British Baseball Reborn: 1950 - Present

[Haystacks]

The 1890 ill-fated attempt at professional baseball in Britain has long been forgotten, a Golden Age dawned in the 1930s. Professional clubs began to emerge, with large crowds attracted to games that were hosted in Rugby or Association Football grounds. In 1933, Sir John Moores, businessman and gambling industry tycoon founded the National Baseball Association to continue to fund the establishment of amateur and professional teams in England. The culmination of this Golden Age was the 1938 Amateur World Series, five games were played across the north of England to crowds thousands strong, the British amateurs beat the US side, which had two future Major League ball players in it’s ranks, Mike ‘Lefty’ Schemer and Mizell ‘ Whitey’ Platt, 4-1.

The interruption of the Second World War put an abrupt halt to the growth of Baseball in Britain and the sport went into decline, but what if it didn’t… What if baseball had more firmly planted itself in the conscious of British people as to survive the wartime lull, perhaps it was taken up with greater enthusiasm in schools, then during the war factory leagues were set up for the workers, maybe as the war comes to a close and the risk of German bombing no longer exists, Major League teams play games exhibition games in Britain for American troops stationed there and to grow the game… As Europe rebuilds, Baseball in Britain is reborn.



The John Moores Cup, awarded to the winners of the 1938 Amateur World Series.

[Haystacks]

The New National League



As Britain rebuilds following the Second World War, businessman and gambling tycoon John Moores is keen to rebuild baseball in Britain. In 1946 he forms the first post-war professional club Liverpool Giants, begins work on the first dedicated baseball ground since Francis Ley built one for his Derby team in 1890 and soon starts arranging exhibition games across the country.

From here the momentum continues to grow, a group of large professional clubs continue to tour the country, playing exhibition games and short competitions, whilst local amateur leagues begin to form in major urban areas.

In the summer of 1949 John Moores announces to the world the formation of the National Baseball League, Britain’s first professional league since 1890. 8 teams are confirmed, split into a northern and southern league. A 110 game schedule is agreed upon, opening day will be in late April, teams will play 9 games against each of the 4 teams in the other regional league and the remainder of their games will be against the 3 teams in their own league. An All-Star game is planned for mid July, regular season play should be wrapped up by late August, the two league winners will then play in the 7 game British Championship Series.

An open call for try-outs across the country is made. The 8 teams agreed to ensure a level and fair playing field and prevent any hoarding of talent an inaugural player draft will be held in January 1950. The teams will release their contracted players into this draft pool, plus any other amateur player may register themselves for the draft by attending an open try-out.

The teams…

National League North





Leeds White Sox
Founded: 1946
Ground: Golbeck Baseball Ground, capacity 8,500
Originally formed by a group of railway workers the team was known as Leeds Locos, however investment and sponsorship from the owners of the Chicago White Sox as seen the club adopt the same nickname on the announcement of the professional league.



Liverpool Giants
Founded 1946
Ground: Sefton Baseball Park, capacity 12,000
Formed by John Moores, considered the modern father of baseball in Britain, although a lover of the game, without a doubt, he is also clearly motivated by the potential in baseball for his gambling empire.



Manchester Elephants
Founded: 1947
Ground: Belle Vue Stadium, capacity 24,000
Formed by owners of Belle Vue Zoo and amusement part, play their home games in the multi-purpose Belle Vue stadium that also hosts Speedway and dog racing. The club is named after Maharajah, an Asian elephant bought from a circus by Belle Vue Zoo in 1872, famous for refusing to board the train to Manchester, so the elephant and its trainer had to make the 220-mile journey on foot.



Sheffield Steelmen
Founded 1948
Ground: Recreation Ground, capacity 20,000
Named after Sheffield’s famous steel industry, like many of the northern industrial towns of England, during the summer whilst no Association Football is played, Baseball spread like a fever through the working classes that found the summer game to cricket to be too plodding and slow for their tastes.

National League South





Birmingham Athletic
Founded: 1946
Ground: Athletics Field, capacity 23,000
The team had it’s roots in Worsley Athletic, a prominent pre-war amateur club. In our own timeline, Worsley Athletic became the first English team to play in Europe after the war.



Bristol Pirates
Founded 1948
Ground: Bristol Baseball Ground, capacity 12,000
Named for Bristol's links to the sea, one of the busiest port cities outside of London.



London Monarchs
Founded 1946
Ground, Geroge VI Stadium, capacity 32,000
London Monarchs received considerable contributions from Major League baseball to build at the time the largest purpose built baseball ground in the country, George VI Stadium, they were desperate to ensure the team of the capital had a stadium worthy of the capital.



Nottingham Sheriffs
Founded 1948
Ground: Trent Baseball Ground, capacity 7,000
Named after the Sheriff of Nottingham from the tales of Robin Hood, although nothing like an Old West sheriff, the team ownership has chosen a wild west aesthetic for both badge and uniform, apparently as homage to baseball’s American roots.

Notes: I am not a stadium builder, I have subbed in Silvam14 and Adion's historic 3D ballparks for my needs. I have chosen early era parks with expansive outfields which will affect the leagues batting. Thematically I see the reason for this as most teams have yet to build any stands in the outfield, there is just a fence where their property ends... In the case of Manchester Elephants I have subbed in an early Polo Grounds. Belle Vue stadium also being a race track for motobikes and dogracing.

[Haystacks]

After intensive talks with clubs that had just missed out on participating in the league a second league was announced, the National Progress League. Teams in this league would act as feeders to those in the National League, a competitive environment to develop prospects and keep the reserves in shape, inspired by the growing farm system in the United States. However this farm system would also be farming interest! Some of these clubs were specifically chosen as places with high attendance to ball games which may sustain a fully professional team in the National League. In some instances agreements were already in place, the Thompson family that own the Blackpool Pleasure Beach amusement park, funded and constructed a ballpark to host the Manchester affiliated team on agreement that the seaside tourist destination get a professional team within 4 years, that the Thompson's will of course own. This is dependant on attendances in Blackpool meeting expectation, which the Thompson's are confident will be no problem as in the summer months when the season is played Blackpool attracts millions of holidaymakers.



North League

Birkenhead Steamers
Blackpool Excursions
Grimsby Fishermen
Huddersfield Terriers

South League

Brentford Red Sox
Leicester Foxes
Plymouth Pilgrims
Wolverhampton Wolves

[Haystacks]

New Baseball League Drafts Players

Tuesday, January 3, 1950.

Liverpool; owners, managers and coaches opened a week of meetings at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool with a player draft. Unfamiliar to sports fanatics in England, the draft is an element of American sports said to ensure equality and fairness.

The order of picks was drawn randomly to begin the draft and the order would proceed in a serpentine format.

