Mister Baseball » News – Belgian Baseball Leagues

Brussels Kangaroos add Michael Neff, Lucas Fogarty

philipp — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:34:51 +0000

Even though the Brussels Kangaroos decided not to play in the Belgian First Division this year, they are bringing two American players to Europe.

Lucas Fogarty is a Senior pitcher/outfielder from Berkeley, California, who is majoring in Psychology at Pomona-Pitzer College. He had an ERA of 0.75 in twelve innings during the 2009 season.

Infielder Michael Neff, who was born in New York City, graduated from Amherst College last year and batted .299 (OBP .347/SLG .376) with 36 runs and 24 RBI in 67 games between 2006 and 2009.

Preliminary 2010 NT Roster for Belgium announced

philipp — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:18:45 +0000

The Belgian Baseball and Softball Federation released a preliminary roster for the senior national team on Wednesday. 36 names are on the list. A final roster including two alternates will be announced on June 7th. The highlight of the 2010 calendar for the squad of Sven Hendrickx is going to be the European Championship from July 23rd to August 1st in Stuttgart, Heidenheim and Neuenburg, Germany. Belgium is going to face France (Neuenburg), Ukraine (Heidenheim), Germany, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands (all three in Stuttgart) in the first round.

Preliminary Roster:

Antonacci, Terrence
Beutels, Bryan
De Jongh, Robbe
Delanoy, Steven
De Quint, Dennis
De Saedeleer, Steve
De Vriendt, Morris
De Vriendt, Nick
De Wolf, Thomas
Dille, Benjamin
Gérard, Harold
Giorgiadis, Randy
Gonthier, Yannick
Herssens, David
Heyrman, Hans
Jie Sam Foek, Jason
King, Vincent
Knollenburg, Kevin
Latta, Matthew
Lauwers, Sammy
Lorrentop, Tom
Mertens, Nicky
Migeot, Nicolas
Oeyen, Lorenzo
Peerens, Johnny
Ribbens, Dennis
Roevens, Kevin
Ruts, Sim
Sana, Jérôme
Sel, Yannick
Timmermans, Sven
Vandenbranden, Kenny
Vandenheuvel, Tacco
Van Thillo, Nick
Verheyleweghen, Jamie
Vischschoonmaker, Yoni

(Update) Belgian First Division probably with just 7 Teams in 2010

philipp — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:45:47 +0000

The Belgian Baseball and Softball Federation (KBBSF – FRBBS) has published the schedule for the upcoming season and it looks like there will be only seven teams instead of eight in the first division this year. The Brussels Kangaroos withdrew to rebuild in the second division. Additionally the Borgerhout Squirrels got relegated following the 2009 season. Update from a reader: The decision about K. Borgerhout Squirrels is still pending at the arbitration of BOIC. The Gent SEIKO-Optical Knights, who finished 2nd in second division in 2009, have offered their candidacy to join D1 as team #8.

The K. Deurne Spartans will be the only new club, having won the second division in 2009. They will compete against defending champion Hoboken Pioneers, Port of Antwerp Greys, Namur Angels, Brasschaat Braves, Mortsel Stars and Merchtem Cats. The 2010 season is scheduled to start on April 10th.

First Week Belgian First Division:
April 10:
3.30pm Brasschaat Braves – Port of Antwerp Greys
3.30pm K. Deurne Spartans – Mortsel Stars
3.30pm Namur Angels – Hoboken Pioneers
April 11:
3.30pm Port of Antwerp Greys – Brasschaat Braves
3.30pm Mortsel Stars – K. Deurne Spartans
3.30pm Namur Angels – Hoboken Pioneers
Bye Week: Merchtem Cats

The KBBSF-FRBBS is also introducing a new feature on its website in cooperation with Sportingpulse to display the weekly results in an improved format. Complete Schedule

2009 in Review – Belgian First Division – Hoboken Pioneers

philipp — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:02:20 +0000

Even though we already started the year 2010, we will continue to look back at the 2009 season in Europe’s elite leagues. After the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic , Sweden, Austria and France we will continue with the Belgian First Division.

