A teenage baseball player from Blyth has been selected to represent Great Britain after just one year in the sport. Jake Beatty, 15, plays as a catcher for Newcastle Nighthawks Baseball Club and will don the GB jersey at two international tournaments this summer.
International tournaments ahead
Jake will travel to Sweden with the GB Under-15 squad for games from June 13 to 18, before heading to the United States in August for the Under-16 Babe Ruth World Series in Branson, Missouri. The Babe Ruth World Series is one of the most prestigious youth baseball competitions globally, attracting national teams from around the world.
Selection process
Jake earned his place after a rigorous national selection process. He attended trials in Coventry last December and emerged as one of just 20 players across the country selected for his age group. This summer’s tournaments will mark his first appearances representing Great Britain.
The Bede Academy student has shown remarkable development. He was also one of only 11 players nationally invited to the Major League Baseball EDGE development camp in London, an elite identification programme run by MLB.
Rapid rise in baseball
Jake joined the Nighthawks at age 13 and has progressed swiftly, already earning a spot in the senior squad despite his youth. His growth at Newcastle Nighthawks has been central to his national programme rise.
Praise from coach and family
Stu Taylor, manager of Newcastle Nighthawks Baseball Club, said: “I am extremely proud of Jake. His attitude and determination has got him to this platform. He is a pleasure to coach and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.”
Jake’s mother, Ruth, added: “I couldn’t be prouder of what he’s achieved. To be selected to represent Great Britain, especially after only playing baseball for just over a year, is incredible. Everything he has achieved has come from his own hard work, determination and love for the game. To watch him put on a GB shirt and head to Sweden to represent his country is a moment his sisters and I will never forget.”
Players for GB self-fund their travel and accommodation, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to support Jake and his family with these costs.
