Gift Ngoepe becomes first African Player in MLB

Gift Ngoepe made history on Wednesday night as the first African-born player to appear in a Major League game.

Ngoepe had a hit and drew a walk in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ win over the Chicago Cubs.

“I thought about where I’ve come from, making the journey from South Africa to pursue my dream of playing in the major leagues someday,” Ngoepe said. “I thought about the struggles of being in the minor leagues for 8½ years and then to finally get up here and get a hit in my first at-bat. The whole thing was just awesome. That’s the only word I can think of to describe it. It was awesome.”

Clint Hurdle pulled a very early double-switch, bringing Ngoepe, 27, off the bench to play second base in the top of the fourth inning.

“I told myself not to cry, because I’m in the big leagues and I’m a big guy,” Ngoepe said. “Francisco Cervelli hugged me, and I could feel my heartbeat through my chest. It was emotional, and I had to fight back the tears.”

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/28/gift-ngoepe-becomes-first-african-player-in-mlb/ 

Simon Guhring is the best player of the week

This year baseball players of “Heidenheim Heidekopfe” every week find some ways to win all matches in South Division. They got their seventh and eighth victories during last weekend. The game was also visited by a defending champion of Germany, the “Mainz Athletics” team. Simon Guhring led his team to the victory in both games of doubleheader. The catcher was entitled as “player of the week” during the fourth game day.

Guhring`s rate is .486 (OBP .525/SLG .865) with 3 homeruns, 10 runs and 11 RB for four games of the current season. It is already the 15th season in the First Bundesliga for the 33- year-old athlete. During this time he was an invariable player of “Heidekopfe” and during some years he was involved in professional baseball in the USA and Europe. The “Heidenheim Heidekopfe” team will play away game with “Bad Homburg Hornets”. The team hopes to get one more victory in order to increase leading position in the standings.

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/28/simon-guhring-is-the-best-player-of-the-week/ 

Gilberto Gerali new manager of Italian National Team

The Italian Baseball and Softball Federation (FIBS) announced on Wednesday evening that Gilberto Gerali is becoming the new manager of the Italian National Team. The longtime bench coach is succeeding Marco Mazzieri. Gerali, who has been managing Parmaclima in the Italian Baseball League, will be supported on the coaching staff by pitching coach Bill Holmberg, hitting coach Claudio Liverziani and assistant coaches Alberto D’Auria and Augosto Medina. Mazzieri coached Italy from the 2007 Baseball World Cup to the end of the 2017 World Baseball Classic. In 2010 and 2012 he led Italy to back European Championships.

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/27/gilberto-gerali-new-manager-of-italian-national-team/ 

“Buchbinder Legionaere” add former Big Leaguer to Coaching Staff

The Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg added former Major Leaguer Jack Lind to the coaching staff. The 70-year-old US-American played two seasons in the big leagues for the Milwaukee Brewers. With the Pittsburgh Pirates he was their third base coach and infield coordinator between 1997 and 2000. In Regensburg he fills the role of Martin Brunner, who will focus on his new role as coordinator for Baseball Operations Europe with Major League Baseball. Lind is going to be Regensburg’s hitting coach and infield coordinator, as well as assistant coach with their second-division team. Stefan Mueller was promoted to Academy Director after Brunner’s departure.

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/27/buchbinder-legionaere-add-former-big-leaguer-to-coaching-staff/ 

Dutch Hoofdklasse Curacao Neptunus hands Pirates first loss

Three games concluded week two in the Dutch Hoofdklasse on Sunday afternoon. After losing the first two games of their series against L&D Amsterdam, Curacao Neptunus Rotterdam rebounded with a 12-2 win to hand the Pirates their first defeat of the new season. Gianison Boekhoudt belted a home run. Dwayne Kemp drove in three. Elton Koeiman pitched six innings for the win. Kyle Ward got charged with the loss. Rotterdam scored nine runs in the eighth to blow the game wide open.