Hoboken Pioneers

2009 Record: 19-8
2009 Ranking: Tied for first place in Belgian First Division after regular season. During the playoffs the Pioneers won ten of the twelve games to advance into the Belgian Series easily. They beat the Port of Antwerp Greys in the championship series in three games to win their first national title since 1970. Hoboken also hosted a European Cup Qualifier last summer, where they finished in second place behind the German club Mannheim Tornados.
Mister-Baseball European Top 50 Club Ranking: 31st
Runs Scored: 215
Runs Allowed: 88

Best Batter: Steven De Lannoy. He led the league with a .414 batting average (OBP .508/SLG .573) in 191 plate appearances. He collected two homeruns, three triples, 13 doubles, 57 runs and 24 RBI.
Best OPS: Steven De Lannoy 1.081
Most Homeruns: Kenny Van Den Branden 4
Most RBI: Dennis De Quint 30
Most Runs Scored: Steven De Lannoy 57
Most Stolen Bases: Steven De Lannoy 25

Best Pitcher: Terence Antonacci. He had a 7-3 record with an ERA of 1.29. He struck out 89 batters in 98 innings, walking 16 and allowing just 66 hits.
Best ERA: Terence Antonacci 1.29
Most Strikeouts: Kenny Van Den Branden 98
Most Walks: Kenny Van Den Branden 50
Most Innings Pitched: Kenny Van Den Branden 107.2

(Statistics including playdowns/playoffs)

Previous:
Borgerhout Squirrels
Brussels Kangaroos
Merchtem Cats
Mortsel Stars
Namur Angels
Brasschaat Braves
Port of Antwerp Greys

2009 in Review – Belgian First Division – Port of Antwerp Greys

philipp — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:27:37 +0000

Port of Antwerp Greys

2009 Record: 19-8
2009 Ranking: Tied for first place in the Belgian First Division after regular season. The Greys reached the Belgian Series thanks to the tiebreaker after winning six out of twelve games during the playoffs. They lost the championship series against the Hoboken Pioneers in three games. The Greys had won the title in Belgian four years in a row. In the European Cup in Nettuno, Italy, they finished in fifth place out of six teams with a 1-4 record, but avoided relegation.
Mister-Baseball European Top 50 Club Ranking: Tied for 34th
Runs Scored: 216
Runs Allowed: 112

Best Batter: Gert Rosiers. He batted .323 (OBP .433/SLG .454) with four homeruns, five doubles, 26 runs and 24 RBI in 158 plate appearances.
Best OPS: Gert Rosiers .887 (Minimum 75 PA)
Most Home Runs: Gert Rosiers 4
Most RBI: Filip Van Der Meiren 27
Most Runs Scored: Filip Van Der Meiren 32
Most Stolen Bases: Filip Van Der Meiren 15

Best Pitcher: Dennis Van Hoof. He had an 8-1 record with an ERA of 1.14 during the 2009 season. He struck out 98 batters in 94 1/3 innings, walking 39.
Best ERA: Dennis Van Hoof 1.14
Most Strikeouts: Dennis Van Hoof 98
Most Walks: Adam Crabb 40
Most Innings Pitched: Adam Crabb 139.0

(Statistics including playdowns/playoffs)

Previous:
Borgerhout Squirrels
Brussels Kangaroos
Merchtem Cats
Mortsel Stars
Namur Angels
Brasschaat Braves

2009 in Review – Belgian First Division – Brasschaat Braves

philipp — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:42:57 +0000

Brasschaat Braves

2009 Record: 18-10
2009 Ranking: Fourth place in Belgian First Division after regular season. During the playoff round the Braves finished with the same 6-6 record like Port of Antwerp Greys, but still had to settle for third due to tiebreaker rules, missing out on the Belgian Finals.
Runs Scored: 229
Runs Allowed: 166

Best Batter: Randy Giorgiadis. The shortstop batted .393 (OBP .509/SLG .643) with seven homeruns, one triple, twelve doubles, 44 runs scored and 24 RBI in 179 plate appearances last season.
Best OPS: Randy Giorgiadis 1.152
Most Home Runs: Randy Giorgiadis 7
Most RBI: Hans Heyrman 30
Most Runs Scored: Randy Giorgiadis 44
Most Stolen Bases: Filip Van Den Eynde 22

