Miscellaneous

...Left to right: Van Zetten, Wieling, Kops, Hardeveld... (© Photos: Marco Stoovelaar)

In the end of August, the Dutch Federation decided not to grant a licence to Almere to play in the highest league, an announcement which came a few days before the start of the Promotion/Relegation Play-Offs between Almere Magpies and MediaMonks RCH. The decision was based on the financial situation at Almere. It was then decided that the Play-Off series had to be played, while Almere appealed the decision of not granting a lincense. The Jury of Appeal then decided in favor of Almere, which meant the club will play in the highest league next year. The ruling resulted in a lack of trust between the two parties and eventually resulted on Wednesday-evening in the stepping of the KNBSB-Board, which existed of Ruud van Zetten (President), Reinout Wieling (Secretary/Treasurer), Anton Kops (Softball Affairs) and Gerben Hardeveld (Game Officials).

Van Zetten was named interim Chairman on March 31, 2007 when Jan Rijpstra stepped down due to working commitments. On May 21, 2007, Van Zetten was named President of the Board. Before becoming President, Van Zetten already had been a member of the Board since 1996. From 1996-March 1999, he was the Chairman of District East and in that position, he was an added member of the Board together with three other Districit-Chairmen. In March 1999, Van Zetten became the Secretary of the KNBSB-Board and also became Treasurer a year later. In March 2002, Van Zetten moved to Player Development and remained in that position until March 2004. Two years later, he returned to the Board to become the Interim-Secretary/Treasurer and was elected in both functions again a month later, when he also was named Vice-President.

...Left to right: Smallegange, Zonneveld, Mulder... (© Photos: Marco Stoovelaar)

Wieling also joined the Board on May 21, 2007 to become the new Secretary/Treasurer when Van Zetten took over as President. Kops took over Player Development in the Board on April 3, 2008, but switched to Softball Affairs on March 28 of this year taking the position of André van Overbeek, who was not re-electable and was elected as President of the European Softball Federation in February. Due to health circumstances, Kops was not able to assume his position right away, but did so since August. Hardeveld took over halfway through 2008 and was elected later for the Game Officials position.

During the meeting on Wednesday-evening, an interim-board of three persons was named, who will handle all ongoing affairs until the next regular Council Meeting on December 12. The three who are forming the interim-board are Leo Smallegange (Chairman of Birds), Hans Zonneveld (chairman of HCAW) and Frits Mulder (member of tbe board of Kinheim). Smallegange had been a member of the board before as its Secretary.
(November 4)

Baseball
All eight clubs that played in the Dutch Major League this year and will do so next season were involved in the transfers. 98 players were named by the nine clubs, including MediaMonks RCH (which relegated) and Almere Magpies (which promoted). The 98 players either transfered from one club to another, were promoted from Rookie Teams, are foreign additions or retired.

What the coaching is concerned, four teams will be led by new Head Coaches, being Mr. Cocker HCAW, L&D Amsterdam Pirates, Konica Minolta Pioniers and MediaMonks RCH. Bill Froberg succeeded Jurjan Koenen at HCAW, Charles Urbanus took over from Rikkert Faneyte in Amsterdam, Bernie Beckman followed Theo Geerman at Pioniers and Peter van 't Klooster was named at RCH to replace Beckman.

Go here for a complete listing of the baseball transfers

Softball Women
In the Softball Major League, the eight clubs who played on the highest level this season and the two who will play in the big league next year, were also involved in the transfer-period. Relegating from the big league this year were Gryphons and Robur '58, while DSS and Olympia Haarlem promoted. Mentioned so far by the clubs were 37 players (transfer, added or retired), but not all info was in yet.

On the coaching front, four teams have yet to name a new Head Coach for coming season, including the relegated Gryphons and Robur '58, where Mary-Ann Hatt and Rob Korpel left. Are in search for a new Head Coach are Dutch champion Computer SOS Tex Town Tigers and promoted Olympia Haarlem, where Kaleo Eldredge and Wendell Hato will not return. Two other clubs also will have a new Head Coach next year, but they already named them, as Jeroen Deken succeeded Leigh Podlesny at Iber Lengua Terrasvogels, while Assistant Coach Leon Kaptein took over at Twins from René Roovers, who retired, as he is going into local politics.

Go here for the (almost) complete listing of the softball women transfers

(October 31)

One hour and 15 minutes before the official announcement, Chicago (USA) became the first city that was eliminated after the first round of votes, shortly after followed by Tokyo (Japan), leaving Madrid (Spain) and Rio de Janeiro as the two remaining candidate cities and finalists for the organization of the 31st Olympic Summer Games. Beforehand, Rio was already considered a favourite together with Chicago. Therefore, there was much amazement when the elimination of Chicago was announced.

Tokyo's elimination was another surprise, but not as big, since Asia also organized the Olympics last year when Beijing (China) was the host. When Madrid would have been elected the host city for 2016 would have been a surprise, as Europe already organizes the event in 2012 in London (Great Britain).

When Chicago or Tokyo would have been elected to host the 2016 Games, there would have been some hope for baseball and softball, as the two sports might have been added for those games as demonstration sports, but can't be expected of Rio de Janeiro, as both baseball and softball aren't big in that country, unlike some other South American countries.
(October 2)

...NOC*NSF Chairman Erica Terpstra... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

One of the ceremonies also takes place annually in front of the Olympic Stadium in Dutch capital Amsterdam, the site of the 1928 Olympic Games. This ceremony starts at 12:30 PM, which has become a symbolic time, as this was the time when the Dutch sports world first learned of the war on September 3, 1939 when, during a soccer match in Rotterdam, word came that war was declared. For the fifth time, the sports athletes who fell during World War II were remembered during this ceremony in Amsterdam.

Erica Terpstra, chairman of the Netherlands Olympic Committee (NOC*NSF), Carolien Gehrels, alderman for sports of the Municipality of Amsterdam and Egbert de Vries, chairman of the Amsterdam-borough Oud-Zuid, all held speeches, remembering the athletes.

In her speech, Erica Terpstra named several of the fallen athletes by name, including athletes who participated in the 1924 and 1928 Olympic Games. Also included was legendary radio sports commentator Han Hollander, who died in a concentration camp. Earlier in the day, a memorial plaque was placed in front of his former home in Amsterdam.

After the speeches, five wreaths in the Olympic colors were placed in front of the Statue of Prometheus, followed by a 2-minute moment of silence and the playing of the Dutch national anthem.
(May 4)

(© All Photos: Marco Stoovelaar)

Dutch Baseball

Veteran coach Humphrey Bomba will be the 3B Coach in the new staff. This season, Bomba was the Head Coach (and player) for First Divisionist Robur '58 in Apeldoorn. Before coming to Robur, Bomba was one of the coaches at Quick Amersfoort, with whom he also played in the Dutch big league. Bomba also played and coached for the men softball-team of Quick when it played on the highest level. He also played in the softball big league for Hilversum.

Erik Ronnenbergh will be the Pitching Coach. This season, he assisted Charles Urbanus at the Amsterdam Pirates Rookies, which won the Dutch championship. Urbanus was named Head Coach of the big league-team of Pirates in October. Ronnenbergh started his career as a player with OVVO and went on to play thereafter for Amsterdam Pirates, Giants Diemen, De Spartaan, UVV and Hoofddorp Pioniers. As a pitcher and outfielder, Ronnenbergh played in the big league for Giants, De Spartaan, UVV and Pioniers. In the nineties, he coached several teams at TIW-Survivors, including leading the main squad in the First Division (1991). He also has been the Head Coach of First Divisionist Sparks (1998). In mid-season of 1999, he took over as Head Coach at RCH, which then played in the big league. There, he also started the 2000 big league-season, but didn't finish that. Hereafter, he was the Head Coach for Flying Petrels, The Herons and Alcmaria Victrix, before going to Amsterdam Pirates. His son Scott played for the Pirates Rookies this season and the lefthander will be a member of the pitchingstaff of Almere Magpies in 2010.
(November 10)

...Rod Delmonico (right) and Jim Stoeckel (left)... (© Foto: Henk Seppen)

Delmonico (51) want to be closer to his family, while personal circumstances also play a role for Stoeckel (57), but also his work for Major League-organization Cincinnati Reds takes a lot of time. Since January 1 of this year, Delmonico was the successor of Robert Eenhoorn, who became the Technical Director of the KNBSB on that date, after having led the national team for eight years.

Under Delmonico's guidance, the Dutch Team reached the second round of the World Baseball Classic in March in San Juan (Puerto Rico)/Miami (USA), but then had a poor start of the World Port Tournament in Rotterdam (Netherlands) in July, losing the first four games. But the team recovered and went on to reach the final game. Next, the team won six games in a round in the second round of the World Championships, held on home soil, before losing the last game against Cuba. The Orange squad then closed the final round of the mondial event in Italy with a sixth place. Two years ago, in Taiwan, the Dutch finished in fourth place for the second time in a row, after having finished fourth in 2005 when the event was held in the Netherlands.

Eenhoorn now is in search for successors of Delmonico and Stoeckel to lead the national team in 2010 when the team will participate in the 25th edition of the Haarlem Baseball Week (July 9-18) and the European Championships (July 22-August 1) in Stuttgart, Heidenheim and Neuenburg (Germany).

Rod Delmonico was named on December 1 last year as the new Manager to succeed Robert Eenhoorn. The former Head Coach of the University of Tennessee worked for the Dutch Federation since January 1. Jim Stoeckel officially was added on January 5 to the coachingstaff as its Pitching Coach. This was the fourth time that Stoeckel had been involved with the Dutch National Team. From 1981-1983, he was the Manager, then returned briefly in November 1984 to lead the team during the Chung Hua Cup in Taiwan. From 1989-1991, Stoeckel was the Manager of the Orange for the third time.
(November 9)

Each tournament will have six participating teams, with the top two at the end of the event qualifying for the Final Four to decide the winner of the European Champions Cup. The Final Four again will be held in Barcelona (Spain) on September 25-26.

The teams that qualified for participation in the European Cup-tournaments are: DOOR Neptunus, Konica Minolta Pioniers (both Netherlands), AVG Draci Brno (Czech Republic), Fortitudo Bologna, Telemarket Rimini (both Italy), Heidenheim Heideköpfe (Germany), Hoboken Pioneers (Belgium), Marlins Puerto Cruz, Sant Boi de Llobregat (both Spain), Rouen Huskies, Savigny-sur-Orge Lions (both France) and T&A San Marino (San Marino).

On Saturday, November 14 in Frankfurt (Germany), the drawings will take place for the pool alignments. It will mark the eighth time that an European Cup-tournament will be held in the Netherlands and the first time in the Czech Republic, since the tournament-format was first used in 1979. Neptunus organized part of the event on its home field in Rotterdam in 1980 (with Amsterdam) and 1983 (with Haarlem) and was the sole organizor in 1992, 2001 and 2005. The remaining two events were held in The Hague-Almere (1994) and Haarlem (1995). Neptunus won the European Cup seven times (1994, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004).
(November 9)

...Fausto Álvarez Rizo... (© Photos: Henk Seppen)

As a veteran player with a long and impressive career in the Cuban Baseball League, Álvarez came to the Netherlands some six years ago and went on to play in the third team (!) of Amsterdam Pirates. There, he showed he didn't lost his power yet, as was added to the big league squad for the 2005 season. In his first season on the highest level in the Netherlands, the first baseman batted 'only' .293, as his season was cut short due to a hamstring-injury. But he made his mark, as he hit 14 doubles and three homeruns.

Dutch Career Fausto Álvarez Rizo
Yr	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	AVG.
2006	33	123	8	36	14	-	3	18	.293
2007	38	126	28	46	5	2	12	35	.365
2008	41	152	23	45	9	-	5	31	.296
2009	37	137	24	48	10	-	4	43	.350
Totals	149	538	83	175	38	2	24	127	.325

Back in shape, Álvarez showed his power in the 2007 season when he led the team with a .365 average with 46 basehits, including five doubles, two triples and a league-leading 12 homeruns, scored 28 runs and had 35 runs batted in. With this, Álvarez led Amsterdam Pirates back to the Play-Offs and was named Most Valuable Player of the big league.

In 2008, Álvarez, who turns 49 later this month, batted .296 with five homeruns and 31 RBI's and had an important role for Pirates during the Holland Series, because he hit 5-for-10 with a homerun, four runs and five RBI's, as Pirates swept Corendon Kinheim 3-0 to capture its first Dutch title since 1990. At the start of the 2008 season, Álvarez became the oldest player in history to play in the Dutch big league with 47 years and 5 months. This year, Álvarez batted .350 with four homeruns and led the team with 43 runs batted in, which was second best in the league.

In 149 big league-games, Álvarez batted .325 with 175 basehits, including 24 homeruns and 127 runs batted in. In his four seasons in Amsterdam, the Cuban mostly was the designated hitter, but also played at first base frequently, making only two errors in 215 total chances.

Before coming to the Netherlands, Álvarez played 17 seasons for Santiago de Cuba in the Cuban Nacional Series, where he ended his career in 2003. With his team, he won three Cuban titles and wrote history on February 10, 2002, when he became the first player in history to hit two homeruns in one inning for the second time. He had done it before on January 5, 1991. On the Cuban All-time list, Álvarez shares eighth place with Omar Linares with 327 doubles, is 26th with 210 homeruns and 28th with 1676 basehits.

While he never made the Cuban National A-team in a major tournament, Álvarez participated with the B-squad twice in the World Port Tournament in 1999 and 2003. In 1999, Glenn Romney was a member of the Dutch National Team in that event. Now, the two will be teammates at UVV.
(November 1)

Former Catcher/3rd Baseman Hans Lemmink is joining the staff of Head Coach Eelco Jansen at Corendon Kinheim, the latter confirmed on Saturday, October 31. Lemmink, who played in the big league for Haarlem Nicols and Kinheim in the eighties and also was a former soccer-keeper, coached for First Divisionist DSS this season. Marcel Joost (3B Coach) and Michiel van Kampen (Pitching Coach) return to the staff, which exist entirely of former national team-players. Lemmink will coach at first base, but might also keep an eye on the bullpen.

In recent days, it already was announced that Kinheim acquired RHP Nick Stuifbergen and Infielders Björn Henrichs (both L&D Amsterdam Pirates) and Niels van Weert (Almere Magpies), while RHP Robin van Eis (Mr. Cocker HCAW) and Outfielder Danny Rombley (DOOR Neptunus) are leaving the team. On Saturday, it was also confirmed that Infielders Wouter Heemskerk and Jeffrey Verbij both retired, but the first might play for a lower division-team. Like some of the other big league-teams, Kinheim also added some talented young players from its Rookie Team to the big league-squad, being RHP Steven van Groningen, C/IF Onno Jansen and Infielder Björn Hato, who all already played in the big league this season for Kinheim.

Van Groningen pitched in 10 games and was 0-1 with a 2.92 ERA, throwing 12 1/3 inning in which he struckout 10 batters. Jansen played in three games and went 1-for-1 and also scored one run. Hato also played in one game, scoring one run, as he was used as a pinch-runner. Van Groningen and Hato made their big league this year, Jansen debuted last season.

MediaMonks RCH will be led next year by new Head Coach Peter van 't Klooster. The father of former national team-player Dirk van 't Klooster was the Hitting Instructor this season for RCH, which relegated to the First Division. As a short stop, Van 't Klooster played in the Dutch big league in the sixties for HVA and ABC and back then also was a member of the Dutch National Team. In 1977, Van 't Klooster was one of the six finalists to become the first Dutch astronaut, but eventually Wubbo Ockels was chosen for astronaut-training by the European Space Agency and NASA and went on to make a spaceflight with the Space Shuttle in 1985. At RCH, Van 't Klooster succeeds Bernie Beckman, who in September, after completion of the Promotion/Relegation Play-Off, agreed to become Head Coach of Konica Minolta Pioniers. 1B Coach Ab de Boer retired and will become a scout for RCH, but 3B Nick Heij will return to assist Van 't Klooster in 2010.

Due to its relegation, RCH lost 13 players. Ten of them already were mentioned in previous announcements made by their new clubs, but also leaving are RHP Rick Pluijmers (DSS), RHP Jimmy van der Veldt (Sparks Haarlem) and Infielder Bobby Heij (TIW-Survivors). RCH acquired six new players, who all played in lower divisions.
(October 31)

...Gino Henson with umpire Jac Vrij... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

,,With the addition of Henson, the baseball school shows it is seriously working on the development of talented players in the region Haaglanden. Henson is a wellknown player'', said Gert-Jan Timmer, member of the board of the Tsunami Baseball Academy.

The 38-year old Eugene Henson, who is mostly called Gino, made his debut in the Dutch big league in 1991, when he also played for Sparta. He finished his first season with a .380 batting average, but then returned to Curaçao, as he had signed a professional contract with the Atlanta Braves-organization. In 1992, Henson played one season in the Single-A of the Braves in San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic. A year later, the infielder returned to the Netherlands where he stayed to play 17 more seasons for four teams in the Dutch big league. Henson played for ADO (1993-1994; 1998-2001), Twins (1995), Hoofddorp Pioniers (1996-1997) and HCAW (2002-2007). After the 2007 season, Henson returned to Sparta-Feyenoord, where he played two more years. In 1997, he played for Pioniers, which then captured the Dutch title. Besides playing in the big league baseball, Henson also played in the big league men softball, as he was a member of the succesfull team of Alphians from 1995-1998, which in that period captured four consecutive national titles and won two European Cups.

This season, his 18th in the Dutch big league, Henson played in 39 games for Sparta-Feyenoord and batted .242. The infielder, who also was used several games as catcher, had 31 basehits, scored 17 runs and had 11 runs batted in. His best season was in 1998 when he hit .420, while playing for ADO, hitting 60 basehits, scoring 39 runs and having 39 RBI's. Through the years, Henson reached base frequently and scored 205 runs in his first five big league-seasons. In 1993 (38), 1994 (42) and 1996 (24), he led the league in Stolen Bases.

In 2001, Henson was a member of the Dutch National Team, which then captured the European title in Bonn (Germany), playing in seven games.
(October 30)

Pioniers was mentioned frequently in the last weeks since the season ended. On Friday, that proved to be true, as 12 players joined the club from Hoofddorp, which reached the Holland Series this year, but lost in four games to DOOR Neptunus, after having dethroned L&D Amsterdam Pirates during the preceeding Play-Offs. On the other hand, eight players will not return next season.

...Dave Draijer... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

Two former players are returning to Hoofddorp, being RHP Dave Draijer and Venezuelan righthander Nelson Miguel Santander Olajo. Draijer last year participated in the Olympic Games in Beijing, as he was a late addition to the Dutch National Team, taking the spot of injured pitcher Loek van Mil. After completion of last season, Draijer left Pioniers to play for MediaMonks RCH, where he had started his career and made his big league-debut in 1997. But after RCH relegated this season, the veteran righthander, who turned from starter to closer in the last years, decided to return to Pioniers. Santander pitched for Pioniers in the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Also coming to Pioniers are American righthander Eddie Aucoin, LHP Jean-Paul Gulinck (MediaMonks RCH), RHP Jurjen van Zijl (DOOR Neptunus), Catcher Wouter Kamstra (DSS), Infielders Zerzinho Croes (Aruba), Kevin Dirksen (UVV) and Shurty Tremus (ADO) and Outfielders Linoy Croes (Almere Magpies), Lennart Koster (DOOR Neptunus) and Jakub Malik (MediaMonks RCH).

Dave Draijer threw 21 games in relief this season for RCH and was 1-7 with two saves. He struckout 26 batters, walked only seven, but gave up 44 basehits in 30 innings and finished with a 4.80 ERA.

...Nelson Miguel Santander Olajo... (Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

Nelson Miguel Santander Olajo, who turns 27 next Monday and was born in Venezuelan capital Caracas, was 5-4 with a 2.25 ERA in 12 games (46 strikeouts in 56 innings) for Pioniers in 2007, his first year in the Dutch big league. In 2008, the righthander was 4-1 with a 3.33 ERA and struckout 27 batters in 27 innings. He appeared in only five games, as he had to return to Venezuela due to family circumstances. He was replaced on the roster by another Venezuelan, Alberto Mieres Paez, who finished the season with a 2-4 record. Santander signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2001 and went on to play four seasons in the minor leagues. The first three years, he played in Venezuela, where he threw for the Mariara Phillies, finishing with records of 1-1, 1-0 and 2-1 respectively. During the 2003 season, he was transfered to the Gulf Coast Phillies in Florida, where he was 1-0. In 2004, Santander threw for the Batavia Muckdogs in Single-A, where he was 3-1 with two saves, throwing 17 games in relief. After throwing one season (2005) in the Spanish highest league, he returned to professional baseball, as he pitched in the Venezuelan League in 2006, before coming to Pioniers for the 2007 season.

...Eddie Aucoin... (Photo: Tornados)

Eddie Aucoin, who turned 34 on October 15, played several seasons in professional American Independent Leagues. He signed his first professional in contract in 1998 when he played for Waterbury Spirit in the Northeast League. His professional baseball career appeared to be briefly, as he turned to fast pitch softball the next year and continued to play softbal through 2001. Aucoin then traveled to Europe, where he played for Oskarshamn Basebal Softboll Klub in Sweden in 2002. But he returned to professional baseball the next year. In 2003, he was named the Rookie Pitcher of the Year, while pitching for the Berkshire Black Bears in the Northeast League, where he had the league's best ERA with 1.46. In the winter of 2003-2004, Aucoin played for the Cartagena Leones in the professional Colombian Winter League and was 5-0, while being named Most Valuable Pitcher and being elected to the All Star Team. In 2004 and 2005, Aucoin played in the Northern League, another Independent League. In 2004 for the St. Paul Saints (where he was 6-1) and in 2005 for the Brockton Rox (6-0 with 3 saves). He was noticed by Major League-scouts and was invited for a try-out in February 2006 for the Toronto Blue Jays, where he signed a contract for its Double-A team, but he was released during Spring Training due to a knee injury. After this disappointment , Aucoin returned to Europe, where he pitched succesfully for four different teams in the German Bundesliga from 2006 through this season. Aucoin threw for Gauting Indians (7-5) in 2006, Haar Disciplines (9-5, 117 strikeouts, 9 walks in 99 innings) in 2007, Mannheim Tornados (8-3, 0.94 ERA, 102 strikeouts in 86 innings) in 2008 and Regensburg Legionäre in 2009, where he threw a No-Hitter on May 23 vs. Saarlouis Hornets and missed a Perfect Game by hitting two batters. In his four seasons in Germany, Aucoing struckout 363 batters and walked only 27 in 329 innings, in which he gave up 241 basehits and finished with an 1.66 ERA. In his German years, Aucoin was used as first baseman and designated hitter.

...Jean-Paul Gulinck... (Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

Jean-Paul Gulinck pitched in 18 games for RCH this season, including two starts. The lefthander was 0-3 and struckout 13 batters in 22 2/3 inning, walking 32 and giving up 27 basehits, finishing with an 8.34 ERA.
Jurjen van Zijl threw in 16 games (six starts) for Neptunus and finished with a 2-2 record and two saves. He struckout 29 batters, walked 23 and gave up 45 hits in 43 1/3 inning.
Lennart Koster played in 32 games this season for Neptunus, in which he hit 30 basehits, including seven doubles and a homerun for a .309 average, scoring 12 runs and having 17 RBI's.
Jakub Malik played in 38 games, including 25 as Designated hitter for RCH. The Czech National Team-player led the team with a .324 batting average, 44 basehits and 11 runs batted in. Malik scored nine runs and had five doubles.
Shurty Tremus hit .240 in 40 games for ADO, hitting 36 basehits, including a homerun and 11 RBI's. Wouter Kamstra last played in the big league in 2007, when he appeared in seven games for Almere. Linoy Croes, Zerzinho Croes and Kevin Dirksen never played in the Dutch big league.

...Roger Kops... (Photo: Henk Seppen)

Leaving Pioniers are RHP Daan de Jong (Hoofddorp Pioniers-3), RHP Roger Kops (retiring), Infielders Andley Simmons (back to Curaçao) and Joey Treurniet (Double Stars Heiloo) and Outfielders Sergino Martis (no club yet), Glenn Romney (UVV) and Bart Sabel (HCAW). 1B Jourick Blanco, who last season played for Pioniers, but didn't play for the team, remains in Aruba.

Former National Team-pitcher Roger Kops started 15 games this season for Pioniers and was 5-3 with a 3.02 ERA. In 89 1/3 inning, the righthander struckout 56 batters, walked only 17, but gave up 105 basehits.

...Glenn Romney... (Photo: Henk Seppen)

Outfielder Glenn Romney, another former national team-player, played in 31 games this season and batted .278 (27-for-97) with eight doubles and one homerun. Romney scored 16 runs and had 18 RBI's, while not commiting an error. In 2010, he will play for First Divisionist UVV, where he once started his baseball career.
Andley Simmons, who shared his playing time between first base and the outfield, played in 18 games and batted .196 (10-for-51), scored six runs and seven RBI's. He also threw three games in relief, pitching 2 2/3 inning.
Daan de Jong threw 22 1/3 inning in eight games (four starts), was 0-1, had one save and a 7.25 ERA, while striking out nine batters, walking 19 and giving 28 basehits.
Joey Treurniet appeared in 27 games, batted .213 (13 hits, 1 double, 2 triples, 1 homerun), scored 15 runs and had five RBI's.
Bart Sabel batted .224 (13 hits, 4 doubles) in 15 games, scoring 10 runs and having six runs batted in. Sergino Martis played in 10 games, batting .270 (10 hits) with three runs and six RBI's.

Pioniers will be led in 2010 by Bernie Beckman, who was the Head Coach this season for MediaMonks RCH, which relegated. Shortly after completion of the lost Promotion/Relegation Play-Off against First Division champion Almere Magpies, the Canadian confirmed his transfer from RCH to Pioniers. Beckman succeeds Theo Geerman, who took over in mid-season when Head Coach Frank Koene stepped down after disappointing results at that moment. Geerman, who also filled in for Koene at the start of the season when the latter had to sit out a suspension, stays on as Assistant Coach, as will Peter Barentsen, who didn't coach this year due to health reasons.

Besides the new additions, the following players are also listed on the Pioniers-roster:
Pitchers Robin van Doornspeek (RHP), Shane Gnade (RHP), Al Morales Gomes (RHP), Maarten Mulder (RHP) and Jan Rehacek (LHP), Catchers Mark Duursma and Jeffrey de Vrieze, Infielders Michael Duursma, Mervin Gario, Norbert Lokhorst and Mark-Jan Moorman and Outfielders Tjerk Hoogervorst and Jefferson Muzo.
(October 30)

Five new players are coming from MediaMonks RCH, which lost the best-of-five Promotion/Relegation Play-Off against Almere 3-2, resulting in relegation for RCH and promotion for Almere, which finished in first place in the First Division with a 32-5 record. The five are RHP Ewout Bos, RHP Dennis Burgersdijk, RHP Martin Kuipers, Infielder Jaïr Roseburg and Outfielder Ferd van Stekelenburg. As mentioned in the article of the transfers at Mr. Cocker HCAW, three players from the Bussum-club decided to come to Almere: LHP Joep de Wit, Catcher Juriën Overman and Infielder Sytse Visbeen. Two more pitchers will join Almere for the new season: RHP Roy Beems (Sparta-Feyenoord) and LHP Scott Ronnenbergh (Amsterdam Pirates Rookies). American Michael Parker, who played on the college-level, is currently listed as the first option for the short stop-position.

..Ferd van Stekelenburg... (Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

Bos threw 12 games in relief for RCH, but had no decisons, while pitching 19 2/3 inning in which he gave up 30 hits and ended with a 6.86 ERA. Burgersdijk pitched in 15 games (12 as a starter) for RCH and was 0-8 with a 5.19 ERA. In 67 2/3 inning, he struckout 45 batters and gave up 81 hits. Kuipers, who already pitched for Almere in 2005 and 2006, appeared in 14 games for RCH (six starts) and was 1-5 with a 7.20 ERA. In 35 innings, he struckout ten batters and gave up 56 basehits. Roseburg played in 32 games and hit .200 (18 hits), while scoring seven runs and collecting four runs batted in. Van Stekelenburg played in all 42 games for RCH, primarily at first base, and batted .220 (29 hits) with two homeruns. He led the team with 13 runs and 11 runs batted in. Beems threw in 15 games for Sparta-Feyenoord, including one start, and was 1-1 with two saves. He threw in 18 innings, struckout two and gave up 21 hits. Beems made his big league-debut in 2005 while playing for Amsterdam Pirates. Ronnenbergh played in the rookie team of Pirates this season, but participated with L&D Amsterdam Pirates in the European Cup-tournament in March in Nettuno (Italy). Ronnenbergh, the grandson of former big league-umpire Henk Ronnenbergh, has yet to make his debut on the highest level. For details of Overman, Visbeen and De Wit, you can read the article of the comings and goings at Mr. Cocker HCAW.

...Closer René Rijst: Last season?... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

Leaving Almere are six players, including veteran righthanded pitchers Jerry Breek and René Rijst, who both retired. Infielders Sidney Ensermo, Rhiency Imperator and Niels van Weert also will not return in Almere next season. Ensermo has no new club yet, while Van Weert will play for Corendon Kinheim. Imperator, who can look back to a good season, decided to return to Tex Town Tigers, where he also played before coming to Almere. To combine his study better with playing baseball, Imperator decided to play closer to home. Outfielder Linoy Croes will play next season for Konica Minolta Pioniers.

De Weert will return to the big league-level next season, as he already played there with Almere in 2007. Ensermo played in the big league last season for HCAW, but also played on the highest level for Almere and Amsterdam Pirates. Breek also played several seasons in the big league for Pirates and Almere, while 46-year old Rijst is the recordholder with 27 seasons (!) in the Dutch big league. Rijst already announced his retirement on earlier occasions and every time he came back, so it is not out of the question that the veteran might return to the mound again in some games for Almere next season.

Early next year, lefthanded pitcher Jim Ploeger, who this year made his debut in the Dutch National Team, will leave to attend college in the USA and will return somewhere in May. In the first weeks of the season, his spot in the rotation probably will be taken by Scott Ronnenbergh, who in his turn might leave for the USA in May of June, as he is a candidate to sign a professional contract.

Marco Wels will be the Head Coach again next season. His coachingstaff will be announced in the coming days, as Assistant Coaches Tom Groot en Frank van Leeuwen decided to stop after the season to have more time for their families.

