CLICK TO VIEW PDF MAP WITH INDEX
I’ve gotten my head around using Affinity Publisher to create indexes for my maps - and the Zafarnia map has received this treatment. This means I’m one step closer to creating folded maps which I could potentially offer, provided that there is enough interest.
There is an index of individual stations, as well as index of teams which detail where stations for players can be found.
One main feature of the Zafarnia Map is grouping people by teams and clubs. The PDF version of the map gives a team-by-team summary of where stations can be located. Not all teams however will have areas, generally I only consider creating areas for groups of four or more players. Areas are generally based on 2024 rosters, especially for Raiders teams.
As someone who loves writing softball memoirs, I’m happy to go into more detail on this page about each team with an area.
Raiders Blue (2022-24)
The blue wave of the London Softball League.
This has been my league team for three years, and I’m not intending to change this. We’ve been through a lot since I was promoted to Blue - with a promising 2022 season where we finished a respectable third place. 2023 was monumental, with such an incredible roster of amazing people - and we finished top of Division 4, securing our place in the Nationals tournament and bringing us to the majors. Division 3 was always going to be a challenge, and we lost a lot of excellent players at the end of the year, but we had amazing new recruits and technically, finished third place in the division (though there was a four-way tie, by all statistical measures we were the best of the four tied teams). Even with my relatively poor performance in 2024 - easiest my weakest LSL season since 2019 (due to a lot of mental issues and life events), we survived Division 3 and are ready for the next year of softball - it’s going to be harder with the Dazzlers, Game of Throws, plus the Buccaneers and Base Jumpers - and the three teams we drew against are certainly no pushovers either. Onwards, Raiders Blue, let’s do it.
Raiders Blue, being my team, is home to some of my closest softball Judies, so they don’t occupy a solid area on the map. I have reserved many of my biggest interchanges for my fellow Blues. There are some Blue players along Line 4, which is coloured blue on the map, but this rule isn’t closely followed.
Fuzzy Ducks (2024)
Fuzzy Duck Dynasty.
Raiders do not have an NSL team, however, I choose to play for a different team for NSL.
NSL2 was always going to be a tall order. Never in my imagination did I see myself as good enough for that league, I always consider myself as an NSL3 level player - and that is already a highly competitive league. Imagine my shock when I was asked if I was interested in playing for the Fuzzy Ducks, in NSL 2. I certainly was up for the challenge, but I was daunted and initially faced a lot of ‘imposter syndrome’. A team that has played for quite a while in LSL Div 1 and Div 2, this was a strong team of players.
Yet, 2024 was not my first time with the Fuzzy Ducks. My first game with them was all the way back in 2019. During a moment of frustration at a tournament, I was walking around, in a rather pensive mood. I was approached by Brian (now on Raiders Gold) who asked me if I was willing to play a few innings. I took this offer and got into right-centre - getting some decent hits and some catches. Who knew that I’d be playing NSL ball with the team in the future.
I met much of the team during the first tournament of 2024 - the Dev Squad Derby, and my fears were extinguished. What a great bunch of people - talented players, who know that softball is supposed to be enjoyable. I was asked to ring for the team a couple of times in the early season for the LSL games, and had a blast. It was then time for NSL. Anxious at first, not wanting to screw up, I stepped up to the plate for my Fuzzy Ducks NSL 2 debut. First hit? A home run over the fence. Madness. You know what - maybe I could get into this NSL 2 gig. I haven't looked back since, and have enjoyed a great NSL season with them.
Unfortunately, NSL 2 was an immense challenge, and due to finishing second from last place in a league with insanely good teams, the Ducks were sadly demoted from the league. However, the team will come back stronger in 2025, in NSL 3, almost certainly intention of returning back to NSL 2 - but honestly - NSL 3 is no picnic either, there are some very strong teams. Southern Stormers and Cardiff, looking at you in particular. I’m happy to see that the Fuzzy Ducks, in contrast, got promoted from Div 2 to Div 1 in the London League.
I have no intention of leaving the Fuzzy Ducks for NSL next year, if they will have me back!
Fuzzy Ducks - both NSL and LSL players, have their own line - taking over the western half of Line 11. OK, maybe it’s not the shade of green of our shirts, but the colour of Line 11 can easily be associated with ducks. NSL players are primarily found in Zone 1.
Raiders Orange (2016-2019)
Captaining Raiders in 2018 was pure bliss - what a team.
I joined Raiders in 2016, relatively late into the pre-season training, there being just two sessions before team selection (often the bane of my softball life). To my delight I would be selected for Orange, Raiders' lowest ranked team. Most Raiders will say that their first year in the club is pretty magical, and this applied to me. The 2016 Raiders Orange team, led by the lovely Richie, was a motley crew of incredible people, and every game, though we lost, we had an absolute blast. The camping trip we had together at the end of the season, though a washout was full of incredible memories. I loved it so much that I wanted to stay in the same team in 2017 - however in Raiders, no team ever stays completely the same. We lost a lot of great players, however those that took their place in 2017 were much welcomed. Chloe was new to the team this year, and she and I, for instance, the two Orange Frenchies, got very close (wish she'd stay longer). The Orange Magic was still there.
I still loved playing for Orange so much, that I decided to captain the team the following year. At this point, I had no interest in playing up, as baseball was still my main sport and softball was my non-serious bit of fun. Many Orange players were moved up, including Ali, who I was really going to miss - but it meant I was able to develop my pitching more as I would become the main pitcher of the roster, with new player Newton helping me out. We had an influx of amazing new players for Orange, who had joined the club in 2018. Anthea, Cora, Caz, Newton, Alex, Jackie, Donna - to this day most are still playing softball and are great players. Newton and I are now on Blue together. Orange managed to win a good few games too in 2018 - Five, if I remember correctly, the most wins for Orange in quite a while. I couldn't have done it without a promising team behind me, but I was proud of that fact.
2019 however, the magic of Orange had rapidly evaporated. I loved captaining Orange so much that I offered to do it for another year. This was the year of a Gold exodus, and Raiders that remained were all moving on up to higher teams. Blue essentially became Gold, Red became Blue, and inevitably, many of my Oranginas became Greenies. This moving up was an opportunity that I had to miss out on being captain (and as much as I wanted to, I couldn't rescind it, it would have been challenging for the club to find a new captain) and it meant losing many of my good friends on my team in 2018. We got some good players, but many were quite flaky and didn’t show up to many games. At least I had Anthea as co-captain, and getting James, the only truly eager newbie was one of the biggest shining lights that year.
The only game we won that year was due to a forfeit. All the time I was wishing I could play more competitively. Every game I umpired, I was envious of the higher teams. Bitter and covetous, it was time for a campaign to get out of Division 6. I had more opportunities to ring for other teams, and play more tournaments, becoming a player that would be picked for a higher team. I made sure (and ranted endlessly) that I was to play in a higher team the next season. Being the bottom team in the bottom division was no longer where I wanted to be. Indeed, my time on Orange needed to end, and 2019 would my last year in the bottom division.
Raiders Orange is completely different now to when I was on the team, a team with promise. In 2024 they managed to get five wins, matching the 2018 season - incredible work. They have the potential to do even better next season. Most of the 2024 roster are now found on Line 2, which is coloured orange.
Raiders Red (2021)
A winning team, just not at taking team photos (none exist!)
When softball returned in 2021, I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t eyeing up being promoted straight to Gold. I had played for them twice in 2019 and really got my name out there as a strong player. I thought it might be possible. No Raider has done that before, surely I would be the first. But surely no-one in the club jumps straight from Orange to Gold, that would be sheer insanity. Plus, Gold didn't really need anyone new at the time.
My wishes (demands) were granted - I was to play for Raiders Red. Raiders Red was a fantastic stepping stone, a great season with a brilliant team during the special 2021 season (as we recovered from Covid-19). We played very well and finished at the top of our division. We tied with the Base Jumpers and Buccaneers, which would become consistent rivals to the teams I played for in the coming years. By all tie-braking accounts, Red came out on top, with the most runs scored (beating the Base Jumpers and the Buccaneers by 1), and the largest run differential (beating the Buccaneers by 4). What a close season.
