Baseball for Beginners

About the Programme

The London Mets are proud to welcome new players to the sport of baseball. The Baseball For Beginners (B4B) program is a summer-long program that is designed to teach new players (or those looking for a refresher) everything they need to know about the baseball. We teach in order:

Throwing
Catching
Hitting
Running
Rules of the game

Each week will have different drills to teach the game and fun, exciting games to help new players put it into practice.

The aim of the program is to get new players game ready. Participants will be invited to play a game on against each other at the end of the season

In addition players who successful complete the B4B program will then be invited to join the Finsbury Park Fall Ball League (a mixed-skills eight-week season with games every Saturday and Sunday in September, October, & November).

The sessions run every Friday evening from 6:30pm-Dark at Finsbury Park (N4 1EE, Manor House Station) and are led by a group of experienced players and coaches from the London Mets baseball Club, with some guest coaching slots to be announced during the program.

All the Important Info

Dates: The B4B program will run every Friday for 16 weeks from 16th May, finishing on 29th August.

Time: 6:30 pm until dark (i.e. it gets longer over the summer).

Location: Finsbury Park Baseball Diamonds (northeast corner of Finsbury Park, corner of Endymion Road and Green Lanes, N4 1EE).

Tube: Manor House Station (Zone 2, Piccadilly Line)

Overground: Harringay Green lanes

Cost: The first session of the programme is free! £150 for the remainder of the summer, including a t-shirt, and weekly coaching by BaseballSoftballUK qualified coaches (and guest coaches).

Registration: Registration is now open, join our spond channel under the "Beginner" member type.

Questions: Email communications@londonmets.org

Come along and attend your first session for free before buying!

What if it rains?

It's England, it's going to rain. If it is a gentle drizzle, check our Twitter feed (@LondonMets) for updates on if training is going ahead...if it is pouring, we'll cancel it for the day.
What should I wear?

If you have baseball clothes, that's great. If not, wear something athletic that you don't mind getting dirty...sweats, track bottoms, etc. (not jeans), a t-shirt, and sweatshirt on top. Wear layers so you can add or drop something as needed, esp. early in the summer. If you have a baseball cap, wear that.
What should I wear for shoes?

If you have baseball cleats or football boots, bring those. If not, a pair of trainers that you don't mind getting dirty will do. Lots of people will buy a cheap pair of football boots from Sports Direct if they decide to sign up for the summer.
Do I need to bring any equipment?

If you have your own glove or bat, feel free to bring it, but we'll be able to provide everything that you need for the season. Lots of B4B members will end up buying their own equipment over the course of the season as they become hooked, and we can help you with the right equipment for your position and skill level so do ask!
I've played softball or baseball before, but it was a long time ago. Is B4B this is right for me?"

Absolutely...lots of our B4B members are people who played back when they were kids or who are avid fans but want to give it a try. The program is designed to incorporate all of this...if you're really ahead of the group, we'll promote you to one of our regular season trainings.
What if I can't make it every Friday?

That is fine--everyone will miss a few sessions. The program is designed to build each week, reinforcing what you have already learned and adding new skills
Who is the B4B program aimed for?

The B4B program is open to men and women (18+) who are looking to pick up the game for the first time or to improve their basic understanding and skills. Most of our members are in their mid-20s to mid-30s and come from a range of sports backgrounds--some played in secondary school, some played softball, some played cricket, and some never played at all! The program is open to men and women (about 30% of our program is women!).
£150 is a lot of money up front...what if I don't like it?

Totally fine--the first session of the programme (16/09) is on us if you like it and want to continue, then you can arrange payment.
Additional Questions

If you have any additional questions, please email Xander Harrison, Head Coach of the B4B Program, on communications@londonmets.org