Besides the new additions, the following players are also listed on the Almere-roster:
Pitchers Sten van de Bedem (RHP), Jasper de Heus (RHP), Kenny van Kampen (LHP), Andy Nieuwehuijse (RHP), Jim Ploeger (LHP) and American Justin Prinstein (RHP), Catcher Giovanni Samboe, Infielders Joey Berkenbosch (1B) and Siegert Flaneur (3B), Outfielders Wesley Bernardus, Sergio Paulina, Luigino Rosaria and Daniël Zijderveld and Utility Players Churandy la Cruz and Stefan Hoogewerff.
(October 29)

HCAW added seven new players to its roster, including two who were promoted from the HCAW Rookie Team, being Catcher Joep van Els and Infielder Sebastiaan Olgers. The club also confirmed the coming of Aeden McQueary-Ennis from ADO, which already announced that he opted to go to Bussum on Wednesday. McQueary-Ennis, who is an American with a British passport and plays for the British National Team, is a righthanded pitcher, but can also be used as a designated hitter or on other position. This season, he led ADO with a .324 batting average and threw 21 games in relief. HCAW added two more pitchers to the team, as RHP Joran Klarenbeek (MediaMonks RCH) and RHP Robin van Eis (Corendon Kinheim) are also coming to Bussum. Outfielder Bart Sabel (Konica Minolta Pioniers) and Infielder Mitchel Koot (Amsterdam Pirates Rookies) complete the new additions. Sabel and Koot can both also be used as a Catcher.

Van Els appeared in 14 games this season with HCAW, hitting .250 (10-for-40), while Olgers played in nine games for the team, hitting .182 (6-for-33). Klarenbeek threw in 12 games for RCH and was 1-4 with a 4.54 ERA. He struckout 19 batters in 41 2/3 inning and gave up 43 basehits. Van Eis threw in only eight games for Kinheim this season, striking out eight batters in 35 1/3 inning and finishing with a 4.08 ERA and an 1-2 record. Sabel played in 15 games for Pioniers, hitting .224 (13-for-58), scoring 10 runs and collecting six RBI's. Koot played in one game for Pirates this season, going 1-for-4 in his big league-debut.

...A sliding Adrian Anthony returns to Rotterdam... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

Eight players are leaving HCAW. LHP Andre Hughes will return to Germany, as he want to live closer to home due to his regular job in the German Army. Hughes, who throws for the German National Team, is going to play again for Solingen Alligators, where he also played last year, before joining HCAW for this season. Outfielder Adrian Anthony will play for Sparta-Feyenoord in 2010, therefore returning to Rotterdam, where he already played before for DOOR Neptunus. Three players decided to go to Almere Magpies, which promoted this season and will return to the big league next season after a two-year absence. The three are LHP Joep de Wit and Catchers Juriën Overman and Sytse Visbeen. The latter made his big league-debut in 2007 while playing for Almere. RHP Rutger Zwaal and Outfielder Haily de Palm will play on a lower level next season. Zwaal returns to Flying Petrels, the club where he started his career, while De Palm will play for Domstad Dodgers. Outfielder Siemen Korff retired.

Lefthander Hughes was 3-4 this season with a 3.09 ERA, throwing 78 2/3 inning in 13 games (all as a starter) in which he struckout 69 batters and gave up 79 hits. De Wit, another lefthander, pitched in 22 games in relief and was 1-0 with one save and a 5.34 ERA. In 28 2/3 inning, he struckout 28 and gave up 34 hits. Righthander Zwaal threw 20 games in relief and was frequently used as closer, finishing the season with a 2-2 record and 6.31 ERA. In 35 2/3 inning, he struckout 21 and gave up 48 hits. In Anthony, HCAW is losing its second best hitter of this season, as he batted .313 in 38 games with 41 basehits, scored 14 runs and had 19 runs batted in. Overman, the primary catcher, played in 33 games and batted only .173 (18 basehits) with 11 runs and 8 RBI's. Back-up catcher Visbeen played in 31 games (11 as catcher) and batted .198 (21 hits) with six runs and 9 RBI's. De Palm played in only six games, going 3-for-14 (.214), while Korff played in 37 games and hit .234 (29 hits) with 10 RBI's.

In 2010, the team will be led again by Bill Froberg, who took over as Head Coach from Jurjan Koenen, who retired after the season. Ronald Jaarsma stays on as Assistant Coach. Froberg also was the team's Head Coach in 2004 and 2005, after having served as its Bench Coach in the second half of the 2003 season. Froberg was named HCAW's new Head Coach on August 25.

This season, HCAW finished in sixth place with 11 victories, 30 losses and one tie. In the Play-Downs, HCAW secured its spot in next years big league by winning 3-2 in the best-of-five against ADO. HCAW states that the club is convinced that with the new team it can look up again. The goal for next season is to narrow the gap with the top-4 teams, which grew the last years. Besides that, HCAW wants to be involved as long as possible in the race for the Play-Offs.
(October 29)

ADO finished the season in seventh place with a 10-31 record under new Head Coach Leo Voogd. The team then lost the first best-of-five Play-Down vs. Mr. Cocker HCAW 3-2 after having forced a fifth game. In the next series vs. MediaMonk RCH, ADO then secured its big league spot for next season by winning the best-of-five 3-1. For coming season, added RHP Tjibbe van Dijk (Blue Birds), LHP Jurandy Girigori (RCH), Catcher Stefan Venema (Euro Stars), Infielders Allan Milliard (Kinheim Rookies), Berti Richardson, Frans Richardson (both Blue Birds), Jeroen Stentler (Euro Stars) and Outfielders Anthony Vrolijk (Tridents) and Patrick Wabbijn (Euro Stars).

..Jeoffrey de Groot... (Photo: Robert Bos)

All nine new players have played in the Dutch big league before. Van Dijk pitched for ADO in 2005-2006, while Venema caught for ADO in the 2005 season, playing in 20 games and hitting .172. Stentler also last played on the highest level in 2005, when he wore the uniform of Amsterdam Pirates and played in 37 games, hitting .191. Vrolijk made his big league-debut in 2007, playing in five game for Neptunus in which he went 0-for-3. Two players last played in the big league in 2008, being Milliard (the brother of former Major League-player Ralph Milliard), appearing in five games for Kinheim, hitting 4-for-13 (.308) and Wabbijn, who last year played in seven games for Sparta-Feyenoord, hitting .267. Girigori (0-0) made his big league-debut this season, pitching in three games for RCH, throwing five innings in which he gave up eight hits and struckout three. The Richardson-brothers big league-experience goes back further, with Berti having played for Pioniers and Frans for Sparta-Feyenoord.

Leaving the club are RHP Jeoffrey de Groot (Blue Birds), RHP/DH Aeden McQueary-Ennis (HCAW), Catcher/Outfielder Niels Weis (Storks) and Infielders Shurty Tremus (Pioniers) and René Verbrugge (Vlaardingen Holy).

As its Designated Hitter in 32 games, McQueary led the team with a .324 batting average (the 14th best in the league) with 34 hits, including 12 doubles and a homerun and 18 RBI's. In 21 games as relief-pitcher, the British National Team-player was 1-2 with three saves, striking out 38 batters in 49 1/3 inning, in which he gave up 54 hits. De Groot was 0-0 this year in 12 games (one start), throwing 24 2/3 inning in which he gave up 47 basehits and struckout seven. Weis played in 19 games, mostly in rightfield, in which he hit .161. Tremus hit .240 in 40 games, hitting 36 basehits, including a homerun and 11 RBI's. Verbrugge also played in 40 games and collected 41 basehits for a .287 average.

Leo Voogd returns next season as Head Coach and will then be assisted by former big league-player Michael Martha, who in recent years played and coached for First Divisionist Blue Birds. He will replace Richard Brown, who retired. For next season, ADO hopes to add a foreign pitcher to complete its pitching staff.
(October 28)

A few weeks ago, Neptunus already announced the coming of Outfielder and Dutch National Team-player Danny Rombley (September 9) from Corendon Kinheim and Infielder Marvin Bleij (August 29) from L&D Amsterdam Pirates. On October 24, Neptunus announced that they are now joined by Eldrion Regina, who this season made his big league-debut with Sparta-Feyenoord. Neptunus also added three players to its main squad from its Rookie Team, DOOR Tridents: RHP Niels Harteveld, Catcher Mourik Huijser en Infielder Roy Seltenrijch.

...Marvin Bleij... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

On October 29, it was announced that Huijser was one of 21 talented players from Europe, who are invited to participate in the European Player Showcase on November 7, which will be held on the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary (North Carolina). The 18-year old Huijser is one of eight players from the Netherlands who were invited. The other are coming from Italy (7), France (4) and Germany (2). Huijser made his big league-debut in 2008, playing in three games for Neptunus, going 0-for-3, but scoring three runs.

...Danny Rombley... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

Regina was the second best hitter this season for Sparta-Feyenoord with .309 in 41 games, hitting 47 basehits, including five doubles and four triples, while scoring 17 runs and having 12 RBI's. The 23-year old Regina, who studies International Business Management in The Hague, shared the league-lead with his four triples with René Cremer (Kinheim). Rombley led Kinheim this season with a .396 batting average, the second best in the league behind Batting Champion Kenny Berkenbosch of L&D Amsterdam Pirates, who hit .402. Rombley played in 38 games, collecting 57 basehits, including 12 doubles and five homeruns, scored 33 runs and batted in 24 runs. Bleij batted .273 in 30 games for Amsterdam with 30 basehits and 14 RBI's. Like Huijser, Harteveld and Seltenrijch also made their big league-debut this year, playing for Neptunus. Harteveld threw in one game, pitching 2 1/3 inning, while Seltenrijch played in 11 games, hitting 8-for-29 (.276) with one triple, three runs scored and four RBI's.

Neptunus on Tuesday, October 27, also confirmed that RHP Jurjen van Zijl and Outfielder Lennart Koster will leave the club to play for Konica Minolta Pioniers next season. On Friday, October 30, Neptunus confirmed that Utility Player Matt McGraw returned to Canada, that Outfielder Andy Leer retired and that Outfielder Calvin Martinus returned to Sparta-Feyenoord.

Van Zijl threw in 16 games (six starts) and finished with a 2-2 record and two saves. He struckout 29 batters, walked 23 and gave up 45 hits in 43 1/3 inning. Koster played in 32 games this season for Neptunus, in which he hit 30 basehits, including seven doubles and a homerun for a .309 average, scoring 12 runs and having 17 RBI's. McGraw played in 41 games this season, batting .273 (41-for-150) wit five doubles and a triple, scored 24 runs and also had 24 RBI's. Leer appeared in 24 games and batted .148 (nine basehits), scoring seven runs and collecting four RBI's. Martinus, the son of Neptunus' 3B Coach Wim Martinus, already played for Sparta-Feyenoord in 2007. This season, he played in only four games for Neptunus, going 0-for-8.
(October 24-30)

...Eric de Vries during the 1990 World... ...Championships in Canada... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

Eric de Vries, who turns 49 in December and started his career with Robur '58 in Apeldoorn, made his big league-debut in 1979 while pitching for HCAW. After four seasons (1979-1982), the righthander went on to play three seasons for Giants Diemen, which doesn't exist anymore, before returning to HCAW for the 1986 and 1987 seasons. Next, De Vries threw seven seasons (1988-1994) for Neptunus, before retiring. He then went on to become the Pitching Coach for Pioniers, where he threw in one more big league-game during the 1995 season. In 17 big league-seasons, De Vries threw in 258 games (191 starts) and finished with a 105-80 record and a 3.18 ERA. In 1540 1/3 inning, he struckout 1217 batters. He was named Best Pitcher of the Dutch League in 1989 and 1990. In 1997, De Vries was the Pitching Coach of Pioniers, which then captured the national championship. In more recent years, De Vries was the organizational Pitching Instructor for Mr. Cocker HCAW, being involved with the big league-team, rookie team and youth teams. Besides that, he also was the Pitching Coach of the Dutch National Cadets Team and started his own Pitching Academy. De Vries made his debut in the Dutch National Team in 1980 and went on to play for the national squad in 12 years, before pitching his last game on the international level in 1993. The pitcher appeared in 39 official international games and participated in five World Championships, six European Championships, five Haarlem Baseball Weeks, four World Port Tournaments and the Olympic Games of 1988 in Seoul (Korea). This year, De Vries was the Pitching Instructor for Sparta-Feyenoord.

...Ben Grover... (© Photo: ORU Media)

Prior to coming to the Netherlands, Edward Benjamin (Ben) Grover, who turned 24 earlier this month, pitched briefly for the baseball-team of Division I Oral Roberts University, appearing in two games of the Golden Eagles during the 2009 season and only one during the 2008 season. Before pitching for ORU, Grover threw for Cuesta College, throwing in 22 games in 2007, finishing with a 6-7 record and striking out 53 batters in 63 innings. During the 2006 season, he threw in three games. In 2004, Grover pitched for Righetti High School in Santa Maria (California), which then became the Pac 5 League Champion. In the same year, Grover also played American football and was a wrestler. In the Summer of 2007, Grover played for the Kamuela Paniolos in the Hawaiian Collegiate Baseball League, then was a member of the San Luis Obispo Rattlers during the 2008 Summer League. New Head Coach Charles Urbanus about Grover: ,,During last season, Grover made much impression in the game he played against our Rookie Team. He is an atlethic and strong pitcher, who we can use as a starter, but also as a reliever and who can develop himself even further''. This year, Urbanus led the Amsterdam Pirates Rookies to its second Dutch championship in a row and therefore faced Grover, while he was pitching for the RCH Rookies.

Earlier, the club already announced the coming of veteran righthanded pitcher and national team-hurler Rob Cordemans. Besides the comings of Cordemans and Grover, Coach Urbanus also added six talented players from the Amsterdam Rookie Team to the main squad, being RHP Frank van Heijst, Catcher Rachid Gerard, Infielders Roelie Henrique, Nick Urbanus and Seb Visser and Outfielder Michael Kramer.

...Frank van Heijst... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

Van Heijst, Gerard, Urbanus and Visser already made their big league-debut with the main squad. Van Heijst this season threw in six games (all starts) and was 3-0, while striking out 15 batters in 35 1/3 inning and finishing with a 2.55 ERA. Urbanus, the son of Head Coach Charles Urbanus and grandson of former big league pitcher Han Urbanus, played in five games, hitting 1-for-8, scoring once and having one RBI. In July, Urbanus also made his debut in the Dutch National Team during the World Port Tournament. Visser played in two games, hitting 1-for-5 and Kramer played in seven games, hitting 4-for-20, including a double, scoring five runs and having two RBI's. Gerard and Henrique will get their chance of making their big league-debut next season.

Seven players will not wear the Pirate-uniform in 2010. RHP Nick Stuifbergen (a member of the Dutch National Team and Infielder Björn Henrichs next year will play for Corendon Kinheim. For Stuifbergen, this means the return to the club where he made his big league-debut. Infielder Marvin Bleij will play for DOOR Neptunus in 2010. Outfielder/Catcher Maikel Benner and 3B Pavèl van Zaane will play on a lower level next season. Benner will play for Vlaardingen Holy and Van Zaane for Cromtigers. Righthanded relievers Mark Kan and Raban Schalm both retired.

...Nick Stuifbergen... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

Stuifbergen threw in 13 games (10 starts) this season, was 5-1 with one save and a 3.98 ERA and struckout 41 batters in 52 innings. Henrichs played in 26 games as a back-up infielder, and batted .323 with 32 hits, five runs and 17 RBI's. Bleij hit .273 with 40 hits in 30 games, scoring 14 runs and collecting 10 RBI's. Benner played in 37 games this season and led Pirates with 32 runs scored. He batted .316 with 50 hits (second most in the team), including five doubles and had 15 runs batted in. Van Zaane played in 39 games, batting .301 with 47 hits, including seven doubles, scored 18 runs and had 24 RBI's. Kan pitched in seven games in relief, winning one and earning a save, throwing 7 1/3 inning and finishing with a 12.27 ERA. Schalm, who was mostly used as a set-up man, threw in 13 games, was 1-1 and pitched in 18 2/3 inning, finishing with a 3.38 ERA.

Head Coach Charles Urbanus, who was named the successor of Rikkert Faneyte on October 5, will be assisted by Randall Hannah, who returns as 3B Coach. Louis Hofer, who was the team's 1B Coach this year, will not return in the coaching staff.

This year, Amsterdam was eliminated in the Play-Offs by Konica Minolta Pioniers and therefore dethroned as reigning champion. Last year, the team captured the Dutch title for the first time again since 1990.

Besides the new additions, the following players are also listed on the Amsterdam-roster:
LHP Adam Blackley, LHP Rik Geestman, RHP Jos de Jong, RHP Loek van Mil (who will pitch professionally again next year in the organization of the Minnesota Twins, but remains eligible to throw for Pirates) and RHP Pim Walsma, Catchers Sidney de Jong and Bas Nooij, 1B Kenny Berkenbosch, 2B Zaïr Koeiman, 3B/1B Vince Rooi and Outfielders Wesley Connor and Bas de Jong and Designated Hitter Fausto Álvarez Rizo.
(October 23)

...Rob Cordemans Amsterdam-bound... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

Rob Cordemans started his career with The Hawks in Dordrecht, but then went on to play for Neptunus in Rotterdam. There, he made his big league-debut in 1994 and played the majority of his 16-year career on the highest level. Cordemans became the ace in the pitching staff of Neptunus, where he played for 12 seasons (1994-2005). Hereafter, he threw for ADO in The Hague in 2006 and then tried his luck to become a professional pitcher in the Taiwanese Professional League. He got a contract to play for the President Lions, but was released in mid-season and returned to the Netherlands, where he finished the season playing for ADO. In 2008 and 2009, he returned to Rotterdam to play for Sparta-Feyenoord. While playing for Neptunus, Cordemans won eight Dutch championships, seven European Cups, three CupWinners Cup and seven Super Cups.

At Pirates, Cordemans will be re-united with recently named Head Coach Charles Urbanus, who succeeded Rikkert Faneyte. In 1994, Urbanus was the Head Coach of Neptunus, when Cordemans made his big league-debut. That happened on May 22 and coincidentally, the opponent on that day happened to be Amsterdam Pirates. For Cordemans, this was not only his first appearance in the big league, but also his first start. He left the game, which was won by Neptunus 7-4, after 2 2/3 inning. In the same season, Cordemans also won his first big league-game and that also happened to be against Pirates and came on July 3 when he started and threw five innings. Pitching the last two innings for Pirates in that game was Dirk van 't Klooster, who later became a longtime teammate of Cordemans at Neptunus.

In a statement, Cordemans said: ,,L&D Amsterdam is a fine club. The team has a good mix of experience and young talent. Besides this, it has an extra dimension for me personally to play again for Charles Urbanus. He was my coach when I made my debut in the big league in 1994.'' Urbanus reacted: ,,For coming season, we added several young talented to the team. For that reason, we wanted to have a very experienced pitching staff. With the addition of Cordemans we succeeded in that.''

...Rob Cordemans during Haarlem Baseball Week 2008... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

On June 7, 1995, Cordemans made his debut in the Dutch National Team during an exhibition game and went on the become a solid starter, appearing in numerous international events. With the Dutch squad, Cordemans participated in four Olympic Games (Atlanta, 1996; Sydney, 2000; Athens, 2004; Beijing, 2008) and in both editions of the World Baseball Classics (2006, 2009), but also six European Championships (1995, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007), six World Championships (1998, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009) and four Intercontinental Cups (1995, 1999, 2002, 2006). Last month, by participating in his sixth World Cup, Cordemans became only the third player in history to have participated in six World Cups and six European Championships. The others are outfielder Marcel Joost, who also has a 6-6 combination, and pitcher Bart Volkerijk, who played in nine Europeans and seven Worlds. This year, Cordemans broke another record of Volkerijk, as he became the pitcher with the most games pitched in the Dutch national team. Volkerijk was recordholder with 71, but Cordemans now has 74. During the recent World Championships, Cordemans was one of several players, who were decorated by the Dutch Federation with a Merit of Honor for reaching a mark. During the council meeting earlier this year, it was decided that all players (baseball and softball), who reached the 100 (position players) or 50 (pitchers) game mark in the national team will receive the honor. Players who reach the 200-level will be named Honorary Member.

Career Stats Rob Cordemans
Yr	G	W-L	INN	SO	ERA
1994	6	1-0	19.1	18	3.72
1995	17	7-4	83	84	4.12
1996	16	6-3	78.1	83	4.60
1997	12	4-3	53.1	57	3.54
1998	10	7-0	70.1	73	2.43
1999	16	14-2	98	106	2.20
2000	14	8-4	93	94	2.71
2001	17	14-2	119.2	108	1.20
2002	19	10-2	95	89	0.47
2003	16	12-1	106	106	0.93
2004	9	5-2	52	30	1.73
2005	16	13-1	104.2	89	0.77
2006	18	9-3	131	127	1.72
2007	9	1-3	48.2	56	3.88
2008	15	9-0	94.1	112	0.86
2009	13	6-2	98.2	103	0.91
Totals	223	126-32	1343.2	1335	1.97

During the recent World Championships, Cordemans started three games. He was the starter vs. Puerto Rico (5-2 win), Nicaragua (8-4 win) and Canada (11-5 loss). In March, Cordemans threw three games in relief during the World Baseball Classic, including in both victories against the Dominican Republic.

This season, Cordemans was 6-2 with an 0.91 ERA in 13 games for Sparta-Feyenoord, while striking out 103 batters in 98 2/3 inning. The 103 strikeouts are only one shy of league-league Ryan Murphy, who also led the league with an 0.89 ERA. With this, Cordemans sureley will be a candidate again to being named Best Pitcher. He won the award already five times, in 1999, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2008.

Cordemans is the most experienced active pitcher. In his 16 year career, he threw in 223 games, has a record of 126-32 and struckout 1335 batters in 1343 2/3 inning. His career ERA is only 1.97. While these stats are impressive, it is not close yet to the yet unbreakable records, which were set between 1974 and 1996 by Bart Volkerijk. The righthander, who played his entire career for ADO, threw in 332 games, won 150 games and struckout 1948 batters in his 21 seasons in the big league. Twice in his career, Cordemans won 14 games (1999, 2001) and five times, he finished a season with an ERA under 1.00, including the last two seasons. In his 16 seasons on the big level, Cordemans had only one losing season, as he went 1-3 after returning from Taiwan in 2007. In two seasons, he went undefeated, going 7-0 in 1998 and 9-0 in 2008. Cordemans had an impressing period from 2001-2003 when he was 36-5 in the three seasons combined, struckout 303 batterrs and had an 0.90 ERA.

Coincidentally, the announcement of his transfer was made on the 19th, which also happened to be Cordemans' uniform number. He wore the number during his years at Neptunus and ADO, but had to swith to a new number, while playing for Sparta-Feyenoord, as pitcher Rudy Seebus wore number 19 there. Cordemans doubled the number and wore 38 in 2008. After Seebus left after the 2008 season, Cordemans kept on playing with 38 this year. At Pirates, Cordemans will not be able to return to his old number, as 19 is a retired number and belongs to Rikkert Faneyte. Pirates has two other retired numbers, 5 (Ronald Stoovelaar) and 35 (Peter van Erk). For the record, number 38 is available in Amsterdam.
(October 19)

The Netherlands remains in sixth place on the list. The Netherlands Antilles moved from the 29th to the 24th position, while Aruba dropped from 39th to 52nd. Italy moved from the no. 15 to 12 on the list, while Germany made the top-20, moving from the number 23 spot. Belgium was added for the first time and ranks in 34th place. There are currently 75 countries listed on the World Rankings. The Netherlands is the highest ranking European country. Europe has 34 countries listed in the rankings, followed by Asia (14), the Americas (16), Africa (6) and Oceania (5). At the moment, 125 countries are member of the IBAF.

With the newest rankings, the IBAF also introduced several tournaments from the last four years that were not originally taken into consideration for earlier World Rankings. These events include the continental pre-qualifying tournaments and invitational events like the 2007 Good Luck Beijing Tournament, the 2007 and 2009 Asian Baseball Cup (qualifiers for the Asian Championships) and the 2006 and 2008 European Championship Qualifiers (qualifiers for the European Championships). The World Cup 2005 has been replaced by the 2009 edition, while the 2005 Youth Championships also was replaced on the list by the 2009 edition. By adding or replacing these events, 22 national baseball teams were added to the list. All the tournaments meet the criteria of events which the IBAF considers for ranking points. The Ranking were first published in January 2009 and are based on a point total which IBAF member federations earn from IBAF-sanctioned events in a four-year window, or a period of time that encompasses two IBAF Baseball World Cups. Teams earn points based on their finish in an event with a winner getting 50 points, second place 40, third place 30 and fourth place 15. From there, points are divided evenly among the remaining teams. The awarded points are then multiplied by a number based on the strength of the event. Major tournaments like the Olympic Games, World Cup and the World Baseball Classic all receive 4x multipliers. Minor tournaments have a 1x multiplier, while all other considered events receive multipliers based on how many teams in the top-10 of the rankings compete in the event.

(October 19)

...Charles Urbanus while throwing... ...the ceremonial first pitch... ...before the World Cup-game... ...Netherlands vs. South Korea... ...in Amsterdam last month... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

During the World Championships last month, Amsterdam Chairman John Witte stated in an interview that Rod Delmonico, the Manager of the Dutch National Baseball Team, was on his wish-list as successor of Faneyte. However, the Dutch Federation, as well as Technical Director Robert Eenhoorn, made it clear quickly that that was not possible, as a dual position of being national team manager and clubcoach was not a option. Due to agreements, including with the NOC*NSF, topcoaches have to be working fulltime and solely for a national team.

,,I needed some time to take the decision'', Urbanus reacted Monday-evening on his appointment. ,,After having a talk with the team and of course also with my family and at my work, I finally took the decision last Sunday. I'm really looking forward to it'', said Urbanus, who has yet to take a decision on his coaching and supporting staff. Some young, talented players from the Pirates Rookie Team will be added to the roster and will get their chance next season.

Charles Urbanus can look back to an impressive career, as he was without any doubt one of the best all-round players in the seventies and eighties in the Dutch Majors. Besides that, he comes from a family which is linked to baseball since the forties of the last century. Urbanus made his debut in the highest division in 1971 when he was playing for OVVO in Amsterdam. At the same club his father Han Urbanus was the leading pitcher from 1947-1970, setting a record back then of being the only player to have played in the highest division in four different decades and also setting a record by playing in 24 big league-seasons. Both records were long thought to be unbreakable, but records are meant to be broken. In 2000, Marcel Joost and Marcel Kruyt became the second and third player with four decades in the highest league, while René Rijst played in his 27th big league season in 2008 and might add another one next year. This season, Rijst played in the First Division for Almere '90, which will return to the big league in 2010. Besides his father Han, Charles' uncle Charles Urbanus (Sr.) also played for OVVO, but he became more known for his coaching, which he did at both OVVO and the Dutch National Team in the sixties. Johan Urbanus, the younger brother of Charles (Jr.), pitched briefly in the big league for Amstel Tijgers. This season, Nick Urbanus, the son of Charles Jr., played in his first big league-game for Pirates and also made his debut in the Dutch National Team during the World Port Tournament. With that, it marked the first time that three generations have played in the national squad: Han, Charles and Nick.

...Three generations... ...Han, Nick and Charles Urbanus... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

Charles Urbanus played in the Dutch big league for OVVO (1971-1976) and Amstel Tijgers (1978-1986), both in Amsterdam. In 15 seasons, he appeared in 465 games, collecting 659 basehits, including 65 homeruns and finishing with a career .379 batting average. In 1977, Urbanus also played for Amstel Tijgers, which then played in the First Division after having separated from OVVO. While he initially was primarily a pitcher, he later became a regular second baseman. As a pitcher, Urbanus was 76-36 and struckout 878 batters, earning him the title of Best Pitcher three times. He was the league MVP twice.

From 1972-1986, Urbanus played in the Dutch National Team, participating in five World Championships and six European Championships, amongst other international events. In those years, he set a record by appearing in 131 games, a record which was eventually broken by Marcel Joost.

After concluding his playing career in 1986, he became the Head Coach of the softball-team of Terrasvogels in 1987-1988. In 1988, he also was one of the coaches of the Dutch National Junior Team. From 1989-1991, Urbanus was a member of the National Team's coaching staff of then-Manager Jim Stoeckel and returned to that role in 2000 when Pat Murphy became the new Manager. In that year, Urbanus also was the interim-Head Coach when the Dutch Team played five games against the national team of Taiwan and won two of them. In 1991, Urbanus became the Head Coach of Neptunus and stayed there until the 1994 season, guiding the Rotterdam-squad to the Play-Offs in each year. In his first season as Head Coach in the Dutch big league, Urbanus led Neptunus to the Dutch title, as he did in 1993. In 1995, Urbanus took over at Pirates from Louis Hofer, who last season was one of the assistants of Rikkert Faneyte. Urbanus coached three years in Amsterdam when the club played in the First Division after having relegated in 1994. In 1997, Urbanus led Pirates to the title and promotion back to the big league. In the last nine years, Urbanus coached the second team of Pirates (Boekaniers/Bucs), as well as several youth teams. Last year and this season, he was the Head Coach of the Amsterdam Pirates Rookie Team, which whom he won the Dutch championship two years in a row. Urbanus' record as big league coach is 105-54 with four ties. Earlier this year, Urbanus was awarded the Merit of Honor by the Dutch Federation.
(October 5)

...Rick van den Hurk throwing during... ...the World Baseball Classic in March... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

At Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, which was filled with 45.135 spectators, the Marlins took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a 2-run single by Jorge Cantu. The Phillies came alongside in its first at bat when Ryan Howard hit a 2-run homerun, his 44th of the season, but that would be the lone runs Van den Hurk allowed. The Marlins re-took the lead immediately by scoring two runs in the second inning on back-to-back RBI-doubles by Chris Coghlan and Cameron Maybin with two outs. After adding a run in the seventh inning, the Marlins increased the lead to 7-2 by adding two runs in the eighth inning on a sacrifice fly by Jorge Cantu and a single by John Baker. Cantu now has 99 runs batted in so far this season.

For Rick van den Hurk, the outing was a strong finish of his season, which started with an elbow inflammation. The 24-year old pitcher participated with the Dutch National Team in the World Baseball Classic, then returned to Spring Training, but started the season in the minor league due to his injury. He was recalled again in July, then started on the 20th of that month vs. the San Diego Padres, throwing six innings and being the winning pitcher. Since then, he became part of the starting rotation of Manager Fredi Gonzalez and threw every fifth or sixth day. The win on Friday was his first since being the winning pitcher on August 10 against the Houston Astros, but the Marlins had won the last five games in which Van den Hurk had started. This was his third start in a row in which he threw six complete innings.

