The British Baseball League Final Four will take place this weekend as the Croydon Pirates, Menwith Hill Patriots, Liverpool Trojans, and the London Mets battle for the British National Championship. Last year’s champion, the Richmond Flames, failed to make the playoffs. Here’s a look at this year’s Final Four matchups.
Croydon Pirates (26-0) vs Menwith Hill Patriots (17-5)
Croydon won the national crown in 2004 and 2005, and lost in last year’s finals. The Pirates have won 38 straight regular season games over the past two years and appear headed for their third title in four years. Top players includes Brett TAIT (.528), Ryan BARWICK (.527), and Maikel AZENYA (.527).
Menwith Hill ended the season on a high note with three wins over Liverpool who narrowly won the division title. After a slow start the Patriots are peaking at the right time. Top players are David CRISS (.625), John DUXBURY (.358), Clayton ANSTINE (.327), and Todd ROPELLA (.311).
Prediction: Pirates stay perfect and advance to title game.
Liverpool Trojans (19-4) vs London Mets (20-6)
The Trojans built a big lead over Menwith Hill early in the division race and limped to the crown after dropping three straight to the Patriots to closeout the regular season. A perennial playoff contender, the Trojans are still looking for their first national championship.
The fledgling Mets won 19 straight games during their first season in the British Baseball League but are 0-4 against Croydon. Top players includes Josh CHETWYND (.450), George LINTERN (.432), Jason HOLOWATY (.421), and Callum WOODS (.333).
Prediction: A toss-up between two teams who lost on the final day of the season. London is 20-2 against teams not named Croydon and Liverpool has struggled in the post-season in recent years. The Cinderella continues as the Mets advance to the national championship game.