SUTTON SOFTBALL CLUB IS 20 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR

In 1989, Dave Pendlebury was playing softball for the Post Office Royals in London’s Green Park and Hyde Park. Sue, his wife, was getting fed up his constant moaning that there was no softball being played where they lived – in the Wallington, Sutton, Carshalton areas of Surrey. She finally snapped, and said “Well, why don’t you do something about it!?”

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So, he put a four-line ad in the Sutton Guardian asking for other softball players, and trusted to luck. And lucky he was.

He received one reply, from an out-of-work actor named Mark Hoole. The two of them met in the Duke’s Head, in Wallington, along with a friend of Mark’s, Kevin Pearce-Biggs, and from that single meeting Sutton Softball Club was formed.

The following spring saw a motley crowd of people playing ‘fun’ softball in Beddington Park, Carshalton, every Sunday, attracting up to 30-40 people per session, of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. They managed to obtain £500 from Sutton Sports Council (£300 loan, £200 grant) for the purchase of kit, and the first season saw 38 registered players on the books. With the help of Sutton Council, which marked out pitches, etc., the first full season was a great success – so much so that they were able to repay the £300 loan to Sutton Sports Council.

A few ‘friendlies’ were played against other teams – including the Royals – and it became apparent that some players wanted to move to a more competitive game. Through their contacts with other players, etc, Sutton Softball Club was instrumental in the formation of the Redhill & District Softball League. The other teams were Surfing Piranhas (Redhill), Stiles, Harold Williams (Croydon), Lombard Central (Redhill), OTIB (Whyteleaf), and Legal & General (Kingswood).

The League was an instant success, playing mid-week, whilst the Sunday Funday sessions continued to provide an opportunity for those less competitive to enjoy the game, and as an introduction for new players.

In the first season, Sutton was pipped for 2nd place by Stiles, Harold Williams, with Surfing Piranhas winning all their games to claim first place. Sutton also finished as runners-up in the first RADSL Cup final, played at Kingswood (won by the Piranhas).

Such was the interest in softball at that time, that the following year Sutton entered two teams in the league, which expanded to 12 teams. The Braves and the Scorpions took to the field for the first time, and have been playing competitive softball in the Redhill League ever since.

2009, therefore, sees the 20th anniversary of Sutton Softball Club, and they are to celebrate in style. On the 5th July the Braves and the Scorpions will combine forces to take on a RADSL team, made up of players from the rest of the League. The Braves/Scorpions team will be supplemented by ex-players, who will be given a chance to swing a bat again. The game will be at the Old Walcountians Sports Ground in Woodmansterne. Activities, including a bouncy castle for kids, begin at 1pm, and will also include a Home Run Derby, finishing off with a barbecue and drinks.

Everyone is welcome to come along, especially anyone who has had anything to do with the club over the last 20 years. It would be fantastic to see some of those who have played for the Club over the years, so please spread the word.

Please contact Dave Pendlebury, davependlebury@hotmail.com, if you would like to come along.