NEWS

Like mighty ancient gladiators, they marched out into the arena ready to do battle as commanded by Her Royal Highness Queen Jean. They may have looked a little weary and past their sell-by date, but these gallant Brits were still determined to show those pizza-boys a thing or two about the game of baseball. Let the contest begin!

IN THE DUG-OUT (Front, left to right) Mike Foley, Paul Raybould, Tony Smyth, John Turpin, Jean Crook (Secretary), George Simmons, Rob Walker, Peter Barratt, Colin Ramsell

(Back, left to right) Steve Lloyd, Peter Crook (Manager), Justin Horsnell, Gary Liston, Ian Cairns. Mike Harrold, Steve Chandler, John Dornin (Missing from picture – Steve Simmons, Gordon Faithfull)

The Old Timers Baseball Club were contacted back in April by Cesare Rutili who is a member of the Old Lions of Vertibo baseball team. While in the country to visit his daughter in May, Cesare came to see the Old Timers play in a league game and considered that the British team would be good enough to compete in a tournament he was organising. Once the dates were agreed, Club Secretary Jean Crook got on the case and in her typical way, she soon had the team organised.

Including wives, girlfriends, and non-players, the club took 22 members to Vertibo which is located in central Italy, about 1 and a half hours by train north of Rome. The majority of the group flew from Stansted on Friday, September 12 and everyone stayed in the Balletti Palace Hotel in Vertibo. Although Italy hadn’t seen much rain, the Old Timers arrival brought on an excellent thunderstorm.

The weather stayed overcast on Saturday morning and the scheduled tour of Vertibo’s ancient section was badly delayed by rain. Eventually however, members got the chance to walk around the narrow cobblestone “vias” (streets) and take photographs.

After the tour, it was off to the Vertibo baseball field. Most British baseball clubs, if not all, would die for a field like the one in Vertibo. The playing area is totally fenced in with giant dug-outs behind 1^st and 3^rd base, changing rooms and spectator bleachers, scoreboard and a cut-out diamond. They also had a batting cage with pitching machine next to the field and a picnic area. Inside the dug-outs were long benches and drinking water. It was heaven.

The baseball tournament was between three teams – the Old Timers, Cesare’s Old Lions, and a younger team from Rome. The first game had the Old Timers up against the Old Lions. Then on Sunday morning, the Old Timers would play the Rome team and that game would be followed by the Old Lions against Rome.

By the time the first game started, the rain had stopped but there was still a very strong blustery breeze blowing straight out of home plate. The Old Timers were given the advantage of being the home team and manager Peter Crook decided to send left-hander Paul Raybould out to the mound. Paul’s first pitch was a demoralising indication of what was to come through the whole of the game – it was over the middle of the plate and waist high but the Italian umpire called it a ball. Raybould went on to walk more batters in the 1^st inning than he had done in his 8 league outings this season put together. Paul’s favourite pitch – his curve ball, couldn’t get a good call no matter where it went. By the time they’d collected 3 outs, the Old Lions had 3 runs on the board.

Peter Barratt led off for the Old Timers and immediately drilled a base hit through the infield. The team quickly discovered that although the Old Lions were about the same age as the British players, they had some good arms and Pete got thrown out by the catcher stealing 2^nd base.

The Old Timers eventually started scoring and for several innings, the game stayed close. Then, in the top of the 6^th, the Old Lions started teeing off on a tired Raybould. George Simmons came on in relief. They added 9 runs and although the Old Timers pulled a couple back in their half of the inning, the game ended on a time limit with the Old Lions 18 to 12 winners.

Regardless of the loss, the game was played in good spirits and practically every Old Timer on the bench got into the game. When confronted about his strike zone after the game had finished, the umpire (in broken English-Italian) openly apologised claiming “My eye sight, it not so good!”

