Club wants lucky strike for next 100 years

7:10am Wednesday 28th May 2008

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ST MICHAEL'S Baseball Club is 100 years old this year - and is raising money to build on its legacy.

The Newport club is working with ASDA Living at Newport Retail Park to collect money for the team's youth sides.

As well as two senior teams, the Pill-based club runs teams for under 12s, under 14s and under 16s.

Club secretary Peter Sanders said just a single game costs the club £80 a day.

"We have to pay for pitch fees, for the referee and other costs.

"We're also looking to buy the junior sides their kits for the centenary season," he added.

St Michael was formed in 1908 in conjunction with St Michael's Church to offer sporting opportunities to it's younger members.

It has made numerous achievements; in 1920 they achieved a unique treble by winning the League, the Argus Cup and the Florida Cup, while in 1986 they lifted the Welsh Brewers Cup during the only ever all-Newport final.

It also competed in the last Welsh baseball cup final.

The team has also produced a number of Welsh internationals, including Peter Sanders and Mike Burke and Billy Landers from the 1920s.

"Pill has a great tradition in baseball going back to the start of the game.

"We're proud to keep it going," said Mr Sanders.