by Michal Hanus
Draci Brno will start into the season next week at the European Cup in Matino, Italy. To succeed in the competition with European’s elite clubs as well as in the Czech Extraleague Draci acquired the MLB experienced (1995 – Detroit Tigers) pitcher Pat Ahearne from the USA. Besides in the big leagues Ahearne also played in Australia, Venezuela, Italy and Chinese Taipei. Last year he reinforced the Russian team Balashikha for the European Cup in Grosseto.
Additionally Petr Minarik, their former player, who is playing in Australia since last year, will come back for the 2009 season. Last but probably not least there is also changes on the coaching staff, the duo Leo Vivona and Alan Mauthe will be replaced by Patrick and Brett Cumiskey.
Draci played two pre-season games last weekend in Brno against the German Baseball-Bundesliga club Gauting Indians (4-2, 4-7), though the newcomers weren’t yet in the starting lineup.
