FOR the oldest swinger in town, baseball has been a way of life for more than half a century.

Now Harold Booth, 79, is hoping Manchester United's tie-up with the New York Yankees will increase the popularity of his beloved sport across a soccer-loving city.

He stopped refereeing senior baseball games last year because of heart problems and now umpires junior games.

Harold, of Swinton, played in front of crowds of up to 5,000 at Longford Park, Stretford. The highlight was an exhibition match against American Servicemen from Burtonwood in 1953.

He still gets a buzz watching 100 batters, pitchers, and catchers train, hoping for home runs and strike-outs, three miles from United's Theatre of Dreams.

Harold was one of the first players to join Manchester Baseball Club when it was formed shortly after the Second World War. United's Busby Babes, including the late Duncan Edwards, were among large crowds which watched him star as a back-stop catcher in matches at Longford Park in the 1950s.

Harold, who caught balls which flew past batsmen at 80mph, wants thousands of youngsters to follow in his footsteps after the Reds' historic U.S. tie-up.

He said: ''I'm not sure what the effect of the United deal will be, but baseball will always be the same for me - simply the best sport around.'' Manchester Baseball Club, whose former names include Stretford Saints, was formed with the help of US servicemen based at Burtonwood in Warrington.

After a burst of popularity in the 1950s, interest dwindled but the amateur club is growing again - with around 50 juniors from the age of seven - after switching its home from Sale to West Didsbury.

Its first team, Manchester Express, competes in a league equivalent to football's premiership.

For more information call 969 9349 or visit the club website

Tweet