Drew Spencer leaves Great Britain Baseball National Team

The British Baseball Federation (BBF) announced that Drew Spencer has resigned as the Great Britain Baseball National Team manager to concentrate on a future career with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He is currently working as the Yankees Complex Coordinator & Minor League Defensive Coach at the Player Development Complex in Tampa, Florida.

"As someone whose coaching career began on a local youth club's fields in London, nothing meant more to me than to have the opportunity to put the Great Britain uniform on and to attempt to build a platform for success at every level," commented Spencer.

"I've seen first-hand the kind of dreams that baseball creates for the kids who pick up a bat and ball, and I'm proud to have played even the tiniest part in fueling those dreams. I was humbled when Jason Pearce offered me the opportunity. I owe a lifetime debt of gratitude to my incredible coaches and staff, the British baseball fans, our amazing British baseball media, and most importantly, to all of the players, past and present, who motivated me to give them my very best every single day. What we accomplished together will stay with me all my life," he added.

The BBF hired Spencer in 2019 to manage the U-23 National Team and promoted him in 2020. In September 2022, he led Great Britain to the World Baseball Classic, defeating France, Germany and Spain in the Regensburg, Germany qualifier.

Under Spencer, Great Britain participated in the World Baseball Classic 2023 and earned a spot in the 2026 edition with a win over Colombia. He also led Great Britain to second place at the U-23 European Championship 2023 and the 2023 European Championship, reaching No. 18 in the WBSC Men's Baseball World Ranking.

"The whole of the British baseball community is grateful for what Drew has achieved with the national team during his tenure through hard work, a commitment to excellence and professionalism and sheer coaching ability," said Richard Evans, President of the British Baseball Federation. "His legacy is secure and will help drive the national teams to greater success on the international stage in future years."

BBF has immediately started a recruitment campaign to find the new Baseball programme leader. The goal is to secure a historic qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.