AS the top baseball teams in the US begin their preparations in pursuit of the famous World Series, Somerset’s very own champions are getting into shape to defend their title.

The Taunton Muskets were formed in 2014 and have achieved extraordinary success in a short space of time. The team went undefeated in 2015 to claim the South West Baseball League (SWBL) championship. The SWBL is an amateur adult baseball league also featuring clubs from Bristol, Exeter, and Plymouth, with Newton Abbot also expected to field a team.

Competition is fierce but friendly and fun with players of all ages and abilities, male and female, welcome to participate.

Taunton currently offers two teams – the Muskets and Musketoons - with its players drawn from across Somerset. Training takes place at Queen’s College in Trull Road, Taunton on Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm and everyone’s first session will be free. The new season is expected to start in April.

Chris Chantrey, chairman of the Taunton Muskets, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our achievements as a club and we want more people to be involved. At a time when it seems Major League Baseball could be coming to the UK, it’s an incredibly exciting time for the sport on our side of the Atlantic.”

In 2013, it was estimated that there were around 5,000 people involved in baseball in the UK and that figure seems set to grow. The MLB has never ventured into Europe but recent reports in the US and UK suggest the Olympic Stadium in London is being viewed as a potential venue to stage games possibly as early as 2017.

“There’s a lot of support for the MLB in the UK but it may be that many fans of the sport don’t realise the game is being played in towns and cities near them,” said Chris, “We are an incredibly welcoming club and we would love to see new faces. If you’re new to the game, we’ll take you through the basics and can provide all the equipment you need to get started.

“We had a fantastic 2015, securing our first title, and we hope to continue that success in 2016.”

Chris added: “We also want to thank our sponsor Redrow South West for its support. It is invaluable and if there any other businesses or potential sponsors out there who want to be part of our success, we’d love to hear from them.”

To find out more including details about membership, training or sponsorship, visit the club’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tauntonbaseball or visit www.tauntonmuskets.co.uk.

You can also contact club chairman Chris Chantrey by email at chris.chantrey@gmail.com or phone on 07943 128731.