This season, Rick van den Hurk started 11 games and finished with a 3-2 record and a 4.30 ERA. In 58 2/3 inning, he struckout 49 batters, walked only 21 and gave up 57 hits and 29 runs.

Van den Hurk's games in 2009:
July 20: vs. San Diego Padres (6 innings, winning pitcher); July 25: vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (5 inn., no decision); July 30: vs. Atlanta Braves (6 inn., no decision); August 5: vs. Washington Nationals (4 inn., losing pitcher); August 10: vs. Houston Astros (5 inn., winning pitcher); August 16: vs. Colorado Rockies (5 2/3 inn., losing pitcher); September 2: vs. Atlanta Braves (5 inn., no decision); September 8: vs. New York Mets (4 inn., no decision); September 18: vs. Cincinnati Reds (6 inn., no decision); September 23: vs. Philadelphia Phillies (6 inn., no decision); October 2: vs. Philadelphia Phillies (6 inn., winning pitcher).
(October 3)

...Monti Van Brunt... ...new baseball coach TTT... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

Besides acting as the team's coach, the 32 year old American also will be the technical coordinator of the entire baseball department (including youth) of Tex Town Tigers. In a press release, the club states that ,,with his knowledge and vision in the sport, he will be capable of making a plan for the coming years and put that into effect, to elevate the growing baseball division of the club to a higher level''.

Monti Van Brunt is not a stranger to the club, as he was the Head Coach of the women softball team in 2007 and 2008. Last year, he led Computer SOS Tex Town Tigers to the Dutch national title for the first time in club history, which earned him the title of Coach of the Year. This year, Van Brunt was the Head Coach of Legnano in the Italian big league, but was less succesfull, as the team was unable to both defend the Italian title as well as the European Cup, which it had both won the year before.

Van Brunt started his baseball career as a catcher playing for university teams in Idaho and Salt Lake City. He then played briefly professionally in the rookie league-teams of the New York Mets and Anaheim Angels. In 1997, Van Brunt started to combine playing baseball with coaching High School softball-teams in Pocatello (Idado) and Salt Lake City. After having worked for Major League Baseball International, he coached youth teams in Utah and Arizona and went on to be the hitting and bench coach of the national softball team of China to further develop the sport there. Besides that, Van Brunt was the baseball coach of the International School of Beijing and was the commissioner of the Beijing Softball League.
(October 2)

...Team USA celebrates winning the world title... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

After being retired in order (including two strikeouts) in the first inning by Norge Luis Vera, Team USA scored three runs in the second at bat. With one out, Terry Tiffee singled and Josh Kroeger reached on an error, then Lucas May followed with a 3-run homerun, before Vera struckout the next two batters again. Cuba, which got on base only twice in the first three innings, came back with two runs in the fourth inning. In the first, USA-starter Cory Luebke struckout the first two batters he faced, but then gave up singles to Michel Enriquez and Alfredo Despaigne, before ending the inning on a comeback-grounder. In the fourth, Luebke gave up three consecutive singles to start the at bat. Enriquez and Despaigne singled again, then the bases got loaded when Frederich Cepeda this time also singled. Enriquez then scored on a sac-fly by Yulieski Gourriel and Despaigne crossed home plate when Ariel Pestano singled with two outs.

...Disappointments in the Cuban dug-out... ...At left is Manager Ernesto Lombillo Pena; At right is Team Doctor... ...Toni Castro, the son of former President Fidel Castro... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

The USA got one run back when Tug Hulett homered with one out in the fifth inning, but then Cuba came alongside in the sixth off Brad Lincoln, who had taken over for Luebke in the fifth inning. With one out in the sixth, Frederich Cepeda reached on an infield-hit and scored when Ariel Borrero homered with two outs.

The all-professional American squad then decided the game with a 6-run rally with two outs in the seventh inning in which Cuban Manager Ernesto Lombillo Pena sent four different pitchers to the mound. Starter Norge Luis Vera retired the first two batters, but then walked Tug Hulett and gave up a double to Buck Coats. Vera was relieved by veteran Pedro Luis Lazo, but this time the big righthander was unable to dominate, as he gave up three consecutive singles. Trevor Plouffe reached on an infield-hit that scored Hulett, then Justin Smoak and Jon Weber followed with RBI-singles. Lazo was relieved by Miguel Gonzalez, another experience hurler, but he also faced only three batters, who all singled. Terry Tiffee, Josh Kroeger and Lucas May all hit RBI-singles to increase the lead to 10-4. Gonzalez was relieved by Freddy Alvarez, who finally was able to end the inning when the next batter fouled out.

In the home of the eighth, Cuba scored its fifth run when Alfred Despaigne homered with one out. For Despaigne, this was his eleventh homerun of the event, setting a new record. Cuban reliever Freddy Alvarez retired all seven batters he faced after taking over in the seventh, one on a great play by short stop Yorbis Borroto (who had just entered the game), but Brad Lincoln and the USA experienced some tense moments in the ninth. With one out, pinch-hitter Yoennis Cespedes singled, but was forced out on a grounder by Leonis Martin. Next, the bases got loaded when Lincoln gave up a single to Hector Olivera and walked Michel Enriquez. Lincoln was replaced by Nate Field, who had to face powerhitter Alfredo Despaigne with the bases loaded. And again Despaigne drove the ball into deep leftfield. A homerun would have narrowed the deficit to only 10-9, but leftfielder Jon Weber caught the ball against the fence to end the game.
(September 27)

Final Standings:
1. USA, 2. Cuba, 3. Canada, 4. Puerto Rico, 5. Australia, 6. Netherlands, 7. Venezuela, 8, Taiwan, 9. South Korea, 10. Japan, 11. Mexico, 12. Spain, 13. Nicaragua, 14. Italy, 15. Great Britain, 16. Netherlands Antilles, 17. Germany, 18. Croatia, 19. Sweden, 20. Czech Republic, 21. South Africa, 22. China.

Individual Awards:
Most Valuable Player: Justin Smoak (USA). Best Hitter: Paco Figaroa (Spanje). Best Pitcher (ERA): Matt Kniginyzky (Canada). Best Pitcher (W-L record): Todd Redmond (USA). Most Runs Batted In: René Reyes (Venezuela). Most Homeruns: Alfredo Despaigne (Cuba). Most Stolen Bases: Paco Figueroa (Spanje). Most Runs Scored: René Tosoni (Canada). Best Defensive Player: Angel Sanchez (Puerto Rico).

All Star Team:
Starting Pitcher: Norge Luis Vera (Cuba). Relief Pitcher: Trystan Magnuson (Canada). Catcher: Sidney de Jong (Netherlands). First Base: Justin Smoak (USA). Second Base: Hector Olivera (Cuba). Third Baseman: Shawn Bowman (Canada). Short Stop: Hainley Statia (Netherlands). Outfielders: Alfredo Despaigne (Cuba), José Abreu (Cuba), Jon Weber (USA). Designated Hitter: Terry Tiffee (USA).

You can find more of the World Cup Baseball in the Internet-magazine Playball Journal (in Dutch)

On a brighter note, there also was a record-tying performance, as Raily Legito entered the ninth inning as a pinch-hitter in his 206th official international game for the Dutch squad, therefore tying recordholder Dirk van 't Klooster, who became the recordholder in 2007.

While lefthander Alexander Smit was initially named as the starting pitcher for tonight's game, as confirmed by Manager Rod Delmonico after the game vs. the Americans, Leon Boyd instead started. No explanation was available for the change in starting pitchers. There were also changes in the starting line-up as opposed to the previous games, as Rod Delmonico already had suggested he might do after completion of the game vs. the USA. Dashenko Ricardo did the catching instead of Sidney de Jong, Yurendell de Caster, the regular third baseman, now was at first base instead of Randall Simon, Mariekson Gregorius played at third base and Sharnol Adriana was the designated hitter instead of Raily Legito. Simon and Legito entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning, but De Jong didn't play tonight.

...Mariekson Gregorius... ...2 Hits, 1 Run... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

Leon Boyd started the game by giving up a lead-off single to Nicholas Kimpton, but then struckout the next batter. However, Boyd then hit Chris Snelling with a pitch and (after Kimpton had stolen third base) gave up an RBI-single to Luke Hughes. The Dutch defense avoided more runs by turning a double play on a grounder by next batter Stefan Welch.

In the third inning, the Aussies threatened again off Boyd getting the bases loaded. With one out, Boyd hit a batter and walked the next. He then struckout another batter, but loaded the bases by walking Luke Hughes. This time, it was Australia that left the bases loaded, as Boyd ended the inning by striking out Stefan Welch.

After the first five Dutch batters were retired in order, Sharlon Schoop doubled with two outs in the second inning, but stranded at second base. In the third, the Dutch came alongside on three consecutive singles. With one out, Mariekson Gregorius singled, as did next batter Eugène Kingsale. Gregorius then scored when Hainley Statia also singled, but the inning ended when Yurendell de Caster followed with a double play-grounder.

In the fifth inning, the Dutch Team turned its second double play of the game. Arshwin Asjes had taken over the pitching for Boyd, started with a strikeout, but then gave up a single, which was followed by the double play. In the home of the fifth, the Dutch left the base loaded. Again. With two outs, Mariekson Gregorius hit his second single, as did next batter Eugène Kingsale and the bases got loaded when Hainley Statia walked. But the inning ended when Yurendell de Caster hit a force play-grounder.

Australia regained the lead in the seventh inning with two runs off Asjes, who also gave up several runs in his previous outings. With one out, he walked Andrew Graham, then gave up a single to James Beresford, which was followed by a throwing error to third base, enabling Graham to score and Beresford to reach third base. Beresford then scored on a following grounder by Nicholas Kimpton to make it 3-1. Australia added its fourth run in the eighth inning when new pitcher Dennis Neuman gave up a 2-out homerun to Stefan Welch.

In the eighth Dutch at bat, Hainley Statia singled with one out off new pitcher Dushan Ruzic, but then Yurendell de Caster grounded into a double play for the second time this game. In the ninth, Kenley Jansen became the fourth Dutch pitcher and struckout three batters. But he also gave up a lead-off single, then walked a batter with one out, before finishing with two more strikeouts. In the home of the ninth, Curt Smith led off with a double. Randall Simon then was brought in as a pinch-hitter, but popped out. Next, Sharlon Schoop was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second base. Raily Legito then entered his record-tying international 206th game as a pinch-hitter, but struckout. A flyout by Dashenko Ricardo followed to end the game.
(September 26)

You can find more of the World Cup Baseball in the Internet-magazine Playball Journal (in Dutch)

...Short stop Hainley Statia participated... ...in all three Dutch double plays... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

After completion of tonight's game, a rumor started to spread around that Australia was considering not playing on Saturday-evening in Messina, as they had to travel four hours by bus back to Nettuno after completion of their game in Chieti. The team would probably return back in the hotel around 2 AM at the earliest, then has to wake up early for departure to the airport for the flight to Catania on Sicily. Sounds familiar? Hey, the Dutch Team did exactly the same. After completion of their game on Tuesday in Messina, the team also arrived back in the hotel late, had a short night's rest, woke up early for the ride to the airport and had a long travel day, before arriving in Grosseto to play against.....Australia! And lost that game (also because of the exhausting travel day), which now might be a very crucial game (and result) for the Dutch team. But as of midnight on Friday, the game still stand as scheduled to be played in Messina on Saturday-evening.

A homerun by Ike Davis in the second inning off starter Diegomar Markwell gave the USA an early 1-0 lead, but that would be the lone run of the game for five innings. In these five at bats, Markwell got some great support from his defense, which turned three double plays in the first four innings. After the Americans left the bases loaded in the fourth inning, they rallied for six runs on four hits in the sixth to take a decisive lead. Josh Kroeger led off with a double, but then two nice defensive plays followed, as short stop Hainley Statia caught a line drive hit by Ike Davis and third baseman Yurendell de Caster made a great play on a grounder by Lucas May.

...1B Randall Simon ends the 4th inning with the bases loaded... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

First baseman Randall Simon also showed nice things, including eliminating the batter at first base while half lying/half sitting on the ground to end the fourth inning with the bases loaded. But then, with two outs, the American rally began. The bases got loaded when Markwell walked Pedro Alvarez and hit Tug Hulett with a pitch. Buck Coats followed with a single that produced two runs. The bases were then loaded again when Daniel Descalso also walked. This time, Justin Smoak followed with a 2-run single, which was followed by a throwing error to home from leftfielder Curt Smith, which led to another run and enabled Smoak to advance to second base. Markwell was relieved by David Bergman, who started with a wild pitch that brought Smoak to third base, who then scored when Jon Weber singled, before Bergman ended the at bat with a strikeout.

In the meantime, the Dutch offense was limited to only one basehit, an one-out single by Yurendell de Caster in the first inning. In the second and fourth inning, Sharlon Schoop reached on an error and in between, the Dutch got the bases loaded in the third on a throwing error and two walks, but the three runners all were left behind. After Schoop had reached on an error in the fourth, USA-starter Kasey Kiker retired the next eight batters in a row, before being relieved by Geno Espineli in the seventh. The lefthander then gave up three Dutch hits and also the two Dutch runs. With one out, Espineli gave up a single to Danny Rombley and then Hainley Statia followed with an RBI-double. After Kingsale grounded out, Statia scored on a single by Yurendell de Caster, who had two of the five Dutch hits. In the eighth inning, Curt Smith added a double with one out, but would be the last Dutch runner in the game.

After David Bergman ended the sixh inning with a strikeout, he added two more in the seventh, but then gave up a lead-off triple by Tug Hulett in the eighth. Hulett then scored on a sacrifice fly by Buck Coats, which came after he had hit a foul ball right into a light behind home plate. After the debris of the light were removed, Coats hit his sac-fly that made it 8-2. Moments later, the lights also dimmed for the Dutch.
(September 25)

You can find more of the World Cup Baseball in the Internet-magazine Playball Journal (in Dutch)

...Photographer Henk Seppen and Webmaster... ...Marco Stoovelaar took a break in the action... ...on Thursday-morning, drove to Pisa... ...and visited the famous Leaning Tower... (© Photo: Henk & Marco)

With the loss, the road to the final for the Dutch Team becomes a difficult one, but is in theory still possible. But every scenario has some holes in it. The only way to reach to the final is that Cuba has to be defeated on Friday-evening, while both the Dutch and Puerto Rico have to win. In that case, the three will end up in a 3-way tie, just as they did after the second round, meaning the Dutch will finish again in first place, followed by Puerto Rico and Cuba. The scenario to qualify for the Bronze Medal-game also has some holes. In case, Cuba wins, for the Dutch to finish in second place in its pool and therefore qualify for the Bronze Medal-game, is that they have to defeat the USA on Friday-evening. When they don't, the only other possibility in that case to reach the Bronze-game is a loss for Puerto Rico vs. Australia. When the Dutch Team finishes in third place in its pool, it has to return to Messina on Sicily again to play there on Saturday-evening for the fifth and sixth place. And so, in a few days everything suddenly changes from a possible medal-place to maybe nothing. It also underscores how important the 5-2 loss on Wednesday-evening vs. Australia was, which came after a long and tiresome travel day back from Sicily. It also underscores that the format which is used in the final round in Italy, with its several different playing sites, isn't working. This marks the fourth time that a World Championship is held in Italy and everytime, it stages games in different locations. In 1978, there were only three, but ten years later, in 1988, it had expanded to eleven cities, resulting in the event being nicknamed 'The Tour of Italy'. In 1998, one group played its games in the preliminary round on Sicily, the other in the Grosseto-area, where the finals also were played. This year, the Italian organisors stages games in 17 different locations in the second and third round combined, leading to several complaints and logistical problems, such as the late arrival (without some personal luggage) of the Dutch squad in the Grosseto stadium for its game against Australia and the arrival (without equipment) of Chinese Taipei in Nettuno, leading to a delay of one hour and 15 minutes of its game against Cuba. Both the Netherlands and Chinese Taipei, who met on Tuesday in Messina (Sicily), it had been a long day of travel and both teams lost in the evening.

...Starting pitcher Rob Cordemans... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

Initially, the game started well for the Dutch with a 4-run rally in the second to take a comfortable early lead. In the second, Sidney de Jong and Curt Smith led off with singles, then moved on a sacrifice bunt by Bryan Engelhardt. A grounder by Sharlon Schoop then enabled De Jong to score the first run. Next, Danny Rombley walked and then Hainley Statia followed with a deep double into leftfield to produce two runs and raise the lead to 3-0. Statia scored himself moments later when Eugène Kingsale also doubled.

Dutch starter Rob Cordemans, who gave up a lead-off single in the first inning, but then retired six batters in a row, gave up two runs in the third inning. With one out, he gave up a single to Chris Robinson and then a 2-run homerun to Jonathan Malo, which narrowed the deficit for the Canadians to 4-2. Hereafter, two more hits followed, hit by Adam Stern and Rene Tosoni, but on the last hit, Stern was thrown out at third base on a strong throw by rightfielder Eugène Kingsale. The Dutch got one run back in the fifth at bat. Eugène Kingsale led off with a walk and advanced on a single by Yurendell de Caster, which led to a pitching change. But then Kingsale moved to third on a flyout by Randall Simon and scored on a grounder by Sidney de Jong. It was the last Dutch run to be scored.

Canada got two more runs on the board in the sixth on a 2-out, 2-run single by Adam Loewen. Hereafter, Rob Cordemans was relieved by Arshwin Asjes, who ended the at bat with a groundout, but then ran into problems in the next inning. Three (professional) pitchers then were unable to hold onto the Dutch lead and let the game slip away. First, Asjes hit lead-off batter Jonathan Malo with a pitch and then, with two outs, he gave up a 2-run homerun to Shawn Bowman that Canada its first lead of the evening, 6-5. Last Sunday, in the game vs. Cuba in Rotterdam, Asjes hurt his arm, went to a hospital in the evening, but eventually was cleared to throw again this week by the medical staff. After giving up a double, Asjes was relieved by Dennis Neuman, who ended the inning with a flyout. In the eighth, Neuman was relieved by Juan Carlos Sulbaran, who faced only three batters. Sulbaran was greeted with a triple by Brett Lawrie, who then scored when Adam Loewen followed with a double. After next batter Chris Robinson reached on an infield-hit, Sulbaran was relieved by Kenley Jansen, but he also couldn't prevent the Canadians from scoring more runs. Jansen started with a walk to load the bases, then a force out at home followed. Next, Jansen issued another walk with the bases loaded and hit the next batter to bring in two more runs. An infield-hit and sacrifice fly added two more runs and lifted the Canadian lead to 11-5, before a strikeout finally ended the at bat.

Trailing 11-5, the Dutch Team was beaten and was retired in order in the top of the ninth to end the game and its chances of reaching the World Cup Final.
(September 24)

...3B Yurendell de Caster is ready to tag out runner Adam Stern... ...who tried to reach third base on a single by Rene Tosoni in the third inning... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

You can find more of the third day of the third round in the Internet-magazine Playball Journal (in Dutch)

...Cheerleaders entertain the fans... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

The game against Taiwan on Tuesday-evening lasted almost three hours, so after getting back to the hotel in Catania (which is an hour ride) and having a meal, the players went to bed late and had a short night rest, as they had to wake up early for the flight back to Rome today. But then, things started to get wrong. The plane-flight from Catania to Rome left an hour later than scheduled, meaning the team arrived in the Italian capital in the early afternoon. At the airport in Rome, several pieces of luggage were missing. After waiting for more than an hour, the team (without the missing luggage) left for the hotel in Grosseto, which was a two hour bus-ride. There, it arrived around 4:30 PM only to learn that the list with the room-arrangements was missing at the reception, despite the fact that it was sent to the reception. In the end, Technical Director Robert Eenhoorn penned down all names by hand himself and the finally everyone was able to go to his room. After a quick shower and dinner, everyone had to dress up again for the game, but then the bus for the stadium left at 6:30 PM, which was the scheduled time for the Dutch Team to start batting practice. Finally, the tired players arrived somewhat after 7 o'clock on the field and the long day of travel showed during the game, as the team wasn't as sharp as it was in the previous games. On the other hand, Australia, which also played in Grosseto the previous night, had a relaxed day and of course showed up in time to start their preparations for the game against the Dutch.

Initially, the first five innings were a pitching-duel between Dutch starter Tom Stuifbergen and Australian starter Liam Hendriks, who by the way is listed as an outfielder on the official published roster. Stuifbergen saw six Aussies reach base, including two on lead-off singles in the first and second inning, while Hendriks also gave up only two hits (an one-out single by Curt Smith in the second and a 2-out infield-hit by Eugène Kingsale in the third), but they also accounted for the lone Dutch baserunners in the first six innings. In the end, pitching changes influenced the final score.

...Luke Hughes is greeted after his second homerun... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

Stuifbergen was relieved by David Bergman in the sixth inning. He walked lead-off hitter Chris Snelling and then gave up a 2-run homerun to Luke Hughes, which gave Australia the lead, before three flyouts ended the at bat. Australia brought in a new pitcher in the seventh and brought in two more in the same at bat, as things appeared to go wrong for the Aussies. New pitcher Paul Mildren was greeted with a single by Randall Simon and quickly was replaced by Brendan Wise, who then walked Sidney de Jong, but followed with a strikeout on Curt Smith. Hereafter, Wise was replaced by Adam Bright, who then gave up a possible double play-grounder to pinch-hitter Bryan Engelhardt. But a throwing error followed to bring in Simon, but then Sharlon Schoop grounded into a double play to end the inning. In the home of the seventh, Bergman retired the side.

In the eighth at bat, the Dutch came alongside. With two outs, Eugène Kingsale walked and Yurendell de Caster reached on an infield-hit. Next, Randall Simon singled to bring in Kingsale and tie the score. It also brought in new pitcher Matthew Williams, but then Sidney de Jong grounded out, leaving two runners. In the home of the eighth, Australia got back on top right away. Dennis Neuman was brought in to replace Bergman and ran into problems immediately. Lead-off hitter Brad Harman reached third base on two throwing errors, then scored on a wild pitch, which also was the fourth ball for Chris Snelling. Next, Luke Hughes hit his second homerun of the game to make it 5-2, before three flyouts followed. In the ninth, Bryan Engelhardt singled with one out, but then the game ended when Sharlon Schoop grounded into a double play again. Schoop went 0-for-4 tonight, ending his 8-game hitting streak.
(September 23)

You can find more of the second day of the third round in the Internet-magazine Playball Journal (in Dutch)

Sieval played in the Dutch Major League in the seventies and eighties and was one of the best defensive middle infielders, playing primarily at short. Initially, he was a pitcher and as such he made his debut in the big league in 1974, playing for Haarlem-based Schoten. There he played together with Harm Horeman, with whom he went to Amstel Tijgers in Amsterdam after the 1977 season. During the 1977 season, Sieval set two records as a pitcher, which still stand, throwing the most Complete Games (20) and registering the most Innings Pitched (206 1/3). At Amstel Tijgers, Sieval became the regular short stop and there he formed a great defensive trio with third baseman Harm Horeman and second baseman Charles Urbanus, winning the Dutch title two times. In 1978, Sieval was named the league's Most Valuable Player. In the last year of his career, 1986, Sieval played one season for Haarlem Nicols.

Sieval made his debut in the National Team during the European Championships of 1973 in Haarlem and went on to play more than 50 games for the national squad, with whom he won the European title in 1973 and 1981. In 1981, the Dutch Team was managed by Jim Stoeckel, who currently is the Pitching Coach of the national team. In the Dutch big league as well as in the national team, Sieval, who was a contacthitter, not only was known for his defensive skills, but also for his speed running the bases.
(September 23)

...Randall Simon... ...3 hits, 2 runs, 3 RBI's... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

The Dutch Team started well in the first at bat when Randall Simon doubled after the first two batters had struckout. Moments later, he scored the first run when Sharnol Adriana walked with the bases loaded. Taiwan got the run back immediately in the second inning when starter Alexander Smit gave up a lead-off homerun to Hung-Yu Lin. The Dutch reacted right away by scoring three runs in the home of the at bat. With one out, Hainley Statia tripled, then the bases got loaded when Eugène Kingsale and Yurendell de Caster walked. Next, Randall Simon connected for a 2-run single to renew the Dutch lead, followed by an RBI-single by Sidney de Jong, but for the second time in two innings, three runners stranded. Randall Simon led the team by going 3-for-4, scoring twice and collecting three RBI's. Sharnol Adriana also had three RBI's, while Sidney de Jong had two hits and two RBI's.

The Dutch Team then took command of the game with a 2-out, 7-run, 8-hit rally in the fifth off Chen-Hua Lin, who had just entered the game for starter Wen-Yang Liao. Sharlon Schoop led off with a double, then Danny Rombley was hit by a pitch and the two advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Hainley Statia. After Eugène Kingsale struckout, Yurendell de Caster (RBI-infield-hit), Randall Simon (1-run single), Sidney de Jong (1-run single), Curt Smith (1-run double), Sharnol Adriana (2-run single), Sharlon Schoop (single) and Danny Rombley (1-run single) followed with seven concecutive basehits to increase the lead to 11-1. Hereafter, finally a pitching change was made and new hurler Wang-Yi Lin ended the inning. Sharlon Schoop singled and doubled in the inning.

...Dushan Ruzic... ...3-hitter... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

In the meantime, Alexander Smit did a fine job and gave up only four hits in six innings, while striking out six. In the seventh, leading 11-1 and needing three outs for the 10-run difference win, Leon Boyd took over the pitching. However, as he did in the second round, Boyd gave up some hits and eventually a run. With one out, the bases were loaded on two singles and a walk, then a grounder resulted only in a force out at second base, but Taiwan scored to make it 11-2. A line drive by Hung-Yu Lin was then caught by 1B Randall Simon to avoid more runs. Nick Veltkamp threw the remaining two innings for the Dutch Team, which was unable to regain a 10-run lead, meaning the game had to go over nine innings after all, but it was a great way to start the final round of the World Cup for the Dutch squad. Both teams turned two double plays in the last three innings.

The Dutch Team will face Australia on Wednesday-evening in Grosseto. There, Australia lost 2-1 to Cuba on Tuesday, thanks to a first inning 2-run by Alfredo Despaigne off starter Dushan Ruzic, who throws for Dutch champion DOOR Neptunus. Ruzic, who went the distance, threw a strong game, giving upo only three hits. The game in Grosseto was played in front of some 200 fans and was interrupted for almost an hour after seven complete innings, due to a lightfailure. In one of the centerfield light poles, two sets of light suddenly went on black, resulting in a protest by Australian Manager Jon Deeble and discussions between the two managers, the umpire crew and members of the technical committee. Earlier in the day, it rained, resulting in a abbreviated preparation for both teams, but the games started in time (but without the playing of the national anthems). Between innings, the spectators were entertained by cheerleaders on the roofs of the dug-outs. At Nettuno, it also had rained and there, the game between Puerto Rico and Canada started an hour later. It also had rained and thundered earlier in the day at Messina and Catania (where the Dutch Team stayed), as it also had done on Monday after the Dutch had arrived on Sicily. Before the game could start in Messina, some work had to be done to some soft spots on the field, as it was only completed for World Cup-games the day before! But the game started on time and was watched by about 100 spectators.
(September 22)

You can find more of the first day of the third round in the Internet-magazine Playball Journal (in Dutch)

...Rikkert Faneyte... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

Faneyte, who played in the Major League for the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers, ended his second season at the helm of Pirates this year, reaching the Play-Offs. In this semi-final, Amsterdam was eliminated and dethroned by Konic Minolta Pioniers. Last year, Faneyte, in his rookie year, guided Amsterdam to its first championship title in 19 years, which earned him the Coach of the Year Award. In March of this year, Amsterdam qualified for the Final Four of the European Cup-competition, but in June, it didn't perform well in Barcelona and finished in a disappointing fourth and last place.

In a press release it was stated that after evaluating this season, the board of the club and Faneyte decided to end their cooperation. ,,It was a tough and difficult season'', Chairman John Witte said. ,,The goals were accomplished, so it wasn't because of the results, despite the fact that we would liked to have won a prize. After the evaluation we concluded that the chemics between the team and Faneyte was no longer there.''

Witte couldn't name possible candidates yet to succeed Faneyte. Witte: ,,It is difficult to replace a baseball icon like Faneyte, but finding a good successor is having our highest priority.''
(September 17)

The Dutch Team struck early, scoring two runs in the first and rallying for seven in the second at bat. Leading 9-0, it appeared that the game would end prematurely because of a 10-run difference, but it didn't come that far. The Dutch added only one more run, while Spain scored five of its own, making it a 3-hour-plus game in cold weather. Former National Team Player and Manager Jan-Dick Leurs threw out the ceremonial first pitch after he was officially inducted moments before into the Dutch Hall of Fame.

In the first inning, Eugène Kingsale led off with a triple and scored on a double by Yurendell de Caster, who then scored himself on a grounder by Sidney de Jong. In the second inning, the Dutch produced seven runs on seven hits to increase the lead to 9-0, highlighted by doubles by Danny Rombley, Yurendell de Caster and Raily Legito. The remaining run was scored in the eighth inning when Hainley Statia scored on a double by Kingsale, who was 3-for-4.

Spain scored its five runs in the third and fourth inning. In the fourth, pitchers Juan Carlos Sulbaran and Nick Veltkamp contributed with four walks. The latter took over for Sulbaran with the bases loaded and started with a walk. After striking out the next batter, a single by Emmanuel Febles gave Spain two more runs. Veltkamp was relieved by Arshwin Asjes, who retired seven batters in a row and was credited with the win. Diegomar Markwell earned a save by throwing the last three innings.
(September 16)

Go for the complete recap and round-up of the third day to the Internet-magazine Playball Journal (in Dutch)

...Dominating starter Rob Cordemans... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

The game started 48 minutes later than scheduled, due to rain and lasted more than three hours, as Puerto Rico came back in the ninth inning to threaten the until then-comfortable Dutch lead.

The Dutch team opened the score in the second inning when Curt Smith reached on an error and scored on a 2-out double by Hainley Statia. The lead was increased to 4-0 thanks to a 2-out, 3-run rally in the fifth at bat. Randall Simon then led off with a walk and advanced on a grounder. Simon then raced home on a single by Curt Smith to make it 2-0. Next, Sharlon Schoop tripled in Smith and scored himself on a wild pitch after a pitching change. In the seventh, the Dutch added an insurance run. Sharlon Schoop, who was 3-for-4 (and earlier hit his second triple in two days), led off with a double, moved on a sacrifice bunt and scored on an infield-hit by Eugène Kingsale.