The Birmingham club had the first pick, opting to take George Jones, 23 years old, a pitcher, formerly of their own club during it’s touring days. Jones is highly rated in baseball circles, expected to be a leading star in the newly formed National League.

Second pick, Leeds White Sox took Bart Vickers. The 22-year-old Scots pitcher was unknown to the clubs of England until the open try-outs last year.

The third overall pick was Sheffield’s to make. Mark Evans, another pitcher, was their choice. The 27-year-old from Brighton had been attracting many courters from the professional ranks whilst playing in London’s amateur circuit.

Pick 4 Liverpool Giants drafted Edward Johnson, formerly of their own club system, Nottingham picked up James Bayman, formerly of the amateur Lancashire League. The 6th, 7th and 8th picks fell to the London, Bristol and Manchester clubs respectively.

It wasn’t until the 10th overall pick by Bristol that a ball player other than a pitcher was taken, that was Derby Fisher, a 26 year-old shortstop, often praised as the greatest defensive baseball player England has produced.

The draft finally concluded late in the evening, after over 400 players were picked, representatives of all clubs were said to have seemed satisfied with proceedings



From the archives of the Manchester Guardian.

[jasg224]

Love to see more international representation on the forums! Following along!

[Haystacks]

Opening Day - 1950

Finally, after months of preparation, after years of dedication, all those that had come together to play, coach, organise and promote Baseball across Britain were to see the culmination of their efforts in the first Opening Day for the National Baseball League.

National League North

Leeds White Sox opened the scoring in the league and for the game in the top of the first, after a double from 3B Wylie, second baseman Frank Macintyre hit a single to get Wylie home for the run. But that would be all Leeds could muster; it was the Liverpool pitcher Edward Johnson that this game would be about following his shaky start. Johnson threw all 9 innings for 131 pitches, giving up 5 hits, only the solitary run, allowing only 2 walks and getting 6 Ks. But that wasn’t all, Johnson recorded 4 at bats, earning 2 hits and 2 RBIs, he was rightly and unquestionably named Player of the Game.

Player of the Game: Edward Johnson (LDS)
Attendance: 3610

It was the 3rd inning before the deadlock was broken in Sheffield by 17-year-old John King from Jamaica. The right fielder hit a run scoring triple with 2-outs, for Manchester, a young man that will surely have a long and bright baseball career ahead of him. But just like in Liverpool, this game was going to be all about the home side’s pitcher. Sheffield’s Mark Evans only gave up 3 hits, 1 ER to Manchester (the other run coming from a fielder’s choice in the 6th), and 2 walks, whilst chalking up 7Ks in 7 innings. With the game tied, 2-2, in the bottom of the 7th, Evans came to bat with the bases loaded… Evans hit a run-scoring single to give the Steelmen a 3-2 lead.

Player of the Game: Mark Evans (SHF)
Attendance: 3920

National League South

A good firm grip of hitting assured Bristol their first victory, notching up 10 singles and 1 double, catcher George McNicholas earned 1 RBI whilst 2 other runs were brought in through 2 separate sacrifice bunts from pitcher Zachary Sharp. Birmingham’s lead off man Chris Allen gave the home crowd something to cheer about with 2 home runs over the 12ft left field wall 357ft from home plate, although he inspired the home support, he could not inspire his teammates as Bristol saw out a 3-2 victory.

Player of the Game: Chris Allen (BIR)
Attendance: 3642

Nottingham’s Irish 3B, Colm Gibson wrote his name in the history books with the league’s first home run, a 2 run HR, top of the 4th, a lightening line drive to clear the 11ft left field wall, over 430ft from home plate. The Sheriff’s thought they had secured the win scoring a further 2 runs at the top of the 9th, but another home run was to come that had an even greater impact on the game. Having clawed back 3 runs so far in the bottom of the 9th, London’s right-fielder Joseph Pallett came to bat with a runner on. Nottingham pitcher Bayman was on borrowed time, everything he could throw was being hit, Pallett hit a ball high and far over the left-field wall with what seemed like minimal effort. London Monarch’s had won their first game, with a scramble at the home plate to congratulate their hero Pallett, and a scramble from fans to get to the street and find the ball!

Player of the Game: Joseph Pallett (LON)
Attendance: 5580

[Haystacks]

Hit Streak Ends

May 19, 1950.

Manchester; yesterday Manchester Elephants' Jake Aiken's hit streak finally ended at 20 games. It hasn't been the form of the Elephants that has got the baseball fans of Manchester talking, their team has struggled to get started winning only 7 of their first 20 games. It is the bat of 3B Aiken's that has been bringing in the crowds, Aiken's has started life in the professional league like no other, batting .410, getting a hit in every single one of his team's first 20 games, including 4 HRs. During the first game of yesterday's double header against Nottingham Sheriffs at Belle Vue Stadium, Aitken hit 2 doubles in his team's 8-9 victory and looked as though his fine hitting would never end. Unfortunately for the Manchester team it ended that very afternoon, his bat silenced by Nottingham's Simon Johnson, as the Elephants slumped to a 10-4 loss.

From the archives of the Manchester Guardian.

[Haystacks]

From the Baseball Review archives

The Baseball Review

Thursday, June 1st, 1950
Standings
National League North
................................................W. L. PCT GB L10
Leeds White Sox....................17 16 .515 - 5-5
Liverpool Giants.....................16 17 .485 1 4-6
Sheffield Steelmen.................15 18 .455 2 3-7
Manchester Elephants...........14 19 .424 3 6-4

National League South
...............................................W. L. PCT GB L10
London Monarchs..................21 11 .656 - 6-4
Nottingham Sheriffs...............19 14 .576 2 1/2 5-5
Bristol Pirates........................16 17 .485 5 1/2 6-4
Birmingham Athletics.............14 20 .412 8 6-4

Batsman of the Month
NLN: Sean Grant, Leeds, AVG .409, 1HR, 20 RBIs, 14R
NLS: Gael Keith, London, AVG .346, 6HR, 22 RBIs, 20R

Pitcher of the Month
NLN: Robert Jackson, Leeds, 4-2, 4.22 ERA, 49 innings, 18Ks
NLS: George Jones, Birmingham, 3-3, 2.32 ERA, 54.1 innings, 31Ks

[Haystacks]

National League's First Trade
June 5th, 1950

Concerns about a lack of hitting to support their star-man Aiken, Manchester Elephants initiate the first trade in the history of the new National League.

The Elephants and the Sheffield Steelmen agreed to a deal that saw 24-year old RHP Alexander Shaw and £250 (more that twice the average wage for an English worker in 1950) in cash heading to Sheffield in exchange for 30-year old 2B Phil Cooper.

In 10 starts, Shaw had posted 1 win while suffering 8 losses. He had pitched 69 innings, allowed 89 hits, struck out 37 and has a 6.26 ERA.

