Josh Baker’s Legacy To Be Celebrated As Blue For Bakes Returns This Summer

Worcestershire County Cricket Club and the JB33 Foundation will come together this July to celebrate former player Josh Baker, with the ‘Blue for Bakes Weekend’ commemorative event returning for a second year.

A host of activations, events and celebrations will be taking place across a bumper weekend of cricket at New Road and The Josh Baker Oval, all to celebrate the incredible work of the JB33 Foundation and continue Josh’s legacy.

Josh Baker was just 20 when he passed away in May 2024. A product of the Club’s Academy and Pathway, Josh went on to represent Worcestershire in both first-class and List A cricket, as well receiving some international honours with England U19s.

Following Josh’s passing, his parents Lisa and Paul Baker launched the JB33 Foundation in his memory to support local cricket clubs across the region, including helping provide vital equipment such as life-saving defibrillators and creating opportunities for young people involved in the game.

To date the foundation has raised a staggering £85,000, with everyone involved at the Foundation and Worcestershire optimistic that the £100,000 milestone can be surpassed during Blue for Bakes Weekend.

Now in its second year, Blue for Bakes Weekend is set to become a permanent fixture in the Worcestershire calendar, bringing together players, supporters, volunteers, family and friends to celebrate Josh’s life while raising vital funds for the JB33 Foundation with a variety of activities scheduled across the weekend.

This year’s Blue for Bakes Weekend sees Worcestershire County Cricket Club take on Middlesex at New Road on Friday 31 July, while Worcestershire Women’s Rapids face Kent Women at the Josh Baker Oval, Astwood Bank Cricket Club on Sunday 2 August.

Supporters attending either fixture are encouraged to wear blue in honour of Josh, whilst the Club will be selling commemorative blue t-shirts at New Road on the Friday.

Additionally, players from both Worcestershire teams will also wear special Blue for Bakes caps during their respective matches, before the player-worn caps will be signed and auctioned off, with all proceeds raised from the auction and t-shirt sales going to the JB33 Foundation.

On what is set to be one of the most memorable weekends in the cricketing calendar, New Road will be playing host to an array of family friendly activations during Friday’s match against Middlesex, including children’s activities, matchday entertainment and an interactive piece of live wall art, powered by Club partners, BEARD.

Paul Baker, Josh’s dad and co-founder of the JB33 Foundation, said: “Last year’s Blue for Bakes Weekend was incredibly special for our family and we’re so grateful to Worcestershire for making it part of the Club’s calendar moving forward.

“Josh loved cricket. He loved being around his teammates and being part of the Worcestershire family. To see people coming together again in his memory and celebrating him means a huge amount to us, especially as every penny raised helps the JB33 Foundation continue its amazing work.”

Ashley Giles, Chief Executive Officer at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, said: “Josh was a hugely popular member of this Club and he’s missed by us all every day. Last year we had a huge number of people get involved in the event, from players, supporters, staff, volunteers and the wider cricket community. And this year looks like it will be no different with everyone getting behind it. It’s wonderful to see that support.

“We’re proud that Blue for Bakes Weekend will now become an annual event and we hope as many people as possible will join us across the weekend to remember Josh’s life and join in with the celebrations.”

Tickets for the Blue for Bakes weekend are available now via the Worcestershire County Cricket Club website, with children’s tickets starting from just £1.