This morning the Malta Baseball and Softball Association played the very first MABS Youth game in Gozo, with the under 14’s Youth Softball League game of the Ghajnsielem Redcoats Vs Mellieha Grand Slammers at the Xaghra Football Ground.Daphne Xuereb sung the National Anthem to the large crowd gathered to support both teams.

Minister Chis Said threw The Cermonial First Pitch at 11.15am and the game started at 11.30am.

The Ghajnsielem Redcoats made history this morning when they won their first ever match. They did so in dramatic fashion. Playing their first home match in their short history, the Redcoats scored two runs in their last at-bat to beat the Mellieha Grand Slammers 8-7.

The Ghajnsielem Redcoats Played the Mellieha Grand Slammers in the first round on the 28th of October at their ground, losing 2-3.

The Ghajnsielem Redcoats chose their name to honour the tens of thousands of British soldiers that over a period of more than a hundred years stayed at Fort Chambray in Ghajnsielem. It was possibly the Redcoats who first introducted Sports such as football, cricket and tennis to Gozo, all played at the time, within the walls of Fort Chambray.

The men of the British army and their families contributed tremendously to the economy of the village of Ghajnsielem over the years. They also helped shape the character of the village. The Redcoats softball team said that “it is only fitting that we continue to show our gratitude for all of this by sporting on our uniforms the nickname of these brave men.” The official logo of the team was designed by Mr Paul Stellini.

Photogaphs by Alain Salvary.

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