Previewing the 2023 BBF Single A season: Richmond Barons
By Alvin Michael | alvinmichael.com | @AlvinMicWrites | @alvinmicwrites
The Richmond Barons are back in 2023 after a four-year hiatus. Originally debuting in the British Baseball Federation in 2017 as an AA league development squad, they were eventually merged with the established AA team Richmond Dukes following the conclusion of the 2018 season.
The Barons did not win many games, but pitchers Kenshin Abe and Ravi Bajzaad, and outfielder Bennie Van Heerden were standout players, consistently producing exceptional performances. Much like last year’s Richmond Dukes, the Barons had a great team spirit, with a very fun and positive atmosphere.
Chris Robertson, P and Manager
This year, the Barons will be playing in the Single A League as Richmond Baseball Club’s newest development team, managed by Chris Robertson.
Robertson has been a member of Richmond Baseball Club for two years, playing with the Dukes in Single A. Last year he won the Most Improved Player Award at the club’s annual awards ceremony. As a first-time coach and manager, he’ll be vying to impart his wisdom and experience to help improve his team of mostly young and rookie players.
“I think we could surprise the Dukes. We can win it, why not?”
The significance of his new role has not been lost on Robertson who said, “I've got loads to learn this season, we all do. I want to finish the season satisfied that I've done right by the players and made good decisions as manager.
“When I started at the club, I hadn't thought about becoming a manager or coach, but looking back I've always been naturally inclined to encourage the team and especially the more inexperienced players. So, it feels like it could be a natural progression for me.”
James Guerra, P and Coach
Robertson will be assisted by seasoned veteran James Guerra. Guerra is one of the most respected and popular members of Richmond Baseball Club having joined them in 2015 after spending several years with Guildford Baseball Club. For the past four seasons, he has prioritised a coaching role, working with rookies in Single A and specifically developing pitchers. His knowledge of the game is second to none, making him an invaluable asset in coaching and moulding this group of players into a cohesive team.
With so many new players and a new manager, it will be a steep learning curve for the Barons. Winning games won’t come easily, but Robertson believes the Barons are capable of creating one or two upsets.
“We are more of a development team, but obviously I want to win as many games as we can. I'd love to see a mid-division finish, I think that’s a realistic aim. But Baseball can be a game of fine margins, there's no reason why we can't do even better” Robertson said.
Cam Esmond, RF
A pre-season game tentatively scheduled versus the Dukes at the end of March will be a tough test for the Barons but will provide Robertson with a very good indication of how his team is shaping up, as Opening Day looms just around the corner.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to get through those early or first-season jitters. We'll go together as a team with a good attitude, and I think we could surprise the Dukes. We can win it, why not?” Robertson said optimistically.
The Barons and Dukes will compete in the same division and will face off against each other six times in regular season play in 2023. Asides from league position, bragging rights will be up for grabs for the winners and humble pie left over for the losers. The games will be eagerly contested with no inch given by either side, as they battle to earn the title of best Richmond team in Single A.
Henry Slesser, C
There will be further opportunities for a select few Barons’ players to play up with the Dukes, as Richmond’s new Prospects Programme initiative rolls out this year. Though they’ll be playing in the same league against the same opponents, the exposure of playing alongside and learning from more experienced players will no doubt be invaluable to the selected individuals and ultimately, to the team overall as the season progresses.
Success for the Barons in 2023 will not be measured just by win total and final standing in September. Robertson believes player improvement and satisfaction will be as significant a metric for success as anything else.
Rob Markiewicz, 3B
“I would love to see a steady progression from the team throughout the season and noticeable improvement at season's end”.
Robertson went on to say, “It's been really good to see a decent intake of new players at Spring Training this year. They have all shown a lot of enthusiasm and the ability is there. The enthusiasm alone is really encouraging.
“My expectation is to enjoy the season and finish with a satisfied and improved team from where we've started” said Robertson adding, “Player retention is also important to me, and I think we can best do that by making the games, post-games and training as enjoyable as possible.
“I want to come out of the season smiling. I have fond memories of my previous seasons with the Dukes” Robertson mused. “And I'm looking forward to the Barons having their own”.
Registration for the 2023 season is still open, and places are still available on all rosters. Richmond Baseball Cub welcomes all players, whether you are a seasoned veteran or a complete novice, male or female, older or younger; if you have an interest in playing baseball, click on the register button below to begin your journey with one of the most fun, friendly and inclusive ball clubs in the UK.