Alas, even though I enjoyed Derek and Laura's captaincy, this would be my only season on Red.
Red seems to have one of the most dynamic rosters in the Raiders, with constant change. They had a disappointing season in 2023, getting demoted, but aced the 2024 season finishing top of the division and getting back up after falling down. Raiders Red is full of potential, if they keep the roster the same, I would bank on them doing well in Division 5 - even getting one of the promotion spots.
Raiders Red haven’t really got a solid area - there are a few Red players on Line 1, coloured red - however a lot of Red players are close friends of mine, hence they have taken some of the major interchange stations.
Panthers (2023)
I want me one of those shirts. They're the team of many colours. Clear eyes, full hearts.
At Windsor 2022, a seed was planted. I developed a strong desire to play in the National Softball League. I wanted to play softball to the most competitive level I could. Two things happened, one being a participation in a charity home run derby, where I managed to get two hits over the fence. If I can do that, surely I could fit right into NSL 3, which I was eyeing up for next year. Raiders used to have an NSL team, and in 2022, we made an attempt to get a team in, but that flopped miserably.
I decided to try and get myself into the NSL 3 gig, asking people if they knew anyone who could be looking for a pitcher and/or outfielder. Closer to the season, I chanced it with the WANTED Facebook group - however no dice. NSL 3 would not be happening for me this season. The FOMO and envy I had for those who got to play in NSL in May was intense.
I decided to try one more time to get into the NSL, a little closer to the second weekend in June. There may be more chance then as people drop out closer to the time. Lukck was on my side this time, with a Facebook message from Dave from the Panthers - he was looking for a second pitcher! Perfect - I finally had my foot in the door. Plus - they have an incredible kit, one of the best in all of UK softball. They’re a team of many colours, as I experienced at Let The Boys Play the year prior, where there were black and gold, black and purple, black and red, and teal and white shirts.
The softball gods must have been rewarding me that time, not just due to the opportunity to play NSL, as I would discover that none other than Jen was also going to play for the Panthers that weekend. That made me exceptionally happy, having Jen’s incredible energy about made me less daunted. No matter what, we were going to have a fantastic time. We did, my first taste of NSL was very rewarding. There's something special about these tournaments in particular. Everyone is competitive, we have the exceptional high level of NSL 1 to watch, and the party at the end of the Saturdays are always the biggest at the NSL weekends.
Sadly, the Panthers’ season didn’t go so well, and we were demoted from NSL 3 and out of the National Softball League ultimately - finishing second to last place. I feel I have given teams bad luck, first having the Panthers relegated in 2023, and the Fuzzy Ducks in 2024.
Nevertheless, I was invited to play with them again, in Prague (last minute decision but I a trip I do not regret in the least). I was able to pitch in Prague for the first time. Great bunch of people (and ordering the 'weird smelling fish' at the Chinese restaurant on the Saturday night was tempting).
I still wanted to play NSL, yet I was now without a team. In the off-season, I joined the Fuzzy Ducks; I had assumed that it was over for the Panthers. Had I known that they would be invited back to NSL 3, I wouldn’t have advertised to the softball community that I was searching for a new NSL team to play for, I would have happily played for Panthers again. I’m very happy that they were invited back, and they had a more successful season in NSL 3 in 2024. Looking forward to playing against them next year.
Even though I left the team, it was with no bad blood whatsoever (and the Panthers saved my arse at the Cotswolds). Just want to say, I would still love a shirt, in teal and white!
The Panthers have their own section of a Line - taking over the north-eastern end of Line 16 (including some stations in Zone 1). This includes players in the NSL team, as well as players who played in Prague in October 2023.
Raiders Gold (2016, 2019, 2022, 2023)
All that glitters is Raiders Gold.
I have always dreamed of representing my club at the highest level, but the timing has always been off, and the softball angels were never in my favour. However, my first appearance on Gold was all the way back in my premier season, in 2016!
Baseball was a bigger part of my life than softball, so baseball practice always came first. However, Gold would be playing at Finsbury Park on the same day as practice, and they were missing a player. I was asked to play. Good enough for Gold? Who cares, I’ll be better than the team having an auto-out. Baseball coach was not too impressed with my defection, but no regrets - I had a great time on Gold - getting some good hits and some good catches - helping them to secure a W at Finsbury.
I don’t remember ever being asked to play for Gold until 2019 (there were generally better players to choose from in higher teams, in 2019 I must have had a stroke of luck). Twice I was asked to play, as pitcher and as a DH. Those were incredible experiences, getting the opportunity to pitch at a higher level and giving a good performance, as well as hitting home runs! That provided undeniable evidence that my time on Orange needed to end and I had to play more competitively. Could I play for Gold in the future?
Going from Orange to Gold is wholly unrealistic, though in 2021 I thought otherwise. I thought there was a slim chance I could be selected, however I was instead selected by Red. I was still ecstatic about moving up, my wishes had been granted. The year after, a key Gold player, also an outfielder, would announce that they were moving far from London. I thought it feasible that I could take his place in the outfield (filling some big shoes). No, it wasn’t quite my time yet, a deserving player was chosen instead. I was indeed promoted, but not from Blue. Going from Gold - you'd surely at least need to prove yourself on Blue first. Hey - this'll still be fun, but I thought it may be a goal to get to Gold the very next year.
Throughout my time on Blue in 2022 (and 2023), I got very close to Derek, captain of the ship, and really had a fantastic time. on Blue These were two peak seasons, I really enjoyed playing and my hitting was consistently good. Even by 2022, I couldn’t in my conscience leave Blue. The 2022 was so inspiring and invigorating, though we didn't win all the games and had some losses, there was an avalanche of energy there to explode in potential. 2023 happened. Everything clicked. We had some incredible new talent joining Blue. Whilst Blue faced success, sadly Gold, having just been promoted to Div 2, struggled and they would return back down to Div 3 after a heartbreaker of a season.
But 2024 - the temptation. Gold was looking for a restructuring after their demotion. Gold and Blue would be in the same division. I juggled the dilemma when filling out the survey. Blue has been great - but Gold... perhaps it may be my time. Just maybe. Top of the club - but I would be much loath to leave Derek and Kat and the team we enjoyed success with all together. Ultimately, on the survey I stated that I would prefer to stay in the same team (unless there was an absolute desperation for me to move up).
With that, I concede fully - that would leave the Gold captains stuck during team selection. I therefore don't think I was ever in the running by then. But there was a part of me who wanted to be. It's a difficult topic to really open up about (and it truly was circling my mind the entire season, causing a bit of anxiety).
Was there any point leaving my team just to play for status, in the same division? Gold already have two incredible pitchers, so there was little chance for me to ever pitch for Gold if I was chosen. Blue would need me as the second pitcher, the only other pitcher on the team was Derek (and he couldn't play all the games). But the status. We're Gold and we're the best players in the club. We're the exclusive Raiders elite, you can't touch us.
Instead, two ex-Fuzzy Ducks, one previously a Raider in years gone by, would deservedly take those job openings for Raiders Gold - and both are incredible players. Gold... struck Gold. I feel as a Fuzzy Duck I haven’t filled the shoes of these two players. It didn't stop there, one of Raiders all time great SBHs returned to Gold, plus a pickup of another talented player from the Thundercats gave them a very competitive roster.
Raiders Gold's re-organisation continued. One more BBH got the call. From Orange. He did what I thought was impossible, jumping from Orange to Gold. Love him to bits, and it was much deserved - he was a talented player who sorely needed a chance to play on a more competitive team. Yet, I was a little envious that he was the one to make the biggest jump in Raiders teams of all time. He took the fast train to the Raiders Elite, something I strived to eventually achieve, but he did it with ultimate style, straight from LSL's lowest division.
