By Ed Wallace, Sports Sub-Editor
Baseball often isn’t the first sport most British students think about when starting out at university. Most people are aware of the sport but have never been given the opportunity to try it for themselves. This is what is so special about the University of Bristol Baseball Club, it gives people this platform. Whether you’re a complete beginner or the next Shohei Ohtani, there is always an opportunity for you to play.
Jamie Haytel, the club president, came over to show me how to hold the glove. “Baseball isn’t a big deal in the UK,” he said, “so we focus on fundamentals first.” And you could see it in every drill. Beginners were guided gently, tips given without making you feel stupid, while more experienced players got the challenges they needed. Mistakes weren’t judged, they were used as an opportunity for more advanced players to support other members. People clapped for even small successes. It felt welcoming in a way that some bigger sports societies cannot replicate.
At first, the idea of joining the University of Bristol Baseball Club may feel intimidating. I’d never played baseball, I didn’t know the rules. But the club runs training twice a week in a way that immediately makes you feel included. Wednesdays are on The Downs, focusing on infield practice. Drills are scaled depending on your experience. Beginners like me can start slowly, working on catching, throwing and positioning, while more experienced players are still challenged enough to keep improving. Sessions usually end with a wind-ball game, which mixes competition and fun perfectly. Players of all level have the opportunity to play together, sharing tips and memories.
Saturdays are batting practice at the Keynsham Baseball Club diamond, with players moving between stations and facing balls at different speeds depending on their ability. The new nets this year make everything run more smoothly, but the atmosphere is still relaxed. Even when mistakes are made, there is never any judgement, instead an unconditional support from all of the members. You’ll never have to walk to first base alone (unless in match). It makes learning feel achievable and enjoyable, even if you have zero experience.
Socially, the club is a home-run. Jamie Haytel calls it close-knit, and it’s obvious when people gather for watch parties, casual meet-ups or themed events like Mario Super Sluggers on the 18th of March. International students add energy and diversity, which makes every session lively and welcoming. The upcoming World Baseball Classic, staring on the 5th of March, also gets everyone excited, providing another reason to bond outside practice at the watch-alongs.
Competitively, there are plenty of opportunities. This season, matches are scheduled against Cardiff, Swansea, Southampton, a local Bristol team, and of course, the big Bath derby. BUCS is planned for next year. Leadership roles let members help run sessions, mentor newcomers, and organise matches, providing skills that go far beyond baseball.
Official caps and jerseys were introduced this year. Something small, but it makes a difference, suddenly, everyone feels part of a team, part of a community. I tried a session myself, missed balls, swung wildly and yet felt supported the whole way. By the end, I wasn’t just learning baseball, I felt like I belonged. In a big university, that’s rare. This club combines sport, socialising, and personal growth in a way that makes you want to keep coming back. Everyone is included, encouraged, and noticed, which is what makes the club feel like home.
The club is simple in what it offers: sport, socialising and development. You don’t need prior experience or fancy equipment. You just show up, try, make mistakes and get better. And you’ll make friends. You’ll feel part of something. For me, the University of Bristol Baseball Club isn’t just a society, it’s a place where you can be surrounded by a supportive, diverse group of people who really are rooting for you to hit it out the park.
Would you be tempted to give baseball a bat?
Featured image: Instagram @uobbaseball
