Manchester Baseball have expanded to six teams for the 2026 season.
The Manchester Donuts are Manchester’s fourth men’s baseball team and will go into division five for next season.
This adds to their three existing men’s teams, as well as their women’s and visually impaired teams.
Kit Jenkin is the head coach of Manchester Cavaliers, who have rebranded from the Manchester Cs this year. This is his first year coaching the team.
Kit said: “If you’re looking to grow the sport you need to get as many people involved in it as possible.
“Most of our main teams are co-ed, but it’s also fantastic to have a women’s only team, just to generate that interest.”
Manchester Baseball now have over 100 players on their books going into the new season.
“Being from North America myself, baseball is pretty well established over there. It’s not quite as well established over here,” Kit said.
“But even with the time I’ve been with the club, which is almost four years now, I’ve seen a growth of interest and popularity.”
Tours from MLB teams in the UK and Europe have increased the popularity of baseball outside of the US.
Kit said: “General international interest in the sport has grown quite a lot with the world baseball classic and certain superstars like Shohei Ohtani, and it’s entering a bit more into the mainstream again.
“The events MLB puts on; they’re going to be massive for raising interest. They have the money, they have the star power, and if they can put something on, that’s going to generate interest.”
Ian Marchment, Manchester Baseball club president and all-round baseball aficionado, was a founding member of Manchester Baseball in 1997.
Ian said: “There is something for everyone. Something forIan said: “There is something for everyone. Something for old, young, men, women, the sighted but also the blind guys. We can find a spot for anybody.”
“For me, it’s a great opportunity because there’s not many of us, there’s not many teams,” Ian said.
“So, if you want to stand out, if you want to be a big fish in a small pond, this sport is for you. There are opportunities no matter what.”
This coming season will be Manchester A’s first season back in the National British Baseball League.
The club are receiving a chunk the £15 million investment happening in Wythenshawe Park, where they host their games.
“You need investment in human resources, so people doing things like we’re doing today,” Kit said.
“Money is a massive part of it. You need to be able to promote your club and what you’re doing. You need to be able to maintain your grounds.”
The club are also receiving a delivery of dirt left over from the MLB’s recent exhibition, which does not come cheap.
The new BBL season starts next month, and players of all skill levels can go down and try baseball out.