As expected, Raiders Gold left Div 3 in the dust, winning almost every game and thrashing Blue twice. This season, I had such an intense desire to beat Gold, but it never did happen (we came closest during London Firstball). They are moving on up to Div 2 and I have no doubt they will do well there. But man, I do wish I could be rostered as a regular in Div 2. It's a complex feeling I have with the situation that I have struggled with all season, and I will feel jealousy if they make it into Div 1. Can you imagine, being rostered on a Div 1 team - the most challenging softball division with some of the greatest players in London. I could have been right there, but it's been an opportunity that I passed over, and someone else was given that chance as a result. I will always love Blue, but these are real feelings that I have had in the 2024 season.
The elephant in the room, however, is the Raiders Upper Rec tournament team. I would begin playing for Raiders Gold in Upper Rec tournaments. in 2022 Naturally, all of Gold would be asked first to play - but many of the Gold players at the time simply didn't play tournaments, hence I would be able to take one of the free spots. These days, with 7 keen BBHs on Gold, I saw the writing on the wall. Gold players would be prioritised over me, hence this is one of the main reasons why I have played for many different teams for tournaments in 2024. As it transpired, it turned out they were a little short for a lot of the tournaments, but if they can guarantee me a spot for every tournament next year, and let me pitch a game or two, I would be willing to return back to Raiders Gold - but I am looking into finding another tournament team for 2025. To add to the jumble, there is a fellow on Raiders Red who is further competition for that tournament team spot, and he has already made a good impression on the captains. We are players of a very similar standard, each with their unique skill (I can pitch, he can play SS) - but I think it's time to move on to a new team next year, the stage for Raiders is already set and the roles have been filled. It's disappointing. I've almost felt shafted out and tossed aside.
As a competitive player, I do not wish to play Lower Rec, I want to play at my level - Upper Rec. There's not that many competitive tournaments in the softball year. I've been told I take this game a little too seriously, it's a huge part of my life, so I bear no guilt in stating this.
Bitterness aside, one day, however, I do wish to be a Gold player - though now isn’t the time.
Raiders Gold has a small area, centred around one of the Gold captains. Around Kenney Basilica, there is an area of Gold players from the 2024 roster. Many are on Line 10 and Line 15, which are both coloured close to gold! There is just one exception. I had run out of major interchanges in the area, so I have placed their station elsewhere where I could find a bigger interchange - that often overrides being placed on a team's location.
Raiders Green (2017, 2018, 2019)
Ain't no party like a Green party. (No photos exist of me and Green officially, though, this is the closest we've gotten).
I’ve never been rostered to Raiders Green, though I have helped them out numerous times. My LSL pitching debut was with Green, at Blackhorse Road, on a wet, windy day, it was a woeful performance. As a pitcher, you do have to start somewhere, yet walking 5 people can cause a lot of embarrassment. I would vow to never walk as many people in an inning again, and I can say that this has not happened since.
Raiders Green is a close group of players, who love the game and love each other's company. Of all the Raiders teams, it is Green's roster who opt to remain on the team even if captains from higher teams are willing to select them. Stephen, being the captain (and certainly one of my closest friends in the softball world), has joked that Raiders Green is the team of 'veterans'. Regardless of that monicker, they are not a team to be scoffed at, all players are very good and they have placed third place in their division two years in a row. Maybe next year, it'll be third time lucky and they secure that promotion spot - they deserve it and I am so rooting for them - but they need to be ready for some tough competition (Bangers & Smash, looking at you).
The team holds many of my closest Raiders friends. Line 3 is Raiders Green central. Many key Green players, and closest friends, are on the central section of Line 3, with past Green players tending to be on Line 3 out of the centre. (There is one exception, I wanted to give him a multi-interchange station, and he’s been associated with Indigo and Orange for a few years, even though he is now a Green player).
Raiders Indigo (2019)
I was not best pleased in this photo, after Indigo beat us.
I have indeed played for Raiders Indigo, which makes me one of the Raiders to have played on every team (since my time in the club)! Indigo has not always been one of the Raiders squads, its appearance being sporadic, but the team was re-introduced in 2023 due to an influx of new players interested in the game.
Five teams were to play at the start of 2019 - however, early on in the season, the Jets, captained by Mike, a mainstay in the London League sadly had to fold due to the lack of players in their roster. At the same time, Raiders had some players that were interested in playing, but weren’t selected for a league team. Gustav did some incredible work in forming Raiders Indigo, which was an amalgamation of what was left of the Jets, along with some budding new Raiders.
As this was a new team formed part way through the season, it was considered to be a scratch team. All teams that played against Raiders Indigo would win their games by default. A trial run for Raiders Indigo, it was intended for them to become a proper league team in the upcoming season.
I would often be asked to help this team, primarily for pitching. Extra game time is always appreciated. In spite of that, I was not happy when Raiders Indigo would end up beating Raiders Orange, which I was captaining at the time. Further fodder for the endless rants about my time to move up. Sorry for those of you who I bored endlessly in 2019.
Due to the lockdown era, Raiders Indigo had to fold. It was not until 2023 (and the fact that we had a lot of interest from new players in 2022) that Indigo would return, but it’s good to see the team back up and running now. I am really rooting for the team to get a win in the 2025 season. There is a possibility that there could be a seventh Raiders team in 2025 if we get enough interest,!
Raiders Indigo players are mostly found on Line 8, which is coloured… purple. Indigo, purple, close enough.
BBG Muppets (2023, 2024)
I answered a call to ring for the BBG Muppets, and have not looked back since. I play as often with them as I can, maxing out the three games permitted that I can ring for another team. Karen is always happy to ask me to play for the Muppets, and I am always appreciative - always having a great time. I feel I am an honorary part of the team now. I've played some exciting games with them, including a relegation battle against the Dazzlers to remain in Div 2 - which we won. I got lots of catches in left field (except for one beast of a hitter who hit right over our heads. The Dazzlers are an incredibly strong team, and we now will have to face them in Div 3 in 2025. Daunting!
The Muppets opt not to have their own shirts, so no colour matching with lines on the map as I have done with the Raiders. The eastern end of Line 13A is dedicated to the BBG Muppets.
Beavers (2018)
This game had it all, drama, a Stephen home run and parrot feathers.
I had always enjoyed playing with the Beavers. One day, they had a game where they were particularly short - of two men, no less. Stephen asked me if I was willing to play one Monday at Clissold Park. This was one of the most brilliant games of softball I have ever played. The Beavers are such a fun, fantastic bunch, and welcomed Stephen and I with welcome arms. I think this is the first time I ever got to play on the same team as Jo, who is a fantastic player and we had the sheer honor of having her on Raiders Blue in 2022 and 2023.
Stephen’s first home run, some drama with the Parrots, and a win - what a game!
Many Beavers, some who play for Breaking Bats - are on the western end of Zone 1. Stations are found in the Breaking Bats complex, as well as small area beneath, with many on Line 18.
Blitz (2024)
What may have been - if I could make any of the BSUK cups in 2024.
Blitz have the bombest after-softball parties. They fire up the barbecue and serve some good food after the game. That's what softball's all about. I have thought to myself - I wouldn't mind being a part of that.
My one appearance on Blitz was in Bristol Sommerball, DH'ing for a game. They even lent me a jersey. One to add to the collection officially? Hm.
I was, in fact offered a chance to be a player for one of the Blitz teams, myself needing a tournament team - however as I would work out from the schedule, I could not make any of the BSUK cups, and I was already sorted for Windsor - hence a roster spot would be completely wasted on me. If they offer me a spot this year… that would give me something to think about, as I have enjoyed the little bit of time I had on Blitz.
Blitz covers a lot of LSL teams - some from Pimlico, some from Golden Sombreros, some from Dazzlers, as well as other teams. I have created an area for them in the south-west of Zone 1 (with some overspill).
Breaking Bats (2023, 2024)
Thankfully, no bats were actually broken at this tournament.