In the meantime, Dutch pitchers Rob Cordemans (5 innings), David Bergman (2 innings) and Kenley Jansen (1 inning) held Puerto Rico to only four basehits and got fine support (again) from their defense. But in the ninth inning, Puerto Rico sudddenly came to live and threatened the 5-0 lead of the Dutch Team, which used four pitchers in this at bat. New pitcher Leon Boyd walked lead-off hitter Miguel Abreu (who stole second), then gave up an RBI-single to Alex Cintron. After a strikeout, Boyd gave up a double to Irvin Falu and was relieved by Arshwin Asjes, who loaded the bases by walking pinch-hitter Raul Casanova. Asjes was relieved by Nick Veltkamp, who started by striking out Miguel Negron, but then walked Major League-veteran (16 seasons) José Valentin to bring in another run. Hereafter, Manager Rod Delmonico returned to the mound and he brought in Dennis Neuman. Neuman then ended when Luis Matos lined out to centerfield and earned his second save.
(September 14)

Go for the complete recap and round-up of the second day to the Internet-magazine Playball Journal (in Dutch)

...3B Coach Wim Martinus greets Sidney de Jong... ...after his 3-run homerun in the 8th inning... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

After the Dutch left the bases loaded in the second inning, Korea rallied for two runs in the third at bat. The Dutch got one run back in the fourth when Raily Legito scored on a triple by Sharlon Schoop, but two more runners stranded.

In the eighth, Yurendell de Caster led off with a double, then Randall Simon singled to mark the end for good-throwing starting pitcher Ji-Woong Yoon. Reliever Kyung-Eun Noh then faced Sidney de Jong, who hit his second delivery over the rightfield-fence for a 3-run homerun and a 4-2 lead.

In the fifth, Dutch starter Tom Stuifbergen was relieved by Diegomar Markwell, who did an outstanding job. After giving up a double, the lefthander retired the next ten batters in order. Dennis Neuman threw the ninth inning to earn a save.
(September 13)

Go for the complete recap and round-up of the first day to the Internet-magazine Playball Journal (in Dutch)

P Berry van Driel, P Kevin Heijstek, P Michiel van Kampen, P Nick Stuifbergen, C Martijn Meeuwis, IF Michael Duursma, IF Vince Rooi and OF Bas de Jong, who all participated in the European Baseball Series, didn't made the final roster. Also left off the roster is Pitcher Loek van Mil, who was listed on the preliminary roster for the European Series, but didn't play and also wasn't part of the team. Due to an injury to his right-arm, it was decided not to put him on the World Cup-roster to avoid taking any risks. Last year, Van Mil left the team a few days before the start of the Olympic Games also because of an arm-injury. The selected P Kenley Jansen, IF Yurendell de Caster, IF Sharlon Schoop and IF Hainley Statia were also part of the EBS-roster, but didn't play because of club-commitments in the USA. P Tom Stuifbergen, also chosen, was part of the team during the EBS, but didn't pitch.

The 24-man World Cup roster looks as follows:

Pitchers (11):
Arshwin Asjes (Midwest Sliders, independent), David Bergman, Nick Veltkamp (both Corendon Kinheim), Leon Boyd (Toronto Blue Jays-org.), Rob Cordemans (Sparta-Feyenoord), Kenley Jansen (Los Angeles Dodgers-org.), Diegomar Markwell (DOOR Neptunus), Dennis Neuman (Boston Red Sox-org.), Alexander Smit, Juan Carlos Sulbaran (both Cincinnati Reds-org.) and Tom Stuifbergen (Minnesota Twins-org.).

Catchers (2):
Sidney de Jong (L&D Amsterdam Pirates) and Dashenko Ricardo (Baltimore Orioles-org.).

Infielders (7):
Sharnol Adriana, Raily Legito (both DOOR Neptunus), Yurendell de Caster (New York Yankees-org.), Mariekson Gregorius (Cincinnati Reds-org.), Sharlon Schoop (San Francisco Giants-org.), Randall Simon (Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, independent) and Hainley Statia (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim-org.).

Outfielders (4):
Bryan Engelhardt, Danny Rombley (both Corendon Kinheim), Eugène Kingsale (DOOR Neptunus) and Curt Smith (St. Louis Cardinals-org.).

Coaching Staff:
Rod Delmonico (Manager), Ben Thijssen (1B Coach), Wim Martinus (3B Coach) and Jim Stoeckel (Pitching Coach).

Supporting Staff:
Rob Tamminga (Physical Therapist), Martijn van Berkel (Physical Therapist), Ton Meiresonne (Equipment Manager), Ton Hofstede (Team Manager), Robert Eenhoorn (General Manager) and Loet van Schellebeek (Media Officer).

(September 12)

The Dutch Team got the bases loaded with one out in the first inning, but (again) didn't score. They also left the bases loaded in the first and second game on two occasions. Eugène Kingsale led off with a bunt-single. After Raily Legito struckout, then the bases got loaded when Randall Simon singled and Sidney de Jong walked. But then Bryan Engelhardt fouled out and Curt Smith struckout.

After Italy stranded two runners in the first inning, it struck with two runs in the second at bat. Dutch starter Alexander Smit first gave up an infield-hit to Juan Carlos Infante, who he then picked off from first base. While Infante was on his way to the dug-out, he was awarded second base as 1B Umpire Sergio Leanza called a balk. Next batter Leonardo Zileri then followed with a triple, scoring Infante. Zileri himself then scored on an one-out single by Andrea De Santis to make it 2-0.

The Dutch Team got one run back in the third inning. Italian starter Matteo D'Angelo walked lead-off hitter Raily Legito, who then advanced on a single by Randall Simon and scored on a single by Sidney de Jong. The inning then ended when Bryan Engelhardt flied out and Curt Smith grounded into a double play.

In the bottom of the third, Italy got runners on second and third with one out when Juan Pablo Angrisano singled and Mario Chiarini doubled, but Alexander Smit then struckout next batter Dean Rovinelli and the inning ended when Juan Carlos Infante flied out. In the fourth, Bas de Jong led off for the Dutch with a walk issued by new pitcher Luca Panerati. Next, Vince Rooi struckout, but the Dutch got runners on first and second when Mariekson Gregorius reached on a bunt-single. But a flyout and a force play-grounder ended the at bat.

Italy added another run in the fourth inning. Leonardi Zileri led off with his second triple in the game and scored on a sacrifice fly by next batter Luca Serafin de Camargo. In the fifth inning, Italy took a decisive 6-1 lead with a 3-run rally off new pitcher Leon Boyd, who made his professional debut this season in the organization of the Toronto Blue Jays. After Boyd struckout Davide Dallospedale, the Canadian-born righthander gave up a double to Juan Pablo Angrisano, which was followed by a grounder for the second out. But then Dean Rovinelli singled in Angrisano and scored himself when Juan Carlos Infante tripled. Moments later, Infante scored on a wild pitch to make it 6-1. In the next two innings, Ashwin Asjes threw two scoreless innings, then Michiel van Kampen closed the game for the Dutch.

In the sixth inning, the Dutch missed coming back to 6-4 by inches. First, Curt Smith and Bas de Jong led off with walks. Pitcher Luca Panerati then was replaced by Franklin Torres, who retired Vince Rooi on a flyout and was replaced by Christopher Cooper. The new pitcher saw Mariekson Gregorius ground out, but then gave up a deep fly to Eugène Kingsale, which was caught by leftfielder Leonardo Zileri just above the yellow-mark on the outfield-fence. When the ball would have hit the fence above the yellow line, it would have been a 3-run homerun, but now it ended the inning.

The Dutch Team got back on the board in the last two at bats. In the eighth inning, new pitcher Junior Oberto was greeted with a single by Curt Smith, an RBI-triple by Bas de Jong and an RBI-single by Vince Rooi. A double play and a flyout ended the inning, but in the ninth Raily Legito led off with a homerun off new pitcher Riccardo De Santis. But hereafter, De Santis struckout Sharnol Adriana and then got two first pitch-grounders from Dashenko Ricardo and Danny Rombley to end the game.
(September 11)

The Dutch team was off to a good start by immediately scoring twice in the first inning. With one out, Raily Legito singled, then former Major Leaguer Randall Simon followed with a 2-run homerun off starter Tiago Da Silva. Italy got one run back in the third inning. Dutch starter Juan Carlos Sulbaran walked lead-off batter Francesco Imperiali, who then advanced on an one-out infield-hit by Filippo Crociati. The two runners advanced on a grounder by Leonardo Zileri, then a wild pitche enable Imperiali to score the first Italian run.

The Dutch team reached base only once from the second through fourth at bat and after Simon's homerun, 11 of the next 12 batters were retired. In the fifth, Mariekson Gregorius led off with an infield-hit, but then Martijn Meeuwis (who had just entered the game) grounded into a double play. The inning ended when next batter Michael Duursma lined out to centerfield.

The Dutch broke open the game with a 4-run rally in the sixth inning. Facing new pitcher Alessandro Ularetti, Eugène Kingsale and Raily Legito led off with singles to put runners on first and third base. After Legito stole second base, Kingsale scored when Randall Simon followed with a sacrifice fly. Legito advanced to third on the throw to home, then Sidney de Jong walked, putting runners at the corners again. Curt Smith (who had taken over in leftfield the inning before) then reached on an infield-hit, which enabled Legito to score. It marked the end for Ularetti, who was replaced by Matteo Pizziconi, but he loaded the bases by walking Sharnol Adriana. Next, Mariekson Gregorius grounded to third baseman Francesco Imperiali, who threw to home for the force out, but that ended up in a throwing error and two more Dutch runs to make it 6-1. Pizziconi then recovered and ended the inning by striking out Martijn Meeuwis and Michael Duursma.

Italy added a run in its sixth at bat when Juan Carlos Infante led off with a homerun off Dennis Neuman, who had taken over the pitching for Juan Carlos Sulbaran in the previous inning. With one out, Neuman walked Juan Pablo Angrisano, then gave up a double to Dean Rovinelli, but the two runners stranded, as the next batter grounded out and Neuman ended with a strikeout. In the seventh, Italy got the bases loaded off new pitcher Nick Stuifbergen, who walked the first two batters he faced. Next, a force play-grounder followed towards short stop Mariekson Gregorius, who threw the ball to second base, appearing to be in time to force out Filippo Crociati, but he was ruled safe by the Italian umpire. With the bases loaded and no outs, next batter Juan Carlos Infante then lined out to Gregorius, who completed a double play and the inning then ended when a grounder followed.

In the home of the ninth inning, Italy was able to add one more run off Nick Veltkamp, who took over for Nick Stuifbergen with a runner of first base in the eighth inning. In the ninth, the lefthander gave up a lead-off double to Francesco Imperiali, who then moved on a wild pitch and scored on an one-out grounder by Filippo Crociati, but then the game ended when veteran Davide Dallospedale also grounded out.
(September 10)

...The game in Eindhoven also was well visited despite some drizzling rain... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

Dutch starting pitcher David Bergman dominated for three innings, as he retired nine batters in a row, including three with a strikeout. After retiring his tenth consecutive batter to start the fourth inning, Davide Dallospedale became the first Italian to reach base, as he singled. The veteran then advanced to third base on a double by Jairo Ramos Gizzi, but he was then eliminated at the plate trying to score on a grounder to third by Mario Chiarini. A force play-grounder by Francesco Imperiali ended the at bat.

In the fifth, Italy got two more runners, but Bergman added a strikeout and gave up no runs. Bergman was relieved by Kevin Heijstek in the sixth inning. The righthander gave up a lead-off single to Joseph Mazzuca, who then tried to stretch it into a double, but was thrown out at second base on a great throw by leftfielder Curt Smith, who had just entered the game. The lone Italian run was then scored in the seventh inning when Francesco Imperiali led off with a double, advanced on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a sacrifice fly by Luca Serafin de Camargo. In the eighth, Berry van Driel became the third Dutch pitcher, gave up two hits, but no more additional runs.

The Dutch team stranded a runner on third base in the second and third inning, then got the bases loaded with one out in the sixth, but then a force play at home followed and another one at second base ended the at bat. In the second inning, Bryan Engelhardt doubled with one out and moved to third on a grounder by Sharnol Adriana, but was left there when next batter Danny Rombley struckout. In the third, it was Mariekson Gregorius who doubled with one out and then advanced on a grounder by Eugène Kingsale. This time, the inning ended when Raily Legito flied out. In the sixth, Mariekson Gregorius led off with an infield-hit, followed by a single by Eugène Kingsale. The two then advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Raily Legito. Next, the bases were loaded when Randall Simon received an intentional pass. But no runs were scored, as Gregorius was forced out at home on a comeback grounder by Dashenko Ricardo, who then was forced out himself on a grounder by Curt Smith.

In the eighth, the Dutch were close to their first run again. With one out, Eugène Kingsale walked and advanced to third base on a failed pick-off. After a pitching change, Raily Legito struckout, then Randall Simon was walked intentionally again and then the inning ended when pinch-hitter Bas de Jong hit a force play-grounder.
(September 9)

...Umpires Olav Steijger (1B), Jan Maarten Kuipers (HP), Winfried Berkvens (2B)... ...and Henk van der Linde (3B)... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

...Official Scorers Huub Nelissen, Dieks Bannink, Feiko Drost,... ...Linda Steijger and Rienette van Zetten have a laugh before the game... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

...Managers Rod Delmonico and Marco Mazzieri... ...meet with the umpires... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

...Eindhoven's Alderman for Sports Marriët Mitteldorff... ...throws out the ceremonial first pitch... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

...Jurjan Koenen with his retired number 12... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

Before the game (which was attended by 1200 spectators), the winner of a World Cup T-shirt competition was announced, while former National Team-player Jurjan Koenen was honored by his club Mr. Cocker HCAW, which retired his uniform number 12. HCAW's sponsor and general manager Ron Jaarsma mentioned the accomplishments of Koenen in his 22-year career, which he entirely played for the Bussum-club, setting a record for Most Games Played in the Dutch Major League by One Player for One Club. More on Jurjan Koenen in this previous article

The Dutch Team opened the score in the first inning. Lead-off hitter Eugène Kingsale was hit by a pitch from starting pitcher Marco Grifantini and then stole second base. After Raily Legito walked, Randall Simon followed with a single to load the bases with no outs. But then Sidney de Jong struckout and Bryan Engelhardt followed with a force play-grounder. However, Kingsale scored on the grounder and then the inning ended on another force play-grounder by Sharnol Adriana. While having the bases loaded with no outs to start the game, the run by Kingsale would be the lone one scored by the Dutch in this game.

...Some 1200 spectators attended the game... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

In the second inning, a runner stranded at second base. In the third, Raily Legito led off with a walk, then tried to advance to third base on a wild pitch, but was thrown out there. Next, a great play by short stop Jack Santora followed and later a runner was left at first base. In the fourth, Sharnol Adriana led off with a single, but was eliminated in a double play. With two outs, Vince Rooi and Danny Rombley walked, but this inning ended when Rooi was picked off from second base by the Italian catcher.

In the fifth, the Dutch got the bases loaded with one out. New pitcher Brandon Camardese started with a strikeout, but then gave up a single to Raily Legito, who then advanced on a passed ball. Next, Randall Simon walked and a wild pitch enabled both runners to advanced. Camardese loaded the bases by walking Sidney de Jong intentionally and was replaced by Franklin Torres, who then ended the runscoring threat by striking out pinch-hitter Curt Smith and Sharnol Adriana. In the remaining four innings, three Dutch batters would reach base, one being Randall Simon, who hit a 2-out double in the seventh inning.

Italy got the bases loaded in the second inning off starter Rob Cordemans. With one out, the veteran pitcher gave up a single to Jairo Ramos Gizzi, then hit the next two batters with a pitch. But Cordemans escaped unharmed, as next batter Leonardo Zileri grounded into a double play. In the third, Italy had runners on first and second with one out when the lead runner was caught stealing at third base.

Italy then came alongside in the sixth ining when Juan Pablo Angrisano led off with a homerun off Diegomar Markwell, who took over for Cordemans in the fifth. Hereafter, the Azzuri got two more runners on base when Mario Chiarini and Jairo Ramos Gizzi (with one out) both singled. Two grounders ended the Italian scoring opportunity. In the seventh and eighth inning, Italy got two more runners, but the first was caught stealing in a long rundown, while the second was left behind.

Italy left eight runners behind, the Dutch stranded 11 in this game, which was the debut in the Dutch National Team for infielder Mariekson Gregorius and pitcher Ashwin Asjes.
(September 8)

...The selection of the Dutch National Baseball Team for the European Baseball Series 2009... ...Back row: Physical Therapist Rob Tamminga, Manager Rod Delmonico, 3B Coach Wim Martinus, P Kevin Heijstek... ...P Tom Stuifbergen, OF Eugène Kingsale, P Ashwin Asjes, 1B Sharnol Adriana, OF Bas de Jong, 1B Coach Ben Thijssen... ...P Berry van Driel, P Diegomar Markwell, IF Mariekson Gregorius, IF Vince Rooi, P Juan Carlos Sulbaran... ...Pitching Coach Jim Stoeckel and Physical Therapist Martijn van Berkel... ...Front row: C Dashenko Ricardo, OF Bryan Engelhardt, P Rob Cordemans, P David Bergman, P Nick Stuifbergen... ...OF Danny Rombley, IF Raily Legito, IF Michael Duursma, 1B Randall Simon, OF Curt Smith, C Sidney de Jong... ...C Martijn Meeuwis, P Nick Veltkamp, P Michiel van Kampen and Bullpen Catcher Mourik Huijser... ...Not pictured are P Leon Boyd, IF Yurendell de Caster, C Kenly Jansen, P Loek van Mil, P Dennis Neuman... ...IF Sharlon Schoop, P Alexander Smit, IF Hainley Statia (who were all still in the States or traveling)... ...Team Manager Ton Hofstede, Equipment Manager Ton Meiresonne and Media Officer Loet van Schellebeek... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

...Jurjan Koenen is honored before the game... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

...A look from centerfield... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

...Bussum's Mayor Milo Schoenmaker and Alderman... ...Herman Schoon attended the game... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

...Herman Schoon, Alderman for Sports in Bussum,... ...throws out the ceremonial first pitch... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

...Umpires Henri van Heijningen (3B), Johan Brandsma (1B)... ...Fred Groenewegen (2B) and Marlo Remilia (HP)... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

...Off.Scorers Huub Nelissen, Francis Speters, Rienette van Zetten... ...Announcer Dieks Bannink and Sound Operator Huub Baaij... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

...Short stop Mariekson Gregorius and pitcher Ashwin Asjes, who made their National Team-debut... (© Photos: Marco Stoovelaar)

...Juan Pablo Angrisano celebrates... ...after hitting his... ...score-tying homerun in the 6th... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

...The 7th inning rundown in which Leonardo Zileri... ...was caught stealing 1-3-6-1-4-1-6... ...All four defensive participants are in this shot... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

With the win, First Division-champion Almere is entitled to promote to the Dutch big league, while RCH on the other hand will relegate to the First Division. But this result is far from final, as the Series now will continue with paperwork. A week ago, Almere was informed by the Dutch Federation (KNBSB) that it will not grant a licence to the club in case it would win this series due to financial insecurity. More about this ruling in this story

Almere turned a 2-1 deficit in the Series into a 3-2 win by winning the last two games. When is gets permission to play in the big league it will return to the highest level after a 2-year absence. In 2007, Almere relegated from the Major League to the First Division.

...Almere's Head Coach Marco Wels... ...shouts his team to victory... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

In the fifth and deciding game, it was RCH that appeared to be the favorite to win, as it was leading 4-1 in the fifth inning. In the first inning, with two outs, Almere-starter Kenny van Kampen walked Lex Leijenaar, then gave up a homerun to Derick Francisca. Ricky Daal followed with a double, but then stranded, as next batter Ferd van Stekelenburg flied out. In the second inning, RCH reached base again with two outs. This time, Jaïr Roseburg walked and advanced to third base when Nick Heij followed with a single, but hereafter the inning ended thanks to a great play by third baseman Siegert Flaneur, who forced out Heij at second base on a grounder by Floris Morang. Almere then got one run back in the home of the second inning. Linoy Croes led off with a triple and scored on a following single by Joey Berkenbosch, but Almere failed to add more runs. Berkenbosch stole second and third and then was thrown out at the plate when he tried to score on a hit by Flaneur, which was diverted by pitcher Joran Klarenbeek, turned into a 1-6-2 putout.

...Celebration time after the last putout... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

RCH added a run in the third at bat. Lex Leijenaar led off with a single, which led to a pitching change. Head Coach Marco Wels brought in American Justin Prinstein to relieve Kenny van Kampen, who then gave up a single to Derick Francisca after Leijenaar first had advanced on a passed ball. Next, Francisca stole second and the bases got loaded when Prinstein walked Ricky Daal, but despite having the bases loaded with no outs, only one run was scored. That happened when Leijenaar scored on a sac-fly by Ferd van Stekelenburg. Next, Francisca was eliminated in a rundown between third and home and then the inning ended when Anthony Sandstrom struckout.

RCH increased the lead to 4-1 in next inning. With one out, Jaïr Roseburg walked, moved on a single by Nick Heij, stole third and scored on a grounder by Floris Morang. But there, the scoring for RCH would end, while Almere started to comeback in its fourth and then turned the game in its favor. In the home of the fourth, Joran Klarenbeek hit lead-off batter Joey Berkenbosch and then Churandy La Cruz followed with a 2-run homerun to narrow the deficit to 4-3. In the fifth, Almere came alongside. First, lead-off batter Niels van Weert reached on an error. Klarenbeek was then relieved by Martin Kuipers, but he was greeted with a single by Rhiency Imperator, resulting in another pitching change. Australian Chris Mowday was brought in, but failed to hold onto the lead. He first struckout Giovanni Samboe, but then gave up a single to Linoy Croes that tied the score.

...Closer René Rijst with the last pitch of the game... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

In the remainder of the game, RCH got several runners on base, but was unable to add more runs, thanks to some nice defensive plays, like a catch in centerfield by Wesley Bernardus that ended the fourth inning, a play by 2B Niels van Weert that ended the fifth and a line drive caught by short stop Rhiency Imperator in the sixth at bat. Almere got only one more scoring opportunity and grabbed it. In the seventh inning, Niels van Weert led off with a single, but then was forced out at second base on a grounder by Rhiency Imperator. Next, Giovanni Samboe was hit by a pitch and then the very productive Linoy Croes (who was 3-for-4, scored once and had two RBI's) followed with a double to enable Imperator to score the go-ahead run. Samboe also was waved home, but was thrown out at the plate, but Almere had taken a 5-4 lead.

In the eighth, RCH stranded one runner, then faced veteran closer René Rijst in the ninth inning. After two flyouts, Rijst gave up a single, but then ended the game himself by catching a line drive by Lex Leijenaar.

Did Almere relegate in 2007, for RCH that year was its first in the big league after it had relegated itself in 2002. As a First Divisionist, RCH then qualified for for the promotion pool in 2003, then finished in fifth place in 2004. In 2005, RCH captured the First Division-title, but was swept 3-0 in a best-of-five Promotion/Relegation Series against.......Almere, which therefore remained a big league-team! The next year, 2006, RCH again won the title and then did promote automatically to the big league where it made its comeback in 2007.

...The victory has yet to sink in... ...for Almere's Chairman Fred van Leeuwen... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

This marks the fifth time that RCH relegates from the highest divison. It first played on the highest level in 1938 and then relegated. After promotion, it played in the top again from 1951-1954 and then relegated again, but returned in the 1956 season. However, in that year it relegated again. It then took 40 (!) years before the team returned to the big league, where it made its comeback in 1997. But after six seasons, it regelated in 2002 and came back again in 2007. With the current relegation, RCH closed a disappointing season, which came in its 75th anniversary.

Almere first played in the Dutch big league in 2001, not because of a championship, but because of a merger! In 2000, Amsterdam-based Xanthos (which was a separation of OVVO) finished in ninth and last place in the big league, which had no relegation that season. After the 2000 season, some of the Xanthos-teams returned to OVVO, but the big league-team then merged with Almere '90, which therefore got Xanthos' licence to play in the big league the next year. By the way, in 2000, Marco Wels was the Team Manager of Xanthos and then went on to become the Head Coach of Almere, which he also was this season.

Another merger secured Almere's spot on the national level in 1996. In that season, Almere played in the First Division (which back then was two levels below the big league) and relegated to the Second Division (which had no national status). In 1996, Amsterdam-club De Spartaan played in the so-called 'Overgangsklasse' (a division between the big league and the First Division). However, after that season, De Spartaan left its site at Sportpark Ookmeer (which is the home of Amsterdam Pirates since 2000) to 'move' to Almere where is merged with Almere '90. Because of the status of De Spartaan, Almere didn't relegate, but even went on to play in a higher division in 1997.

When Almere gets the big league-status for next year, it will mark the first time it accomplishes a promotion through a championship title and the winning of a promotion/relegation play-off.
(September 7)

Box Scores
Box Score Game One, Almere vs. RCH, 5-2 (Wednesday, September 2)
Box Score Game Two, RCH vs. Almere, 8-6 (Thursday, September 3)
Box Score Game Three, RCH vs. Almere, 9-2 (Saturday, September 5)
Box Score Game Four, Almere vs. RCH, 7-4 (Sunday, September 6)
Box Score Game Five, Almere vs. RCH, 5-4 (Monday, September 7)

...Moments after the last out in the ninth inning... ...an unnecessary bench-clearing brawl erupted... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

Almere took an early 2-0 lead by scoring runs in the first and second inning. Starting pitcher Sten van de Bedum, who also was the winner in Game One, then gave up a run to RCH in the third inning when Jaïr Roseburg tripled and scored on a single by Nick Heij. However, Almere reacted with four runs in the fourth at bat to take a 6-1 lead, which in the end was too big for RCH to overcome in the remainder of the game. In the fourth, RCH-starter Marek Deska gave up four unearned runs, as two errors contributed. With one out, an Almeran batter reached on an error, then a single followed, but a strikout then would have ended the at bat. But now, with two outs and two runners on, the bases were loaded when Wesley Bernardus walked. Next, the inning could have been over again, but a throwing error on a grounder by Niels van Weert resulted in two runs. Rhiency Imperator followed with a single to bring in two more runs and lift the lead to 6-1.

RCH got one run back in the seventh when Lex Leijenaar tripled and scored on a single by Giovanni Valmont, but Almere added a run in its eighth on another error. In the ninth, RCH narrowed the deficit to 7-4 by scoring two runs, but that was to be all. With one out, veteran René Rijst took over for Sten van de Bedum and earned his second save of the series.

In the ninth, it was the Almere-defense that commited two errors, resulting in two runs. Derick Francisca reached on an error, then Anthony Sandstrom singled, followed by an RBI-single by Lex Leijenaar, scoring Francisca. An error on a grounder by Jaïr Roseburg then enabled Sandstrom to score another run for RCH. But then, with two runners on base, a pop-fly towards third base ended the game. However, at the same moment, as the game ended, a runner of RCH ran into the Almere-third baseman, triggering a bench-clearing brawl. And that was something which was totally unnecessary for this Series, which so far, produced four attractive games, attended by hundreds of spectators. Anyhow, the umpire crew noted the names of three players of both Almere and RCH, while the third base coach of RCH also was booked. On Sunday-evening, it was unclear whether the players involved will be eligible to play in the fifth game on Monday-evening.
(September 6)

...When Almere-starter Sten van de Bedum (left) leaves the mound in the... ...eighth inning, veteran René Rijst takes over and closes the game... (© Photos: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

...RCH-runner Giovanni Valmont is forced out at second base in the 7th inning... ...by second baseman Niels van Weert, who then flying completes a double play... (© Photos: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

...Winning Pitcher Dave Draijer... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

Veteran pitcher Dave Draijer was the Man-of-the-Match for RCH, as he was a surprise starter and did a great job. The righthander, who turned into a reliever and then a closer in the last years, threw eight complete innings and was relieved when the lead-off batter reached base in the ninth. Ewout Bos then took over, struckout two batters and sealed the victory.

Starting for Almere was American Justin Prinstein, who also started Game Two on Thursday-evening. Two days ago, he threw six-plus innings and left the mound with a 6-4 lead.

...RCH's Head Coach Bernie Beckman... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

However, his relievers were unable to hold the lead and Almere lost 8-6. Today, Prinstein was less successful, as he already had to be relieved in the second inning.

After both teams had scored once in the first inning, RCH struck in the second at bat with a decisive 6-run rally. Lex Leijenaar led off with a single, then Giovanni Valmont followed with a bunt-single. Next, Jaïr Roseburg also singled to bring in Leijenaar and give RCH a 2-1 lead. Valmont then scored on a sacrifice fly by Nick Heij and the third run followed when Floris Morang also singled. This marked the end for Prinstein. He was relieved by Andy Nieuwenhuijse, who started by walking Ricky Daal and then gave up a 3-run homerun to Fred van Stekelenburg, which made it a 7-1 lead. Nieuwenhuijse, a rookie, recovered and went on the throw three scoreless innings, before being relieved in the sixth by Jasper de Heus, another rookie in the Almere-squad.

Both teams then added a run in the sixth inning and RCH scored its final run in the eighth at bat to lift the lead to 9-2. RCH outhit Almere, 10-7.
(September 5)

...Almere takes the lead in the first inning; HP Umpire Johan Brandsma makes the call... (© Photos: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

...Coaches and players assist to cover the... ...field, but the game rained out... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

After a 45-minute delay, the game was canceled and postponed. The game probably will be re-scheduled for next Tuesday-evening, if needed, as it will be the fifth game when it has to be played. The Series continues on Saturday-afternoon in Heemstede, then the fourth game will follow on Sunday in Almere.

Almere had taken the lead thanks to the hitting of Wesley Bernardus, Linoy Croes and Giovanni Samboe, while defensively short stop Rhiency Imperator had showed some nice plays again to support starting pitcher Kenny van Kampen. But in the top of the third inning, the rain became much heavier, resulting in the game being interrupted, delayed and finally being called off.
(September 4)

RCH trailed 6-5 when it scored three runs in the eighth inning to win the game and even the series. Almere took an 1-0 lead in the third inning, but RCH answered with two runs in its own third at bat when Derick Francisca hit a 2-run homerun, then added a run in the fifth when Francisca homered again. However, trailing 3-1, Almere rallied for four runs in the sixth inning to take a 5-3 lead. In the sixth, Rhiency Imperator and Giovanni Samboe led off with singles, then the first scored when a throwing error followed on a grounder by Joey Berkenbosch. Next, a single by Churandy La Cruz enabled Samboe and Berkenbosch to score and give Almere a 4-3 lead, which was increased by a run when another throwing error followed on a grounder by Daniël Zijderveld.

