The 2008 season will be an interesting one for the Richmond Baseball & Softball Club in light of growth and merger activity. The Club remains the largest adult baseball club in the country - and is solidifying this position by adding 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 new 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. The Flames narrowly missed a playoff spot in 2007, but will be back firing on all cylinders in 2008.
The Knights are now the established leaders of the pack in AAA-Division (old Premier Division), having topped the division in 2006 and 2007 and taking the 2007 national title at that level against arch rivals Essex.
The Dragons roared back in 2007 with a ,500 season and will look to provide stern opposition in AA-Division (old Division 1).
The Riverdogs, the club's fourth baseball team, return to non-league in 2008, to allow the development of a large number of baseball rookies.
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.
2008 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. 2008 bodes well for the club both on and off field.
The Richmond Baseball & Softball Club is part of British Baseball.