THOSE brave enough to tackle the recent cold weather in Taunton may have stumbled across the new development in Victoria Park that has taken shape since last October, writes Chris Chantrey.

From the ground the uninformed may simply see an out of place fence and some dirt, but to the Taunton Muskets, this is a new baseball diamond.

Since 2013, the Taunton Muskets have been pitting their skills against teams in the South West Baseball League, a competition the club has won twice in that time.

Yet the Muskets have often been located on the outskirts of town, with playing fields hard to come by for a sport often viewed as an American pastime, competing against traditional British summer sports.

In 2019 that is all about to change, as after five years the club has secured a purpose-built diamond in Victoria Park, with thanks to funding from Taunton Deane Borough Council, and they are looking forward to getting their season underway in April.

The Muskets will welcome teams from Cornwall, Plymouth, Exeter, Newton Abbott, Yeovil, Weston-super-Mare, Bristol and Cardiff – all competing for the coveted South West Baseball League trophy.

Although the league season doesn’t start until April, the hard work begins with pre-season training.

The club meet on Fridays, from 8.30pm until 10pm, at Taunton Vale Sports club for indoor training sessions.

Anyone is welcome to attend, the first session is free and all equipment is provided.

If you are interested in playing a part in the club, be it as player, umpire, coach or sponsor, then get in touch either via social media (@TauntonBaseball) or the club website.