RCH came back with a run in the home of the sixth when Lex Leijenaar doubled, advanced on a single by Jaïr Roseburg and then scored on a grounder by Floris Morang. Almere got the run back in the seventh to make it 6-4 when Niels van Weert singled and scored on a double by Rhiency Imperator. In the home of the seventh, RCH narrowed the deficit to 6-5 when Jerry Breek, who had just taken over the pitching after Jakub Malik walked to lead-off the at bat, walked the next three batters. RCH then decided the game in its favor by scoring three runs in the eighth at bat. Floris Morang led off with a walk, then Ricky Daal reached on a bunt-single, which was followed by a throwing error to put runners on second and third base. Morang then scored the tying run on a wild pitch. Jakub Malik followed with a triple to bring in Daal and give RCH a renewed lead. Malik then scored an insurance run when another wild pitch followed. But in the ninth inning, RCH-pitcher Chris Mowday secured the victory. The Australian went the distance and struckout twelve batters.
(September 3)

Included in the group of 33 players are 15, who play professionally in American competitions: RHP Arshwin Asjes (Midwest Sliders, Frontier League, Independent), RHP Leon Boyd (New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A, Toronto Blue Jays), RHP Kenley Jansen (Inland Empire 66ers, Single-A Advanced, Los Angeles Dodgers), RHP Loek van Mil (New Britain Rock Cats, Double-A, Minnesota Twins), RHP Dennis Neuman (Lowell Spinners, Single-A Short Season, Boston Red Sox), LHP Alexander Smit (Carolina Mudcats, Double-A, Cincinnati Reds), RHP Tom Stuifbergen (Elizabethton Twins, Rookie League, Minnesota Twins), RHP Juan Carlos Sulbaran (Dayton Dragons, Single-A, Cincinnati Reds), C Dashenko Ricardo (Bluefield Orioles, Rookie League, Baltimore Orioles), IF Yurendell de Caster (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, Triple-A, New York Yankees), IF Mariekson Gregorius (Billings Mustangs, Rookie League, Cincinnati Reds), IF Sharlon Schoop (Connecticut Defenders, Double-A, San Francisco Giants), IF Randall Simon (Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Northern League, Independent), IF Hainley Statia (Arkansas Travelers, Double-A, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) and OF Curt Smith (Palm Beach Cardinals, Single-A Advanced, St. Louis Cardinals). Not on the roster are pitcher Jair Jurrjens (Atlanta Braves) and Rick van den Hurk (Florida Marlins), as both are currently on the Major League-roster of their club and therefore are not eligible.

30 of the 33 players will be available for the upcoming 4-game exhibition series vs. Italy, which starts next Tuesday. Kenley Jansen, Loek van Mil and Hainley Statia currently are with their respective clubs, participating in the Play-Offs. On Tuesday, the Dutch and Italian teams meet in Bussum, then play in Eindhoven on Wednesday. Next, two games will be played in Italy, scheduled for Gozo (Thursday) and Ravenna (Friday).

Two players are selected for the first time in the Dutch National Team, being Arshwin Asjes and Mariekson Gregorius. For the latter, however, it will not be the first time that he is involved in Dutch baseball, as his father Didi Gregorius was a longtime pitcher for Amsterdam Pirates, where Mariekson played in youth teams and was bat-boy for the big league-team. All other players played for the Dutch Team before, including some who made their debut during the World Baseball Classic in March of this year, like Jansen, Neuman, Schoop and Smith. Ricardo was a member of the national team during the preparations for the WBC in Florida, but didn't make the final roster. Sulbaran made his debut during the Olympic Games last year in Beijing.

Eight players who were part of the Dutch National Team during the World Port Tournament in Rotterdam in July of this year, are not returning on the preliminary roster. They are IF Jeffrey Arends (DOOR Neptunus), RHP Robin van Doornspeek, IF Mark-Jan Moorman (both Konica Minolta Pioniers), LHP Joey Eijpe (Mr. Cocker HCAW), IF Zaïr Koeiman, IF Nick Urbanus, RHP Pim Walsma (all L&D Amsterdam Pirates) and LHP Jim Ploeger (Almere Magpies). Arends, Eijpe, Koeiman, Moorman, Ploeger and Urbanus all made their national team-debut during the WPT. During this event, Van Doornspeek returned to the squad after a 3-year absence and withdraw from the team himself. Walsma, a closer, was with the national team since early last year.

In the coaching-staff, Ben Thijssen will make his comeback. During the World Baseball Classic, he already was added to the staff. Thijssen will replace Bill Froberg, who is still recovering from a shoulder-injury he sustained during the WPT. Recently, Froberg announced he was leaving the staff, after he agreed to become the new Head Coach of Mr. Cocker HCAW. Another newcomer is Equipment Manager Ton Meiresonne, who is the groundskeeper of big league-team and Dutch champion DOOR Neptunus. Meiresonne succeeds Frans Bergman, who retired after the World Baseball Classic.

The 33-man roster is as follows:

Pitchers (16):
Arshwin Asjes (Midwest Sliders, independent), David Bergman, Michiel van Kampen, Nick Veltkamp (all Corendon Kinheim), Leon Boyd (Toronto Blue Jays-org.), Rob Cordemans (Sparta-Feyenoord), Berry van Driel, Kevin Heijstek, Diegomar Markwell (all DOOR Neptunus), Kenley Jansen (Los Angeles Dodgers-org.), Loek van Mil, Tom Stuifbergen (both Minnesota Twins-org.), Dennis Neuman (Boston Red Sox-org.), Alexander Smit, Juan Carlos Sulbaran (both Cincinnati Reds-org.) and Nick Stuifbergen (L&D Amsterdam Pirates).

Catchers (3):
Sidney de Jong (L&D Amsterdam Pirates), Martijn Meeuwis (DOOR Neptunus) and Dashenko Ricardo (Baltimore Orioles-org.).

Infielders (9):
Sharnol Adriana, Raily Legito (both DOOR Neptunus), Yurendell de Caster (New York Yankees-org.), Michael Duursma (Konica Minolta Pioniers), Mariekson Gregorius (Cincinnati Reds-org.), Vince Rooi (L&D Amsterdam Pirates), Sharlon Schoop (San Francisco Giants-org.), Randall Simon (Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, independent) and Hainley Statia (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim-org.).

Outfielders (5):
Bryan Engelhardt, Danny Rombley (both Corendon Kinheim), Bas de Jong (L&D Amsterdam Pirates), Eugène Kingsale (DOOR Neptunus) and Curt Smith (St. Louis Cardinals-org.).

Coaching Staff:
Rod Delmonico (Manager), Ben Thijssen (1B Coach), Wim Martinus (3B Coach) and Jim Stoeckel (Pitching Coach).

Supporting Staff:
Rob Tamminga (Physical Therapist), Martijn van Berkel (Physical Therapist), Ton Meiresonne (Equipment Manager), Ton Hofstede (Business Manager) and Loet van Schellebeek (Media Officer).

(September 3)

...Winning pitcher Sten van de Bedum... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

Almere set a first step by winning the series opener in front of hundreds of spectators in its home stadium. Initially, it was RCH that appeared to open the score, as it got the bases loaded with two outs in its first inning, but then didn't score. Next, it was Almere that loaded the bases with no outs off starting pitcher Marek Deska. Wesley Bernardus led off with a walk, then Niels van Weert reached on an infield-hit and Rhiency Imperator followed with another walk. A sacrifice fly by Giovanni Samboe then made it 1-0 in Almere's favor. A force play-grounder by Churandy La Cruz (a former RCH-player) followed to increase the lead to 2-0. Deska then got great support from third baseman Reggie Valpoort to end the inning and went on to retire nine of the next ten batters and also escaped the fifth inning unharmed, but then ran into problems again in the sixth.

...Closer René Rijst in lifted in celebration... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

In the meantine, Almere-starter Sten van de Bedum also did a fine job. In the second, third and fourth at bat, he allowed only three batters to reach base, struckout four and got fine support from his defense. The third inning ended with a great play by short stop Rhiency Imperator forcing out a runner on second base, then first baseman Joey Berkenbosch ended the fourth at bat with a fine play. But in the fifth at bat, two errors contributed to RCH's first run. Reggie Valpoort led off with a single, moved on a sac-bunt and an error and scored on another error.

Leading 2-1, Almere increased its lead in the sixth by adding three runs. RCH-starter Marek Deska gave up a lead-off single to Rhiency Imperator, then walked Giovanni Samboe. The two runners advanced after a failed pick-off, then the bases were loaded when Churandy La Cruz also walked. Deska was then relieved by veteran closer Dave Draijer, who saw all three runners score. First, Imperator scored on a wild pitch, then Samboe scored on a single by Linoy Croes and the third run followed in a fielder's choice-situation.

RCH got one run back in the seventh inning. With one out, Jaïr Roseburg singled and moved on a walk and a flyout. It marked the end for Van de Bedum, who was relieved by René Rijst, another veteran reliever, who is the closer for Almere. Rijst first loaded the bases by issueing an intentional walk and then gave up an infield-hit to Derick Francisca (who is a former Almere-player) that scored Roseburg. But hereafter, Rijst, who will turn 46 in October, settled down, did got some baserunners in the eighth inning, but also was supported by his defense and retired the side in the ninth to earn a save and being named Match-of-the-Match. In its last two at bats, Almere was unable to add more runs off Jimmy van der Veldt, who had taken over from Draijer.
(September 2)

On August 19, Almere defeated PSV 11-3 to capture the title in the First Dvision, meaning it qualified for the Promotion/Relegation Play-Off against the losing team of the Play-Downs in the big league. In 2007, Almere relegated from the Major League, but by winning the title, it now got the opportunity to return to the highest level. After completion of the regular season in the big league, the four bottom teams had to play a series of Play-Downs to remain in the big league. The two losing teams of the first round in that series faced each other, with the losing team of this second series to be the opponent of the First Division champion. RCH, which finished in last place in the big league, became this team and was scheduled to play the best-of-five against Almere.

The opening game is scheduled for Wednesday-evening September 2 at Almere. Initially, the second and third game were to be played coming week, but the schedule was changed recently with the five games now being scheduled in five consecutive days. Almere protested this, but this remains unchanged, meaning the series will be played (if needed) over five consecutive days, starting on Wedneday. On Thursday, Game Two will be played in Heemstede, then Game 3 follows on Friday-evening in Almere. In the weekend, the fourth and fifth game will be played (if needed) in Heemstede and Almere respectively.

But before the series got underway, Almere was informed by the decision of the KNBSB not to grant the club a licence due to financial insecurity. In the local newspaper Almere Vandaag, Almere Magpies stated today that it handed in their figures of last year, which came after a financial troublesome period in which the club built a considerable debt, which was created a year earlier. Also, the 2008 figures were over the year following its relegation from the big league. The financial situation and the figures handed in for 2010 are not good enough for the KNBSB for a solid base to return to the big league. Almere also stated that it doesn't understand the ruling, as it is recovering from its financial problems.

Almere immediately appealed the decision. The club stated that as the champion of the First Division, it has the right to participate in promotion games, wants to play the series in a normal order (and not five days in a row) and that, when it wins the series, gets the opportunity to come up with a good balanced apply for a licence. On Tuesday-evening, Almere announced that the Jury of Appeal agreed with the club that it has the right to participate in promotion games, meaning the best-of-five will start as scheduled on Wednesday. However, as mentioned, the series will be played in a 5-day period. No decision has yet been taken regarding whether or not a big league-licence will be granted in case Almere wins the series. The KNBSB grants licences to play in the big league, but to obtain one clubs has to comply with several criteria, such as the financial situation.

,,The Jury of Appeal agreed with us regarding the promotion games. We want to do our sportive duty and make the decisions on the field'', Almere's Chairman Fred van Leeuwen stated after he learned from the ruling of the Jury of Appeal.

To be continued.
(September 1)

...Jurjan Koenen... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

Jurjan Koenen made his big league-debut with the club in 1988 and played in 691 games on the highest level, a record for one player at one club. After he retired after the 2005 season, Koenen made several comebacks in the following seasons, playing in a few more games, including one this year. In 2007 and 2008, Koenen was the Assistant Coach of HCAW, then was the Head Coach for this season. Last week, it was announced that Koenen stepped down to make more time for his family. He is succeeded by Bill Froberg.

Koenen's uniform number 12 is the fourth number to be retired by HCAW. He was preceeded by Jeffrey Cranston (#1), Clive Mendes (#10) and Roy Berrevoets (#24).
(September 1)

The 2nd European Baseball Series opens next Tuesday, September 8 in Bussum on the site of big league-club Mr. Cocker HCAW. The next day, the Dutch and Italian teams will meet in Eindhoven on the site of First Division-club PSV. Both games will start at 7:45 PM.

After Wednesday's game, the two teams will travel to Belgian capital Brussels for the flight to Bologna in Italy, where the next two games will be played. On Thursday, September 10, the teams will play Game 3 at Godo, starting at 9:00 PM. The Series then will be closed on Friday, September 11 at Ravenna, starting at 4:00 PM. The Dutch Team will travel back home on Saturday, September 12 and then will play its first game in the World Cup on Sunday, September 13 at Amsterdam.

Recently, the Dutch handed in a provisionary roster with 54 players to the International BAseball Federation (IBAF). This has to be brought back to 24 players for the World Cup.
(September 1)

...Game 4 of the Holland Series in Hoofdddorp was well-visited... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

On Saturday, Neptunus came from behind to win 5-4 vs. Konica Minolta Pioniers and win the Holland Series, 3-1. For long, it appeared that Pioniers was close to forcing a fifth and deciding game, as it was leading 4-2 in the eighth inning, but failed to hold onto the lead, as Neptunus rallied for three runs in the eighth after a lead-off error. Veteran Sharnol Adriana then singled to tie the score and the his pinch-runner Andy Leer scored the go-ahead run.

Neptunus opened the score in the first inning when Benjamin Dille singled with one out, advanced to third on a single by Raily Legito and scored when an error was made on a force play-grounder by Sharnol Adriana. The inning then ended when next batter Jeffrey Arends lined into a double play. Pioniers, which got one runner on base in the first two innings off starter Diegomar Markwell, got the run back in the third inning when Bart Sabel led off with a homerun. A surprise homerun for both Pioniers and Sabel, who played in only 15 games this season and never had hit a homerun before in the Dutch big league in the 45 games he played between 2006 and this season.

In the fourth inning, Pioniers took a 2-1 lead, but also left two runners. Mark Duursma led off with an infield-hit and stole second base, then scored on a 2-out single by Norbert Lokhorst. Hereafter, Mervin Gario walked, but Markwell ended the inning by striking out Jeffrey de Vrieze.

This time, it was Neptunus that came alongside. After Neptunus had scored its first run in the opening at bat, Matt McGraw led off the second inning with a single, but later stranded on third base, also because of a great defensive play and throw from short stop Michael Duursma on a grounder to the deep leftside of the infield by Jeroen Sluijter. In the third, a runner stranded at second base and in the fourth, Pioniers turned a double play, but in the fifth, Neptunus tied the score. With two outs, Pionier-starter Roger Kops gave up an infield-hit to Eugène Kingsale, who then scored when Benjamin Dille followed with a double.

...Neptunus celebrates the championship... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

Pioniers got back on the board immediately again and appeared to take a decisive 4-2 lead. Bart Sabel led off with a walk, then the speedy Jefferson Muzo put down a nice bunt down the first base-line for a bunt-single. After the two advanced on a grounder by Michael Duursma, his brother Mark Duursma followed with a 2-run double over the infield to make it 4-2. Glenn Romney then walked and the bases got loaded when Diegomar Markwell also walked Norbert Lokhorst with two outs. But then Markwell ended the threat by striking out Mervin Gario.

In the meantime, Roger Kops appeared to be in no trouble, giving up only six hits in six innings. But after walking lead-off hitter Martijn Meeuwis in the seventh, he was lifted for Maarten Mulder, who got a double play out of next batter Jeroen Sluijter and ended by striking out Shaldimar Daantji. But then things turned around in Neptunus' favor after all in the eighth inning. Lennart Koster, who had taken over for Eugène Kingsale in leftfield, led off with a fly to rightfield, where it was misplayed by rightfielder Bart Sabel. With Koster on second base, Neptunus got the right batters at the right moment. Benjamin Dille (who was 3-for-4, scored twice and had one RBI and was named the Series MVP) followed with a single and then the bases were loaded when Mulder hit Raily Legito with a pitch. Veteran Sharnol Adriana, who was 0-for-3, then did what he does best, producing with runners on base. Adriana lined a 2-run single through the middle (he had seven RBI's in the Series) to bring the score in balance. Adriana was then replaced by pinch-runner Andy Leer and when Maarten Mulder was back on the mound, Legito suddenly took off towards third base. Mulder stepped off and threw the ball to third baseman Mervin Gario to eliminate Legito who slid into Gario, hitting him on his leg, as he was not standing in the right postion. As a result, Gario had to leave the game with an injury. After the game resumed, Andy Leer moved to third on a double by Jeffrey Arends and scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Matt McGraw to make it 5-4. And that was all Neptunus needed.

...Disappointments in the dug-out of Pioniers... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

In the home of the eighth inning, Dushan Ruzic took over the pitching for Jorian van Acker (who had replaced Markwell in the sixth). With one out, he walked Tjerk Hogervorst, but then struckout the next two batters. In the ninth, the Australian walked Mark Duursma with two outs, but ended the inning, the game and the season by striking out Glenn Romney.

For Neptunus, it was its first championship since 2005. Back then, that was its seventh consecutive title in a row, setting a new record. But in 2006, 2007 and 2008, Neptunus was eliminated in the Play-Offs. Corendon Kinheim (2006, 2007) and L&D Amsterdam Pirates (2008) then captured the titles. The two teams faced each other in last years Holland Series, but were eliminated this time by Neptunus and Pioniers, the two losing teams in the Play-Offs of last season.

Neptunus was led this season for the first time by Steve Janssen. ,,Before the season, I already had a good feeling and told the players that this could be our year'', Janssen stated afterwards. A few weeks before the season started, Neptunus lost one of its pitching aces, as Leon Boyd signed a professional contract after his successful appearances in March during the World Baseball Classic. Janssen had to adjust his pitching rotation and went on to move closer Dushan Ruzic to a starting role. In May, Neptunus got a welcome addition in veteran pitcher Richard Orman, the lefthander, who pitched 16 seasons for Pioniers on whose home field Neptunus captured the champion title on Saturday. Another player who made a great contribution again was professional Sharnol Adriana, who returned to Rotterdam after completion of his season in Mexico, just as he did last season.

Bench Coach Jan Collins is the lone Neptunian, who was a member of the team in all twelve championship seasons. Collins made his playing debut for Neptunus in 1978 and on Saturday finished his 32nd season with the club. Collins, a catcher, played for Neptunus between 1978-1990 and is a member of the coachingstaff since 1989. He was a player when Neptunus won its first title in 1981, then was a coach in the next eleven championships.
(August 30)

...The championship team of DOOR Neptunus... (© Photo: Marco Stoovelaar)

...Bill Froberg (left) with Pitching Coach Bert Blyleven... ...at the World Baseball Classic earlier this year... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

Koenen steps down, because he wants to spend more time with his family. Koenen's Assistant Ronald Jaarsma will also be Froberg's Assistant next year. With the stepping down of Koenen an era will come to an end, as he was with the team since he made his big league-debut in 1988. The third baseman (sometimes catcher) played in 691 games on the highest level with the club, setting a record for more games played by a player for one club in the big league. After becoming one of the coaches for the 2007 season, Koenen kept on coming out of retirement for some games each season thereafter, including this year.

For Bill Froberg, it will be a re-acquaintance with HCAW, as he stepped in as the team's Bench Coach during the 2003 season, then was the Head Coach in 2004 and 2005. In both seasons, Froberg led the squad to the Holland Series, but both times lost. Because Froberg returns as clubcoach, he steps down as one of the Assistant Coaches for the Dutch National Baseball Team, which will participate in the World Championships next month.

By accepting the position at HCAW, Froberg returns as Head Coach in the Dutch big league. Previously, he led the teams of Haarlem Nicols (1986-1987), Quick Amersfoort (1993-1996) and Neptunus (1997; 11 games in 1998). On the First Division-level, Froberg was the Head Coach for HMS (1983-1985; 1988-1989) and Twins (1990-1992). In eight seasons in the big league, Froberg's coached in 375 games and has a 220-147 with eight ties.

For seven years, Froberg also has been the Manager of the Dutch National Junior Team (1999-2003; 2007-2008), with whom he participated in three European and three World Championships. In November 2007, Froberg was added to the coachingstaff of the Dutch National Team for the Intercontinental Cup, then rejoined the staff at the end of 2008.
(August 25)

Lefthander Pitcher Joey Eijpe (Mr. Cocker HCAW), Righthanded Pitcher Kevin Heijstek (DOOR Neptunus), 1B Jeffrey Arends (DOOR Neptunus), infielders Zaïr Koeiman, Nick Urbanus (both L&D Amsterdam Pirates) and Mark-Jan Moorman (Konica Minolta Pioniers) and outfielders Shaldimar Daantji (DOOR Neptunus) and Bas de Jong (L&D Amsterdam Pirates) all will make their national team-debut next week in Rotterdam. RHP Robin van Doornspeek (Konica Minolta Pioniers) might return to the national squad after a 3-year absence, but his comeback is in doubt, as he injured himself last weekend. Currently, Van Doornspeek is the 25th player on the roster. When he is available to play next week, room has to be made on the roster, as only 24 players are allowed. With the selection of rookie Nick Urbanus, an unique moment in history will occur when he takes the field next week. Nick's father Charles Urbanus was a longtime member of the national team and headed the list of most games played in the Orange for several years with 132. Nick's grandfather Han Urbanus also played several years in the national squad and then was the leading pitcher, appearing in 54 games. Nick's uncle Charles Urbanus played briefly in the national squad, but had a long affiliation with the team as Manager or Assistant Coach.

Included on the roster are seven players of Dutch champion L&D Amsterdam Pirates, while DOOR Neptunus will supply the national team with eight of its players.

But several experienced players will not be with the team in Rotterdam. Amongst them veteran Dirk van 't Klooster, the outfielder of Corendon Kinheim, who holds the record with 206 games played for the national team and has been a member of it since making his debut in 1998. Van 't Klooster ended his international career himself, as he lacked the pleasure of playing for the national team at the moment. 1B Percy Isenia (Sparta-Feyenoord), who played ten years for the Orange, also resigned for that reason. In the last weeks, experienced players like Catcher Tjerk Smeets (Corendon Kinheim), Catcher Mark Duursma (Konica Minolta Pioniers), Pitcher/DH/1B Kenny Berkenbosch (L&D Amsterdam Pirates, who currently leads the league with a .400 batting average), Righthanded Closer Dave Draijer (MediaMonks RCH) and Infielder Jeroen Sluijter (DOOR Neptunus) all were cut from the preliminary roster. Van 't Klooster was the most experienced player on the national squad, participating in three Olympic Games (2000, Sydney; 2004, Athens; 2008, Beijing), five World Championships, five European Championships and the two World Baseball Classics, including the one which was held in March of this year. The Dutch team then surprised the international baseball world by defeating the Dominican Republic twice to advance to the second round. For his many contributions to Dutch baseball, the Dutch Federation named Van 't Klooster an Honorary Member earlier this year.

In the press release of Thursday in which the roster for the WPT was announced, Manager Rod Delmonico calls it ''a blessing for Dutch baseball'' that soo much young, talented new players are stepping forward. But because of the inclusion of the new (young) players, the team will have a completely different face opposed to the World Baseball Classic, which isn't a real good comparison, as it also had active professionals on the roster then. But the current team also will look differently opposed to other tournaments played in the last few years.

Another newcomer will be a member of the supporting staff, as Ton Hofstede succeeded Business Manager Kees Sleegers. Equipment Manager Frans Bergman also ended his career with the national team. His successor has yet to be named. Both Sleegers and Bergman already had announced their resignations, which would have been effective at the end of the Olympic Games of last year in Beijing. However, due to organisational reasons and preparations for the World Baseball Classic in March both remained with the team during the last event, but then stepped down. After being with the team during the 2000 Olympics, Sleegers returned as Business Manager in 2005. Bergman has been with the national squad since 2000, which included 24 international events.

The roster for the National Team during the World Port Tournament is as follows:

Pitchers:
David Bergman, Michiel van Kampen, Nick Veltkamp (all Corendon Kinheim), Rob Cordemans (Sparta-Feyenoord), Robin van Doornspeek (Konica Minolta Pioniers), Berry van Driel, Kevin Heijstek, Diegomar Markwell (all DOOR Neptunus), Joey Eijpe (Mr. Cocker HCAW), Nick Stuifbergen and Pim Walsma (both L&D Amsterdam Pirates).

Catchers:
Sidney de Jong (L&D Amsterdam Pirates) and Martijn Meeuwis (DOOR Neptunus).

Infielders:
Jeffrey Arends, Raily Legito (both DOOR Neptunus), Michael Duursma, Mark-Jan Moorman (both Konica Minolta Pioniers), Zaïr Koeiman, Vince Rooi and Nick Urbanus (all L&D Amsterdam Pirates).

Outfielders:
Shaldimar Daantji, Eugène Kingsale (both DOOR Neptunus), Bryan Engelhardt, Danny Rombley (both Corendon Kinheim) and Bas de Jong (L&D Amsterdam Pirates).

At Heemstede, MediaMonks RCH won 3-2 vs. Mr. Cocker HCAW in ten innings to move into a tie for seventh place with ADO. Both RCH and ADO are eliminated for the Play-Offs and will play in the Play-Down at the end of the season which is set up the same way as the Play-Offs. The number 5 team meets the number 8 and the number 6 will face the number 7 team in the final ranking. RCH was eliminated last Thursday after the 10-1 loss vs. HCAW, ADO was eliminated today after losing to Neptunus.

At Hoofddorp, Sparta-Feyenoord scored three runs in the eleventh inning to win 5-2 vs. Konica Minolta Pioniers.

(June 20)

Standings & Schedule

(June 14)

Standings & Schedule

...Jason Rees hits his score-tying homerun... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

At Haarlem, Mr. Cocker HCAW handed Corendon Kinheim an 8-4 loss. Trailing 1-0, HCAW scored twice in the fourth on a 2-run single by Randy Daal, but then Kinheim answered with three runs in the sixth on an RBI-double by Tjerk Smeets and (after a pitching change) 2-run single by Kevin Weijgertse. HCAW got one run back in the seventh on a double by Juriën Overman, then came alongside in the eighth when Jason Rees homered off Onno Baur, who had taken over in this inning for starter Patrick Beljaards. In the ninth, Baur walked the lead-off batter and was relieved by Nick Veltkamp, but the lefthander saw a batter reach on an error, gave up a single, walked a batter (which gave HCAW the lead) and was relieved by Michiel van Kampen, who gave up an RBI-single to Bart Gabriëls, hit Quensley Bazoer with the bases loaded and saw another run being scored on a throwing error towards home on a force play grounder to make it 8-4.

At The Hague, L&D Amsterdam Pirates won 5-2 vs. ADO, which now has lost 13 in a row. Amsterdam scored twice in the first inning on a double by Sidney de Jong and single by Fausto Álvarez Rizo, then added three runs in the seventh on a basesloaded walk and singles by Álvarez and Pavèl van Zaane, who both had three basehits. Winning pitcher Adam Blackley gave up only two hits in seven innings.

At Hoofddorp, DOOR Neptunus won 3-1 vs. Konica Minolta Pioniers, which had only three hits. In the third, Pioniers took an 1-0 lead on a 2-out single by Mark Duursma. In the next six innings, only one Pionier-batter would reach base (walk), but was eliminated in a double play. Neptunus came alongside in the sixth on a double by Raily Legito, who then scored the go-ahead run on a single by Jeffrey Arends, who is the leading hitter in the Dutch League at the moment. Neptunus added a run in the seventh on a single by Matt McGraw.
(June 13)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

The lone run in the game was scored in the fourth inning when Raily Legito led off with a double and scored on a 2-out single by Jeffrey Arends, who increased his league-lead to 38 runs batted in. For Neptunus, this was its second and last scoring opportunity in the game. In the second, Arends led off with a single, but stranded at third base. After giving up the run, Pionier-starter Ryan Murphy retired 12 of the remaining 13 batters, but ended up empty handed. The Canadian gave up a lead-off single to Matt McGraw in the sixth, but he was caught stealing moments later. For Murphy this was his first loss of the season and he is now 7-1.

Pioniers, which had only four hits, but reached base five more times than Neptunus, stranded two runners in the third inning and came close to a run in the fourth at bat when it got the bases loaded with one out. Lead-off hitter Mark Duursma reached on an error, then Ryan Murphy walked. Next, Duursma was forced out on a grounder by Mervin Gario and then the bases were loaded when Mark-Jan Moorman singled. However, Neptunus-starter Diegomar Markwell avoided giving up a run, as he struckout next batter Bart Sabel and then got Tjerk Hogervorst to groundout to end the inning. In the sixth inning, the lefthander was supported with a double play. Mark Duursma led off with a single, then Mervin Gario walked with one out, but next Mark-Jan Moorman lined out to centerfield, which resulted in the double play, as Duursma returned to his base too late. Berry van Driel threw the ninth inning for Neptunus and earned his first save of the season.
(June 12)

Standings & Schedule
Line Score & Box Score

At Amsterdam, Bas de Jong hit-for-the-cycle, went 5-for-5, scored four runs and had five RBI's to lead Pirates to a big win vs. ADO, which had only four basehits off Nick Stuifbergen, who went the distance. De Jong doubled in two runs to give the home team a 2-1 lead in the first inning, then added a basesloaded RBI-single in the second, singled again in the third, followed with an RBI-triple in the fifth and completed the cycle in the sixth inning by hitting a solo-homerun, accomplishing one of the most difficult statistical feats in baseball. Besides that, he also did it in only six innings, as the game ended after 6 1/2 inning due to the 10-run mercy rule, making him the first player to do so in a mercy rule-game.
Maikel Benner collected three basehits and scored twice. Kenny Berkenbosch also tripled and had three RBI's, as did Pavèl van Zaane, who singled twice. ADO opened the score in the first inning. Amsterdam-starter Nick Stuifbergen loaded the bases by walking the first two batters he faced, Gregory Hassell and Shurty Tremus, then hit Aeden McQueary-Ennis with a pitch with one out. ADO managed to score only one run when Koen Meershoek reached on an infield-hit. ADO added its second run in the next at bat when Hassell walked again and went on to score on a double by Tremus, who then became the third out in the inning when he was thrown out when he tried to stretch his double into a triple. In the next five innings, ADO added only two more hits. Pirates took over the lead by scoring four runs in the first inning and added four more in the next inning to take a comfortable lead.

