Titans pitching for big success (From Dudley News)

Titans pitching for big success

10:10am Sunday 20th May 2012 in Sport

“Build it, and they will come”

So goes the famous line from the baseball movie Field of Dreams — but it is also wholly applicable to the origin of Quarry Bank’s very own big hitters — the Stourbridge Titans.

What started out as an empty patch of land at Thorns Community College is now the scene of strike-outs, stolen bases and walk-off homers after Cory Millward and Shaun Healy spent the winter hard at work creating their own little piece of America.

Gibson Field, as it is nicknamed, is home to the Titans who are playing their inaugural season in the Midland League.

And just like Kevin Costner in the movie, Millward and Healy found they were not short of ball players once the venue was ready.

Millward said: “The response has been really great. We first sent out a few flyers and three people came down to see what it was all about.

“It’s just grown from there.

“At the moment we have around 16 to 18 regular players. It varies from people who have experience of playing the sport already to newcomers.

“We’re keen to get as many people involved as possible.”

Policeman Millward and teacher Healey, who works at Thorns, are experienced players and up until last season were at the Birmingham Maple Leafs, who play in Marston Green.

But after learning of the land at Thorns, they were encouraged to start their own team and spent the last year creating their venue.

Kits and equipment were purchased and the Titans began their first season in the British Baseball Federation’s AA Midland Division in April, playing their home opener last weekend against Milton Keynes. They also have a team in the Midland Minor League.

Millward, who became hooked on the sport as a child after watching the film Bad News Bears, says the focus is as much on enjoyment as success.

He said: “The key thing is people have a good time. Baseball is a sport which suits all ages, shapes and sizes, there is something for everyone.

“It may be a niche sport as such but the people who do take an interest tend to be very passionate.

“You get a great thrill out of playing, whether it be from catching the ball or getting a hit.”

For more information on the Titans contact Millward on 07794 580567, find them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @Stourtitans