THE New Forest is set to have its own baseball team as The New Forest Thunder Knights register with the British Baseball Federation.

The Knights, formed by a group of friends who have previously played locally, will compete at the Single A level in the South West and Wales League in 2023.

They will initially play their home games in Southampton whilst searching for a more permanent home in the Forest.

Assistant general manager, Sam Williams, said: “We’re really excited to bring baseball to the New Forest and Southampton this year. There’s huge potential for the sport both in the local area and across the United Kingdom.

“Our aim is to enjoy ourselves on and off the field and to create an atmosphere in which everyone feels happy, safe and supported to play this fantastic sport.”

With a mix of men and women the founders of the team have set out to create an inclusive club that welcomes players of all ages and experiences.

Currently the squad is made up of players who have played at every level in the UK through to those who are complete beginners.

The club say the main ethos will be kept simple; to expand knowledge of the game of baseball in the New Forest and the surrounding areas and for every member of the club to enjoy themselves whilst playing or training.

Pre-season training is now underway as the Knights look to make a run at the Severn Division in their first season.

They’ll travel to nearby Bournemouth, as well as Cardiff and Bristol to play against their divisional rivals in 2023. Matchups with teams from Newquay, Taunton and Weston-Super-Mare are also on the cards.

The Knights have already secured their first sponsor, with American Baseball Journal, The Twin Bill, providing funding for the team to purchase match balls ahead of the season.

Further sponsors are being sought in order to help with equipment and the cost of field hire, and the club would welcome any contact from interested organisations.

With the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals playing in the MLB International Series in London later this year, and Team GB’s participation in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, the sport is growing in the UK.

The Knights are looking to capitalise on the interest generated by these events to grow the sport of baseball and secure the long-term future of the club.

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