At Heemstede, last placed RCH won its second game in a row and now is closing in on seventh placed ADO, trailing only three points. For their 3-game series against RCH, opponent Sparta-Feyenoord had changed its starting rotation. In recent weeks, Rob Cordemans, Tim Roodenburg and Gregory Gustina took the mound in that order, but this time, Gustina is the opening game starter, followed by Roodenburg on Saturday and Cordemans on Sunday in Game Three. In the first inning, lefthander Gustina gave up a lead-off single to Mark Smit, who went on to score on a 2-out single by Czech Jakub Malik. RCH added a run in the second when Derick Francisca led off with a walk and scored on a 2-out single by Reggie Valpoort. Sparta-Feyenoord came alongside by scoring in the third and fifth inning. In the third, Mike Bazuin singled and scored on a single by Nick Eppinga and in the fifth, Imco Rudolph led off with a walk and scored the tying run on a throwing error. But unlike earlier games, RCH this time was able to recover and answered immediately with three runs in the home of the fifth to re-take the lead. After Gustina struckout the first two batters, he gave up a single to Lex Leijenaar, then walked Anthony Sandstrom. Both scored when Jakub Malik followed with double and later scored himself on a single by Ferd van Stekelenburg. RCH added another run in the eighth when Malik walked and scored on a throwing error.

At Haarlem, Kinheim outscored HCAW, 7-3. Kinheim opened the score in the second inning when Bryan Engelhardt scored on a single by Kevin Weijgertse. Hereafter, the home team added two runs in the next at bat on a 2-run single by Jason Halman, who was 3-for-5. HCAW came back with a run in the fourth off starter David Bergman when Jason Rees led off with a double and scored on a grounder by Adrian Anthony. Kinheim took more distance by scoring three more runs off starter Joey Eijpe. The first of these was added in the sixth on a 2-out double by Danny Rombley. In the seventh, Eijpe gave up three consecutive singles and scored twice to make it 6-1. HCAW narrowed the deficit to 6-3 by scoring twice in the eighth when pinch-hitter Arjan Elshof doubled and scored when an error followed single by Jason Rees, who then scored himself on a grounder by Randy Daal. In the eighth, René Cremer led off with a double and scored Kinheim's seventh run on a single by Josh Renick.
(June 11)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

Schedule & Starting Pitchers

At Rotterdam, Sparta-Feyenoord handed Amsterdam its third loss in a row by winning 5-2 in a game which was called after six innings due to heavy rain. The home team opened the score in the first inning on a 2-out single by Eldrion Regina, who then added another RBI-single in a 3-run third. An error and a grounder accounted for the other runs. Amsterdam scored its two runs in the fourth inning on singles by Bas de Jong and Kenny Berkenbosch.

...HCAW's Ronald Jaarsma after being decorated... ...by KNBSB President Ruud van Zetten... (© Photo: de Gooi- en Eemlander)

At Haarlem, Kinheim was beaten by MediaMonks RCH, 7-4. RCH opened the score with two runs in the first at bat on a single by Jakub Malik and a grounder by Ferd van Stekelenburg. Kinheim tied the score by scoring in the first and fifth inning, but RCH re-took the lead in the seventh by scoring three runs on an error, sac-fly by Malik and double by Van Stekelenburg. Kinheim was able to come back to 5-4 in the home of the seventh on a single by Bryan Engelhardt and a grounder by Tjerk Smeets, who married on Saturday and played in his first game after coming back from an injury. RCH then took more distance by scoring twice in the ninth on a sac-fly by Van Stekelenburg and an error.

At Bussum, DOOR Neptunus won 4-2 vs. Mr. Cocker HCAW. Before the game, HCAW's current Assistant Coach Ronald Jaarsma was decorated by the Dutch Federation, as he became the newest member of the '500 Club' the week before, playing in his 500th game on the highest level. Jaarsma retired after last season, but needed only two games to reach the milestone. He was honored last week already by HCAW before playing his 500th game, then the KNBSB decorated him today, as someone has to play the milestone-game first to be decorated. In today's game, HCAW took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a single by Randy Daal and a passed ball, but Neptunus came back with a run in the second inning on an error, then rallied for three runs in the fifth at bat. RBI-singles by Eugène Kingsale and Raily Legito and a sac-fly by Jeffrey Arends accounted for the runs. Four Neptunus-pitchers gave up only four hits.

At The Hague, Konica Minolta Pioniers outscored ADO, 11-0. Pioniers collected nine basehits and decided the game with an 8-run rally in the fourth inning with all runs being unearned! Three errors led to the first three runs, then Jefferson Muzo followed with a 2-run single. Mark Duursma added an RBI-single and Mervin Gario contributed with a 2-run double to make it 8-0. In the seventh inning, three more runs were scored on a 2-run triple by Mark-Jan Moorman and single by Muzo.
(June 7)

Standings & Schedule

At Rotterdam, DOOR Neptunus shutout ADO, 3-0, scoring all runs in the fourth inning. Neptunus collected six hits, including two in the fourth at bat. With Matt McGraw (walk) and Martijn Meeuwis (single) on base, Jeffrey Arends (who recently was added to the preliminary roster of the national team) hit a 2-run double, then scored himself on a sac-fly by Jeroen Sluijter. Neptunus-starter Diegomar Markwell gave up only two hits in 6 1/3 inning and struckout ten batters.

At Hoofddorp, Konica Minolta Pioniers won 4-1 vs. Sparta-Feyenoord. Pioniers took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a single by Mark Duursma and a fielder's choice in a stolen base-situation. Pionier-starter Ryan Murphy retired 14 of the first 15 batters he faced, then gave up two hits in the sixth, but held Sparta-Feyenoord scoreless for seven innings. The Rotterdam-team then scored in the eighth on a triple by Rubinet Koko, but Pioniers reacted wit two runs in its eighth on a 2-run single by Mervin Gario. Sparta-Feyenoord's third baseman Roderick Simon was ejected in the eighth inning.

At Heemstede, MediaMonks RCH held Mr. Cocker HCAW to only one run in eight innings, but then lost 2-1 after all. RCH took an 1-0 lead in the fifth on a 2-out single by Mark Smit, then HCAW came alongside in the seventh on a wild pitch. In the ninth, HCAW scored the winning run off veteran closer Dave Draijer on a 2-out single by Haily de Palm. On the same play, Adrian Anthony was thrown out at the play, when he also tried to score.
(June 6)

Standings & Schedule

Amsterdam initially took an 1-0 lead in the first inning when Maikel Benner (single) scored on a single by Bas de Jong, but on the same play, Marvin Bleij (single) was thrown out in a close play at the plate when he also tried to score. Kinheim came alongside in the third inning when Kevin Weijgertse walked and went on to score on a double by Remco Draijer. The Haarlem-team then took the lead in the next at bat when Bryan Engelhardt homered with two outs.

Amsterdam re-took the lead in the eighth inning off reliever Nick Veltkamp, who had just replaced starter David Bergman. The lefthander was greeted with singles by Marvin Bleij and Sidney de Jong, who then both socred on a 2-out double by Kenny Berkenbosch. With a 3-2 lead, closer Pim Walsma took over for Amsterdam with two runners on in the eighth, loaded the bases with an intentional walk and ended Kinheim's runscoring possibility, but then gave up two runs in the ninth. With one out, Walsma, who leads the league in saves, walked René Cremer, then gave up a bunt-single to Remco Draijer and saw the bases being loaded when Danny Rombley also singled. Next, Josh Renick, who had committed two errors defensively, drove the ball into deep centerfield for a 2-run, game-ending single.
(June 4)

Standings & Schedule

At Amsterdam, Sparta-Feyenoord opened the score in the second inning when Rodney Michel (who later was ejected after arguing balls and strikes) led off with a single and scored when Percy Isenia followed with a double, but then Amsterdam-starter Frank van Heijst was supported with a run of his own. Fausto Álvarez Rizo led off with a single, then advanced on a wild pitch and groundout and scored on a double by Bas de Jong in the second inning. In the next at bat, Sparta-Feyenoord re-took the lead when Gino Henson singled with two outs, stole second and scored on a single by Rutger Veugelers. In the home of the third, Amsterdam came alongside immediately, as Wesley Connor led off with a double and went on to score on a single by Sidney de Jong off starter Gregory Gustina. Sparta-Feyenoord took the lead for the third time in the game in the seventh inning off relievers Rik Geestman and Kenny Berkenbosch. Geestman walked Mike Bazuin, who then advanced on a sac-bunt off Berkenbosch and scored on a single by Henson. Again, Amsterdam answered right away with a run in its seventh. Maikel Benner doubled with one out and scored on a single by Marvin Bleij. Amsterdam then decided the game in the eleventh off former Pirate Roy Beems. With two outs, Wesley Connor doubled. Next batter Maikel Benner was then walked intentionally, but Beems followed by hitting both Marvin Bleij and Sidney de Jong to bring in the winning run. Amsterdam had 16 basehits, including at least one by all nine starters and three each by Connor and Benner.

At Hoofddorp, Pioniers also trailed and went on to win. In the fifth inning, ADO opened the score when Ludwin Obispo singled, advanced on singles by Koen Meershoek and Myson Cathalina, then scored on sac-fly by Gregory Hassell, but three runners were left behind. As Rodney Michel, who scored the first Sparta-Feyenoord-run, Obispo also was ejected for making remarks. It was to be the lone run for ADO, which stranded nine runners. In the second inning, Mickel Korzeniewski singled, but then was thrown out at the plate when he tried to score on a double by Obispo. Pioniers came alongside in the sixth at bat. Michael Duursma led off with a walk, moved on two grounders and scored on a wild pitch. The winning run then was scored in the eleventh inning when Mark Duursma was walked by reliever Aeden McQueary-Ennis (who relieved starter Jurrian Koks in the ninth). He then advanced on a grounder, was awarded third base on a balk and scored when a fly ball hit by Norbert Lokhorst was missed in the outfield.

At Rotterdam, Neptunus collected ten basehits, including the 500th in the big league-career of Raily Legito. Neptunus scored five runs in the first three innings. Two of them were scored in the first inning on a single by Legito and sac-fly by Jeffrey Arends. Three runs were then scored in the third, including the first on the milestone-hit by Legito and two more on a single by Arends. HCAW came back with three runs in the fourth on a grounder, error and force play-grounder, but Neptunus reacted with three runs of its own on an error and singles by Martijn Meeuwis and Arends. After HCAW scored its third run in the fifth, Neptunus scored two more in the sixth on two more singles by Legito and Arends. Both had three hits in the game with Legito having three RBI's and Arends five. Was HCAW's Assistant Coach Ronald Jaarsma the starting leftfielder in Saturday's game, Head Coach Jurjan Koenen took over at third base in the fourth inning to appear in his 691st career big league-game.

At Heemstede, Kinheim had 15 basehits, including three by Dirk van 't Klooster, Jason Halman and Bryan Engelhardt, who also hit a 2-run homerun. But it was RCH that opened the score in the second inning. Kinheim-starter Duko Jansen gave up a lead-off single to Ferd van Stekelenburg, then advanced on a sac-bunt, which was then followed by two throwing errors on the same play. Kinheim came alongside in the third when René Cremer led off with a double and went on to score on a sac-fly by Danny Rombley. Kinheim took a 2-1 lead in the next at bat on back-to-back doubles by Halman and Engelhardt and added single runs in the fifth and sixth inning, before adding four in the seventh, including two on the homerun by Engelhardt, who also added a 2-run double in the ninth.
(June 1)

Standings & Schedule

(May 31)

Standings & Schedule

At Bussum, Mr. Cocker HCAW was shutout 6-0 by DOOR Neptunus, but also honored Ronald Jaarsma before the game. Jaarsma, who retired as a player after last season to become the Assistant Coach of the team, today started the game as leftfielder to become the latest member of the '500 Club', players who played in 500 games on the big league-level.

At Haarlem, Corendon Kinheim shutout MediaMonks RCH 5-0 on an one-hitter bt David Bergman, who took a Perfect Game into the eighth inning. The righthander retired 21 batters in a row, but then gave up a lead-off single to Ferd van Stekelenburg in the eighth inning, which would be the lone player he allowed to reach the bases, as Bergman retired the next six batters again.

At The Hague, Konica Minolta Pioniers shutout ADO, 10-0.

(May 30)

Standings & Schedule

Schedule & Starting Pitchers

Kinheim opened the score in the first inning when Danny Rombley led off with a walk and went on to score on a double play-grounder, but Amsterdam responded with three unearned runs in their first at bat. With two outs, Marvin Bleij (fielder's choice) advanced on a single by Sidney de Jong, then scored the tying run on a single by Fausto Álvarez Rizo. Next, De Jong and Álvarez put Pirates ahead by scoring on a double by Vince Rooi. Amsterdam added a run in the third when Fausto Álvarez Rizo homered with two outs, which happen to be the lone earned run (of the six scored) in seven innings.

Kinheim came alongside in the fourth inning. Dirk van 't Klooster led off with a double and scored when Bryan Engelhardt homered with one out. Next, Amsterdam-starter Nick Stuifbergen walked Jeffrey Verbij and saw him score on a single by René Cremer. But again, Amsterdam reacted immediately by scoring twice in the home half of the fourth (which both were unearned again) and take a 6-4 lead, this time for good. Pavèl van Zaane led off with a single and Zaír Koeiman (who played in rightfield tonight instead of second base) reached on an error. An error on a force play-grounder by Maikel Benner and a sac-fly by Marvin Bleij the put Amsterdam ahead. In the eighth, Pirates added five runs to increase the lead to 11-4 on singles by Benner and Bleij, a basesloaded walk, sac-fly and force play-grounder.

All nine starting players of Amsterdam hit at least one basehit and eight of them also scored at least once. Three Amsterdam-pitchers struckout eight batters, including Bryan Engelhardt, who was ejected after being called out in the eighth inning. Closer Pim Walsma earned his seventh save of the season.
(May 28)

Standings & Schedule
Line Score & Box Score

Sparta-Feyenoord shutout ADO 3-0 behind the pitching of Tim Roodenburg and Herman Gaarman, who combined on a 5-hitter. Roodenburg struckout nine in seven innings.

Corendon Kinheim win big vs. Konica Minolta Pioniers, 13-3, in eight innings on 12 hits. Jason Halman did the catching for Kinheim, replacing Tjerk Smeets, who got injured last Thursday and will have the weekend off out of precaution.

DOOR Neptunus also won big, winning 14-0 in seven innings vs. MediaMonks RCH on 18 basehits, including four by Jeffrey Arends, who doubled twice and had four RBI's.

(May 23)

Standings & Schedule

Schedule & Starting Pitchers

(May 21)

Standings & Schedule
Line Score & Box Score

Pioniers collected 18 basehits, including four by Mervin Gario, who went 4-for-4, including two doubles, and had three RBI's. Eight of the nine starting players hit at least one basehit, the lone exception being Tjerk Hogervorst, the number nine batter in the order. Ryan Murphy started for Pioniers and struckout nine batters in six innings, giving up only two basehits, which were to be the lone HCAW-hits in the game. Czech pitcher Jan Rehacek took over in the seventh and struckout three batters in a row, then Andley Simmons threw the remaining at bat in the 8-inning game, which was briefly interrupted for seven minutes because of interfering sunshine during sunset. The three Pionier-hurlers combined on 13 strikeouts and allowed only three HCAW-players to reach base. Besides the two basehits, the third one reached on a walk.

Pioniers decided the game early with a 5-run rally in the first inning. Jefferson Muzo and Michael Duursma led off with singles, then Glenn Romney followed with an RBI-single to open the score. An error accounted for the second run, then Mervin Gario contributed with a 2-run double and scored himself on a single by Andley Simmons. Two runs were added in the fourth inning and another one followed in the fifth when pinch-runner Mark-Jan Moorman (who played in his first game of the season for Pioniers) scored on a single by Gario. The 10-run difference was reached in the eighth at bat when Gario scored his third run of the game on the third basehit by Muzo. Simmons, who also singled three times, scored the tenth run on a force play-grounder.

For HCAW, Quensley Bazoer and Sytse Visbeen led off with singles in the second inning, but that was it for HCAW. Hereafter, the next 18 batters were retired in order, before pinch-hitter Haily de Palm (who played in his first game for HCAW) walked in the eighth.
(May 19)

Standings & Schedule
Line Score & Box Score

...Mark Duursma is tagged out at the plate by Sytse Visbeen in the 4th inning after trying... ...to score on a single by Mervin Gario. At left is pinch-runner Mark-Jan Moorman, who scored moments earlier... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

(May 17)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

Amsterdam shutout RCH, 6-0, while Neptunus was beaten 7-4 by Sparta-Feyenoord. Pioniers lost 8-3 to Mr. Cocker HCAW and Corendon Kinheim nipped ADO, 3-2, to win its fourth game in a row.

(May 16)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

At Heemstede, Amsterdam Pirates led 4-0 after six innings vs. RCH, then added six runs in the remaining three at bats. The league-leader collected 13 basehits, including three by Fausto Álvarez Rizo and Maikel Benner. Álvarez also had three RBI's to raise his league-leading total to 22. The Cuban doubled in the first run in the second inning, then scored himself on an error. In the fifth, Pirates added two runs on singles by Benner and Álvarez.

Three runs were then scored in the seventh off Jimmy van der Veldt, the third RCH-pitcher in the game. Wesley Connor (infield-hit), Maikel Benner (single) and Marvin Bleij (bunt) loaded the bases with three consecutive basehits, then Van der Veldt walked Sidney de Jong to bring in a run. A sac-fly by Álvarez and a single by Kenny Berkenbosch then made it 7-0. In the ninth, another 3-run rally followed with runs being scored on singles by Vince Rooi and Berkenbosch and a double play-grounder. Amsterdam-starter Nick Stuifbergen struckout eight and gave up only three hits in 5 2/3 innings. Hereafter, Raban Schalm took over and retired all seven batters he faced, before Pim Walsma retired the side in the ninth.

...Winning pitcher Ryan Murphy... (© Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

At Bussum, Pioniers decided the game vs. HCAW by scoring eight runs in the third and fourth inning combined. In the opening at bat, the Hoofddorp-squad scored its first run with two outs when Glenn Romney walked and scored on a single by Ryan Murphy. Romney reached base five times, including three walks, and scored four runs. In the third, the team scored five runs. HCAW-starter Kevin Miner faced nine batters, walked three of them and gave up four hits in the inning. With the bases loaded and one out, a run was scored when Murhy walked, then another one followed on a single by Norbert Lokhorst and two more were added on a single by Mervin Gario. A runscoring grounder by Andley Simmons completed the rally. In the next at bat, Pioniers scored three more runs off new pitcher Kyle Ward on a fielder's choice, double by Romney and sac-fly by Lokhorst. The remaining two runs were scored in the ninth when Mark Duursma hit a 2-run homerun off new pitcher Joep de Wit.

...Glenn Romney scores for Pioniers, while catcher Juriën Overman... ...awaits the ball, umpire Fred van Groningen Schinkel looks on... (© Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

The lone HCAW-run was scored in the second inning when Quensley Bazoer tripled with one out and scored on a single by Siemen Korff. With this run, HCAW erased an 1-0 deficit, but then Pioniers answered with the 5-run rally in the third to take a commanding lead. Winning pitcher Ryan Murphy threw six innings, struckout nine and gave up only three hits. Shane Gnade completed the game with two hitless innings.

At Rotterdam, Sparta-Feyenoord scored the lone run in the game against Neptunus with no outs in the ninth inning. At the start of the at bat, Dushan Ruzic took over the pitching for starter Diegomar Markwell, who had struckout nine and gave up only two hits. Sparta-Feyenoord had reached base only five times in the first eight innings, but then reached base four times in a row in the ninth. Rubinet Koko led off with a bunt-single, then advanced to third base on a failed pick-off by Ruzic. Hereafter, the bases got loaded when Ruzic walked Gino Henson and Rutger Veugelers. Next, veteran Rodney Michel singled to bring in the winning run.

Neptunus, which outhit Sparta-Feyenoord 11-4, again left a lot of runners, this time 13. In the second inning, Jeffrey Arends and Martijn Meeuwis singled with one out, but then Arends was thrown out at the plate trying to score on a single by Lennart Koster and then the inning ended with a strikeout. In the third inning, a runner stranded on third base. In the fourth and sixth inning, two batters reached base with two outs, but were left behind. In the seventh, Eugène Kingsale (who was 3-for-4), led off with a single, but later stranded on third base. In the ninth, Kingsale and Benjamin Dille led off with single, but then Kingsale was forced out on third base, then the game ended when Matt McGraw grounded into a double play.

At Haarlem, Kinheim-starter David Bergman had his best outing of the season, as he struckout eight and gave up only four hits in eight innings. He gave up an unearned run in the fifth that tied the score, but Kinheim then reacted immediately with a run of its own on a single by Dirk van 't Klooster, who also doubled in a run in the seventh at bat. Moments earlier, Danny Rombley also had double in a run, before scoring on the hit by Van 't Klooster.

After the first eight Kinheim-batters were retired in order, Remco Draijer walked with two outs in the third, then scored on a single by Josh Renick. ADO came alongside in the fifth when Martijn Riphagen walked with two outs, then later scored on an error that followed on a single by Remco Seitzinger. In the home of the fifth, Kinheim re-took the lead on the single by Van 't Klooster, then made it 4-1 in the seventh.
(May 14)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

Second placed Konica Minolta Pioniers is playing against Mr. Cocker HCAW, which shares sixth place with ADO. That team meets Corendon Kinheim, which is tied with Sparta-Feyenoord in fourth place. Sparta-Feyenoord will play against third placed DOOR Neptunus in a local series in Rotterdam.
(May 12)

Complete Schedule & Starting Pitchers

With the three victories, Amsterdam Pirates handed Neptunus its first 3-game sweep since 2003. Back then, Neptunus was beaten 2-1, 6-1 and 6-1 on August 21, 23 and 24 by HCAW.

(May 10)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores

(May 9)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

At Rotterdam, Sparta/Feyenoord broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth inning on an error for the win. Short stop Josh Renick batted in both Kinheim-runs, but also made the decisive error that gave the home team the win. Kinheim opened the score in the third inning. Kevin Weijgertse led off with a single, advanced on a sac-bunt by René Cremer and scored on a 2-out single by Josh Renick. Sparta/Feyenoord came alongside in the home of the third. With two outs, Rutger Veugelers singled, moved on a single by Rodney Michel and scored on a double by Eldrion Regina, but two runners stranded.

In the next at bat, Sparta/Feyenoord took the lead when Mike Bazuin (fielder's choice) scored on a single by Rubinet Koko, but on the same play Nick Eppinga was thrown out at the plate when he also tried to score. This time, it was Kinheim that tied the score in the fifth and they did it the same way as two innings before. Kevin Weijgertse again led off with a single and advanced on a sacrifice by René Cremer, followed by a 2-out RBI-single by Josh Renick. But, like in the third, Sparta/Feyenoord also answered with a run this time to make it 3-2. Gino Henson led off with a walk, then advanced on a failed pick-off. With one out, Rodney Michel also walked. The two runners then advanced on a double steal, but short stop Josh Renick made an error on the throw by catcher Tjerk Smeets, enabling Henson to score.

Starting pitcher Rob Cordemans dominated for Sparta/Feyenoord, as he struckout eleven batters in the eight innings he pitched. The first run Cordemans gave up in the third inning was the first earned run that was credited to the veteran righthander after 33 2/3 inning since the start of the season. Cordemans, who was last year's Best Pitcher, raised his record to 3-0. Pitcher Gregory Gustina was used as designater hitter tonight by Sparta/Feyenoord and went 1-for-3. Losing pitcher David Bergman is now 1-4, which is unexpected, as the righthander, who was the Best Pitcher in 2007, lost only four games combined in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons combined, while registering 32 victories in that span!

At Amsterdam, league-leader L&D Amsterdam Pirates handed second placed DOOR Neptunus a 9-6 loss. After three scoreless innings, Amsterdam took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning on a double by Fausto Álvarez Rizo and a sacrifice fly by Vince Rooi. Neptunus scored a run in the fifth inning on back-to-back doubles by Lennart Koster and Jeroen Sluijter with two outs, but then Pirates added two runs in its fifth on a 2-run double by Wesley Connor. In the top of the sixth, Neptunus tied the score when Jeffrey Arends hit a 3-run homerun with two outs off new pitcher Mark Kan, who had relieved starter Nick Stuifbergen moments earlier with two runners on base. But again, Pirates reacted with two runs in the home of the sixth to keep the lead for good. With two outs, the runs were scored on singles by Kenny Berkenbosch (who was 4-for-4) and Pavèl van Zaane (who was 3-for-4).

Neptunus made it 6-5 score in the seventh when Eugène Kingsale led off with a triple and scored on a single by Benjamin Dille. In the eighth, Amsterdam increased its lead to 9-5 by adding three runs. With the bases loaded, a run was scored on an infield-hit by Nick Urbanus, his first basehit in the Dutch big league, then another one followed on a single by Maikel Benner, which was followed by a runscoring error. Neptunus added only one more run in the ninth on a single by Eugène Kingsale, who was 3-for-3 and reached base six times. Neptunus left 17 runners behind in the game, including twelve in scoring position and the bases loaded three times.

...HCAW-starter Kevin Miner... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

...Shurty Tremus forces a sliding... ...Laurens Dammers in 5th inning... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

At Bussum, Mr. Cocker HCAW trailed 4-1 vs. ADO with two outs in the home of the ninth inning when it rallied for three runs to tie the score. The game remained tied at 4-4 and was stopped after eleven innings, because the curfew-rule came into effect. Four HCAW-pitchers struckout 15 batters combined, but two wild pitches proved to be very costly. HCAW opened the score in the second inning. Randy Daal, who left the game with a shoulder injury during his next bat, led off with a single, advanced on a sac-bunt by Sytze Visbeen and a single by Quensley Bazoer, then scored in a double steal-situation. But from the fourth inning on, ADO became to take control of the game. In this at bat, HCAW-starter Kevin Miner walked lead-off batters Aeden McQueary-Ennis and Boudewijn van Elswijk. An error on a pick-off then moved both runners, but the two stayed put on a comeback-grounder. Next, McQueary-Ennis scored the tying run on a wild pitch, which was followed by a walk for Dave Steward and another runscoring wild pitch.

ADO increased the lead to 4-1 by scoring runs in the sixth and seventh inning. In the sixth, Boudewijn van Elswijk led off with a single, then advanced on a sac-bunt by Michel Croes and scored on a 2-out single by Niels Weis. In the seventh, the next run also was scored with two outs. Shurty Tremus was on base with a fielder's choice and went on to score when Aeden McQueary-Ennis followed with a triple. The British/American was 3-for-4 with a double and triple, but also was credited with a Blown Save, as he gave up three runs with two outs in the ninth that tied the score.

After scoring its first run in the second inning, HCAW left six runners in the next six innings and then was one out away from a defeat and seventh place. But then, with two outs, HCAW came back off Aeden McQueary-Ennis, who had relieved starter Tyler Levin the inning before. Lead-off hitter Adrian Anthony hit the ball into rightfield, where it landed just in front of rightfielder Niels Weis, who then let the ball go by him for a 2-base error. Next, Laurens Dammers walked and Bart Gabriëls followed with an RBI-single. The bases were then loaded when Michael Pluijmers walked and the score was then tied when Australian Jason Rees followed with a 2-run single.

ADO got to third base in the tenth, but the runner stranded there. In the home of the tenth, HCAW came close to victory when Sytze Visbeen drilled the ball into deep leftfield, but there it was caught by Boudewijn van Elswijk. In the eleventh, HCAW turned a rare double play. With one out, Remco Seitzinger was hit by a pitch. Gregory Hassell then popped the ball up into the infield, where it was caught but dropped. As a result, Seitzinger, who was unable to move from first base, was forced out at second base, but as batter Hassell still was in the batter's box, he was eliminated at first base to complete the double play, which went 5-6-4. In the home of the eleventh, three HCAW-batters were retired in order, which meant the end of the game, as the 10:50 PM curfew-rule was reached. When will we get rid of that rule?

...Bart Gabriëls (69) is welcomed after scoring the tying run... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

In Hoofddorp, Konica Minolta Pioniers won 14-0 vs. MediaMonks RCH, which now has lost eleven in a row. RCH registered six basehits off Ryan Murphy, who went the distance and struckout seven. In 2007, Murphy made his big league-debut while playing for RCH, before going on to play for Pirates last season. Pioniers took charge of the game in the first inning by scoring three runs on a force play-grounder by Mark Duursma, sacrifice fly by Ryan Murphy and a throwing error. Four runs were added in the second at bat on a triple by Norbert Lokhorst, singles by Glen Romney and Murphy and sac-fly by Sergino Martis. After Murphy's single, ten Pionier-batters were retired in order, including the first six by Ewout Bos. The next four were retired by Jean-Paul Gulinck, who threw two scoreless innings, before being relieved by Seppo Slaman, who then was credited with six runs in the next at bat. He was relieved by Jimmy van der Veldt, who gave up an additional run that made it 14-0. Michael Duursma singled twice in the sixth at bat.
(May 7)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

In the coming series, the two current league-leaders L&D Amsterdam Pirates and DOOR Neptunus will meet each other, with games to be played in Amsterdam on Thursday and Sunday and one in Rotterdam on Saturday.

Konica Minolta Pioniers, which currently is in third place, will play its games against MediaMonks RCH, which is winless in last place. Sparta/Feyenoord, which moved into fourth place last weekend and has a 6-game winning streak, is playing against Corendon Kinheim, which dropped out of the top-four into fifth place last Sunday. The remaining series is going between Mr. Cocker HCAW and ADO, which both share sixth place.
(May 5)

Complete Schedule & Starting Pitchers

(May 3)

Standings & Schedule
Line Score & Box Score

(May 2)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

...Jan Collins... (© Photo: MS)

Neptunus started its streak in the 1986 season after it had promoted to the big league the year before. From 1979-1984, Neptunus already had played on the highest level, but relegated in 1984 to the First Division. In total, Neptunus now has played 1179 big league-games. Bench Coach Jan Collins has been the only one to be with Neptunus in all these games, as he is in his 31st season with the team, including 30 in the big league. From 1979-1988, Collins was the regular catcher for Neptunus, then became a coach in 1989.

Neptunus took a 3-0 lead in the second inning off David Bergman, who now is 1-3. With one out, Matt McGraw reached on an infield-hit, which was followed by a throwing error, enabling him to reach second base. After next batter Andy Leer walked, a flyout followed, but then Shaldimar Daantji doubled in the first run. Next, Eugène Kingsale singled to bring in two more runs. Bergman then recovered and threw three scoreless innings, being supported with two double plays.

