A new sporting venture has arrived in Waterford with the launch of the Waterford Walruses Baseball Club, aiming to introduce the game to players of all ages and abilities across the South East.
The club, founded by American natives Dan Hawtree from San Diego and Christian Stamper from Chicago, has begun a ten-week programme at the Regional Sports Centre (RSC) and is currently in the middle of a six-week recruitment drive.
The pair hope to build a thriving baseball community in Waterford and provide an opportunity for people to try a sport that remains relatively new to many Irish participants.
Speaking to WLR Dan said the idea for the club had been developing for several years.
“We saw there was a real gap for baseball in the South East and felt there was an opportunity to create something new. Baseball has always been a huge part of my life, and we wanted to bring that experience to Waterford.”
The club has already attracted newcomers with no previous experience of the game and is encouraging anyone interested to come along and give it a try.
Baseball is one of the world’s most popular sports, particularly in North America and Asia, and has experienced significant growth throughout Europe in recent years. Ireland now has a growing national league structure, with national teams competing regularly on the international stage.
Stamper, who serves as an umpire and secretary with Baseball Ireland, believes the sport’s accessibility is one of its biggest strengths.
“People don’t need any previous experience. We’ve had players come along who had never even seen a baseball game before, and within a short period, they were enjoying the basics of catching and hitting. The important thing is to come out and try it.”
The founders also believe there are strong links between baseball and traditional Irish sports such as hurling and camogie.
The hand-eye coordination developed through hurling can transfer naturally to baseball, and Dan says several players with GAA backgrounds have already adapted quickly to the sport.
“If you can hit a sliotar while running at full speed, you can certainly learn to hit a baseball,” he said.
The club has received support from Waterford Sports Partnership and other baseball organisations around Ireland, allowing newcomers to try the sport without needing to purchase specialist equipment.
Training sessions are currently taking place every Wednesday evening from 6.30 pm to 8 pm at the RSC, with the club welcoming men, women, and children of all skill levels.
As the Waterford Walruses look to establish themselves in the region, organisers are hopeful the club can become a long-term addition to the city’s sporting landscape and help grow baseball in the South East.
Those interested in learning more can find the Waterford Walruses on social media or attend one of the weekly training sessions at the RSC.
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