HCAW completed a three-game sweep over Pickles UVV with a 7-6 nailbiter. The team from Bussum improved to 5-1 for the year. HCAW took a quick 6-1 lead after three innings and scored a seventh run. Steven van Groningen got the win with 2-1. Gillian van Lith took the loss.

Also DSS celebrated its third win in as many games this weekend with a one-run victory. They beat the De Glaskoning Twins 6-5. Damian Melis scored the game-winner with a wild pitch in the top of the ninth. Melvin Perdue had three hits. Tim Halderman earned the win in relief, Mic van der Ven got charged with the loss.

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/26/dutch-hoofdklasse-curacao-neptunus-hands-pirates-first-loss/ 

Results German Baseball-Bundesliga April 21 to 23, 2017

In the German Baseball-Bundesliga except for the Bonn Capitals every team was in action this past weekend. In the north the Solingen Alligators swept the Cologne Cardinals with Andre Hughes throwing a complete game in the first contest and Solingen overcoming a 0-4 deficit in the second. The Dohren Wild Farmers split against the Untouchables Paderborn. The 3-2 win in game two was actually Dohren’s first win against the Untouchables in their team history. The Dortmund Wanderers and the Hamburg Stealers also shared wins with Dennis Stechmann hitting a tenth-inning walk-off home run in game two.

In the south the Heidenheim Heidekoepfe improved to 8-0 with two wins over the Mainz Athletics. A walk-off error helped Heidenheim in game one. Simon Guehring hit two home runs for the Heidekoepfe in the second game. Niklas Rimmel pitched six innings of one-hit ball in game one of a sweep by the Buchbinder Legionaere Regensburg over the Stuttgart Reds. The Munich-Haar Disciples won twice over the Saarlouis Hornets. The Mannheim Tornados downed the Bad Homburg Hornets in both ends of their twin bill.

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/26/results-german-baseball-bundesliga-april-21-to-23-2017/ 

The U18 Swiss National Team met with Germans and lost two games

The U18 Swiss National Team has played warm-up games against the National Team of Baden-Wurttemberg. Swiss players lost both games (6:1 and 17:3). Of course, it isn`t a result the coach and funs expected for.

However, the head coach noted that the game was rather good. Swiss players really showed great pitch skills and good game on the offensive position. But the team made a lot of mistakes during the game. Thus, coaches have already identified the key points which should be worked on before the future games.

The situation didn’t improve during the second game. Swiss team couldn’t control the opponents. Thus, it became clear Germany would win the match. Nevertheless it was a great opportunity for U18 to play on different positions and involve many pitchers. It can be said for sure this game fulfilled all its functions.

The U18 National Team will have an opportunity to recoup. Athletes will play against the team from Baden-Wurttenberg. This match will take place in Neunberg-am- Rein. It is an opportunity for Swiss team to correct their mistakes of previous games and gradually gen in shape in order to perform great during the European Championship which will take place in Zurich.

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/25/the-u18-swiss-national-team-met-with-germans-and-lost-two-games/ 

“Play Global” in Ukraine!

Baseball and Softball Federation of Ukraine together with the “Play Global” international organization will conduct a training camp in Kropyvnytskyi city (Ukraine). The Ukrainian and foreign players and coaches will gather in the Ukrainian baseball capital (Kropivnitskyi) from 26 to 30 April 2017. The training camp will be also attended by famous coaches Tom Gillespie and Zach Graefser.

“Play Global” is the world famous sport organization. Its members teach youth baseball skills and help to develop social values via baseball. Also they work with coaches all over the world and develop an important social concept among the young generation. “Play Global” uses baseball as a way to help children to see the possibilities of this big world. “Play Global” members teach to respect each other and to be a part of one team. The creation of a long-term baseball programs under the leadership of coaches from different countries is the basic aim of this organization. And Ukraine has become one such country.