Neptunus added its fourth run in the sixth inning. Jeffrey Arends led off with a single and advanced when Matt McGraw walked. Hereafter, Bergman was relieved by Onno Baur, who enabled both runners to advance on a wild pitch. After a strikeout, Baur loaded the bases by hitting Jeroen Sluijter with a pitch. Arends then scored on a force play-grounder by Shaldimar Daantji. The lead was increased to 6-0 when two runs were scored in the seventh at bat. Baur walked Eugène Kingsale and hit next batter Benjamin Dille with a pitch. After the two moved on a grounder by Raily Legito, Martijn Meeuwis and Jeffrey Arends followed with RBI-singles to make it 6-0.

Kinheim was held to only four hits in seven innings by Neptunian starter Diegomar Markwell, who struckout five batters. Two of the four hits were produced by Remco Draijer, who also was the lone Kinheim-player to reach third base while Markwell was pitching, who was supported with two double plays. Kinheim scored its two runs in the eighth off new pitcher Jorian van Acker. The rookie walked Remco Draijer and Josh Renick, then gave up an RBI-single to Dirk van 't Klooster. After Tjerk Smeets followed with a force play-grounder, a throwing error was made on another force play-grounder by Bryan Engelhardt, which led to the second run. But then Van Acker struckout the next batter and another grounded ended the at bat. In the ninth inning, Berry van Driel retired the side to secure the win.
(May 1)

Standings & Schedule
Line Score & Box Score

But whatever the results, they all meant nothing, as today's games all started after learning the horrible news of the dramatic happenings in Apeldoorn during the festivities on Queen's Day (the annual anniversary of the Queen's birthday in the presence of the Royal Family), resulting in five fatal victims. (coverage of the situation in Apeldoorn (in Dutch).

...Winning pitcher Ryan Murphy... (© Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

...Rikkert Faneyte... ...back on the mound... (© Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

At Hoofddorp, Ryan Murphy, who last season pitched for the Dutch champion, went the distance for Pioniers and held Amsterdam to only four hits, including two by Björn Henrichs. Leading 1-0, Pioniers rallied for five runs in the second inning off starter Nick Stuifbergen, who walked three and hit two batters in this at bat. Also in this inning, Amsterdam-catcher Maikel Benner was ejected as he had briefly touched Home Plate Umpire Henri van Heijningen. After Pioniers increased its lead to 11-0 in the fourth inning, Pirates' Head Coach Rikkert Faneyte took the mound himself to pitch the remaining two innings and save pitchers for coming weekend's games. It was Faneyte's first big league-appearance since August 26, 2006 when he pitched two innings against Kinheim in the lone game he played the 2006 season when he was the Pitching Coach of the squad. After the 2005 season, in which he played 29 games, he had ended his active career as a player. Fausto Álvarez Rizo, Björn Henrichs and Raban Schalm were the lone players who also played in the game 2 1/2 years ago.

Pioniers opened the score in the first inning when lead-off hitter Jefferson Muzo walked and later scored on a grounder by Mark Duursma. In the second at bat, Tjerk Hogervorst (hit by pitch), Joey Treurniet (fielder's choice) and Andley Simmons (single) loaded the bases with one out, then five runs were scored on only one basehit. The hit came from the bat of next batter Jefferson Muzo, but then Michael Duursma and Mark Duursma walked with the bases loaded, while Norbert Lokhorst was hit by a pitch in between. The last run in the at bat came on a sac-fly by Ryan Murphy. Four runs were added in the third inning off Mark Kan, who took over the pitching for starter Nick Stuifbergen. The righthander walked the first three batters he faced, then gave up another RBI-single to Jefferson Muzo, who had four RBI's, went 3-for-4 and scored three runs. Next, Michael Duursma added a sac-fly. The bases were reloaded when Kan walked Mark Duursma, then two runs were added when both Ryan Murphy and Glenn Romney were hit by a pitch. In the fourth inning, Pioniers made it 11-0 off Raban Schalm, who made his first appearance of the season. He gave up a lead-off triple to Joey Treurniet, who then scored on a grounder by Muzo.

Rikkert Faneyte, who was the pitcher in the fifth and sixth inning, gave up two runs in the sixth. With two outs and Joey Treurniet on first base, he gave up a double to Andley Simmons, followed by an RBI-single by Muzo and an RBI-double to Michael Duursma, who had three RBI's. In total, the four Pirates-hurlers walked ten batters and hit four, while giving up nine basehits. The Pirates-offense was limited to four basehits, including two by Björn Henrichs, who both times was forced out in a double play. Pirates reached second base only once in this game and that happened in the seventh (and last) inning.

...Glenn Romney is forced out at third base... ...in 2nd inning by Pavèl van Zaane... ...In the back in umpire Jos van der Lelie... (© Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

...The scoreboard says it all... ..The winning streak of Amsterdam has ended... ...after eight consecutive victories... (© Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

At Heemstede, ADO failed to hold onto a 2-0 lead vs. RCH, which tied the score in the seventh inning. But in the tenth inning, ADO secured its first win of the season when Gregory Hassell led off with a single and went on to score on a grounder by Boudewijn van Elswijk.

ADO scored its first run in the second inning. The team from The Hague got the bases loaded when Boudewijn van Elswijk singled with one out, followed by walks for Michel Croes and Martijn Riphagen. But then the lead runner was forced out at home on a grounder by Michel Korzeniewski, however a throwing error then followed, enabling Croes to score. ADO made it 2-0 in the fourth at bat when Aeden McQueary-Ennis led off with a walk, advanced on a single by Van Elswijk and a sac-bunt by Croes, then scored on a wild pitch by Joran Klarenbeek, who made his first start of the season for RCH. In the first six innings, RCH reached base only four times, including on a single by Anthony Sandstrom in the first and a double by Ricky Daal in the fourth. But in the seventh at bat, RCH came alongside. ADO-starter Tyler Levin gave up a lead-off single to Ricky Daal, who then was safe on a throwing error on a force play-grounder by Jakub Malik. Reggie Valpoort followed with another force play-grounder, which this time was handled succesfull by the RCH-defense. But then Daal scored on a grounder by Floris Morang and Valpoort went on to score the tying run on an infield-hit by Mark Smit. In the tenth inning, ADO decided the game. Gregory Hassell led off with a single, moved on a sac-bunt by René Verbrugge and a grounder by Shurty Tremus and scored on a grounder by Boudewijn van Elswijk.

...HCAW centerfielder Jason Rees makes an attempt to catch the ball... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

At Bussum, Sparta/Feyenoord-starter Rob Cordemans struckout eleven batters and gave up only three basehits in a complete game shutout vs. HCAW.

Sparta/Feyenoord initially was held scoreless in the first four innings. With one out, Rutger Veugelers singled in the first inning, but then was caught stealing. Herafter, HCAW-starter Kevin Miner retired the next ten batters in a row. But in the fifth, Percy Isenia reached base on a throwing error, then advanced to third base on an one-out single by Roderick Simon. After the bases were loaded with a walk for Imco Rudolph, Isenia scored on a single by Mike Bazuin, but then a double play ended the at bat. The Rotterdam-squad doubled its lead in the next inning. Rutger Veugelers was hit by a pitch, moved to third on a single by Rodney Michel and scored on a force play-grounder by Percy Isenia. The third run was added in the ninth inning off reliever Kyle Ward, after Miner had pitched the first eight. With one out, Roderick Simon walked, advanced on a wild pitch and stole third base, then scored when Imco Rudolph (who had walked) was caught stealing.

Sparta/Feyenoord-starter Rob Cordemans threw a complete game 3-hitter and struckout eleven batters. The veteran righthander gave up a 2-out double to Sytze Visbeen in the first inning, a 2-out single to Bart Gabriëls in the ninth inning and another one right in the middle, a lead-off single by Quensley Bazoer in the fifth at bat. The latter was the lone runner to reach third base in the same at bat. HCAW got only one more runner in this game and that was Michael Pluijmers, who reached base on an error with one out in the sixth. After the double by Visbeen, Cordemans retired ten batters in a row.
(April 30)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

In the coming 3-game series, the current top-4 will meet each other, as will the current bottom-4. Unbeaten league-leader L&D Amsterdam Pirates meets Konica Minolta Pioniers, while second placed DOOR Neptunus, which also is without a loss, is playing against Corendon Kinheim.

An interesting series will be the one between MediaMonks RCH and ADO, who share seventh place and are both winless this season. The remaining series will be played between Mr. Cocker HCAW and Sparta/Feyenoord.

Amongst the 18 announced starters are eleven who will make their fourth start of the season, while two will start a game for the third time and three others are starting their second. Two pitchers will make his first start of the season, being righthander Joran Klarenbeek, who will start the opener for RCH next Thursday, and RHP Kevin Roovers, who is scheduled to start the third game for HCAW next Sunday.
(April 28)

Schedule & Starting Pitchers

At Haarlem, Kinheim was facing a big loss in the eighth inning vs. HCAW, but managed to come back and win one of the craziest games in history. It again proofed that everything is possible in baseball and also again underscored the legendary statement of famous Yankee-catcher Yogi Berra, who once said ''It ain't over till' its over''. Kinheim played in the weekend without its regular centerfielder Danny Rombley, who was benched out of precaution after pulling a muscle in last Thursday's game.

In the first four innings, the two teams were up to each other with HCAW leading 6-3. HCAW took a 2-0 lead in the second on a grounder by Siemen Korff and a double by Juriën Overman, then added a run in the third on a single by Quensley Bazoer. Kinheim reacted with two runs in its third, scoring on a wild pitch and a single by Bryan Engelhardt, but then HCAW increased its lead to 6-2 by scoring three runs in the fourth. A sac-fly by Michael Pluijmers, single by Bart Gabriëls and wild pitch accounted for the runs. Kinheim came back with a run in the home of the fourth on a force play-grounder by Josh Renick.

...Kinheim celebrates the amazing comeback-victory... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

From the sixth inning on, HCAW started to take more distance and had lifted the lead to 11-4 when the bottom of the eighth started. HCAW added a run in the sixth on another single by Gabriëls and scored three runs in the seventh, thanks to a 2-run triple by Korff and a single by Overman. Kinheim scored a run in the seventh on a single by Dirk van 't Klooster, who later was thrown out at third base trying to advance on a single by Tjerk Smeets. Kinheim got the bases loaded when two batters walked, but three runners stranded. HCAW got the run back in the eighth on a 2-out single by Adrian Anthony, making it 11-4.

In the home of the eighth, one of the stunniest comebacks ever was set into motion when Kinheim rallied for seven runs to tie the score at 11-11! Forstin Coenraad, who had taken over the pitching the previous inning for starter Andre Hughes, gave up a lead-off double to René Cremer and then walked Remco Draijer. The two scored when Josh Renick followed with a double, which marked the end for Coenraad, who was replaced by Rutger Zwaal. But the latter left the mound after five batters and no outs. Zwaal gave up consecutive singles to Dirk van 't Klooster, Tjerk Smeets and Bryan Engelhardt and hit Jeffrey Verbij with a pitch. This led to two more runs, an 11-8 score and got the bases loaded. Next, a run was scored when short stop Bart Gabriëls made an error on a grounder by Rafaël Jozefa. Zwaal was relieved by Kevin Roovers, who gave up a sacrifice fly to Kevin Weijgertse, which put Kinheim within one run. After striking out René Cremer, Roovers gave up a single to Remco Draijer, which tied the score!

After everyone has caught his or her breath again from all the action, both teams had another spectacular inning ahead of them. HCAW recovered from the sudden comeback and re-took the lead by scoring three runs in the top of the ninth. New pitcher Onno Baur walked lead-off hitter Juriën Overman and gave up a single to Andy Raaff and was relieved by Michiel van Kampen. Overman was then forced out on a grounder by Michael Pluijmers, but then Bart Gabriëls walked to load the bases. Next, Jason Rees cleared the bases with a 3-run double to give HCAW a 14-11 lead. In the home of the ninth, HCAW was one out away from victory, but then Kinheim staged another comeback. New pitcher Joep de Wit gave up a lead-off single to Dirk van 't Klooster (who was 3-for-6), but then got two quick outs. Van 't Klooster then advanced on a wild pitch and pinch-hitter Jason Halman singled. De Wit was replaced by Joey Eijpe, who was the starting pitcher of the day before. Eijpe loaded the bases by walking Rafaël Jozefa and then gave up an infield-hit to Kevin Weijgertse, which brought in Van 't Klooster. As a throwing error by first baseman Randy Daal followed the hit, Halman also scored. With runners on second and third base, it was not opted to walk next batter René Cremer intentionally to set up a force play. Instead, Cremer was pitched to and he came throught with a single that scored both runners and give Kinheim an unbelievable come-from-behind 15-14 victory! You had to be there to believe it!

At The Hague, Amsterdam remained unbeaten and defeated winless ADO 7-2 on twelve basehits, including three by Zaïr Koeiman (3-for-3), who now leads the league with a .567 batting average and shares the lead with teammate Wesley Connor with 17 basehits. Koeiman singled in the first run in the second inning with two outs, enabling Vince Rooi (infield-hit) to score. In the fourth, Rooi doubled with one out and scored on a 2-out single by Björn Henrichs. Pirates made it 3-0 in the sixth when Bas de Jong reached second base on a throwing error and scored on an infield-hit by Koeiman, his third hit in three at bats. ADO then scored its first run in the home of the sixth when Shurty Tremus tripled with one out and scored on a 2-out double by Aeden McQueary-Ennis.

Amsterdam increased the lead to 5-1 by scoring twice in the seventh at bat. With two outs, Sidney de Jong doubled and Fausto Álvarez Rizo (the league-leader with 15 RBI's) was walked intentionally. But then De Jong scored on two consecutive wild pitches by starter Ludwin Obispo, who then gave up an RBI-single to Bas de Jong. ADO scored another run in the its seventh on a single by René Verbrugge, but left the bases loaded. In the eighth, Amsterdam again scored two runs. Pavèl van Zaane led off with a single off new pitcher Aeden McQueary-Ennis and Zaïr Koeiman walked and the bases got loaded when Björn Henrichs also singled. The first two scored on sacrifce flies by Wesley Connor and Maikel Benner to make it 7-2.

...Matt McGraw is forced out in 3rd inning... (© Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

At Hoofddorp, Neptunus also remained unbeaten (six wins, one tie) by winning 7-3 vs. Pioniers, which came after two tough games with the first ending in a tie and the second in a late come-from-behind-win. This time, Neptunus struck early, scoring three runs in the second inning. Pionier-starter Daan de Jong gave up a lead-off single to Martijn Meeuwis and walked Jeffrey Arends, then gave up an RBI-single to Matt McGraw, a runscoring grounder to Andy Leer and another RBI-single to Jeroen Sluijter. Pioniers got one run back in its second when Mark Duursma led off with a single and scored on a double play-grounder by Sergino Martis. Pioniers left the bases loaded in the third.

Neptunus added two runs in the fourth. De Jong walked Jeroen Sluijter and Shaldimar Daantji, then Shane Gnade took over the pitching, but also walked Eugène Kingsale to load the bases. A single by Benjamin Dille and a force play-grounder by Martijn Meeuwis then lifted the lead to 5-1. In the home of the fourth, Pioniers scored another run when Norbert Lokhorst led off with a double and went on to score on a wild pitch.

In the fifth, Neptunus scored their last two runs in the game. Andy Leer (walk) scored on a single by Shaldimar Daantji, who then went on to score on an error, which followed an infield-hit by Eugène Kingsale. Pioniers had also one run left in its fifth when Michael Duursma doubled and scored on a single by Edwin de Graaf.

At Rotterdam, Sparta/Feyenoord moved into a tie for fifth place after winning 10-1 vs. RCH, which remained winless. Sparta/Feyenoord got 12 basehits, including at least one by all nine starting players. The home team opened the score with two runs in the first inning on a wild pitch and a grounder by Eldrion Regina, but RCH came back with a run in the second. Ferd van Stekelenburg led off with a single and scored on a triple by Reggie Valpoort, who then was eliminated in a double play after next batter Giovanni Valmont grounded out. It was to be RCH's lone run. In the remained of the game, Valpoort became the lone runner to reach third base in the seventh inning, but in the same action was thrown out at the plate trying to score on a single by Jaïr Roseburg.

Sparta/Feyenoord got the run back in the home of the second in a steal-situation, then added two runs in the fourth on a throwing error and a single by Rutger Veugelers. In the seventh, five runs were added to increase the lead to 10-1. RCH's third pitcher in the game, Seppo Slaman made his first appearance of the season, but walked Gino Henson and gave up a single to Rutger Veugelers, which was followed by a passed ball and an RBI-triple to Rodney Michel. Slaman was relieved by Jean-Paul Gulinck, who today pitched in relief after having started two previous games. The lefthander was greeted with an RBI-single by Percy Isenia, walked the next two batters, had two wild pitches and saw two more runs being scored on a single by Mike Bazuin and a throwing error. Ewout Bos then became the third pitcher in the inning and ended the at bat with a double play.
(April 26)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

At Rotterdam, after initially leading 5-0, Pioniers was two outs away from a 5-4 victory vs. Neptunus, but was left empty-handed, as it lost 6-5 in ten innings. Pioniers committed four errors in the eighth through tenth inning to give Neptunus five unearned runs.

Neptunus-starter Diegomar Markwell retired the first nine batters he faced, then gave a lead-off single to Jefferson Muzo in the fourth, but no harm was done. However, the lefty and his successor Jorian van Acker ran into problems in the fifth when they were unable to find the strikezone and walked five batters combined. In the inning, Pioniers scored five runs with two outs to take what looked to be a comfortable lead. With one out, Markwell walked Jeffrey de Vrieze and Joey Treurniet, then gave up a single to Tjerk Hogervorst, which loaded the bases. De Vrieze was then forced out at home on a comeback-grounder by Jefferson Muzo and it appeared that Neptunus would escape unharmed. But then Markwell walked Michael Duursma and Norbert Lokhorst to bring in two runs. With the bases still loaded, Markwell was relieved by Van Acker, who started by walking Mark Duursma and make it 3-0. Next, Ryan Murphy singled in a run, which was followed by a throwing error towards home, resulting in a 5-0 lead. But that would be all for Pioniers, as Van Acker gave up only two more hits in the next four innings and Pioniers would reach second base only two more times.

Neptunus left eight runners behind in the first five innings off starter Roger Kops, including the bases loaded in the fifth. Leading 5-0, Robin van Doornspeek took over the pitching for Pioniers and threw two shutout innings, but then was credited with four unearned runs in the eighth. Van Doornspeek first walked Martijn Meeuwis, then Jeffrey Arends reached on an error, which put runners on first and third. Meeuwis then scored on a sac-fly by Lennart Koster, followed by a groundout, which would have been the third out. Next, Jeroen Sluijter walked and Neptunus then scored twice on a double by Shaldimar Daantji, who advanced on an outfield-error. Van Doornspeek was replaced by Maarten Mulder, who gave up a double to Eugène Kingsale that made 5-4. In the ninth inning, lead-off hitter Raily Legito reached on an error, then advanced on a sac-bunt. After stealing third base, he scored the tying run on a single by Jeffrey Arends, but two runners were left behind, meaning the game went into extra innings. In the tenth inning, Neptunus went on to score the winning run. Shaldimar Daantji (3-for-5) led off with a single and was awarded second base when Jan Rehacek (who entered the game the inning before) balked. After Eugène Kingsale walked, Rehacek was replaced by Al Morales Gomes, who saw the two runners advanced on a sac-bunt by Benjamin Dille. The bases were then loaded by walking Raily Legito intentionally to set up a force play. The decision appeared to be effective, as next batter Martijn Meeuwis hit the ball to short stop Michael Duursma for a double play grounder. But Duursma threw the ball passed second baseman Norbert Lokhorst, enabling Daantji to score and give Neptunus the win.

...Michael Pluijmers scores tying run in 4th inning... ...Tjerk Smeets puts on the tag... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

At Bussum, Kinheim failed to hold the lead twice vs. HCAW, but in the end left the field as the winning team, scoring seven runs in the last two at bats to make it 12-5.

Kinheim struck first in the fourth inning by scoring four runs. With one out, Bryan Engelhardt doubled and Jason Halman singled, then Kevin Weijgertse followed with an RBI-single. Next, Rafaël Jozefa hit a 3-run homerun of starter Joey Eijpe to lift the lead to 4-0. However, HCAW reacted immediately and also scored four runs in its fourth at bat. Kinheim-starter Patrick Beljaards walked lead-off hitter Quensley Bazoer, then got two quick outs. The lefthander then made a fielding error himself on a grounder by Laurens Dammers and followed with a wild pitch, putting runners on second and third base. The two scored when next batter Adrian Anthony singled. Michael Pluijmers also singled and this time, the two runners scored on a double by Bart Gabriëls, which marked the end for Beljaards.

In the fifth, Kinheim re-took the lead. Dirk van 't Klooster led off with a walk, whereafter Joey Eijpe was relieved by Kyle Ward, but he would give up a 2-out RBI-single to Kevin Weijgertse, who was 3-for-5. Again, HCAW came alongside in its fifth. Onno Baur, who had relieved Patrick Beljaards, issued a walk to Quensley Bazoer, who then stole second base and went on to score on a sac-fly by Siemen Korff. In the remaining four innings, HCAW reached base eight times, but stranded six runners, including two on third base. In the sixth, they had the bases loaded when Adrian Anthony was caught stealing and the at bat ended with a strikeout. In the seventh, another runner was left at third base.

In the end, HCAW's bullpen was unable to hold Kinheim, which came back with two runs in the eighth inning. Rafaël Jozefa singled and Remco Draijer reached on a throwing error by pitcher Kevin Roovers on his sac-bunt. After the bases were loaded with a walk and the next batter struckout, Dirk van 't Klooster singled to bring in both runners and make it 7-5. In the ninth, Kinheim added five runs off new pitcher Joep de Wit. With one out, Rafaël Jozefa and Remco Draijer singled, then the first scored on an infield-hit by Josh Renick. Next, the bases were loaded when René Cremer walked, followed by an RBI-grounder by Dirk van 't Klooster and a 3-run homerun by Tjerk Smeets to make it 12-5. All players in the Kinheim batting order scored at least once.

...Rafaël Jozefa homers in 4th inning... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

...Tjerk Smeets homers in 9th inning... (© Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

...Gregory Hassell steals third base in first inning... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

...Fausto Álvarez Rizo... ...3-run homerun... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

At Amsterdam, the home team led only 4-1 after six innings, but Amsterdam went on to win 11-3 to register its seventh win in a row and hand ADO its sixth consecutive loss. Initially, ADO opened the score in the first inning, but that lead lasted only briefly. Amsterdam-starter Adam Blackley walked Gregory Hassell and René Verbrugge to start the game, then gave up an RBI-single with two outs to Michel Korzeniewski, which gave ADO an 1-0 lead. Pirates answered with two runs in the second at bat off Jurrian Koks. Vince Rooi led off with a double and Zaïr Koeiman reached on a fielder's choice, then the two scored on back-to-back singles by Björn Henrichs and Wesley Connor.

After leaving the bases loaded in the third inning and two more runners in the fourth, Pirates added two runs in the fifth. With one out, Kenny Berkenbosch doubled and Pavèl van Zaane walked, then both scored on a double by Zaïr Koeiman. Four runs were then scored in the seventh at bat off Jeoffrey de Groot, who took over for starter Jurrian Koks after Koeiman's double in the fifth. With one out, De Groot gave up a single to Björn Henrichs (who was 3-for-4) and then an RBI-double to Wesley Connor (who was 4-for-6). With two outs, Sidney de Jong walked, followed by a 3-run homerun by Fausto Álvarez Rizo. In the eighth, De Groot gave up lead-off singles to Berkenbosch and Van Zaane, then Koeiman (3-for-5) followed with a 3-run homeun to make it 11-3. ADO had scored twice in the top of the eighth when Mark Kan, who relieved Adam Blackley after six innings, walked Boudewijn van Elswijk and Michel Korzeniewski and hit pinch-hitter Michel Croes with a pitch. A sac-fly by Remco Seitzinger and a single by Dave Steward then gave ADO its two runs, but Pirates reacted with three more of its own.

...Young Pirates-fans watch the game... (© Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

...Winning pitcher Adam Blackley... (© Photo: Henk Seppen)

At Heemstede, Sparta/Feyenoord broke an 1-1 tie in the sixth inning and went on to win 8-1 vs. RCH, which is still winless. In the third, Sparta/Feyenoord scored its first run when Nick Eppinga singled with Mike Bazuin in first base. Bazuin then was caught stealing, putting Eppinga at second base, who then advanced and scored when next batter Gino Henson flied out and an error followed. RCH came alongside in its third when Jim Leijenaar singled and scored on a single by Anthony Sandstrom, his first basehit in the Dutch big league.

Sparta/Feyenoord took a 3-2 lead in the sixth inning. With one out, Roderick Simon and Eldrion Regina singled, followed by RBI-singles by Imco Rudolph and Mike Bazuin, which led to a pitching change. Sparta/Feyenoord then added five more runs in the last two innings. In the eighth, off rookie pitcher Jurandy Girigori, Eldrion Regina tripled with one out and Imco Rudolph walked, then the two scored on a 2-out single by Nick Eppinga. Three runs were scored in the ninth off new pitcher Ewout Bos. Rutger Veugelers walked and Rodney Michel singled, then the two scored when Percy Isenia doubled. With one out, Regina again tripled to make it 8-1.

After scoring its run in the third, RCH failed to add more runs and left six runners. In the fifth, with an 1-1 score, Jaïr Roseburg singled and Anthony Sandstrom doubled, but Roseburg was thrown out at the plate trying to score. In the sixth, now trailing 3-1, Tomas Casa led off for RCH with a triple, but stranded at third base.
April 25)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

...HCAW-starter Kevin Miner... (Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

At Bussum, Kinheim-starter David Bergman dominated vs. HCAW, striking out 13 batters in seven innings. In the first six at bats, the righthander gave up a lead-off single in the second inning to Randy Daal, who would be the lone runner for HCAW in that period! Leading 3-0, Bergman gave up a lead-off double to Bart Gabriëls in the seventh, followed by a 2-run homerun by Jason Rees. But hereafter, Bergman struckout the next three batters. Things went wrong for Kinheim in the eighth inning when HCAW rallied for six runs to win 8-3!

...Jason Rees homers in the 8th inning... (Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

In the first four innings, HCAW turned three double plays, but also gave up the first Kinheim-run. Starter Kevin Miner, who was supported with a double play in the second and third at bat, walked Tjerk Smeets and Bryan Engelhardt to start the fourth inning, then the bases got loaded when Rafaël Jozefa singled. Smeets then scored when HCAW turned its third double play on a grounder by Kevin Weijgertse. Kinheim then increased the lead to 3-0 in the fifth. With one out, Josh Renick reached on an error and stole second base. With two outs, Dirk van 't Klooster walked, followed by a 2-run triple by Tjerk Smeets, which made it 3-0.

After being silenced by David Bergman for six innings, HCAW started to come back in the seventh inning when Jason Rees hit his third homerun of the season (all hit in home games) to make it 3-2. In the eighth, Siemen Korff also led off with a double, then Laurens Dammers reached on a throwing error by Bergman on a sac-bunt. Hereafter, Bergman was relieved by Nick Veltkamp. Juriën Overman then popped out and next batter Andy Raaff also would have been retired on a foul-fly, but catcher Tjerk Smeets and first baseman Rafaël Jozefa collided, missing the catch. Next, the rookie singled to bring in the tying run. The bases then got loaded when Veltkamp walked Bart Gabriëls and was relieved by Michiel van Kampen. The closer first struckout Jason Rees, but then walked Randy Daal, leading to the go-ahead run. Next, Adrian Anthony cleared the bases with a 3-run triple to make it 7-3 and later scored himself on an infield-hit by Sytze Visbeen.

...SS Bart Gabriëls completes a double play... ...in 2nd inning; Kevin Weijgertse slides... (Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

...1B Rafaël Jozefa and C Tjerk Smeets... ...collide in the 8th inning... (Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

...Fausto Álvarez Rizo... ...4-for-6, 2 2B, 6 RBI... (Photo: Henk Seppen)

...Amsterdam-starter... ...Nick Stuifbergen... (Photo: Henk Seppen)

At The Hague, Amsterdam led 4-1 after seven innings, then added nine more runs in the next two at bats to win big vs. ADO. Amsterdam collected 17 basehits, including four by Fausto Álvarez Rizo, who doubled twice and also had six RBI's. Wesley Connor reached base five times and had three hits. Zaïr Koeiman singled twice, doubled and tripled to also collect four basehits.

The league-leader took charge of the game right away in the first inning by scoring three runs. American pitcher Tyler Levin, who had two fine relief-outings last weekend, made his first start of the season, but gave up three doubles to the first four batters. Wesley Connor led off with a double, then Maikel Benner walked. Sidney de Jong (one-run) and Fausto Álvarez Rizo (2-run) then followed with back-to-back RBI-doubles. ADO reacted with one run in its first at bat, but that would be their lone run. Amsterdam-starter Nick Stuifbergen walked lead-off batter Gregory Hassell, who later scored on a grounder by Boudewijn van Elswijk. After throwing five hitless innings, Stuifbergen gave up an infield-hit to rookie René Verbrugge with one out in the sixth. In the next at bat, Rik Geestman took over and gave up ADO's second and last hit in the game to Ludwin Obispo, who led off the eighth with an infield-hit. Pim Walsma threw the ninth inning for Pirates.

Leading 4-1, Amsterdam rallied for six runs in the eighth inning off reliever Reynaldo Sarmiento Claro, who took over for Tyler Levin. Pavèl van Zaane led off with an infield-hit, then Zaïr Koeiman singled. With one out, the bases got loaded when Wesley Connor was hit by a pitch. Maikel Benner and Sidney de Jong then followed with RBI-singles. Next, Fausto Álvarez Rizo cleared the bases with a 3-run double. Rookie Lukas Reinders was then brought in to relief Sarmiento and saw another run being scored when an error was made on a grounder by Vince Rooi.

Amsterdam increased the lead to 13-1 by adding three runs in the ninth inning. Zaïr Koeiman led off with a triple and Björn Henrichs walked, then Wesley Connor singled in a run. The next two batters then walked to bring in another run and Reinders was relieved by Britan Aeden McQueary-Ennis, who gave up an RBI-single to Fausto Álvarez Rizo to make it 13-1.

