Rebeldes crowned winners
The SW Rebeldes, based in the south west, were crowned the British Baseball Federation (BBF) national AA champions after beating Milton Keynes Bucks 9-7 in a fantastic final at Somerdale Pavilion, the home of Bristol Baseball Club.
Although the SW Rebeldes got an early 2-0 lead, the MK Bucks kept scoring runs which meant the game hung on the final innings.
Pitcher, Miguel Peralta got the three outs needed to clinch the trophy for the south west team.
The tight final was the culmination of a weekend of high quality baseball spread over two days and four games.
In addition to the two finalists, Bristol Baseball also welcomed Long Eaton Storm and the South Coast Pirates for the festival of baseball played in perfect weather.
The Saturday saw Rebeldes beat the South Coast Pirates 14-4 in their semi-final while MK Buccs overcame Long Eaton Storm 12-6 in the second semi-final.
In the third and fourth place play off early on Sunday, Long Eaton Storm proved too strong for the Pirates running out 15-3 winners.
It was the first time national finals had been held in the south west and Gerry Perez, President of the BBF was delighted with the way the weekend went.
“It was such a good decision to bring the 2020 finals to Bristol and the south west for the first time ever. I have to congratulate Bristol Baseball Club on the way they prepared their marvellous field and for the welcome they gave to visiting clubs and the BBF officials who were present. It was also the first time a woman official, Holly Ireland, had umpired BBF playoffs and finals. ”
Bristol Baseball Club chairman Richard Evans said the club was delighted to host the national finals.
“It was a fabulous weekend of baseball topped off by such a fantastic final. Our club members worked hard to prepare the field in the week and to make sure everything was in order on the two days,” he said.
“The BBF showed great faith in us to host such an important weekend and we are delighted to showcase what is good about baseball in the region. Our thanks also go to the clubs that travelled from across the country to take part and it was great to see players and fans coming together for the good of the game.”
Next weekend, Bristol Baseball Club will host the BBF A playoffs and finals. It will welcome Taunton Muskets, Kent Buccaneers, Brighton Jets and Essex Archers to Somerdale Pavilion for the two days. The first game starts at 11.30am and the second at 3.00pm on both days.