Chadwick Field, A Home for The Exeter Spitfires

I didn't know Exeter had a baseball team!

That is what we hear the most - and we are trying to change that. Exeter has not only a team, but a place in baseball history dating back to the 1800s and leading onto the MLB Hall of Fame! Games were played at Exeter City Football club during the wars. 

Moving on to the Modern Day; the Exeter Spitfires are a growing team, looking to expand their offering to the community to provide women's and junior’s baseball.

What do we want to achieve?

The Exeter Spitfires Baseball Club aim to achieve the following;

·         Provide and enhance the ability to offer baseball to Veteran and New players alike.

·         Have the ability to run two integrated teams simultaneously providing even more opportunities to aspiring players.

·         An independent women’s team.

·         A T-Rex Tee-Ball team, for ages 4 to 9.

·         First Pitch Sessions for ages 10 to 14.

·         Blind Baseball Sessions

·         Pitch Up and Play Tee-Ball    

Not only are we aiming for all of this, We are also, in Partnership with Exeter City Community Trust attempting to CREATE a whole new sport of Walking Baseball for 70’s and over.

To achieve all of this, we require a new permanent facility that we hope to create at our new home at Bromhams Farm in Exeter, which will open up so many possibilities to help us achieve our aims and goals, a permanent home and facility will allow for easier set ups that otherwise limit the amount time spent training and enjoying the game of baseball.

So what do we need?

What is baseball without a fence to hit the ball over? How can you score a home run? Your pledge will give us that opportunity. The money raised will be for a permanent outfield fence and backstop. This way, we can pitch up and play anytime, This will mean even more opportunities for the community to play.

But who wants to play baseball?

Since holding our women's day, we have had so many enquiries about joining our club. We have shown that we are welcoming and inclusive of all. We are encouraging and supportive. We teach people new skills, help them get fitter and grow new relationships. We are constantly told about how our members instantly feel part of the team. We welcome everyone, no matter what their background or circumstances. Having grown from 11 members to nearly 60 in two years, that goes to show how much people enjoy baseball, and being a part of The Spitfires. 

Can you step up to the plate?

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!