Best Pitcher: Clayton Cooper. He had a 9-2 record with an ERA of 2.04. He struck out 106 batters in 88 1/3 innings, walking 33. He gave up only 60 hits all season.
Best ERA: Clayton Cooper 2.04
Most Strikeouts: Clayton Cooper 106
Most Walks: Tacco Van Den Heuvel, Yannick Sel 35
Most Innings Pitched: Clayton Cooper 88.1

(Statistics including playdowns/playoffs)

Previous:
Borgerhout Squirrels
Brussels Kangaroos
Merchtem Cats
Mortsel Stars
Namur Angels

2009 in Review – Belgian First Division – Namur Angels

philipp — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:48:49 +0000

Namur Angels

2009 Record: 19-8
2009 Ranking: Tied for first place in Belgian First Division after regular season. During the playoffs the Angels only won two out of twelve games to finish fourth in the semi-final round behind the Pioneers, Greys and Braves.
Runs Scored: 157
Runs Allowed: 88

Best Batter: Henry Perkins. He batted .486 (OBP .541/SLG .694) with two homeruns, two triples, five doubles, 22 runs scored and 17 RBI in 85 plate appearances.
Best OPS: Henry Perkins 1.235
Most Home Runs: Henry Perkins, Brian Hurld 2
Most RBI: Jerome Sana 18
Most Runs Scored: Jerome Sana 24
Most Stolen Bases: Henry Perkins 15

Best Pitcher: Zachary Potter. He had an 8-1 record with an ERA of 0.75 during the 2009 season. He struck out 90 batters in 72 innings, walking 16.
Best ERA: Zachary Potter 0.75
Most Strikeouts: Zachary Potter 90
Most Walks: Harold Gerard 30
Most Innings Pitched: Harold Gerard 103.1

(Statistics including playdowns/playoffs)

Previous:
Borgerhout Squirrels
Brussels Kangaroos
Merchtem Cats
Mortsel Stars

2009 in Review – Belgian First Division – Mortsel Stars

philipp — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:00:29 +0000

Mortsel Stars

2009 Record: 10-18
2009 Ranking: Sixth place in Belgian First Division after regular season. During the playdowns they picked up victories in each of the eight games against Borgerhout, Merchtem and Brussels to finish with a perfect 8-0 record.
Runs Scored: 165
Runs Allowed: 205

Best Batter: Joseph Troxell. He batted .391 (OBP .454/SLG .494) with one triple, seven doubles, 27 runs scored and 15 RBI in 101 plate appearances.
Best OPS: Joseph Troxell .948
Most Home Runs: Nguyen Boulet Diaz 3
Most RBI: Nguyen Boulet Diaz 42
Most Runs Scored: Nguyen Boulet Diaz 42
Most Stolen Bases: Nguyen Boulet Diaz 18

Best Pitcher: Nguyen Boulet Diaz. He had an 8-2 record with an ERA of 2.67 last season. He struck out 84 batters in 97 2/3 innings, walking 65. He issued just 78 hits.
Best ERA: Nguyen Boulet Diaz 2.67
Most Strikeouts: Nguyen Boulet Diaz 84
Most Walks: Nguyen Boulet Diaz 65
Most Innings Pitched: Nguyen Boulet Diaz 97.2

(Statistics including playdowns/playoffs)

Previous:
Borgerhout Squirrels
Brussels Kangaroos
Merchtem Cats

Namur Angels add Gracjan Kraszewski to 2010 Roster

philipp — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:52:12 +0000

The Belgian First Division club Namur Angels has signed Gracjan Kraszewski to a three-month contract. He will arrive in early April and leave in early July. In 2009 the switch hitting utility man played third base for Arrows Ostrava in the Czech Extraleague. He batted .330 (OBP .365/SLG .440) with two homeruns, six doubles, eleven runs and 21 RBI.

Before going to the Czech Republic the Dallas, Pennsylvania native attended King’s College in Wilkes-Barre (NCAA Division III). Kraszewski was a catcher and outfielder for the Monarchs, batting .405 (OBP .447/SLG .579) with eight homeruns, 31 doubles, 77 runs and 71 RBI in 90 games through three seasons between 2006 and 2009.

