Two for the Diary: Edinburgh's Baseball Summer

Edinburgh has a busy few weeks of baseball ahead, and two events are worth getting along to whether you play, used to play, or have never picked up a glove in your life.

Edinburgh Baseball Club turns 40 — Saturday 4 July

The Edinburgh Baseball Club is marking its 40th anniversary with a free family day at Warriston Playing Fields, starting at 1pm. Founded in 1986, EBC is the longest-running club in Scottish baseball, and the afternoon is a chance to celebrate four decades of the game in the capital.

There's plenty on. A BBQ runs through the afternoon, alongside games for the kids, a home run derby (cash prizes!) open to all ages, and an 'Old Timers' exhibition game bringing club veterans back onto the field. The raffle is worth a look in its own right: prizes include memorabilia from Scotland's national team, vouchers from Baseball Outlet, and collectables tied to Gabriel Rincones Jr., the outfielder who recently made his MLB debut with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Entry is free. Bring a blanket, bring the family, and come down for the afternoon.

Inaugural Edinburgh Baseball Tournament — 25 to 26 July

Later in the month, the Edinburgh Rays host the first Edinburgh Baseball Tournament across the weekend of 25 and 26 July at the Morgan Playing Fields on Peffermill Road. The focus is on developmental players: six Single A clubs from across Scotland and England, split into two pools, playing a relaxed league-style format built to give emerging players plenty of game time.

It's set up as much for spectators as for competitors. Both days run a continuous BBQ, with open batting cages and coach-led skill stations for anyone who fancies a swing or wants to learn the basics. Sunday closes with a home run derby featuring 24 hitters, four from each roster, to round off the weekend. Like the EBC day, it's free to attend and family-friendly.

For developing players and clubs, it's a good chance to test yourselves against fresh opposition in a low-pressure setting. Full details and contact information are on the Edinburgh Rays Club site at edinburghbaseballclub.co.uk.