2005 Review

A casual observer looking at the Pony team’s final record of 6 wins and 14 losses might think that it had been a poor season. This was definitely not the case when you consider that the team was placed in the top division and as a consequence 14 of the 20 games were played against the top two teams in the South (Bracknell & Burgess Hill).

The small squad showed immense commitment resulting in only one game having to be forfeited all season – and even this game (against Windsor) was played albeit as a friendly due to one player being about 25 years over age. We did benefit by London Mets having to forfeit a scheduled doubleheader but once again we played baseball as their three players were supplemented by coaches (and a scorer) so that we could play a 9 inning friendly.

Eight players played in 10 or more games, another three players played in 6 or 7 games and when we were struggling to get a team out there were seven other players who gave up their Saturday shopping to stop us having to forfeit.

We won one game out of eight against Bracknell but lost heavily just once. The highlight of these games was when Steven stole home from 3rd base – his tactic of walking slowly must have confused the opposition!

Similarly, we only won one of six against Burgess Hill but many of the games were close. The win was probably the game of the season as we took and lost the lead on four occasions but finally prevailed by scoring four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to win 19 - 18.

Three players (Aaron, Gordon & Matt) were selected for the Great Britain Cadet squad competing in the European Championships B Pool in Kutno, Poland and a fourth (Kieran) went with the GB Cadet Development squad to Italy.

The season ended with the three GB Cadet players representing the South against the North in the Pony All Star Game. In an exciting finale the South prevailed 12 – 10.

Nigel Sheppard - BaseballMK Pony Team Scorer.