2009 in Review – Belgian First Division – Merchtem Cats

philipp — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:27:49 +0000

Merchtem Cats

2009 Record: 8-19
2009 Ranking: Seventh place in Belgian First Division after regular season. During the playdowns the Cats finished with a 2-6 record in second place.
Runs Scored: 120
Runs Allowed: 247

Best Batter: Kristof Van Droogenbroeck. He batted .414 (OBP .532/SLG .550) with one homerun, three triples, six doubles, 37 runs scored and 14 RBI.
Best OPS: Zachery Rodeghero 1.124
Most Homeruns: Kristof Van Droogenbroeck, Zachery Rodeghero, Jeffrey Darrion Siler 1
Most RBI: Zachery Rodeghero 21
Most Runs Scored: Kristof Van Droogenbroeck 37
Most Stolen Bases: Kristof Van Droogenbroeck, Bram Denys 14

Best Pitcher: Jeffrey Darrion Siler. He had a 4-7 record with an ERA of 4.32 last season. He struck out 84 in 83 1/3 innings, walking 49.
Best ERA: Jeffrey Darrion Siler 4.32
Most Strikeouts: Jeffrey Darrion Siler 84
Most Walks: Jeffrey Darrion Siler 49
Most Innings Pitched: Bram Denys 126.1

(Statistics including playdowns/playoffs)

Previous:
Borgerhout Squirrels
Brussels Kangaroos

2009 in Review – Belgian First Division – Brussels Kangaroos

philipp — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:40:04 +0000

Brussels Kangaroos

2009 Record: 10-18
2009 Ranking: Fifth place in Belgian First Division after the regular season. During the playdowns the Kangaroos won just two out of eight games and finished seventh in the final standings. They won a relegation series against the Gent Knights, but the club still decided to withdrew the team from the First Division to rebuild in a lower division.
Runs Scored: 151
Runs Allowed: 277

Best Batter: Rosario Angel William. He batted .379 (OBP .464/SLG .568) with three homeruns, nine doubles, 16 runs scored and 27 RBI.
Best OPS: Rosario Angel William 1.032
Most Homeruns: Harold Castillo 7
Most RBI: Manuel Martinez 32
Most Runs Scored: Aneudy Rafael Duran Garcia 46
Most Stolen Bases: Aneudy Rafael Duran Garcia, Luis Valdez 22

Best Pitcher: Eric Theisen. He had a 5-2 record with an ERA of 4.09 in 2009. He struck out 78 in 77 innings, walking 17.
Best ERA: Eric Theisen 4.09
Most Strikeouts: Eric Theisen 78
Most Walks: Cedric De Smedt 94
Most Innings Pitched: Cedric De Smedt 122.1

(Statistics including playdowns/playoffs)

Previous:
Borgerhout Squirrels

2009 in Review – Belgian First Division – Borgerhout Squirrels

philipp — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:29:45 +0000

Borgerhout Squirrels

2009 Record: 7-21
2009 Ranking: 8th after regular season. The Squirrels had the second best record during the playdown round, but got stripped off all victories by the federation due to irregularities.
Runs Scored: 156
Runs Allowed: 226

Best Batter: Leon Lewis. He batted .384 (OBP .554/SLG .699) with five homeruns, one triple, six doubles, 32 runs scored and 17 RBI last season.
Best OPS: Leon Lewis 1.253
Most Home Runs: Leon Lewis, Alberto Valerio 5
Most RBI: Alberto Valerio, Kevin Vervloet, Benjamin Ludowika 29
Most Runs Scored: Leon Lewis 32
Most Stolen Bases: Lorenzen Oeyen 17

Best Pitcher: Yannick Gontier. He had a 4-11 record with an ERA of 3.57. He struck out 116 batters in 126 innings, while walking 55.
Best ERA: Yannick Gontier 3.57
Most Strikeouts: Yannick Gontier 116
Most Walks: Yannick Gontier 55
Most Innings Pitched: Yannick Gontier 126.0

(Statistics including playdowns/playoffs)

Brussels Kangaroos to rebuild in Belgian 2nd Division

philipp — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:34:51 +0000

The transfer period in the French-speaking part of Belgian Baseball in which players could announce to leave their current team ended at the end of November with the Brussels Kangaroos losing 14 players. The reason for the bleeding is the fact that the club, which was ranked eighth in the Belgian First Division in 2009, goes into the second division to rebuild for the future. It is not known yet, which club will replace Brussels in the First Division.

