Ukrainian baseball players beat Russia

In early September Ukrainian Youth baseball team beat their Russian peers 3-0 in the second round of the finals of the European Championship. Match took place in the Israeli city of Petah Tikva. At the beginning Ukrainian baseball players defeated the national team of Lithuania 10-1. Thus Lithuanians met with the team of Israel. According to the regulations after 3 rounds of the championship teams ranked first and second place in the standing. Team that took the third and fourth places will fight for the bronze. After the victory over the Russian team, Ukrainians took the first place in the standing.

Ukraine won silver during the European youth baseball championship. French team received gold medals.

The national Ukrainian team consists of players of the “BioTexCom” and “Diamant” clubs from Kropyvnytskyi city. The club won the Ukrainian baseball championship. In the youth team only four players are not students of the Kropyvnytskyi School. They are from Rivne and Chernivtsi city.

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/29/ukrainian-baseball-players-beat-russia/

BVI’s Thomas added to British World Baseball Classic roster

Following a meeting with coaches and then saying goodbye to teammates, Nateshon Thomas of the British Virgin Islands left the Netherlands on Monday after he played with Great Britain in the 2016 European Baseball Championships, returning to Hamburg, Germany.

His bags weren’t unpacked when Thomas received an email that he had been added to Great Britain’s roster for the preliminaries of the World Baseball Classic. He flew to New York on Wednesday for Thursday night’s first game against Israel in Brooklyn’s Cyclones Stadium.

“It just feels amazing — words can’t explain how good I’m feeling,” Thomas said. “This is something I worked for ever since I found out that Great Britain even had a baseball team and that they were going to play in this type of baseball tournament. So really, words just can’t explain the feeling. I’m totally excited, totally overwhelmed that they would even think of me in a situation like this, so it’s a really good feeling, really great.”

Thomas said playing in the event possibly opens pro doors for him.

“Just being on the roster alone, I think any team that I approach, they’ll definitely take me a little more seriously,” said Thomas, who would become the BVI’s first player in the World Baseball Classic.“But if I could perform at a high level with any opportunity I’m given with playing time, that would definitely open doors and give teams a better insight of what I can do at a high level of playing.”

Thomas said after playing in the European Championships last week, rosters had been all set and announced, but a roster spot opened. Before the European Championships, Great Britain baseball officials had no idea who he was and his level of play.

“I was back in Germany and they sent an email saying they were going to book a flight and they booked a flight to New York early on Wednesday morning for the World Baseball Classic qualifier,” he said. “If we win, we’ll then move on to the World Baseball Classic in March 2017.”

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/23/bvis-thomas-added-to-british-world-baseball-classic-roster/

Kirovohrad LL and U-21 baseball team win tournaments

The ninth Ukraine Little League Championships for orphans and invited New Programs is under way in Kremenets, Ternopil, Oblast, on September 19-22. The California Association to Aid Ukraine (CAAU), a longtime supporter, is sponsoring the event. Teams include Krements, Mizoch, Kyiv and Mykolayiv, with new clubs Horinka and Sloviansk playing exhibition matches.

Ukraine won its first European Under-21 Baseball Championship on August 1-4 in Tel-Aviv, Israel, after Ukraine defeated Russia 7-5. In the lead-up to the final, Ukraine won all of its four matches, having won 10-1 against Lithuania, 3-0 against Russia, and 9-1 against Israel.

Ukraine’s offense was led by catcher Yevhen Zhantaly, who had seven hits in 14 at-bats, and led with five RBIs. Ukraine’s pitcher, Gregorii Hvrytishvily, led with 12 strikeouts, allowing one run, to save the championship game for Ukraine.

On July 19 Ukraine lost against Hungary 9-4 and was eliminated from the European Regional Little League Championships in Kutno, Poland. Along the way to the final, Ukraine’s Little League team from Kirovohrad won 8-1 against Lithuania, and Ukraine was shut out 0-5 against France and won 7-0 against Belarus on July 15. The tournament was run in a double-elimination format.

In the lead-up to the European regional tournament, eight all-star teams (with 93 players age 10-12, including six girls) competed at the 17th Little League tournament in Kremenets at the end of May.

Eleven games were played at the LL tournament in Kremenets with Kirovohrad and Rivne reaching the final on June 1. Kirovohrad won 7-1. The match was played on the local soccer field in the city of Kremenets. The mayor of Kremenets was instrumental in making this happen, as was Volodymyr Mishko, director of the internat (orphanage) and host of the games, who built a portable backstop, portable dugouts and a temporary outfield fence.

