Taunton Baseball Club - About the Muskets

Club History

The Taunton Muskets came to life in 2013, sparked by the passion of a dedicated local coach—who had already helped establish the Exeter Spitfires—alongside a group of eager rookies and seasoned veterans looking for a fresh challenge. What started as a small but enthusiastic band of ten players training through the off-season quickly grew into something greater. By April 2014, the club had secured a place in the South West Baseball League (SWBL) and was ready to make its mark.

The Muskets’ debut season proved to be an exciting one. Armed with some pitching experience, the team fought hard and finished third in the league—a fantastic achievement for a first-year squad. Riding that momentum, and with growing interest in the club, the decision was made on the eve of the 2015 season to expand, leading to the birth of a second team: the Taunton Musketoons.

2015 - 2016: A Campionship Run

The Muskets and Musketoons faced different fates in 2015. While the Musketoons experienced growing pains in their inaugural season, their time on the field proved invaluable for developing new talent. Meanwhile, the Muskets soared to new heights, clinching their first-ever league championship—a landmark moment in the club’s history. Their dominance continued into 2016, where they successfully defended their title, reaffirming their status as a force to be reckoned with in the South-West.

Expanding Horizons and Tournament Success

Beyond the league, the Muskets set their sights on bigger challenges. They traveled to London to compete in the prestigious London Tournament, hosted by the Croydon Pirates, where they emerged as tournament champions—a testament to the team’s growing reputation. In the following seasons, the Muskets remained a powerhouse in the SWBL, narrowly missing out on league titles in 2017 and 2018 but maintaining their presence as serious contenders.

2020: A New Challenge on the National Stage

The year 2020 brought challenges off the field, but on the diamond, the Muskets embarked on a fresh adventure: their first foray into the British Baseball Federation’s national tournament at the Single A level. Against tough competition from across the south of England, the Muskets held their own and finished in a respectable third place—an impressive feat for their national debut.

2021: Narrowly Missing Glory

The following season saw the Muskets come agonizingly close to another championship. Finishing second in their division, they narrowly missed out on a place in the Single A Finals—but their hunger for success only grew stronger.

2022: A Year for the Rookies

The 2022 season was a year of growth and fresh faces. A surge of new players joined the club, injecting new energy into the team. Though the Muskets just missed the playoffs due to a slim run differential, the season was a testament to their determination and progress. The year also saw the rise of several standout rookies, with three players earning awards for their performances:

Gemma O'Toole – Most Improved
Paul Wilson – Rookie of the Year
Fumi Yasuhara – Golden Glove

From humble beginnings to championship triumphs and national-level competition, the Taunton Muskets continue to grow, evolve, and inspire. With an ever-expanding roster and a passion for the game that never wavers, the future looks bright for Taunton baseball.

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