Five players will leave the Kangaroos for K. Deurne Spartans (Luis Valdez Munoz, Aneudy Rafael Duran Garcia, Manuel Antonio Martinez, Harold Castillo, Manuel de Jesus Holguin), four for the Namur Angels (Theodore De Bellefroid, Remi Gillet, Cedric and Kevin Desmedt) and one each for the Brussels Astros (Jan Carlos Martinez) and Merchtem Cats (David G.R. McKenney). Angel William Rosario, Adalberto Vicente Lopez and Cedric Voet still have time until December 31st to choose a new club.

MLB endorse Belgian Baseball Academies

philipp — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:15:16 +0000

During the EBCA Convention in Brussels, MLB’s Jason Holowaty talked with the coordinators of the Belgian Baseball Academies to talk about the development of the sport in Belgium. Afterward the Academies got praised in an official letter from Holowaty and Major League Baseball may consider cooperation in the future if the progress continues. Currently 19-year-old outfielder Thomas De Wolf (New York Mets) is the lone Belgian players signed by a MLB club. He made his debut in the Dominican Summer League this year.

Quote by www.FRBBS.be:

In an official letter received today by KBBSF, MLB officially endorses the Belgian Baseball Academy (BBA), jointly run in close cooperation between VBSL and LFBBS under the auspices of KBBSF.
.
This symbolic recognition follows a meeting between BBA Coordinators (Filip Van der Meiren and Jérôme Sana) with MLB Game Development Manager Jason Holowaty at the annual EBCA Clinic recently held in Brussels. At this occasion, KBBSF President Jérôme Legris confirmed the Federation’s full support of this joint collaboration between both Leagues ‘under one roof’. Also present was Tom Gillespie, MLB Academy Coordinator, who praised both Filip and Jérôme for their program and dedication.
.
Congratulations to BBA Coordinators for this achievement. Let it be a springboard for the BBA to grow further in the development of our young talents.

Letter by Major League Baseball (PDF-File)

Randy Giorgiadis leaves Brasschaat Braves for Hoboken Pioneers

philipp — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:28:40 +0000

Since a few weeks it already was clear that Randy Giorgiadis will leave the Brasschaat Braves. Although nothing is confirmed yet officially, it seems the destination of one of the best players in the Belgian First Division is known. He is going to join new champion Hoboken Pioneers for the 2010 season. Brasschaat barely missed out on the championship series and finished in third place in the final standings.

Giorgiadis is playing in the Belgian elite league since 1995, when he made his debut for the Antwerp Eagles. He later also played for the Namur Angels, Mortsel Stars and the Braves, where he had returned last winter. In 2009 the shortstop batted a third-best .393 (OBP .509/SLG .643) with seven homeruns (tied for 1st in league), one triple, twelve doubles, 44 runs scored (3rd) and 24 RBI. He was tied with his future teammate Steven De Lannoy for the league-lead in Total Bases (90).

Namur Angels get three Players from Brussels Kangaroos

philipp — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:30:34 +0000

The Belgian First Division club Namur Angels added three players from the Brussels Kangaroos to the 2010 roster. Middle infielder Théodore De Bellefroid, catcher Rémi Gillet and pitcher Cédric Desmedt will play for last year’s fourth-ranked team.

De Bellefroid batted .284 (OBP .368/SLG .345) with four extra base hits, 27 runs scored and twelve RBI in 134 plate appearances this past season. He debuted in the First Division in 2008. Gillet also got his feet wet in 2008, but played his first full season this year. He batted .161 (OBP .212/SLG .204) with a homerun, a double, 15 runs scored and five RBI in 103 plate appearances. Desmedt had a 5-11 record and an ERA of 6.62 in his third season for the Kangaroos. He struck out 75 batters in 122 1/3 innings, while walking 94.