Breaking Bats is an amalgamation of players of many teams in LSL - including Battitude, Fly Ballers, Swamp Monsters and Beavers. I guest star as a Breaking Bats player at Edinburgh, and even have my own jersey.
They are due to play in NSL 3 next year, and I wish them the best of luck, but the Ducks will come out on top for sure every time. Bring it on!
Due to them being quite a large group, it was best to create an area for Breaking Bats players, as well as the aforementioned LSL teams - in the north-west of Zone 1, with some overspill on Line 5 and Line 12.
Fly Ballers (2023, 2024)
Two promotions in two years - they're flying through the league.
The Fly Ballers seem to be unstoppable, gaining promotion in both years of their existence. Magda has lots of connections, indeed there are some baseball players on the team as part of their roster who have no issues with the switch. It’s no surprise how great they are and I would not be surprised if they finish near the top of Division 4 in 2025. Meaning we’d have to deal with them quite soon.
I played for the Fly Ballers at Codebreakers in 2023 and we did reasonably well, winning all of our group games. That meant we had a tougher semi-final to play, and sadly just fell short. After playing some indoor softball with them in early 2024, I even was offered the permission to get my own custom shirt! Who knows where I’ll wear it next, but it was good to play with a very talented, promising team.
Fly Ballers are found primarily in the Breaking Bats complex, however there are further spots on the map for more players on the western end of Line 12.
fOXes (2024)
Here to fOX sh!t up.
The fOXes are a very talented NSL 3 team who I’ll be looking forward to playing against in 2025. fOXes vs Ducks, I envisage to be a close game. I got a chance to play with them in Windsor 2024. As soon as I feigned interest in playing for Windsor, soon after team applications went live, someone from the fOXes saw my Instagram story and offered me a chance to join the den for that weekend. It was an extremely fun tournament, and I even made an appearance at 2nd base (that is the one position where I feel like a fish out of water). What a good group too, that love the game and play it with class. I enjoyed every moment (even as I faltered towards the end of the tournament).
A few fOXes also play for Reading, so I decided to assign Line 6A as the Reading/fOXes line - so fOXes can be found there.
Meteors (2019, 2023)
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Meteors had colours aplenty, but Raiders always have them beat in this regard.
Both times I played for Meteors, was for the Codebreakers tournament at the end of the year. Stephen and I joined the ‘Meteors Mashup’ to complete a roster of different Meteors players. In 2023, Meteors Red needed one more player to finish their roster for the final, which I believe we ended up losing to the talented Asteroids.
Meteors Black seems a separate entity to the other Meteors teams, with their own logo and unis, but Meteors Red and Purple players (and the now folded Green team) are found on the eastern end of Line 18. There's a couple of Meteors Black players on Line 5, but it's not really enough to call it an official section of map (and there's a couple other players elsewhere).
Mouse Rat (2024)
I always wondered about this team name, which was taken from ‘Parks and Recreation’. They started in Division 6, and look where they are now.
My first appearance ever in Division 1 was as a guest pitcher for Mouse Rat. Jack is a fellow Fuzzy Duck NSL player so he asked me to help out when they were short. What an opportunity, which I enjoyed greatly. Our opponents were the formidable, mighty Mescalitos, constantly at the top of the entire league. I knew them previously as they aced us completely in indoor softball, and killed us at Prague.
The softball angels weren’t in my favour, as it was windy and raining, but I held my own and so did the rest of the team who put up a great fight. We lost, but we weren’t close to being mercied. Walking one player in the entire seven innings was such an achievement, and I managed to even get a couple of strike-outs, as well as one massive line drive straight to my face (I ducked and dodged the ball, and I was wearing my pitchers mask, thank goodness). The Mescalitos aren’t a team that want to hit everything, they are concentrated and disciplined, waiting for the perfect pitches to hit.
This game was one of my favourites of the year, my first experience in Div 1 was a blast. Hope to continue playing some Div 1 games in the future!
Mouse Rat wear red and black, and Line 1 was in some need of population, so I decided to give the south-western end of Line 1 to the mice and rats.
Oblivion (2022)
I played for Oblivion for the indoor season at Osterley as the Raiders had all but given up playing indoor. Gary answered my call for an indoor team, and I got to play a great season with them. I had met a few Oblivion players previously in the All Star game (including the talented Keiko). These days, Oblivion are now our rivals in Division 3, we split the series with them in 2024 and look forward to the games next year.
I have given Oblivion a section in the south-east of the centre, taking up some space in Line 9 and Line 13A. I always remembered their jerseys as grey so… Line 9 is grey too.
Pimlico Parrots (2019, 2022)
Many squawks were heard in Richmond that day.
SQUAWK! All throughout my softball career, the Parrots were constant rivals. At first annoyed by their celebratory squawks, I grew to really like them, even though they usually would annihilate us in the days of when I was on Raiders Orange (including one game where they thrashed us with great hurry as they wanted to watch the World Cup). As I moved up the club, we began to beat them in games! They have some very strong hitters, so they very often are near the top of their league for total runs scored.
I was very happy to play for them when they asked in 2019, in Oxford, as well as my first ever tournament where I was able to pitch every game - Publishers 2019. I played with them once more, in 2022, at Codebreakers.
Pimlico Parrots are placed within the Blitz section, even though they aren’t really part of the Blitz crew - but I thought it would be best to keep the Pimlico teams together. Most of them are on Line 8 and Line 11A, in the south-west of the centre, with more stations on Line 8 in Zone 2. Of course, many station names are parrot based. Hmm.
Pimlico Pirates (2024)
I got to play for the Pirates in 2024, who have just introduced some really excellent, brightly coloured tropical unis. One particular shirt I acquired in the 2024 season made me fit right in. It was a huge pleasure to play for them, and I enjoyed every game. There was one game at Windsor where I was able to ring for the Pirates and pitch against the very talented Cardiff team, and we managed to beat them - our first win and their first loss of the day! I was then convinced to pitch the next London league game, which would be against the Fuzzy Ducks! Awkward… and to add to the madness, the Fuzzy Ducks also asked me (their request came later than the Pirates) if I would be able to play for them! There was some tension on the field (for about 2 minutes).
The Pirates are within the Pimlico/Blitz section - many Pirates also play for Blitz. Pirates are primarily found on Line 15, in the south-west and south-west centre, with a couple on Line 8 too.
Salty Seamen (2024)
I was quite salty when my hitting went to pot in Prague.
I’m an official Salty Seaman. We’ve done Prague, we’ve done Let The Boys Play (with apologies to Cristian!) I’d like to say they’re my official single-sex team now, but sadly I just haven't brought my best hitting for them so far. I hope this changes next year, as I'm planning to put the work in the off-season to ensure my hitting is on point and consistent. At least my fielding's been on point!
Born from a bunch of misfits from Sunday Softball, it’s always a good time with these lads. A lot of the Salty Seamen also play baseball, part of me would like to follow suit but I’ll miss out on softball tournaments which are almost always more fun than baseball games. I don’t think I’m at the level to play double-A baseball, especially having not played regularly since 2022 and always playing in single-A beforehand.
You’ll recognise our team easily as the uniform is just wearing random jerseys from non-softball sports. I chose to go for an NBA (Toronto Raptors) kit, recommended to me by the rest of the team - great in the Czech sunshine but regrets were had during the cold, rainy Let The Boys Play tournament in October. The only other option was an NFL jersey from a team now known as the Commanders, not a chance I was brining that one out.
I hope to continue playing with them in the future - I just need to focus on not trying to prove myself, and just have fun, damnit!
Salty Seamen players are found along the western half of Line 9, a significant portion of that line is salty. Plus grey… that’s salt coloured, isn’t it?
Reading (2024)
Reading are a great bunch, but not shown in this photo is my soul slowly dying inside after fouling out 100 times.
Reading have been constant rivals at Farnham Park, and are a great bunch. There’s some serious talent in that club, and their blue unis are a classic.
