DREW SPENCER STEPS DOWN AS GB BASEBALL SENIORS HEAD COACH
Drew Spencer has resigned as Great Britain Baseball Senior National Team Head Coach to concentrate on a future career with the New York Yankees.
Drew has overseen the most sustained period of success for the national programme winning European silver medals and leading the team to a historic performance at the 2023 World Baseball Classic after securing qualification in Regensburg with a dramatic win over Spain.
A victory over Colombia secured a place in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and helped the GB Baseball programme to a world ranking of 18th, its highest ever placing.
Drew is currently working for the New York Yankees as Complex Coordinator & Minor League Defensive Coach at the Yankees 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,” said Drew.
“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 fuelling those dreams.
“I was humbled when Jason Pearce offered me the opportunity, taken aback by the outpouring of support from the British baseball community, and in awe of the incredible staff in the GB Baseball family who embraced me and bought in to what I wanted to achieve, which was simple: to be fearless, selfless and relentless so that when our opponents saw “Great Britain” on their schedule they knew that we were there to compete and to win.
“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.
“Lastly, I have to thank my wife Sarah and my family who supported me through every step. And although I won’t be the one to write the names in the lineup anymore, I’ll never stop believing that GB Baseball’s best days are yet to come.”
Originally hired to manage the Great Britain Under-23s in 2019, Drew was promoted to GB Baseball Lead Programme Manager and Head Coach for the Senior National Team in September 2020.
In 2021, he led the U23 team to their highest-ever finish (5th) in the European Championships and the Senior National Team to its highest finish (6th) since 2007.
In September 2022, Drew led Great Britain Baseball to its first ever appearance in the World Baseball Classic (March 2023), beating France, Germany and Spain in the WBC Qualifier in Regensburg, Germany.
In 2023, he guided the U23s to a silver medal in the European Championships which led to their first ever appearance in the WBSC World Cup the following year.
Under his leadership, the Senior National Team finished with a silver medal at the 2023 WBSC European Championships.
“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.
“We wish Drew all the best for his future with the New York Yankees and thank him for all he has done for British baseball.”
Drew has been an integral part of the Performance Management Group preparing for qualification to the LA Olympics in 2028.
“Drew’s remarkable tenure has defined a successful era in the sport’s history,” said Gary Anderson, Performance Director and Olympic Team Leader.
“Under his leadership, we have witnessed unprecedented achievements, record-breaking performances, and a level of professionalism that has set new standards for excellence.
“We will commence search for his successor immediately. The senior performance team will ensure that preparations continue for the forthcoming international competition.”
20th March 2025