Overview Transfers in Belgian Baseball

philipp — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:19:53 +0000

Last weekend the transfer window closed in the Flemish part of Belgian Baseball until players could announce, if they want to leave their club. Some already found a new team, while others don’t have to commit for a new one until another couple of weeks. The deadline for players of teams from the French part of Belgium will be November 30th. Afterwards they have to announce a new team until December 31st.

Transfers Overview (list courtesy of BaseballSoftball.be):

Borgerhout Squirrels

New:

Gone: Valerio Alberto, Sam Boermans, Yannick Gontier, Jose Luis Larrinaga Ocampo, Steve Selis, Maarten Van Oosterwijck (all no team yet), Andreas Figorilli, Lorenzo Oeyen (both Port of Antwerp Greys), Matthew Latta, Alain Meseure (both Mortsel Stars), Gianni Russo, Timen Van Geel, Kevin Vervloet (all three Hoboken Pioneers), Wesley Verelst (K. Deurne Spartans), Dave Van Den Bosch (Brasschaat Braves)

Brasschaat Braves

New: Dave Van Den Bosch (Borgerhout Squirrels), Christophe De La Hamayde, Gert Pissierssens, Mikka Uten, Bjorn Van Rymenant (all Antwerp Eagles)

Gone: David De Clerck (no team yet), Koen De Clerck (Beveren Lions), Randy Giorgiadis (no team yet)

Brussels Kangaroos

New:

Gone: Rafael Duran Garcia Aneudy (K.Deurne Spartans), Manuel Martinez (no team yet)

Hoboken Pioneers

New: Nick Aelbrecht, Sam D’Oliveira, Roy D’Oliveira (Port of Antwerp Greys), Gianni Russo, Thiemen Van Geel, Kevin Vervloet (Borgerhout Squirrels)

Gone: Bernd De Block (Briqville Sluggers)

Merchtem Cats

New: Ethan Guevin (USA)

Gone: Jamal Boumiloud, Esverty De Los Santos, Richard Frias, Timmy Olmstead (all four no team yet)

Mortsel Stars

New: Alexander Chantraine (Port of Antwerp Greys), Matthew Latta, Alain Meseure (Borgerhout Squirrels)

Gone:

Namur Angels:

New:

Gone: Juny Gressman (no team yet), Philip Van Woensel (Antwerp Eagles)

Port of Antwerp Greys

New: Andreas Figorilli, Lorenzo Oeyen (Borgerhout Squirrels)

Gone: Lena Aelbrecht (K. Deurne Spartans), Nick Aelbrecht, Sam D’Oliveira, Roy D’Oliveira (all three Hoboken Pioneers), Alexander Chantraine (Mortsel Stars), Filip Van Der Meiren, Gert Rosiers (both retired)

Greys: Filip Van Der Meiren, Gert Rosiers to retire

philipp — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:10:25 +0000

Two players of the Port of Antwerp Greys will not return for the 2010 season due to retirement. Second baseman Filip Van Der Meiren wants to focus on the Flanders Baseball Academy. He batted .259 (OBP .381/SLG .356) with 32 runs scored and 27 RBI in 2009, his 14th season in the Belgian First Division. Third baseman Gert Rosiers also will not come back. He made his debut in the highest division in Belgium with the Antwerp Eagles in 1994. Since 2002 he is playing for the Greys. This past season he batted .323 (OBP .433/SLG .454) with four homeruns, 26 runs scored and 24 RBI. The club already lost shortstop Sam D’Oliveira (.346/.420/.375), who will join new champion Hoboken Pioneers.

Juny Gressman, Philip van Woensel leave Namur Angels

philipp — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:05:32 +0000

Juny Gressman and Philip van Woensel will leave the Belgian First Division club Namur Angels. Gressman is 41-year-old Dutch Antillean outfielder/designated hitter, who is looking to play for a club in the Antwerp area. He played the last six years in Namur and batted .448 (OBP .471/SLG .517) with eight RBI in 29 at-bats in 2009. Van Woensel is a 35-year-old outfielder, who is returning to the Antwerp Eagles after two years with the Angels. He had a batting average of .152 (OBP .272/SLG .190) with 13 runs scored and two RBI in 94 plate appearances this season.

