Frazer Longford '23'

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For nearly two decades, Frazer represented the Sheffield Bladerunners both on and off the field, now the team recognize that by retiring his '23' game shirt.

When it comes to mentioning the Sheffield Bladerunners, many eras of players will know, mention and have fond memories of playing alongside and for ‘Fraz’. From way back in the early 90’s all the way through to the 2000’s he was still influencing the day to day running of the team. Few players had such a great rapport with so many others and his attitude both, on and off the field, is still a role model for today’s players. Winning was always important but having a smile while doing it was even more important. We play British baseball because we love the game, Frazer exemplified that.

​​In the early years Frazer was lucky enough to have found the sport along with several other friends, which made adjusting to this then ‘weird and wacky’ American sport a lot easier. Jim Ellis, Steve Ellison, Lee and Danny Vaughan, Craig White and not to mention the even younger generation including Frazer’s own sister Hayley along with Jenny and ‘Tommy’ all formed a strong core of players all under the guidance of, then BBF president, Steve Herbert.
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​Frazer always had a spring in his step when at bat and always seemed to find a way to get on base. Throughout his career he was renowned for ‘drawing the walk’, he had amazing patience at the plate, however he also still had his fair share of head shaking moments after watching strike 3. I’m not sure how many home runs he hit during his career, but it would be fair to say finding the gap was his forte, rather than putting it over the fence. The ‘base whippet of Sheffield’ was always part of the stats sheet come game end. Defensively, middle infield was his 2nd home, although he also dabbled in outfield duties from time to time.
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Frazer’s personality and influence naturally drew him to a leadership role, at a time when the team was looking for inspiration and an organised head to lead them in the right direction. Along with Lee Vaughan, the pair managed the team in the interim period before the legendary Jay Stearns joined the club to assist him. Frazer also secured much needed finances through his career with the Royal Mail. This annual funding helped secure the teams ‘self funded’ immediate future and along with his duties as club treasurer, our finances were in good hands.
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​Whether it be ordering equipment, getting the field arranged, organising social events or even getting players to sell scratch cards to raise money, number ‘23’ was always in the thick of it. He was able to share this workload with Jay towards the end of the 90’s which allowed him to focus on bolstering his stats sheet. This didn’t mean he hogged the limelight, far from it, Frazer would always sacrifice his playing time to give others a chance to play, one of the characteristics that makes him the role model he is today.
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​Frazer also enjoyed the sweet smell of victory during the season of 2004, helping the team to an unbeaten record and securing the national league title.
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 Around the same time, the Longford family was ever expanding as were commitments away from the field, naturally this affected his ability to commit to the team as much as in previous years. ‘23’ was always known for his white ‘Louisville’ aluminium bat, he could always be seen checking it for dents on his way back to the bench. However, in 2005 aluminium bats were switched to wooden ones, could this have been the prelude to him hanging up his cleats? Who knows. Like all good duos (Batman & Robin, Bert & Ernie, Milk and Cookies or Homer and Bart) the two needed to be together. Frazer with a wooden bat was like seeing Mike Tyson in a tutu! Either way, over the coming years Frazer naturally stepped away from the diamond.
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His presence was missed on and off the field but his legacy lives on. Frazer has a fantastic family life and barely has time to miss baseball, but ailments and time permitting, he would no doubt jump at the chance to bunt his way to 2nd base!
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​​In 2014 the Bladerunners finally made it official and retired his ‘23’ jersey. Frazer had the privilege of receiving his framed jersey in front of current players and some close friends/players from the past. After throwing the ceremonial first pitch and having some photos taken, Frazer was already planning the pride of place in his home, where his jersey would hang from.
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Frazer joins an elite club alongside Jay Stearns in the Bladerunners Hall of Fame. Players past and present would like to thank Frazer for everything he has brought to the Bladerunners over the years and hope his involvement will continue in the future.