I have some ties in Reading town myself, I have family who live there (pretty much most of the little family I have still in the UK). Surely I would play for Reading at least once. I was excited to get that opportunity in the Single-Sex Nationals tournament in 2024.
Sadly, at that very time, my mental health was at in the depths. I was very stressed with the fact that time was running out at my much beloved property, having been issued a Section 21 notice. With only a couple of weeks remaining, I was still on the search for a new place to live (and probably should have taken a weekend to secure somewhere instead of playing softball - however it all worked out in the end).
The fielding was fine, but the batting was my worst performance in many a tournament. It got so disappointing and I was so embarrassed. Softball is indeed a mental game, not being in the best state, the pure frustration after starting to hit poorly got to me rapidly. Perhaps it was the nerves of proving myself to a new bunch of people, as well as my mental state at the time. I almost broke down after a whole day of fouling balls, when I missed a catch in the very last game.
But… with my dismal batting performance, Reading brought home the trophy. Reading lads, I promise, I’m a decent player!
Reading and fOXes share Line 6A, and now, the line is completely full! There is a clear path of expansion for this map in future versions, as I intend to extend the line south-westwards. That means more Reading players can get their stations on their dedicated line. There are couple of Reading players on Line 4, which is coloured light blue...
Thames Valley (2022, 2023, 2024)
Truly the valley of the softballers.
Most certainly one of my favourite clubs in the community. Here's a group of people who adore their softball - their red (sometimes black) jerseys are an almost guaranteed sight at tournaments, especially those in Farnham Park, as well as indoor softball sessions at Rickmansworth.
Having played against this team many times throughout my softball career, and meeting some of the great characters during the 'Turn Up And Play' sessions in 2021, I finally got a chance to play with them in 2022. I wanted nothing more than to play a single-sex tournament, and I joined the team for the last Let The Boys Play in 2022. Since then, I have been playing with Thames Valley often, even travelling up to Bordeaux to play the beach tournament with them. A Thames Valley player has also coached at Raiders pre-season training. I didn't spend much time with them in 2024, admittedly, but proudly own two TV jerseys (one was actually a gift for winning MVP at a tournament. Perhaps in 2025, I'll play for them more, perhaps joining their tournament team...?
Thames Valley has a significant section on the map, taking over the entire southern half of Line 7. Overspill was required, so they've also taken over part of the southern end of Line 6!
Asteroids
This talented team has always been around, and I remember having a strong desire to beat them since I started playing Upper Rec ball. Even with a drive to beat them, I would discover that there's so many good characters on the team.
In 2023, Asteroids just couldn't stop winning! I remember only two tournaments where they didn't make it to the finals - one which my team knocked them out. They won Prague, Codebreakers, and at least one of the BSUK cups. They are sure to play in NSL 3 very soon.
I would love to play for them one day, there was one instance where I was offered a spot but I believe I had already made plans. One day I wouldn't mind donning the purple pin stripes. There is, after all, an Asteroid named 'Jean-Jacques'.
Many Asteroids can be found on the western end of Line 16, however, there are a few Asteroids in Zone 1. Line 16 was originally coloured a similar shade of purple to the Asteroids' pinstripes, on early drafts of the map, hence why I chose Line 16. However, the line colour was too similar to Line 8's colour, so to prevent confusion, I decided to colour Line 16 brown.
Banditos
I remember Banditos from early on in my softball career. They were initially based in Kingsbury, north-west London, and almost every team dreaded having to make that journey. Softball space is however scarce, as we would discover after the loss of Colliers Wood.
There's one Banditos game I reminisce about frequently. In my first season, we had one game where we were short a player. We had to sacrifice the fourth outfielder, so I was now de-facto centerfield. Come on baseball outfield. The Banditos were hitting... of which many were fly balls in my vicinity. I managed to catch every single one of these. This was a monumental game for me, my official christening as an outfielder in both baseball and softball. It gave me so much confidence. Alas, with the handicap of an auto out, we lost the game, but not by much!
All this time, I thought from that point that I was public enemy No. 1 for the Banditos, but it doesn't seem to be the case. We very rarely cross paths now, however they are known to enjoy some of my Instagram posts and stories. Whoever's running the account - give us a wave. If you're not on the map yet - you can guarantee you'll be in the next edition, with my apologies.
Banditos players have a small section on the map, found on the southern end of Line 11A.
Bangers & Smash
The new team on the block in 2024, this is a team ripe with potential. There's a lot of talent on the team. Including one hitter who I, as a pitcher, fills me with fear, and this isn't a common occurrence. They are always up for a challenge, and have opted to play indoor comp.
They train on Sundays in the off-season and really put in the work to improve. I may make an appearance to a session or two during the off-season, just to make sure the cobwebs don't grow uncontrollably.
I would put money that Bangers & Smash, who are putting in the work, will be division champions next year.
Bangers & Smash have lovely teal unis. The northern end of Line 14 is where many players be found. Plus, the line colour almost matches! Ravi gets the premier station, of course, due to our ties from all the way back in 2012.
Base Invaders
One of softball's most fun teams - check their Instagram, this team knows how to have fun. I had a little bit of rivalry against them after they thrashed us twice in 2022 - mercying us after 5 innings both times. But they really are a nice bunch of people who play softball without any pretentiousness. They play hard and clearly just enjoy themselves, it's infectious. Raiders Blue would eventually have their re-matches against the Base Invaders in 2024 when we would get promoted, this time we split our series, one win and one loss each. Looking forward to next year.
In fact, a few Base Invaders have also played for the Fuzzy Ducks! If that's the case, they will likely be on Line 11 (west). All other Base Invaders are in the vicinity, with their own branch on the western end of Line 16.
Base Jam
Base Jam players were regular attendees at Sunday Softball, but it seems that only captain Eric shows up regularly these days, never without a Guinness after the game. It wasn't until Cotswolds 2024 when I would eventually play Base Jam - we tied.
I know enough Base Jam players to give them their own section on the map - the eastern end of Line 12 is where most of them can be found.
Base Jumpers
The Base Jumpers have been rivals to the Raiders teams I have been in since 2021. I remember the first time we faced them. 'Oh, they haven't won very many games, this will be an easy ride'. Never underestimate this strong team. They would tie with us in the league table in 2021, and have been consistent opponents since. They missed out on promotion in 2023, but they've done it in 2024, so we will be seeing them again next season.
There's a few players scattered around the western end of the city, on Line 2, Line 11 or Line 16.
BASU
The game of softball, and many a great tournament, cannot occur without our BASU umpires. Even if some don't play any more, they are an integral part of the community, hence they deserve to have their own stations on the map.
Line 17 was chosen for this purpose, the southern section of this line will be for umpires.
Bat Intentions
Ever since I was on Raiders Blue, Bat Intentions have been undeviating opponents. We always tended to split our series, every single year. We have however never been able to beat Bat Intentions on their home turf, at Boston Manor. That downhill pitch fills me with nightmares and dread. One day I will beat this team on their home turf.
There are so many great players on this team, of note, David, also plays for Storm. In 2023, both Raiders Blue and Bat Intentions were promoted to the majors, we just couldn't shake them off...
Alas, the Boston Manor re-match won't be happening in 2025. The very last game of the season, was a relegation battle between us and Bat Intentions. Two long-time foes at it to save ourselves from elimination. A nail biting game, Raiders Blue came out on top, joining the other three teams tied for third place. Yes, it was a good win, however I am a little bit sad that they won't be in our division next year. It'll feel a little odd without them - and I won't be able to finally beat them in deep west London.
There is a section for Bat Intentions, found on the southern end of Line 6.
Bat To The Future
This team has always been about, it's strange that in actuality, there's only been one season where my team have been in the same division as them.
There's a cluster of stations on Line 1, and another cluster on the southern end of Line 15. There's some on Line 10. For Version 3, there are now plans in place to consolidate them into a proper section - though El Gato Rojo and Bunny-be-Fly are not leaving Zone 1.
Battitude
Battitude is a new-ish team, with an insane amount of natural talent. They cleared Division 6 with ease, and have just stormed Division 5. They now find themselves in Division 4, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them do well there.
