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Pre-Season
Bolton Baseball Club began 2008 looking to improve on a disappointing 2007. For the first time in two years the club had an official home, as The Ballpark at Stapleton Avenue was ready to host games. The club had struggled with Roster size in 2007 and the 2008 season would see John Baxendale, Steve Wilson, Phil Daft and Julian Aldridge all leave the club. Both Tyler Smith and Ray Brownlie who had appeared in a few games in 07 would also not be returning. The team would make its biggest youth movement in club history, attracting young talent in Chris Clifton, Seb Yaseen and Zak O’bolye from the Cartmel junior program. Other Rookies included Dave Nolan, Dom Clarke and Mike Walker. Veteran ball player Wayne Clark would also join the club offering a steady voice for what would turn out to be a very young infield. Also, after missing the majority of 2007 due to injury James Newall looked to make a full time return to duty in 2008. The launch of the youth team, run by Lee Heaton was highly anticipated. March 4 2008
Bolton Baseball Club announces new name, the Robots of Doom. Phil Daft promptly retires on hearing the news April 20 2008
Sunday April 26 2008
Sunday May 11 2008
The Robots of Doom completed a four game win streak to start the season, the longest winning streak of the clubs history. All wins came against the Northstars.
Friday June 27 2008
Saturday June 28 2008
The Robots of Doom made their international debut against the London Mets with John Carter taking to the mound. The Robots lost this game by a score of 10 to 1, Matthew Norburn recording the first international hit and stolen base in the first inning,James Newall scoring Bolton's first run on foreign soil. Bolton's second game of the day was against the Irish national team. Martin Bell took to the mound for Bolton's first International fixture. A great effort from Bolton but ultimately ended up in a 8-0 defeat.
Sunday June 29 2008
The second day of the Ireland Tournament saw Bolton take on the Northern Knights and the London Mets. Bolton would take an early 2-0 lead against the all-star team from the North of England, however the Knights managed to put a rally together and take the game 6 to 2. Bolton's last game of the tournament was against the London Mets. With several players having already left to catch flights home Bolton were down to nine, young Seb Yaseen took to the mound and gave a respectable performance, however again the Robots fell 11-0. Although losing all 4 games in the tournament, Bolton put in strong performances against teams with much more experience and gained positive reviews.Sunday July 27 2008
During the first game of a double header against Leicester Matthew Norburn tears a muscle in has calf. Norburn sat out the rest of that game and failed to make it into the second game of the double header. This marked the first game in league competition that Norburn did not compete in.
Sunday August 17 2008
Rookie back catcher Chris Clifton sets a new club record by stealing nine bases in one game against the Manchester A's
Saturday August 30 2008
Tony "Yogi" Berry breaks the record for the longest consecutive games started streak, running his total to 34 games. Martin Bell also hit his 9th home run of the season shattering the clubs previous single season record of 2.
Saturday September 06 2008
Simon Evans anounces his retirement from baseball
Tuesday November 18 2008
Bolton Baseball Club recieve an awards grant from Biffawrd for £5000 to be used on ground development and improvement
Other Notables The Robots of Doom put together their best season ever with 9 wins. The ROD were in close competition with local rivals Manchester A's down the stretch for play-off contention, however some close losses put the Robots out of contention. The club saw positives in its youth program which continued to grow and attract new players all season. The R.O.D developed into a strong team and is looking for further success in 2009.  |
