Teams

Bristol Baseball Club currently operate four mixed-gender (co-ed) teams within the British Baseball Federation league structure, as well as a women’s team and a youth section.

Bristol Badgers – BBF Triple A

The Bristol Badgers played their first games when the Club was established in 2008, and currently play in the British Baseball Federation (BBF) Triple A league, the second highest level of domestic competition. They won Triple A South in 2011, and tied for first in their group in 2012. Recent seasons have seen the Badgers pushing for a playoff spot, falling one game short of winning their division in 2022 (behind the Bournemouth Bears), and two games short of the national playoffs in 2023 (losing a double-header to the Herts Cardinals on the final day of the season which meant the Cardinals got the playoff spot instead).

Members of the 2023 Bristol Badgers.

Bristol Bats – BBF Double A

The Bristol Bats were formed soon after the Badgers in 2009, as a second/training team. They began competing in the independent South West Baseball League in 2010, which became the BBF-affiliated South West & Wales Baseball League in 2021, playing at the Single A level (fourth tier). After running the Cardiff Merlins very close in 2021, the Bats won the SWWBL title over the Merlins in 2022 before falling in the national playoffs in agonising fashion (by one last-inning run) to eventual national champions Bracknell Inferno. In 2023, the Bats took the step up to BBF Double A level and finished a well-fought debut campaign in the middle of their division, with a competitive 7-9 record.

The victorious 2022 Bristol Bats, holding their SWWBL Trophy.

Bristol Buccaneers – BBF Single A (SWWBL)

The Buccaneers were formed as a third team in 2019, and play in the South West and Wales Baseball League, a BBF-affiliated Single A league (fourth tier). After a difficult first few seasons, the 2023 Buccaneers were an extremely competitive team within the SWWBL, finishing just outside the playoffs after a thrilling one-run defeat to the SWWBL champion (and eventual runaway national champion) Cardiff Merlins on the final day (had they won that, an earlier rained-off double header against Taunton would’ve become crucial in deciding who got the second playoff spot!). In 2024, the Buccaneers will be gunning for that SWWBL Wessex division title, and more!

The 2023 Bristol Buccaneers.

Bristol Brunels – BBF Single A (SWWBL)

In 2021 the club made the bold decision to field a fourth team, such was the level of interest from players the club had attracted in recent years. The Brunels were thus formed as a development team, where rookies and more inexperienced players could learn the game in a fun, relaxed environment. In the first few years the team performed brilliantly despite their inexperience, winning 5 and 8 games in their first two seasons respectively – not troubling the division leaders, but doing far better than anticipated and keeping most games close even when behind. As a result, members of the original Brunels roster are already playing in the Buccaneers, Bats and even making appearances for the Badgers.

Members of the 2023 Bristol Brunels.

Bristol Bobcats – BBF WBL

The Bobcats were formed in 2021 to enter an all-women team into the Women’s Baseball UK league (now BBF Women’s Baseball League). After a challenging initial season, 2022 saw the Bobcats begin to pick up a few wins against their more experience opposition. Sadly, dwindling player numbers meant that the Bobcats struggled to find enough players to complete the 2023 season, and had to forfeit their last few games. The hope is that enough interest can be found to enter a team for 2024, so if that sounds like you then be sure to sign up or get in touch for more information!

The 2023 Bristol Bobcats, with manager Carlson Charles.

Bristol Bolts

The Bristol Bolts are the youngest addition to the club – figuratively and literally! Our new youth section has been developing over the last few years for under-16s, and regular training sessions and fun activities take place throughout the season. Whilst there is not yet a team taking part in competitive games, we’re working on developing our youth players with other teams from the South West and beyond.
Feel free to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or via email if you’d like to know more!

Some of the 2023 Bristol Bolts