Many Battitude players also play for Breaking Bats, so I have had the pleasure of playing with many of them in tournaments. They are part of the Breaking Bats complex on the map. There's more Battitude to be found on the western end of Line 5.
Bracknell (Scorchers/NSL)
Bracknell seem a familial team, one of the teams in the Windsor and Maidenhead league, notorious for loving their softball, moreso than many teams in London. Hence, they are present at almost every single tournament on the calendar. Funnily enough, the Raiders always seem to beat Bracknell!
Many Bracknell players also play fastpitch softball and baseball. They also have an NSL team, which were promoted into NSL 2 for 2024. They join the Fuzzy Ducks as the demotees next year after we both finished at the bottom of the NSL 2 table - and they always gave us close games. They will be sworn rivals next year in NSL 3, for sure.
I know many faces but not too many names, but enough to give them their own corner on the map, on the north-western end of Line 10. I do hope to populate this section more in the future, as I do enjoy playing them, seem a cool bunch.
Bristol BAM! (and Friends)
Bristol BAM! have some of the coolest softball shirts in the country. Brightly coloured, with a great logo; instead of numbers on the back, they have nicknames, in comic writing. Three-worded nicknames, of which BAM is the acronym. B*** A*** M***. For instance, 'Batting Annihilation Machine'.
I still haven't thought of mine, which is just as well as they offered me a chance to play for them (I had to turn them down as Reading asked first). What would my BAM name be? I would like one of their shirts, don't get me wrong.
I first saw Bristol BAM! playing in 2021, fittingly at the Bristol Sommerball tournament, but their instantly iconic shirts have been commonly sighted at tournaments all across the country. You can be sure that they will be showing up, you can spot those shirts a mile away.
One pitcher on Bristol BAM! is one of two pitchers who I fear most when I step up to the plate. Typically, more often than not, if we're playing against BAM, he's the one that's pitching...
Bristolians are lovers of the game as well, so the Bristol Bam section is now a general all-Bristol area - taking over much of the western end of Line 18.
B-Siders
Born from the university of Nottingham, this young bunch of players are full of enthusiasm. I was instantly impressed when their captain showed up to our pre-game meeting with the umpire, wearing impeccably dyed purple baseball pants. I was a little jealous, seeing as I always wanted flashy trousers to complete my uniform.
Many B-Siders also often play for Thames Valley.
I have started a small section for players, on Line 4, but they're sharing with The Mob. Who will win out that section in the end?
Cardiff
The Cardiff tournament in 2022 was amongst my favourites, and we got a chance to play against Welsh teams. They have a great softball community and always travel to as many tournaments as they can.
There is one player that always stuck out to me, ever since that Cardiff tournament. A joyful character who genuinely loves the game, I assume he's one of Cardiff's most popular players. He's there playing for Cardiff in tournaments, usually pitching (and at times, I do struggle with getting good hits off him).
Cardiff helped the Raiders out in Codebreakers 2024, two very talented women helped us out when we were short, and I got to know more of the Cardiff team.
I got to play against Cardiff numerous times, and they are not a team to underestimate. They will be joining NSL 3 and will be sure to give all teams some challenging games. I'm a little nervous, that's for sure.
There's some players on the southern end of Line 8. A new section may be growing by the time we get to version 3.
Coyotes
The Coyotes are a mainstay in Division 1, their uniforms donning one of my favourite cartoon characters. A few ex-Raiders have played for this team.
There is a small group of stations along Line 16, but there are other Coyotes scattered around.
Dazzlers
Just once I have played against the Dazzlers, that was a relegation battle where I was ringing for the BBG Muppets. The team is full of great people though, many of them play for Blitz or other tournament teams.
As most players are Blitz players, most if not all Dazzlers can be found in the Blitz/Pimlico complex on the map, in south-west central.
Diamond Dogs
My initial opinion of the Diamond Dogs was quite negative. The first game I ever umpired, I was apprehensive. One player gave me lots of grief throughout the game - criticising my every decision and making a mockery out of me. It completely sapped my confidence (and I learned quick not to take any shit as an umpire). It took my next umpiring gig, for the Parrots, to regain my confidence behind the catcher.
However, the team developed, and I've grown to really like this team. They've been very successful, making it to Division 4, and there's some true talent on the team. I haven't had any problems from the troublemaker ever since, he still plays for the team but is always in a much friendlier mood. Mellowed out.
My co-worker plays for this team, so quite frankly I need to make sure he doesn't overtake me in the London league. Alas we're in Div 3, the Dogs are in Div 4, but they came close to promotion in 2024 and will be very likely to secure it at the end of next year! But yeah, we like the Dogs...
...so much so that they have their own section of the map, taking over most of the north-eastern end of Line 6.
Furies
The Furies are a tournament-only team, with some players from the Mafia, and other players from the London Advertising Softball League. We have played against them a few times, always a challenging game.
It was at Edinburgh where I got to know many of them a little more, where I shared a minibus ride with them from Edinburgh to the Meadowmill Sports Centre, and spent some time with them at the tournament afterparty.
Shared with The Mafia, I have given them a section of map in Zones 1/2, in the south-east, on Line 11, Line 13 and Line 13A.
Game of Throws
I initially was wary of Game of Throws, just because I’m protective of Stephen, one of my best friends in softball. However, they are a really nice team as I’ve gotten to know them more, having played against them many times in Upper Rec tournaments.
Raiders Blue will be playing them next year as they’ve returned to Division 3 (with Raiders Gold having the last laugh, within that Div 2/Div 3 boundary both teams have floated on either side).
Game of Throws are mostly in the Blitz/Pimlico complex, even though they are generally a different entity.
Golden Sombreros
Golden Sombreros are the ijbol team, never taking themselves too seriously. Heck, just look at their website! Funnily enough, I’ve never played against this team outright, though I do remember umpiring one of their games. Many of their players are mainstays in the softball community – some play for Blitz in tournaments.
They are included within the ‘Blitz’ section, most of the Sombreros happen to be on Line 14.
High Voltage
How ‘bout them Volts, baby? High Voltage are notable in that they seem to have had a lot of my baseball teammates playing for them over the years (Antonia, Ethan, Omar). They also do comprehensive match reports on Instagram. Softball joy.
High Voltage’s stations are found on the western end of Line 2.
KKs
Short for Kamikaze. The team in all grey, they were amongst our competitors in NSL 2, where we managed to split our series. Games were very close indeed!
Stations are generally found just outside of Zone 1, on Line 6A, Line 7 and Line 13.
Knights
The Knights are one of very few teams to still play at Finsbury Park (as baseball has taken over). I played against them for Raiders Red (I remember distinctly getting a right-field home run in that game). They are often playing indoor softball too.
There’s a section of map for them, on the western end of Line 18.
LNZ
LNZ – London New Zealanders. There’s a lot of overlap between them and Thames Valley, but they’ve gotten themselves a little section close to the Thames Valley crew. One of our NSL2 rivals in 2024, I will always be bitter about one of my best right-field bound line drives being robbed by their second base.
Branching off from Line 7, there’s some New Zealand flavour on the south-eastern end of Line 13A.
The Mafia
They’ve been about ever since I’ve been on Blue, where they came second in our division in 2022. Many of them also play for the Furies. We revisited the Mafia in 2024, splitting our series, however they have sadly moved down to Div 4.
Due to this, shared with the Furies, is a small section on the map, mainly near south-east central, on Line 11, Line 13 and Line 13A.
Maidenhead
One of the Windsor and Maidenhead League teams, notorious for their love of softball, it is Maidenhead themselves who organise many tournaments (including Chicks with Sticks and Let The Boys Play).
One of the eastern branches of Line 5 is for Maidenhead.
Mescalitos
One of the best teams in London, they take their softball very seriously and play in a very disciplined fashion. They play hard but party hard too. I’ve played against them in Prague, in indoor and at Regent’s Park. One of the Fuzzy Ducks NSL players is a Mescalito (he in fact asked me if I could pitch for the Mescies in his absence, sadly I was not available. That would have been quite an opportunity).