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/24/play-global-in-ukraine/ 

Ukrainian “BioTexCom” at the Continental Cup 2017

Ukrainian baseball players represented their country at the high level during the “Continental Cup 2017” baseball championship. Competition was held in Minsk, Belarus. Despite the severe weather conditions athletes showed high professionalism and great results. For baseball players “Continental Cup 2017” has become a starting point of the new playing season. And, as of Ukrainian baseball team, tournament ended up for them with undeniable victory.

Results, Continental Championship 2017

1st place	«BioTexCom»	Ukraine, Kropyvnytskyi
2nd place	«Minsk»	Belarus, Minsk
3rd place	«Moskvich»	Russia
4th place	«Kaunas Lituanica»	Lithuania

Eugene Zhantalai from the “BioTexCom” team became MVP of the championship. Eugene Kurhun from the "Minsk" baseball team received “Best pitcher” award. In turn, player of the Russian national team, Nikolay Lobanov, got “The Best Player” title at the end of the tournament.  

Players and fans were satisfied with the Continental Championship. This year tournament was held for the first time. However, baseball fans hope “Continental Cup” will become a good tradition and will be conducted each year.

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/24/ukrainian-biotexcom-at-the-continental-cup-2017/

Baseball season’s start in Switzerland

The new baseball season will start this weekend in Switzerland. Teams will compete in three leagues: NLA, NLB and in the first league. Chris Palatinus, the representative of Swiss baseball and softball federation (SBSF) shared in interview what to expect from this baseball season.

What changes will be in the NLA National League this year?

Chris Palatinus: The schedule of the games remains the same as it was last year. Seven teams will compete for the champion title. Previously there were eight teams but the “Jona Bandits” team has unexpectedly left the league. In my opinion, the “Zurich Barracudas” team is favorites of the season. The team invited Evan Brisentine from the USA and he is considered to be a very strong pitcher. Also they added the roster with a great catcher, Bert Marsnik, who previously played in “Bern Cardinals” and “Zurich Barracudas”. So, the team from Therwil looks rather strong this year. And it will be a kind of intrigue whether «Cardinals», «Frogs», «Challengers» have any chances to get the championship title.

What are the chances of Swiss baseball at the international sport arena?

The Swiss baseball has shown itself to be rather strong due to a success of “Bern Cardinals” and “Therwil Flyers” during the previous years. Just Swiss clubs were favorites in the final games of many international competitions. It also must be noted that Swiss teams regular became the finalists in qualifying tournaments. It means we proved high sport skills as our teams are in the middle of the international standings.

The National Team competes in tournaments as well. What goals have you set for them?

The senior team will compete in the “B” pool during the Championship in order to get the “A” pool. The Championship will take place in Serbia. James Sanders, the head coach actively works with coaching stuff and players for achieving this goal. During the season 2017 we hope to reach high results.

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/21/baseball-seasons-start-in-switzerland/ 

“BLA AllStars” has won the AllStar Day 2017

AllStar Day 2017 was held on Easter Monday and brought together hundreds of fans in Wales city from all over Austria. The team of Austrian Baseball League (BLA) was much stronger in offensive position than the U23 National Team. This sport event became an excellent preparation for players and organizers before the U23European Championship, which will be held from 7 to 9 August in Wales.

The U23 team seemed to have a lack of confidence during the first game. Players should improve their skills in pitching and on the defensive position during the next months. The players of “AllStars” team received a victory in the first game with the score 13:6.

The U23 National Team has failed again in the second game. But this time the athletes were more confident during the match. The strong players on offensive position from “AllStars” once again caused a lot of troubles for the opponents but U23 baseball players were ready and made a score. Championship organizers had to stop the game because of heavy rain during the first inning with the score 7:4.

“It was a really great pleasure for me to coach the “AllStars” team. They really deserve the title of the star team. All players have a high level of professionalism and know exactly what they have to do on the field. This made my job much easier”, – Chad Scheilz, the manager of the team noted.

