This inn was listed in Bagshaw's Directory in 1847 as 'The First and Last' with a coffin and a cradle as a sign. Edward Gutsole was innkeeper. It was listed as the First and Last in a licensing list of 1862 but by 1873 it was listed as Bat and Ball. There was mention of it the Kentish Gazette in October 1961 calling it the Sportsman's Tavern.

As it stands right opposite the Kent County Cricket ground it is popular with both players and spectators. Mr George Pitman who was innkeeper for 17 years between 1960 -1977 told the Kent Herald, when he left:

'Over the years we have met most of the great Kent and England cricketers as well as visiting teams from abroad. The pub is packed with souvenirs; the walls are covered with signed bats and stumps and other cricketing paraphernalia'. The house is a Fremlins/Whitbread establishment.

Wilmot, E., 1988, Inns of Canterbury (Monograph). SKE29737.