The eastern end of Line 1 is where many Mescalitos can be found.
Mezcalitos Ninos
The Ninos are a great bunch, a few of them come to Sunday softball, and many of them play for the Salty Seamen. One of the memorable games of 2023 was playing against them at Firstball, getting a win; then narrowly losing to them when I rang for Raiders Gold (where I got quite a lot of catches in right-centre).
I’m not sure of the history of affiliation between the Mescalitos and the Ninos. From what I remember as well, I remember the Banditos also being part of the Mescalitos clan, though my memory is hazy.
The Ninos had an NSL 3 team - the Ninos Privados in 2024, with so many of my faves.
Most of the Ninos I know are part of the Salty Seamen, so they will almost exclusively be along the western half of Line 9.
The Mob
The Mob have gone from strength to strength. They’ve climbed up to NSL 1 and LSL Div 1 and are strong competitors in both. They’ve enjoyed so much success. I’ve played against them once, ringing for Raiders Gold, and after a promising start, The Mob did their thing and got a comfortable win. Dana leads The Mob to many a victory.
Not such a huge section yet, but they’re fighting with the B-Siders for the southern section of Line 4.
Naturals
The Naturals are yet another of our NSL 2 rivals in 2024, one pivotal game in the July NSL weekend secured the Ducks’ Fuzzy Fate. I was pitching, that home run from Adam replays in my mind often. It was indeed a close game, but the Naturals got the W.
Many of the Naturals are London players, most of them are in the Blitz section, but there’s a few others scattered elsewhere.
Pimlico Buccaneers
Raiders Blue thought they’d escape the Buccaneers, who have been pretty constant competitors to the Raiders teams I’ve been playing for since 2021. Raiders always pull through against the Buccs, but each and every game was hard fought. We left them behind for the 2023 season as promotion was secured, but in 2024, the Buccaneers have come through and are one of the top two teams – so we shall surely be seeing them again. It’s good to be back…
Part of the Blitz/Pimlico section, Buccaneers can be found there, mostly on Line 8, Line 11A and Line 15.
Rattlesnakes
The Rattlesnakes are one of the Windsor and Maidenhead League teams… again… notorious for loving their softball. They’re often about at tournaments and have been quite a challenging side.
One of the eastern branches of Line 5 is for the Rattlesnakes.
Secret Agents: Private Is
Oh, how we underestimated them in 2024.
The year prior, we were watching closely at what was happening in division we aimed to get promoted to.. The Private I’s seemed to struggle in 2023, fnishing third from bottom. Ah, so we thought, we should be able to beat them next year. The first game (I really wish I got to play against this team, but never got the chance) – was very, very close indeed. Our hitting was on fire. We were in the lead. Near the end of the game, they had an explosive inning. I’ve rarely seen balls hit so far, right past our outfielders. They must have had a bit of re-building in the off season. They are out of Raiders Blue’s hair now, having been promoted up to Div 2.
There’s some stations on Line 15, around the northern part within Zone 1. There are other stations in the vicinity too. What about MI6? I haven’t included a dedicated section for them, but for those I know, they can be found in east central on Line 1 or are Fuzzy Ducks and are therefore on Line 11. A few MI6 players also play for the Legends, they are somewhat intertwined teams.
SPAM
SPAM seem to have been around for quite a while, playing in both LSL and NSL. They have been occasional opponents, but I’ll surely be seeing them somewhat more often next year in NSL 3.
A lot of SPAM is found on the edges of Zone 1, in the north – on either Line 7 or Line 9.
Storm
The shirt in question. Cute.
As soon as I saw those beautiful sky blue and hot coral pink shirts at the Windsor 2022 tournament, I knew I wanted one. The players just looked like they were softball royalty. (One player even matched their shoes with their uniform). They were everything I wanted to be in softball. I looked upon them in envy. That gave me more drive to improve myself as a player – perhaps to even play on a team like theirs.
The intense colours, which you could see from the other side of Farnham Park. The word ‘Storm’ flashes across the shirt, the graffiti names and numbers on the back. EVERYTHING.
There’s actually several variations of storm shirts, all just as fab. The NSL team adorned equally striking magenta and purple shirts. The Storm women’s team went watermelon, with a cooler shade of pink mixed with a bright teal. I wanted them all. Blue and yellow seemed a little gauche in comparison.
Of course my softball dream of making it onto Storm was a tall order. The NSL team’s more than full. The men’s team always brought an incredible roster of players to the men’s tournaments (ultimately winning the series in 2023). It still didn’t stop me trying to improve my game. Ultimately… I just wanted a shirt; perhaps I could just get one for being a superfan.
On the previous version of the ZTA site, I mentioned that the colours of Line 4 and Line 13 were chosen for a particular reason. A little bit of subliminal messaging. The man behind the design wasn’t against including me in a future order of shirts. But by then, the design was changing to equally cool looking pink shirts for their 2024 NSL unis.
Did I ever get a shirt…? YES! Kindly given to me as a gift. It’s now my lucky softball shirt. I wear it sometimes on the way to games, tournaments, training and for certain, will wear it here and there when doing BP with Ian. With many thanks to Romin.
The north end of Line 4 and Line 13 of course have some Storm players, as well as the north-western end of Line 7 which has a few of Storm Women.
Sunday Softball
Thank goodness for Sunday Softball – without it I would surely go insane during the long winters. There’s groups each side of the river, the northern group organised by Alan/Sophie and the southern group organised Kirsty/Adam. I’ve been to both, though being a North Londoner I’m seen more with Alan/Sophie’s crew. South Londoners are all people who play in LSL teams, but there are a few North London Sunday Softballers who generally only show up there for their softball fix (haven’t seen them anywhere else, unless they exclusively play in the Advertising League, one area of softball I have never made an appearance).
Line 9 is where they can be found. The Salty Seamen were born out of Sunday Softball, so Line 9 is definitely the most fitting.
Swamp Monsters
The Swamp Monsters are a team with great energy, and some awesome green unis. One of the teams graduated from Softball 101, they have a cute Instagram account.
Many of them also play for Breaking Bats, hence they make up a lot of the Breaking Bats complex in the north-west of Zone 1. A few more Swampies can be found on Line 5.
Travelling Dodgers
I did have a bit of a vendetta against this team. Picture this, back in 2021, for the Labor Day tournament. There were no tournament grades, all teams were in the same division. It was every team for themselves.
Hence, we, the Raiders, had to take on the Travelling Dodgers. Laura, captaining the tournament, was not best pleased at the situation, however I was hoping I would be playing that game. Outfield, with players who aim to hit as far as possible.
I was to play right centre. Therein lied a problem. On the field of our battle, right where I was tasked to patrol, was a football goalpost hindering my job. Those Travelling Dodgers were exceptionally cheeky. Almost every single big hit went my way, conveniently hit hard enough to reach the vicinity of the goal posts. There was little chance of making any catches when I was also focused on not running straight into those goal posts. It was a very frustrating game, for all us Raiders, and I really wanted a re-match.
I've yet to have this re-match, but I've played against teams of a similar calibre. I've played against many of their individual players. In fact, one Travelling Dodger happened to be my team mate for a couple of tournaments in 2023! A good bunch they are - Make Softball Great Again.
Most Travelling Dodgers are on the eastern end of Line 11.
Baseball has always been a huge part of my life, and is intertwined with softball. Without it, I wouldn't be part of this huge community. From my first training sessions in 2012, I've met many fellow players - though softball is the focus of the map, I can't forget what an influence baseballers have had on me. The Tramways are for the baseballers - though they can be made into a Metro station if they play softball.
Each Tramway has a particular assignment dependent on which group/team a player falls under, as follows:-
Tramway T1A and Tramway T1B are for people I have met in the London Mets organisation - specifically for people I was closest with - included are many of my teammates on the Mercenaries, Musketeers, Mustangs and Minotaurs.