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	TTL
OLD LIONS	3	4	0	2	9	18
OLD TIMERS	5	2	0	3	2	12

PLAYER	AB	R	H	RBI
P BARRATT	3	-	1	-
M HARROLD	4	1	-	-
J TURPIN	4	3	2	-
J HORSNELL	4	3	-	-
P RAYBOULD	3	2	-	-
G LISTON	3	-	1	1
T SMYTH	3	1	1	1
S SIMMONS	3	2	-	-
R WALKER	3	-	-	-
G SIMMONS	1	-	-	1
S CHANDLER	1	-	-	-
S LLOYD	1	-	-	-
I CAIRNS	1	-	-	-
M FOLEY	1	-	-	-
C RAMSELL	1	-	-	-

The players and spectators then moved on to the picnic area and were treated by Cesare to a pizza and a beer.

For Sunday’s game, the Old Timers had to be at the field for 9:30am. The sky was still overcast but the wind had died so playing conditions were reasonably comfortable. Unfortunately, it didn’t stay that way.

The team from Rome were much younger and considerably fitter. They had a starting pitcher who was throwing rockets when warming up. It quickly became clear however, that he couldn’t throw strikes and the Old Timer batters enjoyed a succession of base on balls.

Steve Simmons took the mound for the Old Timers and quickly appreciated the benefit of getting a realistic strike zone from the new Italian umpire. Steve did a fine job keeping the Romans off the bases but he did struggle with one batter. Although he was wild, the Rome pitcher could certainly hit and he seemed to blast line drives all over the field.

The game was interrupted a couple of times by heavy showers. Although close for several innings, the Rome team just had that little bit extra and eventually ran out 9 to 8 winners.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	TTL
OLD TIMERS	0	3	2	0	3	8
ROME	1	0	4	0	4	9

PLAYER	AB	R	H	RBI
P BARRATT	4	-	1	1
M HAROLD	4	-	-	-
J TURPIN	4	1	-	-
J HORSNELL	3	1	1	-
P RAYBOULD	3	-	-	1
G LISTON	3	2	1	-
T SMYTH	3	2	-	-
S SIMMONS	3	2	1	-
R WALKER	3	-	-	-
G SIMMONS	-	-	-	-
S CHANDLER	-	-	-	-
S LLOYD	-	-	-	-
I CAIRNS	-	-	-	-
M FOLEY	-	-	-	-
C RAMSELL	-	-	-	-

After a shower, the Old Timers enjoyed a lovely meal with wine supplied by the hosts. The majority of the group then moved to the bleachers to watch the last game that was eventually won by the team from Rome.

On conclusion, Cesare was the master of ceremonies at the tournament presentation. Peter Crook was given a marvellous trophy on behalf of the Old Timers for their participation. Jean was also given a beautiful lily for her involvement in the organisation. The Old Timers were also applauded by the other teams for making the effort to attend.

At 8:00am on the final day, Cesare came to see the team at the hotel to collect all the luggage and take it to the airport. As the return flight for the majority of the group wasn’t until 10:00pm, this meant they had the whole of the day to enjoy the sites and sounds of Rome.

Brits beat the Italians? Well, maybe they didn’t do it on the field but the Old Timers certainly showed the hosts that they knew how to enjoy themselves. Although the baseball was the focus of the trip and of course, the team wanted to win, it was just as important to everyone to have a good time, visit a different country, and make new friends. In this respect, the Old Timers trip to Italy 2008 was a wonderful success.

During the trip, Old Timer Ian Cairns took some wonderful photographs and they can be seen at the following links:

There are some extra photographs available at the Viterbo baseball club web site:

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Today’s game was cancelled due to inclement weather so rather than sit down and relax I thought I would carry on doing something to do with baseball. So I will give you a resume of the games we have played as well as dates I would like you all to make a note off, and remind those who owe money for goods supplied, as well as any subs outstanding and payment for games played I would appreciate payment as I am trying to balance the books up to date.

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We were at Bracknell on this date and I was unable to give you any information on hits etc as Brian took the score sheet. We had a total of 16 hits Pete Barratt had 1 (2b) 4(1b), John Turpin 1(1b), Justin 2(2b), Paul 1(2b) 2(1b), George 2(1b) and Rob 3(1B). Pitcher was Paul. There were 20 SB’s 25 RBI’s.