At the time of the trade Cooper is batting .361 with 6 home runs, 22 RBIs and 20 runs scored.

Within a few hours of the first announcement the Elephants completed the acquisition of 25-year old minor league RHP Joshua Evans from the Nottingham Sheriffs in exchange for 25-year old 1B Theo Walker. The deal served to provide the Manchester club with some pitching depth.

At the time of the trade Walker had featured little with 25 ABs. had hit at a .360 pace and produced 4 RBIs, 2 home runs and scored 6 runs.

Evans' had posted a 3.55 ERA in 5 starts for Leicester Foxes in the Progress League.

[Haystacks]

First 3 Home Run Game

Friday, June 9th 1950

Manchester Elephants collapsed in spectacular fashion, whilst Liverpool's Jack Kennedy hit the league's first 3 home runs in a single game.

Manchester took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 2nd, scoring with a double from catcher Iestyn Baker and an E1, a sloppy pick off attempt allowing Loran Mitchell (RF) to score.

Jack Kennedy, who would be the story of the day, got the scoring started with a solo home run, 379ft to left field, to pull a run back for the Giants.
Right fielder Peter Brennan hit an RBI single to tie the game in the top of the 7th.

The Elephants hit back in the bottom of the 7th, a fielders choice groundball from a Aitken groundball saw one run score, Baker contributed again with an RBI double.

Kennedy struck back for Liverpool with a 1 out, 2-run home run to left field and Liverpool once again are back level with Manchester.

Kennedy then finishes up the scoring with a 1 out, 3-run home run, again to left field, to give the Giants a 5 run lead in the top of the 10th.

Player of the Game: Jack Kennedy
Belle Vue Stadium
Attendance: 2659
Special notes: Jack Kennedy sets the NLN regular season extra-inning game record for home runs with 3.

[SalisburyTheWaterFox]

This is good! Nice!

[Haystacks]

From the Baseball Review archives

[Haystacks]

Saturday, July 1st, 1950

James Bayman throws the first no hitter in National League history in front of 2735 fans at the George VI Stadium.




Newspaper cutting, courtesy of the Bayman family.

[Haystacks]

Baseball Review

ALL STARS

16th July, 1950
It is not an easy task to pick the best players for the inaugural baseball All-Star Game. It is not possible to please everybody. Whether we agree or not, they have been chosen... and here they are. The rosters for this year's National Baseball League All-Star Game have been announced.

For the National League North, the roster includes:

SP Joshua Evans (MAN) - 3-2, 2.63 ERA, 61.2 IP, 1.35 WHIP, 3.5 K/9, 1.3 WAR
SP Mark Evans (SHF) - 9-6, 3.79 ERA, 135.1 IP, 1.45 WHIP, 3.5 K/9, 2.6 WAR
SP Brian Haynes (LIV) - 6-5, 3.21 ERA, 98.0 IP, 1.47 WHIP, 3.3 K/9, 1.7 WAR
SP Edward Johnson (LIV) - 9-7, 4.06 ERA, 155.1 IP, 1.42 WHIP, 3.8 K/9, 2.9 WAR
SP Nicolas Legg (MAN)* - 8-5, 2.88 ERA, 137.2 IP, 1.38 WHIP, 3.7 K/9, 2.9 WAR
SP Richard Miller (MAN) - 6-7, 3.58 ERA, 125.2 IP, 1.39 WHIP, 3.9 K/9, 2.3 WAR
SP Bart Vickers (LDS) - 9-7, 3.18 ERA, 144.1 IP, 1.25 WHIP, 3.4 K/9, 3.9 WAR (Injured)
RP Joseph Bradbury (MAN) - 1-2, 2.23 ERA, 44.1 IP, 1.44 WHIP, 3.9 K/9, 0.7 WAR
CL William Craig (SHF)* - 4-2, 7 SV, 3.27 ERA, 41.1 IP, 1.43 WHIP, 4.6 K/9, 0.7 WAR
CL Gavin D'Arcy (LIV) - 0-3, 4 SV, 2.13 ERA, 38.0 IP, 1.55 WHIP, 4.3 K/9, 1.2 WAR
C Joey Casey (MAN) - .265/.328/.353, 215 AB, 4 HR, 85 wRC+, 0.7 WAR
C Tyler Crookes (SHF)* - .297/.388/.589, 175 AB, 12 HR, 163 wRC+, 1.6 WAR
C Patrick Dowell (LIV) - .266/.310/.384, 229 AB, 3 HR, 3 SB, 81 wRC+, 0.8 WAR
1B Jack Sneddon (LDS)* - .336/.427/.471, 140 AB, 3 HR, 150 wRC+, 0.8 WAR
2B Colm Budden (LDS) - .429/.477/.561, 98 AB, 2 HR, 190 wRC+, 1.4 WAR
2B Phil Cooper (MAN)* - .317/.395/.524, 252 AB, 12 HR, 150 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
2B Finlay Duncan (LIV) - .268/.400/.421, 254 AB, 5 HR, 129 wRC+, 1.5 WAR
2B Sean Grant (LDS) - .325/.408/.438, 249 AB, 3 HR, 135 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
2B Frank Macintyre (LDS) - .330/.402/.509, 112 AB, 2 HR, 149 wRC+, 1.2 WAR
3B Jake Aitken (MAN)* - .314/.358/.462, 290 AB, 8 HR, 5 SB, 122 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
3B Jack Kennedy (LIV) - .236/.436/.459, 229 AB, 15 HR, 152 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
3B Liam Miller (SHF) - .314/.382/.447, 255 AB, 5 HR, 1 SB, 123 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
3B Declan Wylie (LDS) - .291/.389/.457, 265 AB, 9 HR, 1 SB, 131 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
SS Dean Ainley (SHF) - .320/.357/.518, 197 AB, 8 HR, 135 wRC+, 1.6 WAR
SS Bert Wood (LIV)* - .241/.313/.336, 232 AB, 3 HR, 2 SB, 68 wRC+, 0.7 WAR
LF Jacob West (SHF)* - .248/.335/.423, 222 AB, 2 HR, 4 SB, 103 wRC+, 0.9 WAR
CF Douglas Porter (MAN) - .270/.321/.426, 244 AB, 5 HR, 3 SB, 99 wRC+, 1.4 WAR
CF James Walker (LIV) - .278/.343/.427, 227 AB, 4 HR, 5 SB, 107 wRC+, 1.3 WAR
RF Tyler Hardy (LDS)* - .259/.349/.411, 263 AB, 7 HR, 1 SB, 106 wRC+, 1.4 WAR
RF Frazer Linford (LIV)* - .277/.371/.502, 213 AB, 10 HR, 134 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
RF Loran Mitchell (MAN) - .271/.339/.523, 107 AB, 3 HR, 2 SB, 129 wRC+, 0.6 WAR
.