I started with the Mercenaries in 2016, selected from the draft after an inspiring performance on my college baseball team, the Imperial Falcons. I started in Single-A, and remained there... for the rest of my career. Minor league was no picnic, and my dream of making the MLB was never realised. I had a lot of fun, memories, frustration and camaraderie in the process.
Club politics led to teams being re-arranged and re-organised, so in 2018, the original Musketeers became the Marauders, and the Mercenaries took the Musketeers monicker (I preferred the former name!) I moved from left-field to center-field, imagine that. Somehow, my hitting continued to go to pot.
A tough season (mental breakdown included) - though I got a new start in 2019 with the new Mustangs, a budding new team. Well, in July 2018, Discoball happened, and the transition from baseball to softball was drastic. I played a grand total of... two games with the Mustangs.
2021 was an uncertain year for softball, but baseballers were pushing more to play as we recovered from the year prior. I decided to dedicate more time to softball for this reason. I was given a choice to either continue playing with the Mustangs, or to join the brand new single-A team, the Minotaurs. I hadn't played regularly for quite a while, and a new team would give new opportunities (infield, pitching!) Sadly I wasn't super close to the Mustangs as I barely showed up. I vibed with the Minotaurs' captain, so I decided to join them. It was the correct decision, 2021 and 2022 were my favourite years in baseball. I really liked my captain - Gabi, and also had the opportunity to do some pitching for the team.
2023 was going to be my #YearOfSoftball, so I could not commit to a baseball team any longer, with every weekend being taken over by endless softball tournaments.
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Forever #55, joining Matsui, Lincecum and Martin - sorry, Noah, I was there first! (Plus I didn't like the font of the numbers on the newer jerseys ;-) )
Tramway T2 is for the Imperial Falcons., my university team and my introduction to baseball. Though I have not remained in contact with all but one of them, they do represent a very influential period of my life - without them I wouldn't be playing softball today!
Loving softball in secondary school, and rounders in primary school, it was a natural choice of sport to play, fulfilling the wishes of my father who wanted a sporty son (I've finally granted his wish). Rounders society did exist, however membership levels were so small, every time I showed up with my housemates we didn't have enough people for a viable game!
I was initially terrified of playing in competitive games, my prior experience of team sports was being shouted at and denounced for my performance as a goalkeeper in football. I only started playing at the end of the season, with my horrendously baggy baseball trousers and slim fitting jersey, I looked a right pillock. It didn't go too well - in right-field balls went through my legs, and I couldn't hit a thing.
With many good players leaving in 2013, the next season was a chance for me to make it into the infield, but was halted with the new coach's vision for the team. I would remain consigned to right-field for the rest of my college career. Oh well.
Many good memories at Harlington fields, the old batting cages at Northwick Park and Goldmine, the local Chinese restaurant, the Falcons was the team I played for in the very first of many a softball tournament at Farnham Park. Those two tournaments were amongst my favourite memories at university.
College baseball was tough, it made me the player I am today. Just desperately needed a haircut. Thankfully by this photo I got baseball pants that didn't look ridiculous.
Tramway T3 and Tramway T4 are further tram stops for more Mets players - players who I met later in my baseball career - through Fall Ball or the Canal League, as well as an overspill for Tramway T1A and T1B.
Since 2016, I have played in the London Mets' Fall Ball leagues, which provide an opportunity for all levels of the club to mix up and play against each other. It's tremendous fun, giving you the opportunity to play other positions (I got to pitch, catch and play more infield). Teams do have a tendency to play their best pitchers, making it tough to hit (I think it does ruin the spirit of Fall Ball). I however manage to hit these pitchers' fastballs, it's only when they do their fancy pancy pitches (curveballs, sliders and the like) where I struggle.
To this date I've made quite a collection of Fall Ball shirts - nine of them, from 2016-2024.
I left the Minotaurs in 2022, only to focus more on softball. I could not commit to the team fully - and with many new promising players wishing to play in the leagues, I did not wish to take a roster spot from one of these players, it would have been wasted on someone who could only play a maximum of four weekends in the season.
The London Mets had me covered though - they had created their brand new Canal League, which allowed more people to play this fantastic sport. Newer players who did not get selected for Single-A would develop in the Canal League, playing against each other. Many players were graduates from the Baseball for Beginners programme. I would be able to continue playing where I had a rare weekend off softball, as a veteran of Single-A.
I only managed to make two games, however my brief return to the game was very enjoyable. I even managed to do some pitching. Perhaps I will return to baseball, as a pitcher, you never know...
Canal League - budding new ballers and an 'old fart'.
Tramway T5 is for more Mets - primarily those who play in the higher leagues - Triple-A or NBL.
Of the NBL teams, I vibed more with the Capitals than the Mets. Two prominent Capitals players were my Fall Ball captains for two years, and I'd say those were my favourite years in that league. They both understood that Fall Ball was about mixing things up and trying new positions, and I did plenty of that in 2019 and 2020. One of the captains also gave me a short introduction to catching, and I made my debut as catcher, finally! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and on my first time, even threw someone out at second base! If I return to baseball, though an unlikely possibility (never say never)... I would like to play this position more. Hold off all your gay baseball jokes, by the way.
Always team Caps (picture is from Fall Ball, however).
Tramway T6 - yep, indeed more Mets, those who were a little more obscure in my memory, most likely from Fall Ball. I played with many different people in my nine years in that league. Maybe I should have created longer tram lines on this map.
Most of the Mustangs are actually found on Tramways T1a and T1b, however even though I played twice for them, thought they should have their photo on the site!
Tramway T7 - Richmond and the London Mets (well, the teams I played for) have always had a history. My time with Richmond actually pre-dates the Mets; they invited the Imperial Falcons down to Connare Field for their pre-season training in 2014. The phrase 'get your f***ing glove on the f***ing ground' has stayed with every single Falcon ever since.
Richmond is London Mets closest club by distance, so we played them consistently every year, complete with a trip to the Fox & Duck pub. There was always drama early on - with my experience of taking part in a bench clearing brawl with Richmond (cleats were kicked in the air, I just stood there awkwardly not really knowing what to make of the situation, to the chagrin of my team mate who wanted full support in the fight). The year following involved many chronicles with the infamous JP. Post lockdown, London-Richmond showdowns were far more peaceful - the biggest trouble now was Sam's pitching. 2022 was interesting, as my LSL team captain that year was Gaston, who played baseball for Richmond, hence Richmond-London games were essentially a Raiders Blue rivalry showdown.
I have given this tramway to Richmond, with the club's characters that I know by name. This tramway connects off the end of Metro Line 9 - for good reason; Richmond players are far more partial to the game of softball than the Mets (many Mets sneer at the game, thinking lower of it). Many Richmond players play in the London Softball League. 75% of the Salty Seamen, misfits of Sunday Softball, are Richmond Knights.
No longer playing baseball, it's unlikely that this tramway will be filled, though I am intending to make a re-appearance at a Richmond training session at some point - over a decade later!
Tramway T8 is currently devoid of any stops, it may even just end up being an extension of a Metro Line if I need to make space for more softballers - I am very unlikely to commit to a baseball team in the future - though it is a possibility that I run out of space if I continue to play Fall Ball - and I fully intend to do so.
Tramway T9 is an overspill line for Imperial Falcons who did not make it onto Tramway T2 - these are people who I didn't know as well - generally people who didn't regularly play in games.
Most people here are on Tramway T2, just an excuse for another Falcons photo. I was wearing a Size 8 New Era cap, the largest size, my afro barely fits inside.
Station positions aren't completely finalised. I am willing to change names and move stations around in the future if they fit better in a different group, indeed in Version 2 there has been a lot of renaming and relocation. As there isn't yet a hand-drawn version of the map, I am much more open and willing to do this, I try to avoid this in the St. Jacques Map.
If you don't like your station name and position, I may be willing to change it - just send me a message and I'll consider it.