History
The Exeter Spitfires in 2000
The Early Years
Originally founded in 2000, the Exeter Spifires take their name from the Polish Spitfire Squadron based in the city during World War II. They joined the Mid West Baseball League, playing against The Cheddar Rockies, Gloucester Meteors , Droitwich Spartans and Rowheath Raiders. The club enjoyed two promising seasons in the mid west league, posting coecutive second place finishes and winning the Mid West UK Knockout Cup at the end of the 2001 season.
Sadly, despite a great year, following the 2001 season the team was disbanded. This was due to the other teams in the league all folding, meaning there was no one for the club to play.
A Phoenix From the Ashes
In 2012, 10 years after the Exeter Spitfires were disbanded the South West Baseball League was founded. Originally consisting of the Plymouth Mariners, Torbay Barons and Bristol Bats. Former Spitfire's manager Neale Raleigh and player Tony Watson joined the Torbay Barons, keen to dust the cobwebs off their baseball gear. Finding that his love of the game had not dwindled Neale Raleigh decided the time was right to try and relaunch the Spitfires.
With the 2012 season drawing to a close Neale Raleigh began contacting former players and in October he was joined by Tony Watson, Gary Courtney and Mark Williams. They were also joined by two new faces, George Andrews who played for Plymouth in 2012 but was living in Exeter and Dave Saunders. The club was officially re-born in October 2012 and the search for new players began.
By the time Winter training rolled round in January the club had attracted several new faces, new kits were ordered and the Spitfires officially joined the South West Baseall league ready for the 2013 season. After a slow start the cub gained momemtum, eventually finishing 3rd out of the 4 teams.
A Phoenix From the Ashes
In 2012, 10 years after the Exeter Spitfires were disbanded the South West Baseball League was founded. Originally consisting of the Plymouth Mariners, Torbay Barons and Bristol Bats. Former Spitfire's manager Neale Raleigh and player Tony Watson joined the Torbay Barons, keen to dust the cobwebs off their baseball gear. Finding that his love of the game had not dwindled Neale Raleigh decided the time was right to try and relaunch the Spitfires.
With the 2012 season drawing to a close Neale Raleigh began contacting former players and in October he was joined by Tony Watson, Gary Courtney and Mark Williams. They were also joined by two new faces, George Andrews who played for Plymouth in 2012 but was living in Exeter and Dave Saunders. The club was officially re-born in October 2012 and the search for new players began.
By the time Winter training rolled round in January the club had attracted several new faces, new kits were ordered and the Spitfires officially joined the South West Baseall league ready for the 2013 season. After a slow start the cub gained momemtum, eventually finishing 3rd out of the 4 teams.
Continued Growth
Both the Exeter Spitfires and the South West Baseball League continue to grow. The South West Baseball League has since been joined by the Bristol Badgers, the Taunton Musketoons and the Newton Abbot Brewers.
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The Exeter Spitfires won their first silverware in 2014. Winning the inaugral South West Baseball League Future's Cup.
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In 2016 the club began junior baseball sessions. Aimed at 8-14 year olds. Aiming to develop the baseball players of tomorrow. New players welcome. Visiting the Training Page or contact us to find out more.
