2021 Season wrap-up

Thames BBC had a somewhat challenging season in 2021 due to roster issues. We expected some problems after not having played at all last season but it was worse than expected. We had two regulars move out of state before the season started, two more regulars who had been on the team at least 15 years retire, and two other regulars whose work commitments kept them from playing in any matches.

We only had 8 players who appeared in at least one match and only 3 who played in every match. Chuck Ciccarello was instrumental in helping us field a team by arranging for substitute players from his Hartford Bulldogs team as well as from the Wethersfield Red Onion team as needed. As a result, we only had one match early in the season cancelled due to a lack of players.

We closed out our regular season today with our first-ever match vs. the Westerly Quarrymen. Their first season was in 2019 and they are still trying to build their roster. Their proximity to New London (about 20 miles) has our teams planning to hold some practices together next season and lend each other players as needed.

Our off-season will be spent trying to recruit some new players and working on some new promotion plans.

“On the long road to recovery…”

Here’s an update on Ted’s road to recovery. Great to see that he’s working hard and making excellent progress.

On the long road to recovery, Ted Phillips is not giving up” – Steve Fagan (The Day – Dec. 29, 2018)

Roster turnover

It has been a tough off-season with regard to our roster. Jim Wyman, our long-time first baseman, has retired as have Jason Wainio and Tim Driscoll. We’re sad to see them go. We also have three more players who are out for the entire 2018 season with injuries. As a result, we’re looking to add more players to our roster. The Lisbon Taverners were force to take this season off due to the same issue. We’re hoping to convince some of their players to join us for this season but we’re always looking for new recruits. If you are interested in playing with us, please use our Contact page to get in touch.

Mr. Baker (1949-2017)

It is with great sadness that we note the passing of our founder and friend, Edward Baker, who passed away on October 29 after a five-year battle with thyroid cancer. He was featured in a video that The Day produced about our team back in 2015. Mr. Baker, who was the Executive Director of the New London County Historical Society, founded our team after the vintage base ball team that he had been playing with, the Mystic Oceanics, folded in 2004.

“A friendly game of baseball, 1861 style”

The Day newspaper had their award-winning videographer Peter Huoppi create this excellent profile of our team.

A friendly game of baseball, 1861 style – The Day (July 17, 2015)