Another record-breaking season draws to a close

The Milton Keynes Softball League has broken a number of new records as the 2023 season draws to a close. An incredible 92 players have signed up for the second season at our new home in Conniburrow. Efforts to grow the league and reach new audiences have paid dividends with 29 new players joining the league, 11 of which are new to softball, with an increase in diversity and geographical reach of players.

Games are now played on Thursdays, as well as the traditional club night on Tuesdays, where training is offered alongside the main game. The roster of experienced coaches has been supplemented by Rachel Hunter and player development is helped by Milton Keynes Diamonds teams being entered in a wide range of tournaments, from rookie-friendly to NSL 2.

Alongside the league and the external tournaments, the committee has organised two tournaments based in Milton Keynes. The Charity Cup in April raised significant funds for MK: Act, a charity providing safe emergency accommodation in Milton Keynes for people and their children escaping domestic violence for over 45 years. On the 23rd September, the Codebreakers Cup returns with 16 teams and plenty of World War 2-era theming and a number of Milton Keynes league teams will be entering.

The league season kicked off with four-time finalists, the Willow Lakers, taking on the OddSox, with the latter taking the opening game 16-6. The injury-hit Lakers would go onto win the Plate competition after a .500 regular season, beating the Towester Tigers 16-12.

The 2021 and 2022 champions, the Roundabout Rhinos, started their season with a tight 8-4 win over the Homerun Hornets and the Rhinos will be back in the showpiece final on Tuesday. The Hornets picked up the Spoon trophy beating the Odd Sox 17-16 in a dramatic final.

The Rhinos will be joined in the Championship final by a new team, the Tribe, who have enjoyed a strong inaugral season. Despite a completely new roster, the Tribe overcame the Double Ds in the eliminator 23-8 and will pose a strong challenge to the Rhinos.

Second-year team, the Base Cadets enjoyed a creditable midtable finish and were only denied a place in the Plate final by fading light.

So, we are looking ahead to the final on Tuesday 29th and this year's game will be broadcast on BSUKTV here. The game starts at 6:15pm.