The Tonbridge Bobcats have qualified for the British Baseball Federation (BBF) Division 5 playoffs and will play in a wildcard game on 6th September in Bracknell, at 12pm in Westmoreland Park. Supporters and baseball fans are welcome to attend and watch. Contact the Club if you have any questions.
The Bobcats finished the 2026 regular season in second place in their sub-division, the BBF Division 5 South, with a record of 9 wins and 9 losses. Their wildcard opponents are the Bracknell Pyros, who finished in second place in BBF Division 5 Central with a record of 16-6 hence they are the hosts for the wildcard game.
After missing out on the playoffs in 2025, it is a welcome return for the Bobcats. Ten teams qualified for the 2026 playoffs, with the six sub-division winners slated for the quarterfinals on 12th September. The four wildcards teams face off this weekend and the winners will play each other next. If the Bobcats defeat Bracknell, they will advance to the round of 8 and face either Bristol or Exeter in an away game.
Summary of the Season, from team captain Niall Cafferty: “The Bobcats’ season started well, with 4 straight wins against strong opposition, which was a catalyst for our quest for a playoff berth. Some inconsistency followed but what cannot be forgotten is the final day decider against Brighton. Knowing we had to win both to qualify, the team dug in and got the job done!
Sunday gives us another challenge against a team we played against last year, who have seemingly improved dramatically within the last year. Communication and support for each other will be key to giving us the best chance of victory. But as they say, to be the best you have to beat the best and that’s what our aim is.”
Of the 18 games that the Bobcats played this season, ten of them were games decided by only 1 run! The number of players who made an appearance in the regular season was 23, four of which were debutants (rookies). For the wildcard game at Bracknell, 16 players are playoff eligible.