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Essex Arrows in the 2010 National Baseball League
| Published: 9th January 2010 18:40 |
Waltham Abbey's Essex Arrows have made it to the National Baseball League (NBL) promoted from the British AAA Division (South) Baseball League they will be joining the Mildenhall Bulldogs and the Southampton Mustangs in the top British baseball league in 2010.
The announcement comes just a few weeks after the BBF published details of the substantial growth in teams expected to join the league pyramid in 2010 and 2011.
Kathryn Richmond Town Clerk told AboutMyArea: "I have certainly learnt a lot about baseball since I became Waltham Abbey's Town Clerk. Congratulations to the Essex Arrows on making it to the "big league" - great news for the team and for the Abbey".
The press release from the Board of British Baseball said: "This is an exciting prospect for British Baseball fans and particularly for the baseball communities in the regions of these three clubs. It will provide the National Baseball League with a new level of verve, buoyancy and competition".
Our home team the Essex Arrows were founded in 1983 and they have seen many successful seasons over the years including winning the AA League (1985) and the AAA League (1987, 2001). Their previous spell in the NBL culminated with reaching the Final in 1994 when they lost the series 2-1 against the Hull Mets.
Last season they blew away their AAA League opponents with an amazing 25-0 record in the regular season. In the postseason they finished third, losing to Southampton and the eventual AAA League Champions, Harrogate.
However, the highlight of 2009 for the team and their fans was Jerry Springer guest umpiring at the home ground on Sunday 28th June when they won 12-8 against the Southampton Mustangs with Waltham Abbey Mayor Cllr Ricki Gasby throwing the first pitch of the day.
The British Baseball Federation's decision to expand the league will not only bring excitement to the NBL in 2010, but the hope is that the three new clubs will take advantage of this unique opportunity to continue their growth and development, just as Herts Falcons did when they were promoted in 2009.
"It is fantastic news for the team, it is what we always hoped for, but now we have a lot of hard work ahead of us on and off the field!" - David Shaer, Essex Arrows
The three teams are already on their way to doing so with Essex aiming to create a third team soon in addition to the Arrows and Archers and will be establishing its youth programme in 2010. As well as plans for new dugouts and a grandstand at their home ground field at Town Mead Leisure Park in Waltham Abbey.
Mildenhall Bulldogs is also aiming to add another team to the minor leagues and are even considering the option to enter one of their youth teams in the BBF youth league playoffs.
The Southampton Mustangs already have two adult league teams as well as a strong university programme, with enormous potential for further growth in its large, but as yet untapped market.
In the coming months the British Baseball Federation will be announcing more details about the 2010 season including the route to the National Baseball Championships, as British baseball prepares for another thrilling season.
Thanks to Baseball Softball UK website for providing information for this article. For more information on this sport, please take a look at the BSUK website: Baseball Softball UK
Photo above of the Essex Arrows team with Jerry Springer and Mayor Ricki Gadsby taken on their home ground field at Town Mead Leisure Park in June 2009 and below aerial view of their field.
For more information on the team, please see their entry in our Clubs & Organisation section - Essex Arrows
Also might like to take a look at Essex Arrows Baseball Victory article and photos taken by Site Editor Kate Towerzey when they beat Southampton Mustangs with Jerry Springer umpiring!
Please note the Essex Arrows website is currently off line, but will be back shortly at: http://www.essexarrows.com/
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