2007 Falcons Manager Bruce Dullea - now with the Sidewinders organisation - has been following closely the on and off-field developments at Herts Baseball with the unique interest of an outsider/alumni. He offers his wise and candid perspective into the Falcons chances for success in the National League, some skepticism about the future of the Herts franchise, and some praise for the club's "meteoric rise" of late. Does this renewed interest in his former family foreshadow Dullea's return to the fold... the prodigal son come home again? Or is it, simply, a message in the proverbial bottle washed up from distant shores?
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WHERE EAGLES DAREby Bruce Dullea
For those of us who didn’t sleep through our Greek mythology class, we should remember the story of Icarus. Deciding not to heed the advice of his Father, he chose to fly too close to the sun, thinking that the higher he flew, the more God-like he would become. Tragically, his feathers, which were made of wax, melted, and he fell into the sea.
Some of the more erudite members of the Herts Falcons may be aware of the legend of Icarus. Analogies do exist. Their recent history is truly fascinating, and is a lesson in perseverance, tenacity, and overcoming adversities. After examining what they have endured, and where they have come from, it is apparent that the club has made a remarkable ascent through the ranks of the British Baseball Federation. (Given what they’ve gone through, perhaps they should rename themselves the Phoenix). After languishing for two years in the bottom of the premier league, and then being subsequently relegated, they have made a meteoric rise. Initially promoted to the then premier league in 2005, they found the competition very arduous. In 2005 and 2006 they finished near the bottom of the league, and in September of 06 wound up losing an epic extra inning relegation playoff game to the Burgess Hill Colts. This meant that in just two mere years after gaining promotion, they were then forced to take a major step back by being relegated to the division that they formerly had conquered. At the time, they more resembled the legend of Sisyphus than Icarus. Rather than wallow in self-pity, the club made it their personal mission to retool, improve, and once again attain promotion.
Since that epic defeat, the club has experienced nothing but success. In 2007 they finished with an 18-3 record, won the Division I Southern pennant, and were the National runner-up in the Final 4. They were then rewarded with a promotion back to the Premiere (now called AAA) division. Their performance in the 2008 campaign surpassed everyone’s expectations. The club finished with a 21-3 campaign, clinched a playoff spot, won their division, and ultimately brought home the hardware by winning the AAA National Championship. Perhaps what is even more astonishing is that their accomplishments off the field have exceeded their success on the diamond. While baseball clubs have been folding all over the country, they have been a model for consistency as well as how to develop the sport in the UK. In 2007 they founded their own Little League, which has prospered and proven to be very successful. They have the most impressive website and the most media savvy club in the UK. They have grown to three teams with over 50 members, can boast of a multitude of corporate sponsors, and have recently received permission to build a second field at Grovehill Park, which has been their home since their inception in 1996.
The coup de grace came last Monday, when the BBF announced that the Falcons have accepted a promotion to the National League, the top tier league in the country. To those of us who have followed British Baseball and in particular the trials and travails of the Herts Baseball Club, this is a truly unbelievable accomplishment, and they must be commended.
What does the future hold for the HBC? Since accepting the invitation to join the National League, they have announced that they are forming a fourth team (the Eagles) which will take the place of the Falcons and compete in the AAA division in 2009. Are they growing too soon, too fast? How much of a risk are they taking? It is readily obvious that although the club is capitalizing on their recent successes, they have many challenges and questions in front of them.
Sources have said that the Falcons benefited from a “watered” down 2008 AAA division. They no longer had to compete against the Cambridge Monarchs, the perennial power that had folded once their American military base closed. They didn’t have to play against any of the National League clubs. One club (Milton Keynes) disbanded during the season and another (Bristol) was an expansion club. The last time the team was in the premier league they regularly faced pitchers who threw in the 90’s, including Glen Goodrich, Bob Runyon, and Derek Kelly, two of whom pitched professionally in the US. Long time observers felt that the team benefitted from facing weaker pitching in 2008. Even against the diluted pitching, the team suffered a prolonged batting slump during the course of the season. Their team batting average of .308 was more than 100 points lower than their previous (AA) season, and their home run total dropped from 14 to 4, even though Grovehill Park is very accommodating to right handed power hitters.
How will the Falcons hitters fare against the London Mets, who were 23-1 and gave up an average of 2.2 runs per game?
Will the club be able to hit against Richmond’s Cody Cain, a hard throwing right hander?
The club’s 21-3 record was impressive, but on closer inspection, 3 of the wins were by forfeit and 6 others were decided by one run. Two other clubs scored more runs and matched their run differential. Are they really a legitimate NBL team, or do they need more time to grow and prove themselves?
The Falcons pitching was very strong in 08, and carried the team when they weren’t hitting. Their top two pitchers are master craftsmen who rely on control rather than power. It remains to be seen how they will fare against National League batters.
In 2006, the last time the club faced National League teams, they went 0-4 and were outscored 66-9. Granted, the team struggled throughout the season, and it was a totally different environment, but many of the team’s nucleus were a part of that club.
The biggest question mark is how the club will fill the roster for the newly formed Eagles. They will need a massive recruiting effort to ensure that the club is competitive and the talent from the three existing clubs aren’t diluted. Their two other clubs (Hawks & Raptors) will need to keep the core of their rosters intact to remain competitive. The Falcons will need everyone to help them compete in the NBL. In the last three seasons, clubs have folded in Shropshire, Brighton, Liverpool, London, Windsor, and Cambridge. There is also a rumour that the Northern National Baseball League will disband. Baseball in the UK is dying, not growing. Where will they find the extra players?
It has been reported that the HBC Executive Committee voted unanimously to accept the promotion invitation. However, a published report from their website indicated that there was some internal trepidation about the move. What was the mood in the boardroom, and how much internal dissent was there? Are there expansion plans overly optimistic, or does the club truly feel that they can field 4 competitive teams one year removed from AA ball? Did they feel overly compelled to go for broke, or should prudence have won out?
Another question to ask is the BBF’s rationale in extending the invitation. It is obvious that the sport is declining in the UK. In 2004, there were 6 clubs in the NL south. Three of those clubs (Windsor Bears, London Warriors, and the Brighton Buccaneers) no longer exist. With the recent disbandment of the Liverpool Trojans, there are now only two remaining NL north clubs, and in all likelihood there will not be a Northern Division in 09. Given the current state of the NBL, something had to be done, but it remains to be seen as to whether the Falcons will be competitive, and what impact their promotion will have on the HBC.
In any event, the Falcons have made their decision. It is risky, but you have to give them credit. They are ambitious and are one of the truly positive stories about baseball in Britain. Everyone is pulling for them. They are also now in the same position as Icarus. Their wings will take them up, up, and away to the NBL. There will be no going back.
Was Daedalus around to warn them of the perils of flying too high, too soon?
Are their wings made of wax?
Next year, we will find out.
I wish them all the best on their journey.