For the National League South these players have been selected:

SP James Bayman (NOT)* - 10-5, 2.97 ERA, 151.2 IP, 1.23 WHIP, 4.6 K/9, 4.2 WAR
SP Charles Christy (LON) - 12-2, 3.45 ERA, 109.2 IP, 1.37 WHIP, 3.4 K/9, 0.6 WAR
SP George Jones (BIR) - 6-11, 3.68 ERA, 141.2 IP, 1.60 WHIP, 4.4 K/9, 4.1 WAR
SP Graham Laing (BRI) - 7-6, 3.50 ERA, 113.0 IP, 1.31 WHIP, 4.4 K/9, 2.0 WAR
SP Zachary Sharp (BRI) - 10-7, 3.62 ERA, 144.0 IP, 1.45 WHIP, 4.2 K/9, 2.0 WAR
SP Alexander Williams (NOT) - 7-6, 3.53 ERA, 117.1 IP, 1.29 WHIP, 3.3 K/9, 1.3 WAR
RP Bryan Drewe (NOT) - 6-4, 9 SV, 2.30 ERA, 43.0 IP, 1.49 WHIP, 3.6 K/9, 0.6 WAR
RP Ryan Hunter (LON) - 4-2, 3.38 ERA, 45.1 IP, 1.46 WHIP, 2.8 K/9, 0.3 WAR
CL Jack Ferguson (BIR)* - 5-3, 8 SV, 2.25 ERA, 36.0 IP, 1.28 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 1.5 WAR
C Benjamin Gill (LON)* - .292/.326/.461, 178 AB, 7 HR, 109 wRC+, 1.0 WAR
C Richard Jones (BIR) - .272/.352/.396, 202 AB, 6 HR, 101 wRC+, 1.1 WAR
C George McNicholas (BRI) - .267/.361/.369, 206 AB, 4 HR, 102 wRC+, 1.1 WAR
1B Chris Allen (BIR)* - .335/.415/.541, 257 AB, 10 HR, 8 SB, 162 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
1B Gael Keith (LON)* - .313/.407/.608, 227 AB, 16 HR, 167 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
1B Ronald Wraight (BRI) - .282/.417/.464, 252 AB, 11 HR, 6 SB, 141 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
2B Jack Cove (LON)* - .333/.425/.471, 261 AB, 4 HR, 149 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
3B Jude Carroll (LON) - .263/.386/.393, 247 AB, 7 HR, 118 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
3B Colm Gibson (NOT) - .325/.414/.491, 228 AB, 7 HR, 145 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
3B Dylan Moore (NOT) - .271/.343/.415, 258 AB, 6 HR, 2 SB, 105 wRC+, 1.2 WAR
3B Ciaran Pemberton (LON)* - .318/.394/.641, 192 AB, 19 HR, 173 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
SS Derby Fisher (BRI)* - .303/.355/.458, 271 AB, 8 HR, 1 SB, 115 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
SS Iarla O'Brien (LON) - .312/.362/.441, 256 AB, 4 HR, 111 wRC+, 1.1 WAR
LF Oscar Cookson (LON) - .310/.407/.571, 245 AB, 10 HR, 3 SB, 165 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
LF Shaun Doherty (BRI) - .271/.357/.491, 269 AB, 10 HR, 11 SB, 126 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
LF James Mann (NOT) - .278/.349/.429, 212 AB, 6 HR, 2 SB, 107 wRC+, 1.1 WAR
CF Deasún Malton (NOT) - .261/.350/.464, 222 AB, 8 HR, 118 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
CF Robert Mullen (BIR) - .235/.304/.412, 272 AB, 7 HR, 2 SB, 86 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
CF Callum Shuttleworth (BRI)* - .280/.362/.458, 225 AB, 5 HR, 120 wRC+, 2.2 WAR (Injured)
RF Ethan Bretherton (BRI)* - .320/.440/.476, 231 AB, 6 HR, 1 SB, 152 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
RF Billy Capell (NOT) - .237/.338/.385, 278 AB, 11 HR, 28 SB, 90 wRC+, 0.7 WAR
RF Matthew Paterson (BIR) - .280/.344/.421, 271 AB, 7 HR, 107 wRC+, 0.4 WAR

From the archive of Baseball Review

[Haystacks]

ALL STAR GAME

July 18th, 1950

Last night, the largest crowd of baseball fanatics ever gathered in Britain filled the 32,000 seats of the George VI Stadium to witness the National League’s first All Star Game, North versus South.

The first hit of the game came for the North All-Stars, Leeds' right-fielder Tyler Hardy got a one-out single, Manchester's 2B Phil Cooper then drew a walk, it was then to the catcher, Tyler Crookes to open the scoring, with a single to right field, this was enough to bring Cooper home for the first run of the game. A 5-4-3 double play off a ground ball from Jack Sneddon (Leeds, LF) ended the momentum abruptly for the northern players.

After a shut down second inning for both teams, back to back solo home runs from the Monarchs' Oscar Cookson (LF) and Athletics' Robert Mullen (PH) gave the South All-Stars the lead.

Top of the 4th, catcher Benjamin Gill (LON) draws a walk from pitcher Joshua Evans (MAN), Derby Fisher (BRI) the South’s SS hit a single, to bring Cookson up to bat. Cookson added to the scoring with a deep drive to centre, earning himself a double and an RBI. Another knock came from Ronald Wraight (BRI), pinch hitting for the South’s pitcher with runners on 2nd and 3rd, this brought Fisher home to score. A ground out to second for Doherty (LF, BRI) and a pop up by Bretherton (RF, BRI) ended the scoring in the top of the second.

Jack Cove (2B, LON) grounded into a double play, but with men on 3rd and 1st, he did do enough to bring Pemberton (3B, LON) home to make it 5-1 for the South All Stars in the top of the 5th.

The South’s George Jones (BIR) pitched his way out of a 1-out, bases loaded situation in the bottom of the 5th. Jack Kennedy (LIV) in as a pinch hitter for the North, finally got a run back for his side with a solo home run, a 455ft flyball to right-field. An error from Fisher allowed another run for the North in the 7th.

If it looked like the momentum might be shifting, it was just an illusion. In the top of the 8th LHP Mark Evans (SHF) could not find the strike zone, he allowed walks to the South’s Jude Carroll (3B, LON) and Richard Jones (C, BIR), before Billy Capell (RF, NOT) hit a 3-run home run, 355ft to clear the left field wall.