The coaching staff of the U23 National Team will have a difficult task in the next few days. They must choose the best players and also reduce the list of players for the European Championship. The Cup of “Donaupokal” is the next important tournament for the U23 athletes. The event will take place in Bratislava on May 1. It was extremely tense weekend for the manager Clemens Cickocki: “Despite awful weather, many players have shown the desire to be in the final roster. And it became clear for the coaches about the talent of players and which position will be better for players in order to display their potential”.

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/20/bla-allstars-has-won-the-allstar-day-2017/ 

Results of Easter games, German Bundesliga

The real duel took place between “Hamburg Stealers” and “Cologne Cardinals” during the third game day, South Bundesliga. “Hamburg Stealers” won twice with devastating score 12:0 and 10:0. Dustin Ward really made a difference with 18 strike-outs and made only one walk.

“Buchbinder Legionare” players had a good reason to be smiling about their first victory in the current season. They crashed “Bad Homburg Hornets” with the score 15:2 and 9:0. The team took a lead at once and didn’t leave the opponents any chance to win. Lukas Jahn made six hits and four of them were doubles. Thus, he became the best better in Eastern Bavaria. Maik Ehmke managed to make 3-run homerun during the first game.

Also three more games were conducted with confident victory. The defending German champion “Mainth Athletics” won over “Saarlouis Hornets” with devastating score 19:0. Martin Kipphan hit three homeruns and made seven RBI. Max Boldt made two home runs and five RBI. Meanwhile, “Heidenheim Heidekopfe” won over “Mannheim Tornados” with the score 13:6. At the same time, Gery Owens made four hits and the same number of RBI. Also “Munchen-Haar Disciples” won against the host team “Stuttgart Reds” during away game with the score 12:5. Visiting team hit eight runs out of twelve during the first three innings.

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/20/results-of-easter-games-german-bundesliga/ 

Ukrainian Baseball championships 2017

Ukrainian Baseball championships 2017

1.      Ukrainian Championship, Major League

Division “A”

            1st round                                     2nd round

1st  stage 06 – 07 May 2017              6th stage 19 – 20 August 2017

2nd stage 13 – 14 May 2017            7th stage 26 – 27 August 2017

3rd  stage  27 – 28 May 2017           8th stage 02 – 03 September 2017

4th  stage 17 – 18 June 2017           9th stage 09 – 10 September 2017

5th  stage 01 – 02 July 2017            10th stage 16 – 17 September 2017

Division “B”

1st round                                      2nd round

1st stage 20 – 21 May 2017             4th stage 15 – 16July 2017

2nd stage 03 – 04 June2017             5th stage 22 – 23 July 2017

3rd stage 24 – 25 June2017              6th stage 05 – 06 August 2017

2.Ukrainian Cup

1/8 – 16 – 17 September2017

1/4 – 23 – 24 September 2017

1/2 – 30 September – 01 November 2017

Finals: 07-08, 14 – 15 November 2017

3.Championships of Ukraine:

School League – finals: March 2017 (Kyiv, ”Puchsha-Vodytsya”);

U15 – finals: 19-22 September 2017

U 12 – finals: 09-12 May 2017 (Chornomorsk city);

U23 – finals: 22-25 June 2017

U 18 – finals: 18-21 May2017

Little League – finals: 28 May – 01 June2017 (Kremenets city);

Little League (among boarding schools) – finals: 21 – 24 September 2017 (Kremenets city);

“T-ball” – finals:  26 – 29 January 2017 (Kropyvnytskyi city).

4.International tournaments:

– International tournament “Kolodytskyi Cup”

26 – 30 April 2017 (Kropyvnytskyi city);

– International tournament “Chorne more”

25-27 August 2017 (Chornomorsk city);

– “International tournament dedicated to the Physical Education and Sport Day”

September 2017 (Kyiv “Puchsha-Vodytsa”);

– International tournament “Pony League”

13-16 April 2017 (Czech Republic).

5.Open indoor tournament in memory of 79th Air Assault Brigade fallen soldiers of Mykolaev city

10-12 February 2017 (Mykolaiv city).

