The 2009 season will be an interesting one for the Richmond Baseball & Softball Club as it builds upon the growth of recent years. The Club remains the largest adult baseball club and has now added women's fastpitch softball and youth sports to the club.
The Club has four adult baseball teams (Flames, Knights, Dragons, Riverdogs), women and girls fastpitch softball teams (Angels) and a youth programme for 6 to 12 year old boys and girls.
The Flames first entered the National League in 2004 and after only 3 seasons in the top flight of British baseball earned the title of BBF National Champions in 2006 and defeated finalists in 2008. The Flames will want to go one-further in 2009.
The Knights topped AAA-Division in both 2006 and 2007 but slipped to middle table in 2008. They will be looking to get back to winning ways in 2009.
The Dragons continue to perform solidly in AA-Division and also provide a feeder to more senior club teams.
The Riverdogs, the club's fourth baseball team, returned to non-league in 2008, to allow the development of a large number of baseball rookies. The status of the team in 2009 depends upon the number of players joining the club.
The club's beloved home ground, Connare Field, now has a purpose built £600,000 clubhouse including six changing rooms (including segregrated changing for children), umpires' rooms and a large bar and lounge to relax in after games.
2009 promises to be a another exciting year for the club. With the only four-team baseball squad in the country, Richmond can offer baseball action to players at all levels - from the highly experienced to total rookies. The addition of the Angels provides playing opportunities for all.
The club continues to build and develop, creating a self-sustaining operation. 2009 bodes well for the club both on and off field.
The Richmond Baseball & Softball Club is part of British Baseball.