Jay Stearns '28'

Animate On Scroll.
Animate On Scroll.
A legend in Bladerunners folklore. Between the late 90’s and 2012 Jay was the heartbeat that kept the Sheffield Bladerunners living and breathing!

​When Jay stumbled upon a young energetic bunch of Sheffield baseball players, it must have looked a lot different from the baseball Jay was born and raised on, when living in his homeland of the ‘States’. Little did he know how he would effortlessly evolve the Bladerunners from organised chaos, to a well oiled machine that would win championships and strive against adversity, that is still faced by baseball in the UK to this day.
​Jay introduced our very own ‘Beaver Bites’ newsletter, which he even mailed to players' home addresses (2nd class I may add – the cheapskate!). He also helped source that current design of the Bladerunners jersey as well as securing the diamond, which would solidify his legacy.
​In Jay's ‘early years’ he quickly established himself as a voice of reason, experience and a nifty shortstop, despite coming to the team as, shall we say, a more mature player. Likened to Ned Flanders, thanks to a dapper moustache and matching eyewear, he found a niche for himself assisting another Bladerunners legend, Frazer Longford, running the day to day ongoings of the team.
Through his leadership and dedication the team reached new levels in 2004, when all the hard work, both behind the scenes and on the field, culminated in an unbeaten, championship winning season, something Jay treasured and for years later he still wore his commemorative 2004 winning cap, emblazoned with the number ‘28’.
​In Jay's ‘early years’ he quickly established himself as a voice of reason, experience and a nifty shortstop, despite coming to the team as, shall we say, a more mature player. Likened to Ned Flanders, thanks to a dapper moustache and matching eyewear, he found a niche for himself assisting another Bladerunners legend, Frazer Longford, running the day to day ongoings of the team.
Through his leadership and dedication the team reached new levels in 2004, when all the hard work, both behind the scenes and on the field, culminated in an unbeaten, championship winning season, something Jay treasured and for years later he still wore his commemorative 2004 winning cap, emblazoned with the number ‘28’.
Animate On Scroll.
Animate On Scroll.
​Energy was something Jay brought with truckloads. Whether it was via letters, emails or phone calls, something was always happening. From grounds keeping on his days off work, to making bits of field equipment in his backyard or shopping trips to the States for bases, bats, gloves - he did everything. While players enjoyed a break between games at doubleheaders, Jay would be raking home plate or de-weeding his beloved pitching mound.
Animate On Scroll.
In addition Jay also ran the Bladerunners website and forum, which proved interesting when recapping some of his more ‘colourful’ moments – like ‘fisticuffs’ in Liverpool, not to mention other similar memorable occasions. He also made the highlight reel with a consistently high batting average, ‘good’ speed on base and consistent run scoring. In the field, his leadership was always visible, giving a great balance of playing time to new and old players. A constant presence on the infield with a solid glove and quick hands. From his vantage point at shortstop it was common to hear the unmistakeable ‘Ahh come on!’ time and time again, followed by usually Frazer giving him the ‘Jay, calm down’. It was all part of what made Jay invaluable to the Bladerunners. ​
​From 2007 onwards, Jay shared the running of the team with current manager, Nick Wills and between them they became a respected face of baseball on behalf of Sheffield, representing the team at AGMs and meetings throughout the country.
​When Jay made the decision to follow his heart and return to the States, it was a bombshell the Bladerunners felt would be insurmountable to overcome. Even at this time of massive personal upheaval, he still took time to pledge to find a replacement diamond (having lost our long term home at Phoenix to kids football, in a cruel double blow to the team).
​He came through on his promise and left as he started by making a huge impact on the fortune of the team, giving us our Thorncliffe baseball field in 2012.
​From 2007 onwards, Jay shared the running of the team with current manager, Nick Wills and between them they became a respected face of baseball on behalf of Sheffield, representing the team at AGMs and meetings throughout the country.
​When Jay made the decision to follow his heart and return to the States, it was a bombshell the Bladerunners felt would be insurmountable to overcome. Even at this time of massive personal upheaval, he still took time to pledge to find a replacement diamond (having lost our long term home at Phoenix to kids football, in a cruel double blow to the team).
​He came through on his promise and left as he started by making a huge impact on the fortune of the team, giving us our Thorncliffe baseball field in 2012.
Animate On Scroll.
Jay showed us all what is possible if we dedicate ourselves to fighting for something we love. He proved that despite baseball being a minority sport in the UK, that with enough effort, you can turn something you love, into something that others come to love. Players and fans that never had the honour of seeing Jay in his role for the Bladerunners, should look at the team today and remember the influence Jay brought. Without him the Bladerunners wouldn’t exist for us all to enjoy.
Animate On Scroll.
We thank Jay for everything he brought to the Sheffield Bladerunners and his retired jersey number of 28 is a small, but traditional way of showing our appreciation for all he has done – Jay we salute you!