In addition to the tournament, players had a chance to compete in the annual pitching contest, with Kirovohrad winning the team title. A lottery was held for the children, who received two prizes each, thanks to the Eastern Regional LL, which donated many of the prizes, and Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union, which for many years has covered the cost of the championships.

Additional assistance came from the Indian Valley LL near Kerhonkson, N.Y., which raised more than $1,000 to assist the team from Kirovohrad to attend the Championships in Kutno. Entry visas to Poland were found to be “free,” but with the hidden cost of transporting the documents to the Polish Consulate, causing a financial roadblock for many parents whose children were competing. Money was additionally sent to family members and to players to have some spending money while in Poland. The remaining funds were used to ship baseball equipment to Sloviansk, near Donetsk, which had been retaken by Ukrainian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine’s east.

Off the field, children were led on tours of the school museum and local attractions, including the Pochayiv Monastery.

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/28/kirovohrad-ll-and-u-21-baseball-team-win-tournaments/

“KNTU-Yelisavetgrad ” changed its name and found a benefactor

“Horn”, “KDTU”, “KNTU-OSHVSM”, “KNTU-Yelisavetgrad” – baseball team,which represents the Ukrainian city Kropivnitskiy (former Kirovograd) had many names. This year Kirovograd city has changed its name and it coincidental that team changed the name as well. Thus Kropivnitskiy baseball club has started a new life as a «BioTexCom» team. Name changes don’t effect on success of Ukrainian athletes. «BioTexCom» team (former “KNTU-Yelisavetgrad”) once again became the undefeated champion of Ukraine. All these years the team has been showing great results under watchful eyes of honored coaches of Ukraine Yuri and Oleg Boiko. Baseball players Pavlo Sivirinchuk, Dmytro Nelipa and Ruslan Deykun are full of strength, energy and inexhaustible humor, and are among the undisputed leaders of the team.

«BioTexCom» team became the winner of the Ukraine Baseball Championship 2016. But it is not the only cause for rejoicing. Not so long ago, sponsor has taken the team under his financial wing. Center for Human Reproduction, which is very popular among European patients, supports Ukrainian baseball players and roots their game.

This year the «BioTexCom» team had a great opportunity to fly to the championship in France by plane and obtain comfortable accommodations. All these are thanks to a new team’s sponsor. It is to be recalled that during previous years athletes had to travel long distances by bus, because of lack of funds.

Currently financial backer of the «BioTexCom» team has initiated and funded reconstruction of the main stadium in Kropivnitskiy city. The great news also came from for the International Olympic Committee.

The Committee included baseball game in competition’s program of the Olympics 2020 that will take place in Tokyo. Players of the «BioTexCom» team have great sport talents and physical form. With the help of its sponsor it is quite possible that the world will see the team at the Olympic competitions.

It must be noted «BioTexCom» is one of the strongest baseball clubs among the Ukrainian teams. During the last 22 years team has won the Ukrainian Championship for twenty-one times! Athletes didn’t always have an opportunity to attend international competitions. It was due to the lack of funding, sports equipment and bad stadiums for training at home. Now, having support of sponsor, the team’s aims and results will be higher! Watching the «BioTexCom» team games it can be confidently said – to be continued!

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/27/kntu-yelisavetgrad-changed-its-name-and-found-a-benefactor/

Holland Series: Curacao Neptunus, L&D Amsterdam splits first two games

The Holland Series between Curacao Neptunus Rotterdam and L&D Amsterdam is tied after the first two games of the best-of-seven series. In game one on Saturday Amsterdam prevailed 6-5 in a thrilling 12-inning game. The Pirates erased a three-run deficit in the process and won the contest on a run by Kenny Berkenbosch who raced home on a passed ball. Nick Urbanus had tied the game in the ninth with a two-out RBI single.Dwayne Kemp had four hits including a home run for Rotterdam.

Following the game on Saturday two wanted suspects entered the Neptunus stadium complex trying to escape from the Police. Six police cars arrived at the scene with one of the suspects getting shot in the arm during arrest. The other was still on the run on Saturday evening and due to the uncertain situation about 50 people were ordered to stay in the canteen of the Family Stadium including members of both Curacao Neptunus and L&D Amsterdam. Around 10pm Police escorted these people to their cars in the parking lot.

On Sunday Curacao Neptunus answered two runs by the Pirates in the opening frame with four runs in the bottom of the first. After five innings Rotterdam led 8-2 en route to an 8-5 win.Cristian Diaz and Randolph Oduber had three hits apiece for Curacao Neptunus.Gilmer Lampe drove in three for Amsterdam.

