Northampton, April 14, 2026 — The Northants Centurions are gearing up for the biggest chapter in the club's history as the 2026 British Baseball Federation (BBF) season gets underway this Sunday, April 19. For the first time, the club will field not one but two adult teams in national league competition — a landmark moment for a club that has grown rapidly since its founding in 2013.

Tonight, however, the action begins a little closer to home. The Centurions hold their final pre-season intersquad game at St Crispin's Park, with Gold taking on Maroon in what will be the last warm-up before competitive baseball returns to Northampton. It's the third pre-season outing for the club's players, who have already faced outside competition in two earlier friendlies: a home game against Birmingham Bats on March 29, and a trip up to Stockton to face the Grizzlies on April 12.

Two Teams, Two Leagues
This season, Centurions Gold line up in BBF Division 4's Central Division, alongside Birmingham Bats, Leicester 2 Sox, and Milton Keynes Bucks 2. Britishbaseball It's a competitive group, with Gold opening their season at home this Sunday against Birmingham Bats — the same side they hosted in pre-season just a fortnight ago.
Meanwhile, Centurions Maroon make their BBF debut in Division 5's East Division, where they'll face Cambridge Monarchs, Essex Redbacks, and Herts Raptors.

Maroon's entry into the national league structure represents a significant step for the development arm of the club.

The Maroon team was established ahead of the 2025 season following a surge in membership, with a focus on player development — bridging the gap between the youth squad and the senior adult game. Now, in 2026, that side earns its place in the national pyramid.

The Managers
Jack Betts leads Centurions Gold as manager, supported by head coach Louis Bojko. The Centurions' Development Team — the Maroon side — is managed by Martin Maloney.

Gold's 2026 Schedule
Following Sunday's opening home game against Birmingham Bats, Gold host Milton Keynes Bucks 2 on April 26, before taking on Leicester 2 Sox at home on May 10. The summer fixtures continue through to August, with the final league game of the season against Leicester 2 Sox away on August 16.

A Record-Breaking Year for British Baseball
The Centurions' expansion comes in a landmark year for the sport nationally. BBF President Richard Evans noted that the increase in teams, players, and umpires across the country is a tribute to all the volunteers who commit their time and energy to the game, describing 2026 as a great year for British baseball. Division 4 and Division 5 opening games both get underway on April 12th and 19th, meaning this Sunday sees baseball diamonds light up across the country simultaneously.

Tonight First, Sunday Next
Before any of that, though, it's Gold vs. Maroon tonight at St Crispin's Park — a final chance for both squads to sharpen up, settle any selection battles, and head into league play with momentum and confidence.

Sunday's season opener against Birmingham Bats gets underway at 11:00am at St Crispin's Park, St Crispin Drive, Northampton. Whether you're a seasoned baseball fan or new to the sport, the club welcomes supporters to come along and cheer on both teams as the Centurions write a new chapter in their history.