 Bale played for Surrey's Second XI in the Minor Counties Championship as early as June 1902,
but his first-class debut came exactly two years later, when he appeared for London County against Leicestershire at Crystal Palace Park.Bale claimed a single dismissal, of Harry Whitehead, scoring 4* and 22* with the bat.Later that month, Bale made his Surrey debut, against Oxford University at The Oval,
and for the remainder of the season he divided his time between Surrey and London County.