Douglas Porter (MAN, CF) came to the plate with two on in the bottom of the 8th to hit a bases clearing triple and pull two runs back for the North, James Walker (LF, LIV) took advantage of sloppy fielding from the South’s centre field, making his way to second and Porter came in to score. The score now 8-6, with 1-out it looked like this time the momentum had shifted and a comeback may be on the cards! The North’s Colm Budden (1B, LDS) and Frank Macintyre (2B, LDS) both groundout to end the 8th.

Sheffield’s Mark Evans played his part, he shut down the South All-Stars in the top of the 9th with 0 hits and 1BB, the dream of a comeback was still alive for the Northern players and fans.

Bottom of the 9th starts terrible for the South, an E8 turns a single for Joe Casey (C, MAN) into a double. Sean Grant (2B, LDS) comes in to pinch hit but flies out to centre. A single from Liam Miller (3B, SHF), Casey moves to third. 1 out, runners on the corners, a two run deficit, and Sheffield relief pitcher William Craig comes up the plate. He is sat down swinging on a curveball from LHP, Ryan Hunter (LON). Liverpool catcher Patrick Dowell steps into the batters box, the tension in the stadium you could cut with a knife, 32,000 fans, almost silent. The crack of bat striking ball breaks the silence like lightening. A line drive… straight into the glove of Nottingham’s Dylan Moore, on second base. The crowd erupts, the South All-Stars have won the ballgame!

Player of the Game: B Capell (NOT), 1AB – 3 run home-run.
George VI Stadium
Attendance: 32,000

[Haystacks]

From the archives of The Baseball Review

[Haystacks]

SHERIFFS HOLD FAST TO WIN NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH

Bristol; with the National League North secured by the Sheffield Steelmen with 3 games to go, it would take tonight's tie-breaker in Bristol to decide the southern league.
The Sheriffs and Pirates withstood Mother Nature's best shot to spoil the game in the 3rd inning and still managed to complete their ballgame with flair.

Sheriffs centre fielder Bram van Noort put his stamp on his team's 9-8 win over the Pirates, van Noort went 2 for 4 with a home run and a walk, while scoring 3 runs for Nottingham in the contest. The victory crowing the Sheriffs champions of the South League with a record of 62-49.

Samuel Taylor was 1 for 4 with a home run, while scoring 2 runs and driving in 4 for Nottingham. The 27-year old shortstop had a key at-bat in the top of the sixth. With one out and the bases loaded, he broke a 6-6 tie with a run-scoring sacrifice fly off Aidan Sharp. It was his 48th RBI of the season.

Bristol put up a spirited fight, right-fielder Elliot Fraser with a triple managed to score to runs and bring the Pirates within 70 feet of tying the game, but a cool display by Nottingham's Jack Werner on the mound saw the Sheriffs to victory and earned him a save.

The Sheriffs will face the Sheffield Steelmen in the first British Baseball Championship Series.

Player of the Game: B. van Noort
Ballpark: Bristol Baseball Ground
Attendance: 4471
Special notes: Rain delay of 56 minutes in the 3rd inning.

[Haystacks]

[Haystacks]

Nottingham Sheriffs Lift Championship Trophy

Tuesday, September 12th, 1950

Baseball fanatics across Britain could not have dreamed of a more exciting inaugural championship series.

Game 1 was a tight affair, a dual between the two pitching aces, Evans of Sheffield and Bayman of Nottingham. The Steelmen showed real grit to see out the win and defend the Sheriffs' spirited comeback attempt.

Sheffield Steelmen defeat Nottingham Sheriffs, 4 to 3.

Sheffield Steelmen

BATTING
Doubles: J. West (1, 6th Inning off J. Bayman, 0 on, 1 out)
Total Bases: J. West 2 , L. Miller 2 , D. Ainley , T. Crookes 2 , D. Mitchell
2-out RBI: T. Crookes
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: , D. Mitchell 2 , S. Bartlett
GIDP: C. Thompson
Sac Fly: C. Harrington
Team LOB: 5

FIELDING
Errors: D. Ainley , S. Bartlett 2

PITCHING
M. Evans W (1-0) 7 IP, 6H, 2R, 1ER, 3BB, 2K, 117PI, 1.29 ERA
W. Craig SV (1) 2 IP, 1H, 1R, 0ER, 1BB, 3K, 31PI, 0 ERA

Nottingham Sheriffs

BATTING
Doubles: C. Gibson (1, 1st Inning off M. Evans, 1 on, 2 outs)
Total Bases: B. Capell , C. Eales , C. Gibson 2 , D. Leeming 2 , B. van Noort , J. Bayman
2-out RBI: C. Gibson
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: B. Capell , C. Gibson , A. Wolstencroft 2
Sac Bunt: C. Eales , K. Hamilton
Sac Fly: A. Welsh
Team LOB: 9

BASERUNNING
CS: B. Capell 2 (2)

FIELDING
Errors: S. Taylor
Double Plays: 1 (Taylor-Hamilton-Eales)
OF assists: 1 (Wolstencroft(Ainley at home))

PITCHING
J. Bayman L (0-1) 9IP, 7H, 4R, 3ER, 3BB, 5K, 131PI, 3.00 ERA

Player of the Game: Mark Evans, P, SHF

Game 2 Another tight game, the Sheriffs tied the game up in the bottom of the 9th. In the top of the 10th E. Holdsworth came in to pinch hit, 0 on base, 2 outs, Holdsworth hit a solo home run to give the Steelmen the lead back, and they were able to hold on to win game 2.

Sheffield Steelmen defeat Nottingham Sheriffs, 5 to 4.

Sheffield Steelmen

BATTING
Doubles: S. Bartlett (1, 5th Inning off C. Jones, 0 on, 0 outs) , J. West (2, 9th Inning off J. Werner, 0 on, 1 out)
Triples: D. Mitchell (1, 8th Inning off C. Jones, 1 on, 0 outs)
Home Runs: E. Holdsworth (1, 10th Inning off B. Drewe, 0 on, 2 outs)
Total Bases: J. West 2 , R. Green 2 , L. Miller , D. Ainley , D. Mitchell 3 , C. Harrington 2 , S. Bartlett 2 , E. Holdsworth 4
2-out RBI: L. Miller , C. Harrington , E. Holdsworth
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: R. Green , D. Mitchell , C. Harrington , S. Bartlett
GIDP: E. Holdsworth
Sac Bunt: O. George
Team LOB: 9

BASERUNNING
CS: C. Thompson (1)

PITCHING

O. George 8IP, 7H, 3R, 3ER, 4BB, 3K, 1HR, 112PI, 3.38 ERA
W. Craig W (1-0) Blow Save (1) 2IP, 2H 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 0K, 24PI, 2.25ERA