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We travelled today to Tonbridge for our final friendly game with them. Nine players and they did very well. Our pitcher today was John Dodd while George went to 1^st base. We had a total of 18 hits. Justin had a HOME RUN 3(1b), Billy had 1(2b) 2(1b), John D 1(1b), Rob 1(1b), Michael Foley 2(1b), Steve Chandler 3(1b) and George 4(1b).Double plays Justin to Rob, Peter Barratt to Rob.12 RBI’s, 36 SB’s.

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Today we hosted the Pirates who in the couple of months have done very well in winning many games. We had 3 pitchers today George, John Dodd and Michael Harrold. They were a very tough team and we only managed 6 hits. Singles from Peter B, Mike H, 2 John T, Justin and John Dodd. 5 RBI’s,3 SB’S. Peter started as base Umpire and George then took over. Everyone did their best and tried hard but it just wasn’t our day.

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Our Memorial Tournament and we had 2 teams cancel out at last minute. So it was decided we would have a Double Header game with the remaining team. Bristol Badgers came along and we played 2 good games. Spirits were high players many and although the sun failed to materialise we enjoyed ourselves. Players and supporters arrived early and all knuckled down to preparing the diamond, putting up outfield fences, bringing out benches, and the most entertaining job of all erecting the gazebo. Even after all these years it is still fun to watch.

A big thank you to everyone who was there and did their bit including four additional members of the Crook clan of whom 2 Leigh and Lesley did the barbeque ably assisted by Hilary and Lyle, and the younger members Sam and Amy who sold raffle tickets. We sold many tickets and watched as the many raffle prizes were removed in minutes. Thank you too Brian Currier for use of your BBQ.

5 hits with John T 1(2b), Steve Simmons 1(2b), Paul, Gary and Rob had a single each. RBI’s 8 13 SB’s.

We had our minute’s silence before the next game. This is to think and remember those Old Timers no longer with us but will always be remembered and their names are on the Trophy.

The second game it was the turn of Steve Simmons to pitch and this game was also timed. 6 Hits with a double from Justin and 2(1b) and singles from Mike H, Gary and Steve S. 6 RBI’s 6 SB’s.

Result meant that overall score were 18- 9 which made the Old Timers Winners of the Memorial Tournament 2008 in their 20^th Year

Andy Marchant did a grand job as plate Umpire for both games and assisted by John Thomas and Rob Walker.

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My thanks go to you George for helping me in the reorganising of the schedule and to the team’s manager Peter Crook for putting up with my stressful moments over the last few months and there have been rather a lot.

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Now how about what is happening in the coming weeks. Well first a group of 21 of us are off to ITALY to take part in the Old Lions Annual Tournament on the weekend of the 12^th -15^th September.

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21^st September we have a game at Enfield against the Thames Valley Bisons a game that was cancelled due to rain.

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Saturday 11^th October we have our Post Season Meeting at the Congregational Church Hall Old Coulsdon Surrey. I would like to see as many of you there as possible as we have some serious matters to discuss which will affect everyone.

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Sunday 12^th October we have been invited to a end of season Friendly game at Bishopswood (Thames Valley Bisons) with BBQ starting at 12pm.

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The Old Timers Annual and Presentation Dinner this year is at the Aerodrome Hotel Purley Way Croydon and a reminder that I need monies and menu choices urgently please.

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I have received a telephone call from William Morgan who was for many years involved with Baseball in Wales informing me that British Baseball artefacts are sought for a Major Exhibition that will open at Lords Cricket Ground in 2010 before going on tour to Australia and America. If you have anything and know of anyone who has anything then please contact Beth Hise (bethhise@bigpond.net.au

Suitable material for display like bats, balls, trophies, ribbons, uniforms, score sheets, photographs etc. from any period /type of British Baseball.

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Phil Laing has also given a message to me John Reid Snr passed away this month. He played for the Beckenham Bluejays in the fifties and sixties father to John and David also players of the Jays. He was a gentle giant and someone who I knew who was a friend to me in the early days with my involvement in baseball.

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