...Wesley Connor steals 2B in 2nd inning... ...Shurty Tremus makes the tag... (Photo: Henk Seppen)

...1B Myson Cathalina (70), SS Shurty Tremus... ...and 2B Ludwin Obispo (2) listen... ...to Fausto Álvarez Rizo... (Photo: Henk Seppen)

At Rotterdam, Sparta/Feyenoord scored two early runs and held onto the lead to shutout RCH and register its first win of the season. In the first inning, Nick Eppinga led off with a single, stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch by Jimmy van der Veldt. With one out, Eppinga scored when an error was made on a grounder by Rodney Michel. After leaving runners on second and third base in the second inning, Sparta/Feyenoord added a run in the third inning. The third at bat initially was a repeat of the first. Rodney Michel led off with a infield-hit, stole second and advanced on a wild pitch, then went on to score on a 2-out single by Eldrion Regina.

In the fourth inning, Joran Klarenbeek took over for Van der Veldt and kept Sparta/Feyenoord under control. He struckout eight batters (including the first four he faced) and gave up only three more basehits. RCH stranded seven runners and failed to reach second base in the first eight innings off starter Rob Cordemans, who struckout twelve and gave up only three hits. In the ninth, off new pitcher Roy Beems, RCH came close to a run, but stranded three runners. Derick Francisca led off with a bunt-single, but then his pinch-runner Mark Smit was forced out on a grounder by Jakub Malik. Next, Tomas Casa singled and the bases got loaded when Ferd van Stekelenburg singled with two outs. But then, the inning and the game ended when Reggie Valpoort flied out. Making his debut in a RCH-uniform was short stop Anthony Sandstrom, but the replacement for Czech Petr Baroch struckout in his first three at bats and committed the lone RCH-error. Baroch returned home one day before the season started.

...Under the sunset in Hoofddorp, Niels Harteveld... ...makes his big league-debut with Neptunus... (Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

At Hoofddorp, Pioniers led 3-2 in the sixth vs. Neptunus, but the game ended in a 3-3 tie and was stopped after nine innings, because of the 10:50 PM curfew-rule (yes, it still exists). Neptunus initally took a 2-0 lead in the first inning off starter Ryan Murphy. Eugène Kingsale led off the game with a double and advanced on a grounder by Benjamin Dille. With two outs, Martijn Meeuwis walked and then Jeffrey Arends followed with a 2-run single to give Neptunus an early lead.

...Raily Legito is greeted after his... ...homerun in the 6th inning... (Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

Pioniers got one run back in its first. Jefferson Muzo led off with a double off rookie-starter Niels Harteveld (who made his big league-debut) and advanced on a wild pitch. He then scored on an one-out single by Norbert Lokhorst. Mark Duursma then walked, but two runners stranded when the 16-year old Harteveld struckout next batters Ryan Murphy and Tjerk Hogervorst. In the second inning, Pioniers got Sergino Martis (double) and Andley Simmons (single) on third and first base with one out, but then Jefferson Muzo flied into a double play.

In the third inning, Pioniers came alongside, but failed to take the lead, stranding three runners. With one out, Norbert Lokhorst and Mark Duursma walked and Harteveld was relieved by Jurjen van Zijl, who loaded the bases by walking Ryan Murphy, but Pioniers went on to score only once. First, Lokhorst was forced out at home on a grounder by Tjerk Hogervorst, then a run was scored when Van Zijl also walked Sergino Martis. But then, the inning ended when Joey Treurniet struckout.

Pioniers took a 3-2 lead in the fifth inning, but again failed to add more runs. Norbert Lokhorst led off with a double and Mark Duursma walked. After a flyout, the bases were loaded when Tjerk Hogervorst reached on an infield-hit. Next, Lokhorst scored the go-ahead run when Sergino Martis also got on with an infield-hit. This time, the inning ended when Joery Treurniet grounded into a double play. Neptunus reacted immediately and tied the score when Raily Legito led off the sixth with a homerun. In the remaining three innings, both teams reached base, but failed to add more runs. Neptunus stranded four runners in the final three at bats, while Pioniers left five runners.
(April 23)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

Almost all probable starting pitchers have been announced for this 3-game series. For some games, a starter has yet to be named, which depends on which pitchers are needed in previous games. Amongst the 18 announced starters are six who will make their first start of the season.
(April 22)

Schedule & Starting Pitchers

...Pinch-runner Orson Slaats is forced out... ...at 2B by rookie Seb Visser in 9th inning... (Photo: Henk Seppen)

At Rotterdam, Amsterdam Pirates won its second extra inning game in two days. After winning 3-2 on Saturday in 10 innings, the squad needed eleven today to win 7-4, despite leading 4-0 in the fifth at bat. Pirates opened the score with two runs in the first inning. Wesley Connor and Maikel Benner led off with singles and advanced on a sac-bunt. After Fausto Álvarez Rizo was walked intentionally, Sparta/Feyenoord-starter Tim Roodenburg hit next batter Bas de Jong with a pitch, then gave up a sac-fly to Vince Rooi to make it 2-0. Two runs were added in the fifth inning. Wesley Connor again led off with a single, then Sidney de Jong singled with one out, followed by an RBI-single by Fausto Álvarez Rizo. The bases were loaded when Vince Rooi walked with two outs, then a throwing error on a grounder by Pavèl van Zaane enabled De Jong to make it 4-0, but a grounder followed, stranding three runners.

...Nick Eppinga (ex-Pirates) slides passed Maikel Benner (ex-Sparta)... ...to score the tying run in the 8th inning... (Photo: Henk Seppen)

In the home of the fifth, Sparta/Feyenoord came back with two runs off Pirate-starter Jos de Jong. Roderick Simon and Eldrion Regina singled and went on to score on a single by Imco Rudolph and a sac-fly by Mike Bazuin. After throwing seven fine innings, De Jong was relieved by Kenny Berkenbosch in the eighth with Pirates leading 4-2. However, with two outs, Sparta/Feyenoord came alongside. Sape Wagenaar and Nick Eppinga singled, then the bases got loaded when Gino Henson walked. Rutger Veugelers followed with a single, which tied the score. With runners on second and third base, Percy Isenia was walked intentionally, then the home team left the bases loaded when a flyout followed. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Sparta/Feyenoord was close to the winning run. With one out, Imco Rudolph reached on an error and stole second base. Pitcher Gregory Gustina was then brought in as a surprise pinch-hitter and walked, then was replaced by a pinch-runner at first base. But then a force out and strikeout ended the inning.

In the tenth inning, Pirate-rookie Seb Visser, who entered the game in the fifth to make his big league-debut, reached on an infield-hit, but the visiting team struck with three runs in the eleventh. Herman Gaarman, who had taken over the pitching in the seventh, walked lead-off hitter Wesley Connor, who then advanced on a sac-bunt. After Sidney de Jong was walked intentionally, Fausto Álvarez Rizo followed with an RBI-single to give Amsterdam a renewed lead. Another intentional pass followed, this time for Bas de Jong, resulting in a pitching change. Roy Beems, who last year pitched in the Rookie Team of Amsterdam, took over and saw a run being scored when an error was made on a grounder by Vince Rooi. A basesloaded walk for Pavèl van Zaane then increased the lead to 7-4. Next, Seb Visser fouled out, resulting in a double play, as Bas de Jong, the runner on third base, was caught up in a rundown to end the inning. Mark Kan became Amsterdam's third pitcher in the eleventh, gave up a 2-out double to Imco Rudolph, but gave up no runs to earn a save, his first since 2007.

At Rotterdam, Neptunus was facing a 3-1 deficit in the seventh inning, but then scored three runs to win 4-3. After leaving two runners in the first inning, Neptunus scored the first run in the third inning. With one out, Eugène Kingsale doubled, advanced on a wild pitch, then scored on a fielding error. HCAW was silenced in the first three innings by Kevin Heijstek, but then scored twice in the fourth at bat with two outs. Jason Rees then singled and stole second base, then scored the tying run when Randy Daal followed with a single. Singles by Quensley Bazoer and Sytze Visbeen then gave HCAW a 2-1 lead. HCAW left two more runners in scoring position in the next two at bats, but then added a run in the seventh off new pitcher Jurjen van Zijl. With one out, Adrian Anthony singled and went on to score on a single by Bart Gabriëls, who was 3-fof-5. But then Jason Rees struckout, leaving two more runners in scoring position.

HCAW-starter Joey Eijpe held Neptunus to only four hits in six innings, but the lefthander then walked Matt McGraw to lead-off the seventh inning. Eijpe was relieved by rookie Kyle Ward, who loaded the bases by walking Jeroen Sluijter and Shaldimar Daantji. Ward was replaced by Kevin Roovers, who returned last week from Australia. The righthander started with a flyout, but then ran into problems. A sac-fly by Benjamin Dille led to a run, then Raily Legito followed with a double to tie the score. Next, Roovers uncorked a wild pitch which gave Neptunus a 4-3 lead.

...ADO-hurler Tyler Levin: 5 StrikeOuts... (Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

At The Hague, Pioniers collected 15 basehits, including at least one by all nine starting players. Third baseman Joey Treurniet had three basehits, while Michael Duursma scored four runs. Norbert Lokhorst contributed with four runs batted in. Pioniers opened with a 4-run rally in the first inning on RBI-singles by Michael Duursma, Mark Duursma and Joey Treurniet and a triple by Norbert Lokhorst. Two runs were added in the second inning on a grounder and an error, then made it 7-0 in the fourth on a single by Tjerk Hogervorst.

In the home of the fourth, Britan Aeden McQueary-Ennis accounted for a hightlight on ADO's side, as he hit an inside-the-park-homerun. While chasing the ball, centerfielder Jefferson Muzo ran into the fence and left the game an inning later. Pioniers added two runs in the fifth on a balk and a single by Lokhorst, then scored another run in the sixth when Joey Treurniet tripled and scored on a single by Andley Simmons. In the home of the sixth, ADO scored its second run when Shurty Tremus tripled and scored on a single by Boudewijn van Elswijk. Pioniers was then held hitless in the seventh and eighth inning by American pitcher Tyler Levin, who struckout five, but increased the lead to 14-2 by scoring four more runs off his successor Aeden McQueary-Ennis on a basesloaded walk, two sacrifice flies and a single by Jeffrey de Vrieze.

At Haarlem, Kinheim opened the score in the fifth inning vs. RCH, which turned two double plays in the first and third inning. Australian starter Chris Mowday held Kinheim to four hits, but then gave up a run in the fifth. With one out, rookie Kevin Weijgertse singled, advanced on a 2-out error and scored on a single by Josh Renick. Two runs were added in the seventh inning off two relievers. In the seventh, Jurandy Girigori took over for Mowday to make his big league-debut. The lefthander gave up a lead-off single to Jason Halman, who then advanced on a sac-bunt. After walking René Cremer, Girigori got a flyout from the next batter, but was then replaced by Dave Draijer. The veteran loaded the bases by hitting Josh Renick with a pitch, then gave up a 2-run single to Danny Rombley, which made it 3-0.

RCH stranded eight runners. In the third inning, the team got the bases loaded with one out, but then Reggie Valpoort grounded into a double play. In the sixth, Kinheim-starter Duko Jansen (who gave up only two hits, both in the third), walked two batters and was relieved by Patrick Beljaards. The lefthander (and Kinheim) then ended the inning when Tomas Casa grounded into a double play. In the remaining three innings, RCH added five basehits, but reached second base only twice. For Kinheim, this was its second win in a row against its former coach Bernie Beckman, who this season leads RCH. From 1999-2002, Beckman was the Head Coach of Kinheim, with current Kinheim's Head Coach Eelco Jansen being a member of the pitching staff. But this weekend, Jansen led his squad to a victory against his mentor.
(April 19)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

...Björn Henrichs... ...Game Winning Single... (Photo: Henk Seppen)

At Amsterdam, the home team trailed 1-0, but then came ahead thanks to a double by Sidney de Jong and single by Björn Henrichs. However, Sparta/Feyenoord came alongside in the ninth inning to force extra innings. Pirates then decided the game in the tenth inning to win 3-2 when Zaïr Koeiman singled with two outs and scored on another single by Henrichs, who was 3-for-5.

In the first five innings of the game, Amsterdam got the most chances, but failed to score, leaving eight runners behind, including the bases loaded in the fourth at bat. In the first, Wesley Connor led off with a single, then three outs followed. In the second, Bas de Jong and Kenny Berkenbosch led off with singles, but stranded. In the fourth, the first four batters reached base (including one on a force play grounder), but then three runners were left behind. In the fifth, a runner stranded at third base. Sparta/Feyenoord reached base only four times in the first five at bat off Australian starter Adam Blackley, stranded two runners on third base, but then opened the score in the sixth. Rubinet Koko led off with a double, then advanced and even scored on a throwing error by Blackley.

Pirates came alongside in the seventh. With two outs, Maikel Benner, who had reached base on an error, scored on a double by Sidney de Jong. The home team then took lead in the next at bat off new pitcher Gregory Gustina, who relieved starter Rob Cordemans. Vince Rooi led off with a double and went on to score on a 2-out single by Björn Henrichs. Sparta/Feyenoord came alongside in the ninth off closer Pim Walsma to force extra innings With two outs, Eldrion Regina and Nick Eppinga singled, then veteran Roderick Simon followed with an RBI-single to make it 2-2. In the tenth inning, Sparta/Feyenoord got two runners on base with one out. Gino Henson had singled and advanced to third base on a single by Rutger Veugelers. Henson was then eliminated during a failed squeeze attempt in which batter Percy Isenia missed the ball. In the home of the tenth, Zaïr Koeiman singled with one out, was awarded second base when Gregory Gustina balked and scored the winning runs when Björn Henrichs again followed with a single.

...Pionier-starter Ryan Murphy... ...five hitless innings... (Photo: www.reni-foto.nl)

At Hoofddorp, Pioniers won 5-2 vs. ADO, but the win came in jeopardy halfway. Leading 2-0, Pionier-starter Ryan Murphy was relieved after five innings, despite throwing a No-Hitter. Al Morales Gomes took over, but ran into problems immediately and was relieved by Czech Jan Rehacek, who gave up an RBI-single to Shurty Tremus and issued a basesloaded walk to Michel Korzeniewski, enabling ADO to come alongside. Pioniers reacted immediately with three runs in its sixth inning on a 2-run single by Andley Simmons and a grounder. ,,We protect pitchers early in the season and work with a pitch count of 60'', explained Pioniers' interim Head Coach Theo Geerman the relief of Murphy after the game. Geerman currently fills in for Head Coach Frank Koene, who is sitting out a suspension of last season.

Pioniers scored the first run in the first at bat, but also stranded two runners. With one out, Michael Duursma scored on a single by Ryan Murphy, who also contributed in the second run and controlled the ADO-offense while being a pitcher. In the third, Duursma led off with a double and scored when an error was made on a grounder by Murphy. As a pitcher, Murphy retired nine of the first ten batters he faced, including the first seven in a row and was supported with a double play in the fourth at bat. In the sixth, Al Morales Gomes took over the pitching and gave up an one-out single to Remco Seitzinger, which broke the No-Hitter. After walking Gregory Hassell and René Verbrugge, the bases got loaded and Jan Rehacek was brought in, but he was greeted with an RBI-single by Shurty Tremus, then led the tying run being scored by issueing a basesloaded walk to Michel Korzeniewski. By taking Murphy off the mound, the Pioniers batting order also was adjusted, as the Canadian batted for himself and remained in the game as third baseman. This eventually resulted in seven players being listed in the number 8 slot of the batting order.

With the score now tied at 2-2 Pioniers re-took the lead by scoring three runs in the home of the sixth. With one out, Tjerk Hogervorst (walk), Norbert Lokhorst (single) and pinch-hitter Jeffrey de Vrieze (error) were on base and the three went on to score respectively on a 2-run single by Andley Simmons and a grounder by Jefferson Muzo. In the remainder of the game, ADO was silenced again by three relievers, including Shane Gnade, who made his big league-debut.

...David Bergman... ...3-hitter... (Photo: Kinheim)

At Heemstede, Kinheim shutout MediaMonks RCH, 11-0 to win its first game after losing its first three of the season. Kinheim had ten basehits, including three by Danny Rombley, who also had three RBI's, as had Tjerk Smeets. David Bergman went the distance and threw a 7-inning 3-hitter.

Kinheim scored in all innings, except the seventh. A single by Tjerk Smeets put Kinheim ahead in the first inning and he then added a 2-run single in the next at bat, which followed and RBI-single by Josh Renick. In this at bat, René Cremer led off with a walk and Remco Draijer reached when a throwing error was made on his sac-bunt. Renick then followed with his RBI-single. After an infield-fly and a single by Dirk van 't Klooster, Smeets batted in two more runs with his single.

In the third inning, Danny Rombley singled in the sixth Kinheim-run with two outs. Another 2-out run was added in the fourth when Rafaël Jozefa doubled and scored on a single by rookie Kevin Weijgertse. The score was increased to 9-0 with two runs in the fifth. Josh Renick (fielder's choice) and Danny Rombley (double) then both scored on a single by Dirk van 't Klooster. The final score was reached in the sixth. René Cremer, Remco Draijer and Josh Renick all walked with two outs, resulting in a pitching change. Joran Klarenbeek took over, but was greeted with a 2-run single by Rombley.

Kinheim-hurler David Bergman gave up a lead-off infield-hit to Floris Morang, who was later doubled up. After Morang's single, Bergman retired eleven batters in a row, before giving up a lead-off single to Tomas Casa in the fifth inning, who became the lone RCH-player to reach second (and third) base. In the sixth, Bergman, who dominated gave up a lead-off single to Lex Leijenaar, the third and final RCH-runner in the game, but also was eliminated in a double play.

...Jason Rees is greeted after his homerun... (Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

At Bussum, Jason Rees homered in the first inning to give Mr. Cocker HCAW an early lead vs. Neptunus, which came alongside in the fourth. HCAW re-took the lead by scoring twice in the fifth on a 2-run single by Quensley Bazoer, but Neptunus tied the score again, this time by scoring two runs in the sixth on a triple by Martijn Meeuwis and a single by Jeffrey Arends, who was 3-for-5. In the eighth, Neptunus scored three runs to win 6-3, thanks to two basesloaded walks and a grounder.

After HCAW had taken the lead in the first inning and turned a double play in the third at bat, Neptunus tied the score in the fourth. HCAW-starter Andre Hughes walked lead-off batter Raily Legito, who then advanced to third base on a single by Jeffrey Arends, then scored when an error was made on a force play-grounder by Matt McGraw. HCAW recovered by scoring two runs in the fifth off Diegomar Markwell after having left the bases loaded in the previous at bat. Despite making three consecutive errors, Neptunus appeared to escape the fifth inning unharmed, but in the end it gave HCAW a 3-1 lead. First, Laurens Dammers reached on a fielding error, but was caught stealing.

...2B Michael Pluijmers completes a double play... ...in 6th inning after retiring Jeroen Sluijter... (Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

Next, Michael Pluijmers reached on a throwing error and advanced when another error followed on a grounder by Bart Gabriëls. But then, a force play followed for the second out on a grounder by Jason Rees. Hereafter, Gabriëls and Rees advanced on a wild pitch and Randy Daal was walked intentionally to set up another force play. But this time, Quensley Bazoer singled resulting in two runs.

Neptunus tied the score again in the sixth. Raily Legito led off with a single, which led to the replacement of Andre Hughes. Kevin Miner took over, but gave up a triple to Martijn Meeuwis, who then scored the tying run when Jeffrey Arends followed with a single. Another single followed and the bases got loaded with an intentional pass, whereafter Miner was relieved by Forstin Coenraad, who then was supported with an inning-ending double play.

In the eighth inning, Neptunus took charge of the game by scoring three unearned runs off Coenraad. Matt McGraw led off with a single and Jeroen Sluijter reached on an error with one out. After a flyout, the bases were loaded up when Eugène Kingsale was walked intentionally. But again, the force play set-up failed, as next batter Max Bijster walked to bring in the go-ahead run. Bijster, a rookie, entered the game in the third inning as the replacement of second baseman Benjamin Dille. The Belgian national team-player injured himself when running into a fence after catching a pop-fly on foul territory. Dille had to leave the game and needed some stitches above his left eye. OK, back to the eighth inning, where the bases are still loaded. The next run was then scored when everyone was safe on a force play-grounder by Raily Legito, then the third run was added when Martijn Meeuwis walked. Coenraad gave way to Joep de Wit, who then ended the inning, but the damage was done. HCAW was unable to add more runs in the last four innings, reaching base only twice. The highlight for HCAW and its fans in these at bats was the singing of 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game' by the father of Andre Hughes, as he also did on Opening Day.
(April 18)

...Jason Rees scores HCAW's third run in 5th inning... (Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

...Father Hughes sings 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game'... (Photo: Alfred Cop Fotografie)

Standings & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

...Rik Geestman (left) and Nick Urbanus... ...Third generation big leaguers... (Photos: Henk Seppen)

In the game, two other records were renewed. In the sixth inning, 48-year old Fausto Álvarez Rizo hit a 2-run homerun to break his own record as the oldest player to hit a homerun in the Dutch big league. With this game, Official Scorer Marco Stoovelaar started his record-setting 33rd season in the Dutch big league, which he shares with Ben Goorts and Feiko Drost, who both scored their first game of the season last weekend. With this new season, this trio also broke its own record.

Kinheim took an 1-0 lead after a 10-minute delay because of lightning in the bottom of the second inning. With one out, the umpire crew stopped the game after lightning was followed shortly thereafter by thunder. After the brief interruption, Jason Halman hit the first delivery of Amsterdam-starter Nick Stuifbergen away for a homerun to give Kinheim the lead. Kinheim-starter Robin van Eis held Amsterdam scoreless for four innings, but was supported with two double plays. In the second inning, Kenny Berkenbosch grounded into one to end the at bat. In the third, Amsterdam had Zaïr Koeiman and Björn Henrichs (who both singled) on base when Wesley Connor grounded to third baseman Jeffrey Verbij, who then made a rare double play. Verbij stepped on his base to force Koeiman, then threw to second base to double up Henrichs, instead of throwing to first base.

Amsterdam came alongside in the fifth inning (when it also started to rain). Van Eis walked lead-off hitter Vince Rooi, who then moved on a single by Kenny Berkenbosch. After the two advanced on a wild pitch, Zaïr Koeiman sacrificed to centerfield, enabling Rooi to score, but moments later Berkenbosch was doubled up on second base as he returned too late. In the sixth inning, Pirates took a 3-1 lead. With two outs, Sidney de Jong reached on an infield-hit, then Fausto Álvarez Rizo followed with his 2-run homerun.

Two runs were added in the seventh inning. From here on, it started to rain heavier, but nevertheless the game could be completed. With one out, Kenny Berkenbosch (who was 3-for-4) doubled, which resulted in a pitching change. Onno Baur took over for Robin van Eis, but then a crucial error followed. Zaïr Koeiman grounded to third baseman Jeffrey Verbij, who threw the ball passed first base, enabling Berkenbosch to reach third base and Koeiman to reach second. Next, Björn Henrichs followed with a 2-run double down the rightfield line to make it 5-1.

Amsterdam-starter Nick Stuifbergen was relieved after four innings by Mark Kan, who held Kinheim hitless for two innings and went on to become the winning pitcher. In the seventh inning, Kan was relieved by Rik Geestman, while Nick Urbanus entered the game as the new short stop to accomplish an historic first. Geestman gave up a lead-off single to René Cremer, who then advanced on a sac-bunt by Remco Draijer and scored on a 2-out single by Danny Rombley. Kinheim came within one run in the eighth at bat. With one out, Jason Halman walked and Jeffrey Verbij singled, which marked the end for Geestman, who was relieved by Pim Walsma, who is a second generation big league-player, as his father Marten Walsma also played in the highest league. By the way, Kinheim also had three second-generation players in its line-up: Danny Rombley (son of Tony Rombley), Dirk van 't Klooster (son of Peter van 't Klooster) and Jason Halman (son of Ed Halman). Walsma was greeted by a 2-run double by Rafaël Jozefa, for whom this was his first hit in the Dutch big league. Jozefa's double made it 5-4, but he stranded at second base, as a strikeout and line out followed.

In the ninth inning, Urbanus got his first big league at bat and barely missed a basehit, as he lined out to short stop Josh Renick, who made a diving catch. In the home of the ninth, Renick led off with a single, then moved on a sac-bunt by Danny Rombley. After a flyout, Tjerk Smeets walked, but then the inning and the game ended when Jason Halman was called out on strikes.

In the meantime, the starting pitchers have been announced for the games scheduled for coming weekend.
(April 16)

Standings
Schedule & Starting Pitchers coming weekend
Line Score & Box Score

The event will be opened on Saturday, June 20 with the match-up of Dutch champion L&D Amsterdam Pirates meeting Fortitudo Barcelona from Italy, starting at 12:00 PM. Following this game, Corendon Kinheim is playing against last years Final Four winner Danese Caffè Nettuno, starting at 7:00 PM.

On Sunday, June 21, the two losing teams will meet each other at 11:00 AM, then the winners play at 6:00 PM for the European Champions Cup.

The home teams will be decided by draw during the Technical Meeting on Friday-evening, June 19.

All games will be played in Carlos Pérez de Rozas Stadium on Mount Montjuïc in Barcelona, the same location as last years Final Four and also the site of the 2007 European Championships/Olympic Qualifier.
(April 16)

At Amsterdam, Pirates trailed 3-0 when it scored four runs in the fourth inning on 2-run singles by Wesley Connor and Fausto Álvarez Rizo, but then Kinheim re-took the lead by scoring twice in the fifth on a 2-run throwing error. Again, the home team came back and tied the score on an RBI-single by Björn Henrichs. In the sixth, Danny Rombley homered to give Kinheim a 6-5 lead, then the Haarlem-squad added two runs in the seventh on a 2-run double by Rombley, who had four RBI's. In the home of the ninth, Pirates trailed 8-5, but then reached base seven times in a row to tie the score off closer Michiel van Kampen. The bases got loaded by Fausto Álvarez Rizo (walk), Bas de Jong (single) and Vince Rooi (infield-hit), then two runners scored on a double by Pavèl van Zaane. A force play was created by walking Zaïr Koeiman intentionally, but then Björn Henrichs again singled in the tying run. A force out at home followed on a grounder by Wesley Connor, followed by a flyout, but then Sidney de Jong singled in the winning run to complete the spectacular comeback.

At Rotterdam, Neptunus got 16 hits (one at least by all nine starters), including four by Raily Legito (two doubles), who also scored three runs. Jeffrey Arends also reached base four times and scored three runs. Neptunus scored twice in the second and third inning to take an early lead. In the third, ADO-starter Jurrian Koks was ejected after argueing balls and strikes. His British reliever Aeden McQueary-Ennis gave up eleven additional basehits and saw Neptunus extend its lead to 10-1.

At Heemstede, HCAW scored two unearned runs in the first inning, then added two more in the second on a sac-fly by Jason Rees and a double by Randy Daal and scored two more runs in the fourth on a double by Rees and a single by Quensley Bazoer to make it 6-0. In the ninth, Bazoer added a 2-run double.

At Hoofddorp, Pioniers had 12 basehits and reached base on 12 walks, stranded 16 runners (including the bases loaded in four straight innings), but won comfortably vs. Sparta/Feyenoord. Jefferson Muzo reached base five times and stole four bases. Mark Duursma also reached bases five times, including four on a walk. Tjerk Hogervorst also got on base five times and went 4-for-4. Winning pitcher Roger Kops gave up only three hits in seven innings.

(April 12)

Standings, Scores & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

At Haarlem, Zaïr Koeiman led off the third inning for Amsterdam with a homerun (which was hit a 2:29 PM to become the first homerun of the new season) and triggered a 6-run rally in which Sidney de Jong, Bas de Jong (2-run) and Pavèl van Zaane (2-run) all doubled off starter David Bergman. Amsterdam added four more runs in the sixth and another run in the seventh. Australian starter Adam Blackley made his debut and went the distance for Pirates and gave up only three hits.

At The Hague, the game was scoreless for seven innings, before Neptunus scored its first run in the eighth, then added three in the ninth.

At Bussum, Australian Jason Rees made his big league-debut by hitting a single, triple and homerun in HCAW's win over RCH. Quensley Bazoer hit two triples in his first game for HCAW. Debuting German pitcher Andre Hughes struckout eight and gave up only four hits, while his father sang 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game' during the 7th inning stretch. Ron Jaarsma, who celebrates his 25th year as sponsor of HCAW, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

At Rotterdam, Pioniers trailed 2-0 when it scored three runs in the third inning on an error and a sac-fly, but Sparta/Feyenoord tied the score in the sixth. In the eighth, Pioniers re-took the lead on two errors. All seven runs in this game were unearned.

(April 11)

Standings, Scores & Schedule
Line Scores & Box Scores

(April 10)

Opening Day Rosters

Coming weekend also will see four big league Head Coach-debuts and two who will be in charge with a new team. Only two teams will be led by last years Head Coaches: Rikkert Faneyte at Dutch champion L&D Amsterdam and Frank Koene at Konica Minolta Pioniers.

The weekend also will mark a new starting time for the Sunday-games, as all games on this day will start at 1:00 PM. This has to do with the launching of the Rookie League in which the second teams of the eight Dutch big league-teams will play. Last season, these teams were part of the First Division (playing interleague games) which now is compiled of twelve teams. The teams of the Rookie League will play their second games of the weekend following those of the big league-squads on Sunday, starting at 5:00 PM. The first games will be played on Friday-evening.

L&D Amsterdam Pirates vs. Corendon Kinheim
Defending champion L&D Amsterdam Pirates, which captured the title last year for the first time since 1990, opens the new season against Corendon Kinheim, its opponent in the 2008 Holland Series. Amsterdam's Head Coach Rikkert Faneyte named Australian lefthander Adam Blackley as the Opening Day starter for Saturday at Haarlem and is going with RHP Jos de Jong in the home opener on Sunday. Kinheim's rookie Head Coach Eelco Jansen named RHP David Bergman and RHP Duko Jansen as his starters. The last time that a lefthander was the Opening Day starter for Pirates was in 2003 when Jeroen Hubert took the mound. The last foreign born Opening Day starter for Pirates was Frenchman Maxime Leblanc, who went the distance in 2002 vs. Pioniers. Last season, Jos de Jong also started the second game and also did that while pitching for HCAW in 2005. For David Bergman, this will be his third consecutive (and fourth overall) Opening Day-start. Since 2001, Bergman threw in eight previous Opening Day weekends in a row, including the first five for Pioniers. For Duko Jansen, this will be his first Opening Day-weekend starting assignment since he started in 2005 for Kinheim and fifth overall. Jansen also had Opening-starts for RCH and ADO. The first game will be played on Saturday at Haarlem, Sunday's game will be played in Amsterdam.