ONE sport you may not be familiar with in the Preston area is baseball.

But the town's baseball club, established more than 20 years ago, have recently revealed some exciting new initiatives which aim to boost the profile of the club for the forthcoming 2002 season.

By early next year the club, who play their fixtures on Moor Park, hope to confirm the arrival of two American baseball players for next summer.

These players will lend valuable coaching expertise and guidance to a thriving junior set-up at the club in addition to playing for the senior team, renamed the "Stingers" for the 2002 season.

The future also looks bright for the club as their under 13 side, known as the "Mariners", are currently National Champions.

Club spokesman, Tony Warwick, attributes this success to an extensive recruitment drive within local schools and communities. And with the prestigious Frank Caunce tournament being held in Preston next June, the "Mariners" have the ideal opportunity to demonstrate just why they were crowned national junior champions. But, as baseball remains an amateur sport in the UK, the club is searching for local sponsorship deals to help cover the cost of overseas coaches and playing equipment.

For more information regarding playing baseball in Preston or the current sponsorship package please contact Tony Warwick on 0779 8582449 or send an e-mail tony-warwick@supanet.com