Nottingham Sheriffs

BATTING
Doubles: B. Capell (1, 9th Inning off W. Craig, 0 on, 1 out)
Home Runs: C. Gibson (1, 3rd Inning off O. George, 0 on, 0 outs)
Total Bases: B. Capell 2 , S. Taylor , C. Gibson 6 , C. Eales , A. Wolstencroft , D. Leeming , K. Hamilton
2-out RBI: C. Gibson , C. Eales , K. Hamilton
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: C. Eales , B. van Noort 3
Sac Bunt: D. Leeming
Team LOB: 9

FIELDING
Errors: B. Capell
Double Plays: 1 (Jones-Taylor-Eales)

PITCHING
C. Jones 8.1IP, 6H, 3R, 2ER, 6BB, 3K, 128PI, 2.16 ERA
J. Warner 0.2IP, 3H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 1K, 21PI, 13.50 ERA
B. Drewe L (0-1) 1IP, 1H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 0K, 1HR, 12PI, 9.00 ERA

Player of the Game: Oscar George, P, SHF

Game 3: The series now went to Sheffield, where player and fan walked with a confident spring in their step. The Steelmen bat around the entire order in the bottom of the first, lead-off man Jacob West stepped up again for his second AB with 2 outs and the bases loaded. The left fielder hit a grand slam, the 7,000 strong crowd erupted into pandemonium, a spirited effort from the Sheriffs would do nothing to calm the crowd as the Steelmen went 3-0 in the series.

Sheffield Steelmen defeat Nottingham Sheriffs, 9 to 6.

Nottingham Sheriffs

BATTING
Triples: B. Capell (1, 5th Inning off W. Nicholls, 0 on, 0 outs)
Total Bases: B. Capell 3 , C. Eales 3 , S. Taylor 2 , C. Gibson 2 , A. Wolstencroft 2 , D. Leeming , B. van Noort
2-out RBI: C. Eales , C. Gibson
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: C. Eales , D. Leeming , B. van Noort , S. Johnson
GIDP: B. van Noort
Sac Bunt: S. Johnson
Sac Fly: A. Wolstencroft , D. Leeming
Hit by Pitch: T. Walker
Team LOB: 11

BASERUNNING
CS: B. Capell (3)

FIELDING
Errors: S. Taylor , S. Johnson
Double Plays: 1 (Taylor-Hamilton-Eales)

PITCHING

A. Williams L (0-1) 0.2 IP, 5H, 8R, 3ER, 2BB, 0K, 1HR, 33PI, 40.50 ERA
S. Johnson 5 IP, 2H, 1R, 1ER, 2BB, 3K, 82 PI, 1.69 ERA
B. Drewe 2 IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 2K, 15PI, 3.00 ERA

Sheffield Steelmen

BATTING
Doubles: J. West (3, 3rd Inning off S. Johnson, 1 on, 2 outs)
Home Runs: J. West (1, 1st Inning off A. Williams, 3 on, 2 outs)
Total Bases: J. West 7 , L. Miller , T. Crookes , C. Harrington 2
2-out RBI: , J. West 2
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: C. Thompson , L. Miller 2
GIDP: D. Ainley
Sac Bunt: W. Nicholls
Team LOB: 3

BASERUNNING
SB: J. West (1)

FIELDING
Errors: T. Crookes 2 , D. Mitchell
Double Plays: 1 (Bartlett-Ainley-Crookes)

PITCHING
W. Nicholls W (1-0) 5.1 IP, 8H, 4R, 4ER, 3BB, 0K, 118PI, 6.75 ERA
G. Bainbridge SV (1) 3.2 IP, 4H, 2R, 2ER, 1BB, 4K, 68PI, 4.91 ERA

Player of the Game: Jacob West, LF, SHF, 3AB, 2R, 3H, 5RBI, 1BB

Game 4 the Steelmen were now 1 win away from winning the first Championship Series, but the Sheriffs came out swinging, determined not to be remembered forever as the first team no not only lose a championship series, but to be swept in the process. A defensive collapse came close to allow Sheffield back into it, but Bayman held firm and showed why he is in the running for Pitcher of the Year.

Nottingham Sheriffs defeat Sheffield Steelmen, 7 to 3.

Nottingham Sheriffs

BATTING
Doubles: T. Walker (1, 8th Inning off C. Graham, 2 on, 1 out) , L. Rogers (1, 8th Inning off C. Graham, 0 on, 1 out)
Total Bases: B. Capell , T. Walker 2 , S. Taylor , C. Gibson 3 , A. Wolstencroft , D. Leeming , J. Bayman , L. Rogers 2
2-out RBI: B. Capell , C. Eales , J. Bayman
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: S. Taylor , H. Caldwell , A. Wolstencroft , D. Leeming , K. Hamilton , B. van Noort
Sac Bunt: D. Leeming
Sac Fly: S. Taylor , A. Wolstencroft
Hit by Pitch: C. Eales
Team LOB: 12

BASERUNNING
SB: B. Capell 2 (2)

FIELDING
Errors: T. Walker , K. Hamilton 2
Double Plays: 2 (Taylor-Hamilton-Eales, Caldwell-Hamilton-Walker)

PITCHING
J. Bayman W (1-1) 7IP, 5H, 3R, 0ER, 0BB, 2K, 86PI, 1.69 ERA
J Werner SV (1) 2IP, 3H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0K, 19PI, 3.38 ERA

Sheffield Steelmen

BATTING
Doubles: E. Holdsworth (1, 8th Inning off J. Werner, 1 on, 2 outs)
Triples: J. West (1, 6th Inning off J. Bayman, 2 on, 0 outs)
Total Bases: J. West 3 , L. Miller , D. Ainley , T. Crookes 2 , E. Holdsworth 2 , D. Mitchell , C. Harrington
2-out RBI: D. Ainley
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: , D. Mitchell 2
GIDP: C. Harrington , S. Bartlett
Team LOB: 6

FIELDING
Errors: L. Miller , D. Ainley , S. Bartlett
OF assists: 1 (Mitchell(Howie at 3rd base))

PITCHING
M. Evans 6IP, 4H, 3R, 3ER, 4BB, 3K, 116PI, 2.77 ERA
W. Craig L (1-1) 3H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 1K, 19PI, 3.60 ERA
C. Graham 2IP, 3H, 3R, 2ER, 2BB, 1K, 31PI, 9 ERA

Player of the Game: James Bayman, P, NOT

Game 5 Another extra innings game, another extra innings hero is born and the stakes could not get higher. A bottom of the 8th comeback saw Sheffield keep their hopes of ending the series that night stay alive. It was a Daniel Leeming, 2 out, solo home run that was enough for the Sheriffs to win their second game and take the series to 3-2.

Nottingham Sheriffs defeat Sheffield Steelmen, 3 to 2.