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/26/holland-series-curacao-neptunus-ld-amsterdam-splits-first-two-games/

One of the best baseball book of all times. "Don't Look Back : Satchel Paige in the Shadows of Baseball"

Some say Satchel Paige was the greatest pitcher ever—and and certainly his dazzling record of perhaps as many as 2,000 wins, first in the Negro Leagues and then in the integrated major leagues, ranks as one of the most remarkable athletic feats of the century. He also became famous for the advice he freely offered others, including the now legendary "Don't look back, something might be gaining on you." Mark Ribowsky gives the best picture yet of life in the Negro Leagues as he brings to life a man whose act as a lovable eccentric with a golden arm masked a decidedly darker side as womanizer, hard drinker, and contract jumper always on the lookout for number one.

German Finals: Mainz Athletics take 2-0 Lead with dominant Performance

The Mainz Athletics confirmed their favorite status in the German Baseball-Bundesliga by dominating games one and two of the best-of-five finals against the Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg. In game one on Saturday about 900 in attendance witnessed a 13-2 blowout by Mainz, which was led by Max Boldt and Thomas DeWolf, who combined for three home runs and ten RBI. Jan-Niclas Stoecklin threw six scoreless innings for the win. Mike Bolsenbroekwas charged with eight runs on 13 hits to take the loss. On Sunday 1,200 were in attendance when the Athletics shut out the Buchbinder Legionaere 5-0. Eric Massingham and Tim Stahlmann kept Regensburg off the board. Peter Johannessen and Trey Stover set the highlights on the offensive side with solo home runs. Game three and if needed four will be played at the Armin-Wolf-Arena in Regensburg next weekend. Legionaere TV is going to broadcast live.

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/26/german-finals-mainz-athletics-take-2-0-lead-with-dominant-performance/

Belgian Series: Borgerhout Squirrels, Deurne Spartans tied after first two games

The best-of-five Belgian Series got underway this past weekend. On Saturday the defending champion Deurne Spartans edged out a 4-3 win over the Borgerhout Squirrels. On Sunday the Squirrels, which had won the regular season, prevailed 12-9.

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/26/belgian-series-borgerhout-squirrels-deurne-spartans-tied-after-first-two-games/

Netherlands European Champion 2016

The Netherlands are European Champion of Baseball. On Sunday the Dutch national team beat Spain 3-2 in a thrilling championship game at the European Championship in Hoofddorp, Netherlands. Spain tied the game in the eighth, but the Netherlands prevailed after all, scoring the game-winner in the tenth on a walk-off single.

For the Netherlands it’s the 22nd European Championship in the 31st final and 31st participation. For Spain it’s the second silver medal since 1954. They had last played in a final in 1955, when they were European Champion. Italy captured bronze after finishing the Winners Round Robin in third place ahead of Germany, Czech Republic and Belgium.

The final between the two dominant teams of the 2016 tournament was all the neutral fans hoped for. It was a dramatic back and forth battle in front of a full house with an official attendance of 3,350 at ETO Ballpark.

The Netherlands struck first, taking a 2-0 in the second. Gianison Boekhoudt, Dwayne Kemp and Randolph Oduber loaded the bases with no outs and Nick Urbanus hit a single through the middle for a two-run base hit. However the Dutch failed to blow the score open in the frame and Spain stayed in the game. In the following innings Spain had plenty base runners and opportunities to tie the game, but Engel Beltre struck out.

In the eighth it looked like another missed chance, when Oscar Angulo and Beltre led off with back to back singles and then Angulo got picked off by Dutch catcher Dashenko Ricardo at second. After the Netherlands missed out on scoring in the bottom of the eighth, extra innings were needed to decide the outcome of the championship game.

With the extra innings rule in effect two runners were placed on first and second to start the inning. Spain played it by the book and ordered Luis Guillorme to lay down the bunt, moving Blake Ochoa and Daniel Martinez to third and second with one out. Angulo and Beltre were up, but both didn’t put the ball in play against Dutch closer Loek van Mil, striking out swinging.

The Netherlands didn’t really have a chance to execute the sac bunt in the bottom half of the tenth, as Christopher Garia got hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs. De Caster wasted no time and hit a walk-off RBI single up the middle for the game-winner.

Prior to the game a moment of silence was held for Alonso Perez, Vice President of the World Baseball Softball Confederation, who died last week. Haarlemmermeer deputy mayor and Alderman John Nederstigt threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

During the closing ceremony Netherlands shortstop Stijn van der Meer was named Most Valuable Player of the European Championship.

