An initiative to get more women and girls playing baseball has been declared a huge success with more than 150 people turning up for an open day in Exeter.
Exeter Spitfires said they were thrilled with the response to the event, with more than 50 women and girls trying the sport for the first time.
The Women’s Day was held at King George V Playing Fields, where the club train during the summer, with sponsorship from This Girl Can, Exeter City Women and Exeter City Council.
A fun day full of activities encouraged female players to give the game a go, with games, instruction and practice.
Matthew Cousins, of Exeter Spitfires, said he was delighted with the response: “It was absolutely fantastic, we had 150 people come along, of which at least 50 it was their first experience of baseball and we have had 10 people sign up to come and join us at training.
“The exhibition match was tied at 23 all - and it was a genuinely exciting drawn game! - and everyone who came along was so impressed with the field we have, so thank you.”
Exeter Spitfires were formed in 2000 but initially struggled due to a lack of teams in the region. In 2012 they reformed and now play in the Westcountry Baseball League against teams from Plymouth, Truro, Newton Abbott, Wellington, and Yeovil. The club has around 40 members.
The Club receives some of its funding from ticket sales from the Exeter Community Lottery.
A new baseball pitch is currently being built on land at Bromham’s Farm Fields next to the Exeter Canal.
The team welcome players of all ability and experience both male and female and can provide all required equipment alongside qualified coaching.
If you would like to find out more please contact them via their website or attend any of their training sessions. Find out more: exeterspitfires.wixsite.com/home
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