Nottingham Sheriffs

BATTING
Doubles: B. Capell (2, 1st Inning off O. George, 0 on, 0 outs) , A. Wolstencroft (1, 9th Inning off O. George, 0 on, 0 outs)
Home Runs: K. Hamilton (1, 2nd Inning off O. George, 0 on, 2 outs) , D. Leeming (1, 11th Inning off G. Bainbridge, 0 on, 2 outs)
Total Bases: B. Capell 3 , C. Eales , A. Wolstencroft 2 , D. Leeming 4 , K. Hamilton 4 , B. Howie
2-out RBI: D. Leeming , K. Hamilton
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: B. van Noort , B. Howie 2
Sac Fly: C. Eales
Hit by Pitch: S. Taylor
Team LOB: 7

BASERUNNING
SB: B. Capell (3)
CS: B. Capell (4)

FIELDING
Errors: S. Taylor , C. Eales
Double Plays: 2 (Leeming-Hamilton-Eales, Hamilton-Howie-Eales)
OF assists: 1 (Wolstencroft(Miller at home))

PITCHING
C. Jones 8.1IP, 10H, 2R, 2ER, 3BB, 1K, 127PI, 2.16 ERA
J. Werner 0.2IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1K, 10PI, 2.70 ERA
B. Drewe W (1-1) 2IP, 2H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0K, 23PI, 1.80 ERA

Sheffield Steelmen

BATTING
Doubles: L. Miller (1, 1st Inning off C. Jones, 0 on, 2 outs) , D. Ainley (1, 8th Inning off C. Jones, 1 on, 0 outs) , C. Harrington (1, 8th Inning off C. Jones, 0 on, 2 outs)
Triples: D. Mitchell (2, 8th Inning off C. Jones, 1 on, 1 out)
Total Bases: J. West , R. Green , L. Miller 4 , D. Ainley 3 , D. Mitchell 3 , C. Thompson , E. Holdsworth , C. Harrington 2 , E. Hunt
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: L. Miller , D. Ainley , D. Mitchell 2 , S. Bartlett , O. George
GIDP: S. Bartlett 2
Sac Fly: J. Williamson
Team LOB: 12

FIELDING
Errors: L. Miller

PITCHING
O. George 8.2 IP, 6H, 2R, 2ER, 2BB, 0K 1HR, 117PI, 2.70 ERA
W. Craig 0.1 IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1K, PI3, 3.38 ERA
G. Bainbridge L 2.0 IP 1H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 2K, 1HR, 36PI, 4.76 ERA

Player of the Game: Oscar George, P, SHF

Game 6 with what felt like the shifting moment the series returned to Nottingham. It was an explosive game for the batters, Nottingham took the lead with 2 in the bottom of the 1st and kept it the entire game. Adding another 2 in the 3rd, and facing a possible Sheffield comeback Nottingham put up another 5 runs in the 4th. It was starting to look like anything you threw at Nottingham's third baseman Colm Gibson he would hit, he was now batting .524 for the series.

Nottingham Sheriffs defeat Sheffield Steelmen, 9 to 7.

Sheffield Steelmen

BATTING
Total Bases: D. Ainley , T. Crookes 2 , D. Mitchell , C. Harrington 2 , S. Bartlett , E. Hunt
2-out RBI: J. West , A. Gordon , C. Harrington , E. Hunt
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: J. Williamson , L. Miller
Team LOB: 9

FIELDING
Errors: L. Miller , S. Bartlett
Double Plays: 4 (Mitchell-Harrington, Bartlett-Ainley-Crookes, Bartlett-Ainley-Crookes, Hunt-Crookes)
OF assists: 1 (Mitchell(Gibson at home))

PITCHING
W. Nicholls L (1-1) 3.1IP, 9H, 9R, 8ER, 6BB, 0K, 1HR, 12.46 ERA
G. Bainbridge 3.2IP, 3H, 0R, 0ER, 3BB, 0K, 0HR, 2.89 ERA
W.Craig 1IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0K, 2.84 ERA

Nottingham Sheriffs

BATTING
Doubles: C. Gibson (2, 1st Inning off W. Nicholls, 2 on, 1 out)
Home Runs: S. Taylor (1, 3rd Inning off W. Nicholls, 0 on, 0 outs)
Total Bases: B. Capell 3 , S. Taylor 5 , C. Gibson 3 , A. Wolstencroft , J. Werner , B. Drewe , D. Leeming , K. Hamilton , J. Mann
2-out RBI: K. Hamilton , J. Mann
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: B. Capell , D. Leeming , B. van Noort
GIDP: C. Eales , D. Leeming
Sac Bunt: A. Williams
Team LOB: 10

BASERUNNING
SB: B. Capell (4)
CS: B. Capell (5)

FIELDING
Errors: C. Eales , S. Taylor , K. Hamilton

PITCHING
A. Williams 3.2IP, 5H, 4R, 2ER, 2BB, 3K, 10.38 ERA
J. Werner 4IP, 2H, 3R, 0ER, 3BB, 2K, 1.23 ERA
B. Drewe SV 1.1IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0K, 1.42 ERA

Player of the Game: Colm Gibson, 3B, NOT, 3AB, 2R, 2H, 4RBI, 2BB

Game 7 in a series that was at one stage Sheffield's to lose it had come down to a do or die game 7. The Steelmen's pitching crumbled in the face of Colm Gibson and his band of merry men, in 41 batters faced they could muster on 1 strikeout, as the Sheriffs quickly notched up the runs. Tied going into the bottom of the 4th Nottingham would score 3 to take the lead, another 2 in the 5th to cement the lead, then a further 5 in the 7th, and just to assure the win, 1 for good measure in the bottom of the 8th was scored. In the inaugural British Baseball Championship Series fans had witnessed a series comeback for the ages.

Nottingham Sheriffs defeat Sheffield Steelmen, 12-5.

Sheffield Steelmen

BATTING
Doubles: J. West (4, 1st Inning off J. Bayman, 0 on, 0 outs) , C. Harrington (2, 5th Inning off J. Bayman, 0 on, 0 outs) , E. Holdsworth (2, 9th Inning off J. Crowley, 3 on, 2 outs)
Total Bases: J. West 3 , R. Green , E. Hunt , D. Ainley , D. Mitchell , E. Holdsworth 2 , C. Thompson , C. Harrington 2 , S. Bartlett , I. Harlot , J. Williamson
2-out RBI: D. Ainley , E. Holdsworth
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: , L. Miller 2 , C. Thompson
Sac Bunt: M. Evans
Team LOB: 10

FIELDING
Errors: R. Green , D. Ainley
Double Plays: 1 (Bartlett-Ainley-Thompson)
PB: C. Harrington

PITCHING

M. Evans L (1-1) 4.1 IP, 6H, 6R, 5ER, 4BB, 1K, 4.87 ERA
B. Cameron 1.2 IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 0K 0.00 ERA
G. Bainbridge 0.0 IP, 2H, 5R, 5ER, 3BB, 0K, 7.71 ERA
O. George 2IP, 3H, 1R, 1ER, 0BB, 0K, 2.89 ERA

