A brief visit to any of our local working men’s clubs reveals rich cultural contexts that are deeply rooted in the fabric of their respective communities.
Our clubs take the best of what their communities have to offer and create legacies that make the whole of Bermuda proud.
One such club that has consistently done this over the years is Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club – which we in the East affectionately call ‘Bay Club’.
When we think of Bay Club, we immediately recall great names like Charlie Marshall, Noel Gibbons, Glenn Blakeney, Clarkie Trott, Ricky Hill and many, many more. Legendary cricketers, and Cup Match heroes have always been a part of what Bay Club brings to our national culture, but the story of the club is much bigger than just the nationally celebrated athletes they’ve produced.
Passion for cricket and community
Stephen Outerbridge, current President of Bay Club, and a well-respected cricketer and Cup Match hero in his own right, asserts that family and community are at the heart of this historic club.
“Bay Club was born out of a deep passion for cricket and community. It was founded in the early 1950s by a group of committed men from the Bay area who wanted to create something of their own: something the youth and families could rally around.
“They came together with limited resources – but a unified vision – to build a club that would uplift the neighbourhood, give young talent a chance to shine, and serve as a social hub for the community.
“Over the years, what started as a cricket team evolved into a cornerstone institution that represents the strength, resilience and pride of Bailey’s Bay.”
Part of our folk culture
This humble ‘origin story’ is echoed throughout Bermuda, where many of our local clubs were formed similarly. The fact that most of them have endured for generations is a testament to the strength of our folk culture, and the commitment of our communities to empower themselves when outside entities showed no interest.
Mr Outerbridge speaks to the role Bay Club has played in developing the surrounding community over the years.
“Bay Club has always been more than just cricket. It’s been a second home, a safe space and a launching pad for generations. From youth mentorship to community clean-ups, fish fries to fun days, the club has continuously given back to the people who support it.
“It’s played a huge role in keeping young people engaged and off the streets, while also providing leadership opportunities for adults and a sense of identity for the entire Bay area.”
Bay is ‘in my blood’
That sense of identity is vital, as Bermudians are often told that they lack a national identity. Of course, this is nonsense and listening to Mr Outerbridge describe his own connection to Bay Club is like hearing exactly how identity and pride are created in young Bermudians.
“My connection to Bay Club runs deep – it’s in my blood. I grew up on that field, idolising the men who came before me, and dreaming of wearing the red and white.
“I had the honour of representing the club as a youth player, senior player, club captain and later as treasurer. Today, I continue to serve in a leadership role as the president of the organisation.
“Bay has shaped who I am, both on and off the field. It taught me discipline, pride and the importance of giving back. Everything I do today is rooted in the values I learned at Bay.”
Identity, pride, passion – and a safe space where special skills and talents can be fostered and developed. This is what you will find daily at working men’s clubs across Bermuda.
Developing legends
Bay Club has always been a hub of excellence on the local cricket scene, and a place where strong community ties have been perfectly clear for all to see.
Mr Outerbridge illustrates this by giving some new Bay legends their flowers and highlighting the deep roots they’ve grown from.
“In more recent times, names like Irving Romaine, Terryn Fray, Rodney ‘Picnic’ Trott and Delray Rawlins have carried the torch.”
Their achievements are well-lauded:
- Romaine captained Bermuda to its first – and only – appearance at a senior men’s 50-over World Cup.
- Trott led Bermuda’s Under-19 team to a World Cup appearance.
- Rawlins became one of Bermuda’s first professional cricketers to play in England’s domestic county setup.
- Fray, the current national team captain, has led the country in multiple international tournaments, and serves as the Somerset Cup Match captain. He is thought to be the first player from Bay to captain a Cup Match team.
Unity and pride
Mr Outerbridge said: “What’s even more special is that many of these players are connected by blood or family ties, all coming from the same small community.
“It speaks volumes about the strength, unity and pride of Bailey’s Bay – a club that consistently punches above its weight and achieves greatness from a tight-knit family pool.
“But beyond the field, we also recognise the countless unsung heroes – groundsmen, cooks, volunteers, and committee members – whose dedication keeps the club alive.
“Every generation has its legends, and Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club makes it a point to honour them all – not just as athletes, but as the heart and soul of the organisation.”
Bay club is the heart and soul of Bailey’s Bay, Bermuda. Just as every one of our workingmen’s clubs are integral cultural hubs to their own communities: keepers of culture, pride, passion, family.
“Bay Club’s story is Bermuda’s story,” Mr Outerbridge said.
“It’s about rising up despite the odds, preserving culture and empowering the next generation. We’re not perfect, but we’re real – and everything we’ve accomplished is thanks to the people who have believed in the dream.
“Whether you’re from Bay or not, there’s something powerful about a place that still stands tall because of love, legacy, and loyalty. We’ll continue to evolve, but we’ll never forget our roots. Bay is family. Bay is home.”
