Project COBB: Great Britain national team history

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1989



EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP A-POOL in FRANCE


In Great Britain's first appearance in Europe's elite A-Pool since 1971, the squad never contended for the crown but won a number of close games to avoid relegation. The team finished with a 3-5 record (with two of the losses being by a single run) and finished seventh out of eight teams. Unfortunately, Great Britain did suffer its biggest loss in European Championship history, falling to The Netherlands by a score of 35-0.

Three members of the team hit over .300 for the tournament: STEVE NERO (.417), RICK SOAN (.370), and DAN GODFREY (.333). On the mound, BRIAN THURSTON (who struck out 25 in 23.2 innings), OSCAR MARCELINO (who pitched a complete game against Belgium), and NERO (who amassed a 3.00 earned-run average)
each picked up victories.

Results
BELGIUM (L 8-7, W 9-5), SWEDEN (L 5-4), THE NETHERLANDS (L 35-0), FRANCE (L 14-4, L 16-6), WEST GERMANY (W 8-7, W 8-6)

Known roster members
Gary BEDINGFIELD; Alan BLOOMFIELD; Paul BULLOCK; Julian DODWELL; Julien FOUNTAIN; Steve FROST; Dan GODFREY; Dennis KING; Rob LANARIO; Oscar MARCELINO; Steve NERO; Gary SEWELL; Steven SEWELL; Steve SIMMONS; Steven SMITH; Rick SOAN; Richard STROUT; Brian THURSTON


The cover of the 1989 European Championship A-Pool event programme


EXHIBITION VERSUS US AIR FORCE in GREAT BRITAIN


Before the European Championship, Great Britain played an exhibition game against a US Air Force team at Feltwell. The result of this contest is unknown.

Results
US AIR FORCE (UNKNOWN)


EXHIBITION VERSUS LEGENDS OF BASEBALL in GREAT BRITAIN


Following the European Championship, on 24 September the national team took on the 'Legends of Baseball', who were a travelling All-Star team composed of ex-Major League Baseball players. The match took place at Old Trafford
Cricket Ground in Manchester.

The All-Star team included Hall of Famers Bob Feller, Willie Stargell, and Billy Williams, as well as other greats such as George Foster, Bert Campaneris, Craig Nettles, Tug McGraw, Luis Tiant, and Bobby Bonds. Great Britain took a 1-0 lead, but the former professionals won easily, despite their advancing ages.

Results
LEGENDS OF BASEBALL (L 16-3)

Known roster members
Ged BASSEY; Gary BEDINGFIELD; Alan BLOOMFIELD; Paul BULLOCK; Julian DODWELL; Julien FOUNTAIN; Steve FROST; Benjamin GODFREY; Dan GODFREY; Dennis KING; Rob LANARIO; Oscar MARCELINO; Steve NERO; Gary SEWELL; Steven SEWELL; Steve SIMMONS; Steven SMITH; Rick SOAN; Brian THURSTON