Harwich baseball side to launch in early April

For the first time, a baseball side will be based in the area and they are now calling out for people to get involved.

Harwich Town Bay Area Blues will become the only baseball team in a league system from north Essex, providing an exciting opportunity for all who enjoy the game.

Those involved will also benefit learning from Barry Sippitt, a highly experienced coach of more than ten years who will be leading the side.

He will be looking to draw on all his experience to get the side off to a good start, and boasts previous involvement with Team GB on his CV.

Founding member Mark Young, 34, has now called on people in the area to come forward and try a new sport.

He said: “It’s exciting that it is now going ahead after lots of back and forth during the pandemic getting things in place.

“Work on this project began about 16 months ago and it was looking like the 2021 season was out of reach but things moved forward at the eleventh hour.

The club will welcome both men and women over 16

“In the last two months everything sped forward and we managed to secure our venue and league position just in time for the season.

“Because of the restrictions we only have a very short amount of time for spring training before we officially begin our journey in the East of England Baseball league this May.

“We are open to absolutely anyone with or without experience. The main focus of this is fun and to have a team represent the town in a brand new sport for the area.”

Mr Young also praised Harwich and Dovercourt Cricket Club, who will be the side’s home venue for fixtures, saying they had been “fantastic” in supporting the new team.

Weekly training will commence from 6pm on Tuesday, April 13 for people of any gender more than 16-years-old.

Anyone interested should contact harwichbaseball@gmail.com.

You can find the side on Twitter at @harwichtownblue.