There’s just one week to go before the British baseball season begins.\u00c2\u00a0 We will be publishing a guide to the 2009 season next Saturday, but before then teams will be going through their final preparations for the year ahead.<\/p>\n
For twelve teams, that means playing their final games in the Herts Spring League 2009.\u00c2\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Herts haven’t had a great time results-wise in their own tournament.\u00c2\u00a0 Their three teams have combined for a 2-4 record so far, with Herts 1 losing all three of their games to this point.\u00c2\u00a0 In contrast, Alconbury Braves are 3-0.\u00c2\u00a0 They have averaged nine runs per game over this period and will be hoping to make it a perfect 4-0 HSL record as they head into their debut season in the Midlands league.<\/p>\n
As with MLB Spring Training, results in the HSL really don’t matter.\u00c2\u00a0 Losses can be shrugged off easily so long as the players feel they have benefited from the playing time.\u00c2\u00a0 However, a few wins will certainly boost the confidence and the games tomorrow give the twelve teams a chance to end their spring on a positive note.<\/p>\n
The games will take place at two locations: Grovehill Ballpark in Hemel Hempstead and Ham Field in Richmond.<\/p>\n
At Grovehill Ballpark, Herts 1 (0-3) take on Sidewinders (0-2) with both teams looking for their first win.\u00c2\u00a0 Alconbury Braves (3-0) face Southampton Mustangs (2-1) and Herts 3 (2-0) will play against Milton Keynes Bucks (1-2).<\/p>\n
Ham Field will host Herts 2 (0-1) versus Richmond Dragons (3-1), Kent Mariners (0-2) versus Braintree Rays (1-1) and Essex Arrows (1-2) versus the Bracknell Blazers (2-0).<\/p>\n
These games are\u00c2\u00a0a perfect opportunity to get out and see some baseball if you are near either ballpark.\u00c2\u00a0 Calling it spring training has been something of a joke considering\u00c2\u00a0spring’s reluctance to bless us with its presence this year.\u00c2\u00a0 Hopefully the weather will be better than predicted (although perhaps that’s asking too much for an Easter weekend) and the games can be played and watched under favourable conditions.<\/p>\n