#129 All you need to know about UK baseball – info-packed podcast episode

It’s one of the best-kept secrets in UK sport – there’s a thriving baseball community right here in Kent! In this epic episode of the Cherrywood Podcast, Simon and Rachel finally sit down with Chris and Lou from the Kent Baseball Club to uncover the unexpected world of British baseball.⚾ From team rivalries and unusual training setups to breaking down complicated rules and sharing hilarious injury stories, this episode has it all – including a full breakdown of gloves, mitts, umpire drama, field quirks, and the politics of white trousers!We also hear how the Mariners and Buccaneers merged, why MLB games in London are a rip-off, and the one pitch every player dreams of mastering – the elusive knuckleball.💥 Plus: Custom kits, field of dreams jokes, movie picks, walk-on music, awkward mic taps, and plenty of love for grassroots sports.🧢 Whether you're a diehard baseball fan or a complete newbie, this one’s for you. Huge thanks to Chris and Lou – follow them on Instagram @kentbaseballclub to find out more.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Lou & Chris intro0:37 – Third time lucky… what a nightmare start1:01 – The Kent Baseball Club merger explained1:40 – Was there real rivalry between the Mariners & Buccaneers?2:41 – Comparing baseball to Sunday League football3:36 – Cricket background and finding baseball4:34 – American teams we (sort of) support5:50 – Simon’s Blue Jays heartbreak7:22 – Breaking down the UK baseball league structure8:06 – Where to watch top-level UK baseball9:00 – MLB games in London: Overpriced and distant10:13 – Catching T-shirts at MLB games10:50 – Youngest and oldest players at the club11:23 – Club roles and how the committee works12:01 – Pitcher, catcher, batter – what does everyone actually do?13:06 – Training drills, routines, and coaching new players14:56 – Batting cage setups and pitching machine15:51 – Pitching speeds – how fast can they throw?17:00 – Simon’s accidental 57mph rocket17:45 – Fly ball confusion and base-running rules18:22 – The pitching mound explained19:56 – Wild rules no one tells you about20:52 – Different gloves, mitts, and why they matter22:38 – Catchers taking punishment23:02 – Home run distances in UK fields25:36 – Mic'd up pitchers and in-game tech27:16 – The mind games of pitching28:06 – Breaking down types of pitches and grips32:14 – Are baseballs weighted or cork-filled?34:54 – Injuries, broken fingers, and lucky streaks35:15 – Mic hits and the 'mic punishment' rule36:00 – Respecting umpires at lower league level37:10 – The future of qualified umpires in the BBF39:07 – Umpiring your own team – awkward decisions40:41 – Ball budgets & lost balls in bushes41:50 – Imported balls & cost per season43:02 – What happens to the game balls44:00 – Cherrywood Podcast Spotify playlist45:35 – Favourite baseball films47:01 – Kit design and team branding50:28 – Wooden bats vs metal bats in UK leagues53:05 – Sticker design and Kent club rebranding55:57 – Club jerseys and where to get them57:05 – Winter training & social side of the sport58:48 – How to join the club59:06 – Random question time1:03:58 – Weather, training, and ideal conditions1:05:57 – What is a knuckleball?1:10:50 – Umpire abuse, fines, and ejections1:15:03 – Strike zone challenges and personal rules1:18:00 – Final questions, songs, and thank yous1:22:13 – Shoutout to today’s sponsors!🔗 #KentBaseball #CherrywoodPodcast #BritishBaseballWelcome to Cherrywood Podcast, your source for inspiring conversations and compelling stories. Join us as we dive into the journeys of remarkable individuals from various fields, offering insights into personal growth, entrepreneurship, creativity, and more. Subscribe for positivity, authenticity, and engaging discussions. Learn how we blew up on YouTube:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkif0i1i5oaDN83UzwYQQBSH-4DEMhfJ0&si=zzna8zvRN2Jyqzv3https://youtu.be/p9GnbbykQoM?si=cBr4ZHuNwXumP_4R