Litenstat Jarnekdal Social Baseboll Klub, more commonly known as Litenstat Jarnekdal SBK, or simply Litenstat Jarnekdal, is a baseball team in Jarnekdal, Litenstatlig, Koana Islands. Formed in 1893, they were founding members of Förenade Litenstatliga Baseballklubbsligan in 1896, and won the majority of titles before joining an expanded Division Ett in 1914.
In 1893, a group of friends who were fueled by their love for the sport and a desire to play professionally after learning of the sports success in the United States, they dedicated their time and efforts to forming a club that would help to bring them out of relative poverty. With the support and sponsorship of Gustav Andersson, a respected entrepreneur heavily involved in the timber industry, his financial contributions and business connections enabled the acquisition of equipment, the establishment of a suitable playing field, and the organization of competitive matches.
Under Andersson’s patronage, the club thrived, attracting talented players from the local area and gaining recognition for its achievements within the broader sports community. The combined efforts of the founding group of friends and the sponsorship provided by Gustav Andersson laid the foundation for the Förenade Litenstatliga Baseballklubbsligan (FLB) that began play in 1896.
Litenstat Jarnekdal dominated the league, winning the first three titles in a row and finishing as runners-up the following two years. The success of the team was not lost on Omfattandestad BoIS, who swooped in and poached star players Erik Svensson and Karlsson Andersson in the January of 1901. Pitcher Erik Svensson was known for his exceptional control and accuracy when throwing pitches. His ability to consistently hit the strike zone with various pitches made him a formidable presence on the mound which led to many strikeouts and weak contact whilst Andersson (no relation to owner Gustav Andersson) was an agile and speedy outfielder and both went on to win the Super Ligan in 1903.
After losing their two best players, Litenstat Jarnekdal went into a bit of a slump before clinching the titles from 1906 through to 1909. Runners-up in 1910 and 1911, they once again claimed the won the FLB in 1912 and 1913 before being invited to join the Koanian Basebollförbundet and enter Division Ett for 1914, becoming the 32nd team to officially turn professional in the country, and the first from Litenstatlig.
The club plays its games out of Sorby Bollparkera, located on the east coast of the city, adjacent to a majestic disused lighthouse. The stadium’s timber features, such as a facade adorned with timber accents as fans approach from the bus stop, serve as a subtle nod to Gustav Andersson’s legacy and his contributions to the development of the club. The lighthouse, situated behind right field, was incorporated into the stadium in 1974 and serves as emergency stairs for the nearby grandstand and is incorporated into a light show with fireworks when home runs are hit.
A deep outfield sees a reduction in batting averages and home runs, with right-handed hitters affected more so than lefties, partly due to the 10-foot high wall that goes down to 9-feet at right-of-center. Triples are up nearly 20% on average due to the large gaps between the outfielders, making this a strong pitcher-friendly park.
The club is referred to as Öborna (The Islanders) and they play in green, orange and white.