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/18/netherlands-european-champion-2016/

FIBS to broadcast decisive Games of Italian Softball Series on YouTube

The Italian Baseball and Softball Federation (FIBS) is broadcasting the decisive games of the Italian Softball Series live on Youtube. Riccardo Schiroli and Italian national team playerGreta Cecchetti will be the commentators. Bussolengo is leading the best-of-five series against Forli 2-0. Game three starts on Saturday at 6pm CET. A potential game four would follow right after. If a game five is needed it will be played on Sunday at 11am.

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/23/fibs-to-broadcast-decisive-games-of-italian-softball-series-on-youtube/ 

Deurne Spartans, Borgerhout Squirrels meet again in Belgian Series

Schedule:

Saturday 24/09/2016	14:00	@Borgerhout	K. Borgerhout Squirrels – K. Deurne Spartans
Sunday 25/09/2016	14:00	@Spartans	K. Deurne Spartans – K. Borgerhout Squirrels
Saturday 01/10/2016	14:00	@Borgerhout	K. Borgerhout Squirrels – K. Deurne Spartans
Sunday 02/10/2016	14:00	@Spartans	K. Deurne Spartans – K. Borgerhout Squirrels
Saturday 08/10/2016	14:00	@Borgerhout	K. Borgerhout Squirrels – K. Deurne Spartans

For a second straight year the Deurne Spartans and the Borgerhout Squirrels will meet in the Belgian Series. The best-of-five series starts this weekend with games one and two. Last year the Deurne Spartans stunned the heavy favorite Borgerhout Squirrels in the finals, by winning three of four games to win the Belgian Baseball Championship. This year roles are similar, as Borgerhout won the regular season easily.

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/23/deurne-spartans-borgerhout-squirrels-meet-again-in-belgian-series/

Ukrainian baseball Championship 2016 finished

On the 18^th of September the last game of Ukrainian Baseball Championship took place. This event took place on the main baseball field in Kropyvnytskyy city. The multiple champion of Ukraine “BioTexCom” team won the game. Its opponent was bronze medalist, young team from Rivne city “Zahidnyy Vohon”. The game was finished with the final score 17-0!

Since 1995 baseball team from Kropyvnytskyy city, “BioTexCom”, won the title of Ukrainian Championship for 21 times! Several times the name of this baseball club was changed: HORN, KDTU, KNTU, KNTU -Yelisavetgrad… However, not long ago team’s name was changed again. Now this team is called “BioTexCom”. But all these years the team was ruled and trained by professionals Oleg and Yuriy Boyko. During all these years, players Syvyrynchuk Pavlo, Nelipa Dmytro and Deykun Ruslan are the main players of the team.

This year debutant Andriy Boyko received his first gold medal of the competition. Now, in the family of the club’s head coach there are three Ukrainian Champions: Roman, Kostiantyn and Andriy Boyko. To tell the truth, such cases can be found rarely in baseball history.

Another member of the Kropyvnytskyy baseball school, “Diamant” team won the title of silver champion.  They were second due to defeating “ATMA” (17-9, 16-0, 10-7), famous team from Kiev. Bronze medal was given to “Zahidnyy Vohon”. And finally “ATMA” appeared on the fourth place.

All coaches and baseball players are thanked for their hard work during trainings and participation in the Championship. Good luck in future games!

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/18/ukrainian-baseball-championship-2016-finished/ 

Oleg Boyko about baseball dream

Oleg Boyko, the coach of a multiple champion “KNTU-Yelisavetgrad” team, which was recently renamed to “BioTexCom”, shared his thoughts and dreams.

Baseball game faces a lot of difficulties in Ukraine. National team lacks budget, clubs – stadiums, children – sport equipment, coaches – knowledge and experience, even players need more motivation. Creating of professional teams and leagues can change the situation to the better. But still, the dream of each boy who plays baseball is a career in the strongest world league – Major League Baseball (MLB). Participation in MLB Academy (Elite Camp) for 11 years – is a small step on the way to its realization.

Since 2005, more than 400 young players took part in this program. Important to mention, that results are really impressing. 74 sportsmen signed contracts with Major League clubs; more than 30 obtained a fellowship of American universities. The biggest part of fellows, are leaders of their national teams. Their instructors are famous players, like Barry Larkin, Lee Smith. Usually only 60 players are chosen. After that there is intensive training in parallel with playing practice. Such activities take place on the best stadiums in Italy or Netherlands. All participants are provided with uniform and excellent inventory. In order to get onto the Elite Camp one should pass the tryout selection.