6.Kyiv regional Championship (KRC)

29 April- 17 September 2017 (Kyiv).

7.Pyanykh V.K. Kyiv Regional Cup (KRC)

23    September – 15 November 2017 (Kyiv).

8.Ukrainian beach baseball championship

05 – 06 August 2017 (Chernomorsk city).

9.Chernivtsi Open Cup

07 – 08 November 2017 (Chernivtsi city).

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/19/ukrainian-baseball-championships-2017/ 

“Minsk” has won at the start of Continental Cup

Baseball players of the “Minsk” team successfully started their game during the Continental Cup 2017 that took place in Minsk (Belarus). In the first game the champions of Belarus beat one of the strongest Russian clubs ”Moskvich” with the score 8:6.

During the second game day the “Minsk” players have met with the multiple champion of Ukraine “BioTexCom” team and complete preliminary stage of the championship playing with “Lituanica”.

The Continental Cup championship is held for the first time. And it`s the first tournament of the new baseball season.

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/19/minsk-has-won-at-the-start-of-continental-cup/ 

Young generation of the Ukrainian baseball

Ukraine has already managed to show the country plays baseball not worse than America and Europe. The victory of the Ukrainian U21 in the European Championship 2016 became a pleasant surprise for fans and opponents. Baseball has been becoming more and more popular in Ukraine. The “BioTexCom” team from Kropivnitsky city has already become known in Europe. 12 powerful Ukrainian teams form the Ukrainian league.

Children are actively involved in baseball life of the country as well. Baseball schools successfully work almost in each Ukrainian city. Famous baseball players teach kids and share their skills with the young generation. Various baseball championships are regularly held for children. Thus they have an opportunity to compete with each other and improve their baseball skills.

In early spring the final games of the Ukrainian School Baseball League were held. Indoor games took place under the patronage of the Ukrainian Baseball and Softball Federation in Kiev (Ukraine). Six teams – winners of the 1^st stage participated in this competition.

Teams were divided into two groups. They played by round robin system and received places in groups during the first day of the competition. During the second day teams participated in play-off games. All participants of the competition have got certificates and medals. Also they received diplomas and presents from the Ukrainian Baseball and Softball Federation. And the best team players have received special cups. Team from Kropivnitsky city doesn’t lag behind their colleagues of the adult “BioTexCom” team. The first place was taken by the pupils of school № 37 (Kropivnitsky). And Vladislav Sheluptsov has received the honorable title MVP of the tournament.

Group “A”

№	Teams	1	2	3	О	М
1.	Rivne City	Х	15-8 2	12-6 2	4	I
2.	Odessa region	8-15 1	Х	19-17 2	3	II
3.	Kyiv region	15-8 1	17-19 1	Х	2	III

Group “B”

№	Teams	1	2	3	О	М
1.	Kropivnitsky City	X	7-6 2	20-1 2	4	I
2.	Kyiv City	6-7 1	X	11-1 2	3	II
3.	Mykolaiv City	1-20 1	1-11 1	X	2	III

 Game for the 5^th and 6^th places

Kyiv region – Mykolaiv City

15:5

Game for the 4^th and 3^rd places

Odessa region- Kyiv City

10:11

Finals

Kropivnitsky City- Rivne City

14:7

Standings

1. GES № 37 (Kropivnitsky City)
2. GES № 1 Korolenko General Education School (Rivne City)
3. GES № 275 Kravchuk General Education School (м. Київ)
4. GES№ 2 (Vyspane vallage in Odessa region)
5. GES № 311 (Kyiv region)
6. Boarding-school “Lysa Gora” (Mykolaiv City)

The best players of the tournament

The best better of the tournament (Anna Novak GES№ Korolenko General School, Rivne City)

The best defender of the tournament (Cyril Grebnev GES№275 Kravchuk General School, Kyiv City)

The MVP of the tournament (Vladislav Shelupsov GES№37, Kropivnitsky City).

http://baseballua.com/2017/04/14/young-generation-of-the-ukrainian-baseball/