Nottingham Sheriffs

BATTING
Doubles: S. Taylor (1, 5th Inning off M. Evans, 1 on, 1 out) , C. Gibson 2 (4, 7th Inning off G. Bainbridge, 3 on, 0 outs; 8th Inning off O. George, 1 on, 2 outs)
Total Bases: B. Capell 2 , C. Eales 2 , S. Taylor 2 , C. Gibson 5 , A. Wolstencroft 2 , K. Hamilton
2-out RBI: C. Gibson
Runners left in scoring position, 2 outs: A. Wolstencroft , J. Bayman
GIDP: D. Leeming
Sac Fly: S. Taylor
Team LOB: 5

BASERUNNING
SB: B. Capell (5)
CS: B. Capell (6)

PITCHING

J.Bayman 8.1IP 11H, 5R, 5ER, 3BB, 5K, 2.96 ERA
J. Crowley 0.2IP 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 1K, 0.00 ERA

Player of the Game: Colm Gibson, 3B, NOT, 5AB, 2R, 3H, 6RBI

Nottingham Sheriffs Win British Baseball Championship Series



Player of the Series: Colm Gibson, 26AB, 14H, 1HR, 15RBI, AVG .538

[Haystacks]

1950 Season Awards - Baseball Review

October 6th, 1950.

With the Championship Series now over and the dust settled it was time to count the votes of baseball writers and coaches for the league's first player awards.

National League North

Player of the Year

It's been a year of triumph for veteran Dean Ainley of the Sheffield Steelmen as he hit his way to the 1950 National League North Player of the Year Award.

The 30-year-old compiled a .335 average and .387 on-base percentage by putting together 110 hits, 19 doubles, 4 triples, 15 home runs and 28 walks. He also scored 58 times and drove in 50 runs.

He received 7 first place votes out of a possible 8. Jake Aitken of the Manchester Elephants finished second in voting with 1 first place vote, while Terry Crookes of the Sheffield Steelmen finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Dean Ainley - Sheffield Steelmen - 7 - 98
Jake Aitken - Manchester Elephants - 1 - 73
Terry Crookes - Sheffield Steelmen - 0 - 55

Pitcher of the Year

Nicolas Legg of the Manchester Elephants impressed voters as one of the elite pitchers in the National League North this year. He capped off a sensational 10-8 season by taking home the coveted Pitcher of the Year Award.

Making 26 starts, he tossed 192.1 innings, struck out 75, walked 80 and registered a 2.81 ERA.

He received 4 first place votes out of a possible 8. Edward Johnson of the Liverpool Giants finished second in voting with 3 first place votes, while Mark Evans of the Sheffield Steelmen finished third with 1 first place vote.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Nicolas Legg - Manchester Elephants - 4 - 44
Edward Johnson - Liverpool Giants - 3 - 33

Manager of the Year:

The Manchester Elephants had an outstanding season, much of it due to their astute and gifted skipper. For his managerial excellence, Clinton Bayman reaped the reward of being voted National League North Manager of the Year.

"A manager is only as good as the players he's managing," Bayman told reporters. "If I didn't have the talent to work with, making all the right moves wouldn't have helped a bit."

Under Bayman the Elephants finished second in the National League North with a record of 53-57.

Great Glove Award

They made the routine plays, the tough plays and everything in between. The winners of the National League North Great Glove Award for 1950 showed a defensive excellence all season long. The winners are:

Pitcher
Edward Johnson (Liverpool Giants)

Catcher
Patrick Dowell (Liverpool Giants)

First Baseman
Sean Grant (Leeds White Sox)

Second Baseman
Dean Ainley (Sheffield Steelmen)

Third Baseman
Jack Kennedy (Liverpool Giants)

Shortstop
Bert Wood (Liverpool Giants)

Left Fielder
Jacob West (Sheffield Steelmen)

Center Fielder
Douglas Porter (Manchester Elephants)

Right Fielder
Harrison O'Malley (Leeds White Sox)

National League South

Player of the Year

What a way to finish off the year -- being honored with the 1950 Player of the Year Award in the National League South. It had already been a very special season for London's Oscar Cookson, but today's announcement really put the icing on his cake.

All season long Oscar Cookson gave opposing pitchers fits by hitting .334 as he collected 127 hits, 28 doubles, 14 triples, 17 home runs and 73 RBIs.

He received 8 first place votes, as a unanimous winner. Gael Keith of the London Monarchs finished second in voting, while Derby Fisher of the Bristol Pirates finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Oscar Cookson - London Monarchs - 8 - 112
Gael Keith - London Monarchs - 0 - 60

Pitcher of the Year

The Nottingham Sheriffs have a rising superstar. It's James Bayman, this year's National League South Pitcher of the Year Award selection. This blossoming hurler wowed fans, peers and sportswriters with a fabulous performance.

Bayman compiled a 14-7 record in 28 starts, tallied 104 strikeouts in 211.2 innings and recorded a 3.23 ERA. Other clubs managed only a .248 batting average against him.

He received 8 first place votes, as a unanimous winner. Jack Ferguson of the Birmingham Athletics finished second in voting, while Zachary Sharp of the Bristol Pirates finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
James Bayman - Nottingham Sheriffs - 8 - 56
Jack Ferguson - Birmingham Athletics - 0 - 25

Manager of the Year

Robert Giblin stepped before the microphone today and accepted his National League South Manager of the Year award, thanking the whole Nottingham Sheriffs organization for making the 1950 season such a success.

Giblin struggled to find the right words. "My father served in the Royal Navy. He taught me that you have to work hard, set goals and accept responsibility for your actions. That's what the entire Nottingham organization did this year. My dedicated owner, coaching staff, hard-working and talented players and loyal front office all made this award possible. I thank them for it."

And what a year it was. Giblin sparked the Sheriffs to a 62-49 record and a first in the National League South standings before crowning it all with the British Championship Trophy.

Great Glove Award

A great defense can often be the difference between winning and losing, and this year's winners of the National League South Great Glove Award provided great defense all year long. The 1950 winners are:

Pitcher
James Bayman (Nottingham Sheriffs)

Catcher
Benjamin Gill (London Monarchs)

First Baseman
Ronald Wraight (Bristol Pirates)

Second Baseman
Jack Cove (London Monarchs)

Third Baseman
Dylan Moore (Nottingham Sheriffs)

Shortstop
Derby Fisher (Bristol Pirates)

Left Fielder
Oscar Cookson (London Monarchs)

Center Fielder
Robert Mullen (Birmingham Athletics)

Right Fielder
Billy Capell (Nottingham Sheriffs)