saturday 3 August to Sunday 11 August 1996 ACCOMMODATION PACKAGE: Single room with meals = £28 per person per night [Q)~@@lM 'f@lUJ~$ ~lUJJt» [L'f[Q) SPECIAL REQUESTS: _ 'f~[L ~©~~~$» 7N) ~~ ~© For bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required. All prices include VAT at 17.5%. [FA~ ~©~~~$» 7N) ~~ ~~ ____ Deposits @ £25.00 = £ _

ALL PAYMENTS made payable to Dragon Tours (UK) Ltd Travel Trust Account Official Tour Operator and Travel Agent for the Dragon Tours ·UK) Ltd is licensed and bonded with the Travel Trust Association - No T9462

I accept the conditions of booking on behalf of all persons applicable to this booking form. British Baseball Federation Signed: Date: _ Jt.l1fember- f/g'k (lJ~g-raud§'~ Registered in England Reg No. 2963665 VAT No. 646 4:D:l20 Registered in England Reg No 2963665 VAT No 648 4309 20 Page 26 Brit-Ball Brit-Ball Page 27

C?'() JOHN SMEATON SPORTS CENTRE ~~ New BaseballBooks from Human Kinetics 4TH ANNUAL BURGER KING YOUTH BASEBALL FESTIVAL

The largest youth baseball tournament ever .Matt Milhench - Preson Panthers played in Great Britain was held at John Karl Riley - Hessle Apaches Smeaton Sports Centre in Leeds on o J Parker - Alconbury Saturday 1 June. Sean Walsh - Halifax Blue Sox Tommy Booth - Sheffield Pumas The tournament consisted of a Coach Pitch I Teeball competition for under 115, and a Baseball competition for After a full day of competition the final placings were: 12-16 year olds. Sixteen teams entered the tournaments, ;l¥I

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