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/26/oleg-boyko-about-baseball-dream/

Roeland Henrique new Head Coach of HCAW

The Dutch Hoofdklasse club HCAW Bussum announced on Monday that 58-year-old Roeland Henrique is taking over as head coach of the club for the 2017 season. He succeeds Roy Berrevoets at the helm. This season Henrique worked as assistant coach for HCAW. His sonRoelie Henrique is playing for HCAW. It will be his first assignment as head coach in the Hoofdklasse.

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/19/roeland-henrique-new-head-coach-of-hcaw/

Novara interested in Willy Vasquez

The hot stove in Italian Baseball is already heating up, as news reports from Italy are saying that Novara is interested in signing Venezuelan slugger Willy Vasquez. The 33-year-old, who suited up for Nicaragua in the WBC Qualifier this March in Panama after playing in the Nicaraguan Winter League, first played in Italy in 2007. According to the regulations in Italian Baseball his playing rights still belong to T&A San Marino until January 31, 2017. Only if both sides don’t reach an agreement he is free to sign with Novara.

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/19/novara-interested-in-willy-vasquez/

Toulon repeats as French Softball Champion

The Comanches of Toulon have won the French Softball Championship. They defeated the Equipe Federale 11-1 and 12-5 to sweep the best-of-three finals this past weekend. It’s their 9th consecutive championship in French Softball.

Individual Awards:
MVP: Camille RIERA (Toulon)
Best Batter: Siobhan HAYES (Pessac)
Best Pitcher: Charline GARTNER (Toulon)

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/19/toulon-repeats-as-french-softball-champion/

Therwil Flyers capture Swiss Softball Championship 2016

The Therwil Flyers have captured the Swiss Softball Championship 2016. They edged out the Lucerne Eagles 3-2 in the best-of-five final series. In the decisive fifth game of the finals Therwil prevailed 18-15 in a slugfest.

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/19/therwil-flyers-capture-swiss-softball-championship-2016/ 

European Championship Roundup: Day 7 (September 15, 2016)

The final phase of the European Championship in Hoofddorp, Netherlands got underway on Thursday. Five games were on the schedule. In the Winners Round Robin the hosting Dutch national team won the clash of undefeated teams against Spain with a nail-biter 1-0. Earlier on the day the Czech Republic celebrated a comeback walk-off triumph in extra innings over Belgium, while Italy blew by Germany.

The Netherlands lead the winners standings with 3-0, but will face another tough team on Friday evening with arch rival Italy. The Squadra Azzurri and Spain follow the Dutch team in the standings with 3-1 records. Germany and the Czech Republic are at 1-2, while Belgium is currently in sixth with a 0-3 record. Germany opens day eight against Belgium. In the afternoon the Czech Republic and Spain will square off.

While the Winners Round Robin continues through Saturday, the consolation round for the spots 9^th to 12^th will get concluded on Friday. On Thursday Greece stunned Russia 3-1 behind a complete game pitching effort and Great Britain downed Croatia 6-2. For Greece and Great Britain these were the first wins in the tournament. All four teams now sit at 1-1 records. The winners of Friday will remain in the A-Pool, the losers will be relegated. In the morning Greece and Great Britain face each other. In the afternoon Russia takes on Croatia in the second match.

Player of the Day:

Matej Hejma (Czech Republic). The former minor leaguer of the Minnesota Twins lifted the Czech Republic with his two-run walk-off double in the 10^th to a 4-3 win against Belgium.

No more winless:

After Thursday’s game day each of the 12 teams in the competition have won at least one game. Greece and Great Britain both ended their drought at the start of the consolation round.

Fact of the Day:

Spain won the European Championship in 1955 and since then has won 13 bronze medals, but hasn’t returned to the final.

Results Day 7:

Winners Round Robin:

Czech Republic – Belgium 4-3

Belgium        000 100 100 1  3  4 1

Czech Republic 001 000 001 2  4 10 5

Box score

Germany – Italy 0-12

Italy   030 000 306  12 14 0

Germany 000 000 000   0  4 5

Box score

Spain – Netherlands 0-1

Netherlands 000 010 000  1 7 0

Spain       000 000 000  0 6 0

Box score

Consolation Round 9^th to 12^th:

Russia – Greece 1-3

Greece 200 100 000  3 12 1

Russia 000 000 010  1  6 0

Box score

Croatia – Great Britain 2-6

Great Britain 000 004 002  6 12 1

Croatia       000 000 002  2  7 1

http://baseballua.com/en/2016/09/15/european-championship-roundup-day-7-september-15-2016/

When baseball began, players did not wear  baseball mitts and gloves. They played baseball bare-handed!