We are proud to announce that Hadlow Parish Council have approved the proposed upgrade of Williams Field, Hadlow, home of Kent Buccaneers Baseball Club, through the construction of a full dirt infield apron, a significant improvement from our current infield base cut-outs. An infield dirt apron is something you see at almost every ballpark in Major League Baseball, and even in the Minor Leagues and various College/High School venues. Over here in the UK, Baseball is a minority sport, but that doesn't mean it is not a great opportunity. Participant numbers are growing year on year across the country, and we are seeing this ourselves in our own region. As it is a minority sport, money is not easy to come by for projects like these, which is why we need your support to ensure that we can upgrade our baseball diamond into something more suitable and safe, and to enhance the experience of members of the club and community that play and/or watch a great game of baseball in Hadlow.

What we'll deliver:

• Construct a 90' infield dirt apron
• Purchase a second-hand ride on mower to allow for regular maintenance of grass (cutting) and dirt (dragging)
• Hold FREE open days on the renovated field to give opportunities for both adults and children
• Offer opportunities to both adults and youths, regardless of gender
• The most generous donor will be invited to throw out the 'first pitch' at the renovated diamond
• A donor selected at random will be gifted a Kent Buccaneers hoodie and hat as a huge thank you

Why it's a great idea:

Kent Buccaneers have been based in Hadlow, Kent, since 2017, with our dirt base cut-outs being implemented in 2018 and our permanent backstop being constructed in 2019. Since then, interest in the local community is growing with more and more new players starting to play baseball every year. Our mission is to ensure a great playing surface to our members and visiting teams, which will enhance not only the experience of playing in Hadlow, but also the safety of the field itself since maintained dirt will produce a much better bounce for infielders than our current grass infield, alongside upgrading our mound and batters boxes with clay bricks to ensure a more firm dirt base in highly populated areas of the field. This project will allow us to continue to offer a local sport for the Hadlow community to enjoy on a weekend, which we have done for the last 5 years. Many of our club members are local residents, and some learned about the club by stumbling upon a game of ours being played!

Steps to get it done:

• Digging the infield apron cut-out
• Buying the baseball dirt mix and membrane
• Installing the membrane followed by the baseball dirt
• Level and compact the dirt to ensure a smooth playing surface
• Open the newly renovated playing field to the community and our club

Kent Buccaneers Baseball Club are an all-volunteer organisation, governed by a Club Board and our club constitution. We promote and offer baseball to adults and youths, regardless of gender, and are a welcoming, friendly organisation that accepts anyone to play, coach or volunteer with us. We are based in Hadlow, Kent, which is classed as a deprived area. Over the years, our playing surface has deteriorated slightly and it is time for it to be upgraded to prevent any further deterioration. This project is an important one for us, as it shows how far baseball has come in Kent, and our club, in just five years. We have permission and plans to build a youth diamond at the same location, as well as to renovate our existing adult diamond. Hadlow Parish Council have been extremely supportive and welcoming to us over the last 5 years and we cannot extend our gratitude enough to them. We are committed to continue offering a sport for anyone to get involved in. Thank you for your support!