The Newton Aycliffe Spartans brought down the curtain on their inaugural season in the British Baseball Federation Northern League with their first Annual Awards Night held at the RAFA Club in Newton Aycliffe.
The Spartans were formed in late 2011 becoming the only senior baseball team in the North East. The season was a great learning process and although the Spartans finished bottom of the league, there was a marked improvement in the standard and competitiveness from the Spartans and as testament to this was the team’s first win against Oldham last month.
The Award Winners (Pictured) were
Player’s Player of the Year: Mike Holton
Most Improved Player: Liam Oliver
Coaches’ Player of the Year: David Atkinson
Runs Batted In Leader: Ricky Scott
Home Run Leader: Jason Hill
On Base Leader: Candice Burton
Stolen Base Leader: Estil Peniche
Infield Golden Glove: Candice Burton
Outfield Golden Glove: Jason Hill
Competitive games may have now concluded but the Spartans are keeping busy during the off season as Head Coach, Sean Wellwein explained “Despite being defeated in the majority if games, it has been a positive season for the Spartans. We have a great core of players, where other teams have struggled to recruit and retain players, we seem to be welcoming new players monthly. We intend to train twice weekly, on Thursday and Sunday, right through the off-season until league games commence again next April and our goal next season is to make the end of season playoffs”
Another satisfied Spartan is Team Manager, John Johnston. “As a club we have come a long way since I started the team 12 months ago. We have a number of people to thank who have helped us get established, helped us grow and continue in assisting our development into a Sports Club that Newton Aycliffe and indeed the North East can be proud of. Not least is the Newton News for their excellent coverage. And we would like to thank Great Aycliffe Town Council, Helen Tones from Durham County Council and the RAFA Club in Newton Aycliffe who have helped us with facilities. Also to local businesses who have been supportive, Eyedream Photography, Bodyextreme Vitamin Shop, Triology Multisport Solutions.”
As well as continuing to spread the Spartans message on the senior baseball front, John Johnston is busy establishing the Spartans Junior Academy and working with the newly created Woodham Sports Academy, both of which will ensure that Baseball and Softball in Newton Aycliffe will have a long term legacy by introducing youngsters to both sports.
The Spartans will once again next season be playing in the British Baseball Federation Northern League AA Division and are currently looking to local companies to sponsor the team. There are numerous affordable sponsorship packages available. If you are interested in supporting the North East’s only baseball team please contact John Johnston on 07593 951879, email john@newtonaycliffespartans.co.uk or visit www.newtonaycliffespartans.co.uk
Anyone interested in joining the Spartans are invited to join them at their weekly training sessions. First ‘taster’ session is always free. These are held every Thursday evening from 6pm until 8pm and on Sunday from 10am-1pm. Weather permitting, the training is held at Horndale Field, opposite Greenfield College. Contact John Johnston on 07593 951879 for further information or email john@newtonaycliffespartans.co.uk