Merchtem Cats sign Ethan Guevin

philipp — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:25:38 +0000

The Belgian First Division club Merchtem Cats has signed the American pitcher Ethan Guevin. He comes to Europe after attending Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. The NCAA Division III School has an athletic program, which dates back to 1887.

Guevin had a 4-5 record with an ERA of 3.18 during the 2009 season. He struck out 37 batters in 65 innings, while walking 25. He allowed 64 hits and opponents batted .267 against him.

The right-hander also picked off a league-best nine base runners in his 15 games on the mound. At the plate Guevin batted .363 (OBP .390/SLG .484) with two triples, seven doubles, 13 runs scored and 17 RBI in 91 at-bats. He played the infield, when he wasn’t pitching.

Sam D’Oliveira heads Pioneers Newcomers List

philipp — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:15:47 +0000

The 2009 Belgian Champion HOBOKEN PIONEERS have announced some transfers on their website. The most prominent name on the list is Sam D’Oliveira, who is coming from the PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS and already had played for HOBOKEN in the past. He batted .346 (OBP .420/SLG .375) with 26 runs scored and 18 RBI this season.

Besides D’Oliveira, Kevin Vervloet, Thiemen van Geel (both Borgerhout), Tim Verachert, Gianni Russo (both K. Deurne) and Roy D’Oliveira (Greys) also join the PIONEERS. Vervloet (tied for team-lead with 29 RBI) and van Geel (7-54, 20 BB in 81 PA) played in the Belgian First Division in 2009. Additionally starting pitcher TJ Antonacci extended his contract for two more years. He had a 7-3 record with an ERA of 1.29 and 89 strikeouts (16 walks) in 98 innings.

The PIONEERS will represent Belgium in the European Cup next summer. They will play in Rotterdam, Netherlands against TENERIFE MARLINS (ESP), DOOR NEPTUNUS (NED), SAVIGNY LIONS (FRA), TELEMARKET RIMINI (ITA) and T&A SAN MARINO (SMA).

Statistics for Belgian Baseball and Softball Leagues available

philipp — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:11:26 +0000

The statistics for the Belgian Baseball and Softball Leagues are now available on the federation website www.frbbs.be. You can check the stats for the years between 1988 and 2009. Go to www.frbbs.be/statistics to check on the leaders.

Belgian Series: First Title for Hoboken Pioneers since 1970

philipp — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:32:55 +0000

(3-0) Hoboken Pioneers – Port of Antwerp Greys 4-3

It was a long drought for the HOBOKEN PIONEERS. For the first time since 1970 they won the Belgian Baseball Championship last weekend by completing the sweep against defending title holder PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS. They had won the championship in the last four years in a row.

The third match of the Belgian Series was as thrilling as the first two. Dennis De Quint hit a solo homerun over the left field fence in the bottom of the eighth to seal the 4-3 victory for HOBOKEN. The GREYS had erased a 1-3 deficit in the top of the fifth to even the score. TJ Antonacci used 131 pitches to go the distance, picking up the complete game win against his former club.

Recaps for games one and two

Belgian Series: Hoboken Pioneers win Championship

philipp — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:14:32 +0000

The HOBOKEN PIONEERS completed the three-game sweep in the Belgian Series on Saturday with a 4-3 victory against the PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS and won the first championship since 1970. The PIONEERS had won the first two games one week ago 5-4 and 7-4 and ended the four-year reign of the GREYS with the one-run nail biter.

More details on the game later this week

Results Belgian Series:
Saturday, October 3^rd:
Hoboken Pioneers – Port of Antwerp Greys 5-4
Sunday, October 4^th:
Port of Antwerp Greys – Hoboken Pioneers 4-7
Saturday, October 10^th:
Hoboken Pioneers – Port of Antwerp Greys 4-3
(Pioneers win Series 3-0)

Belgian Series: Pioneers look for first Title since 1970

philipp — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:47:08 +0000

TJ Antonacci (HOB) and Dennis van Hoof (MRG) will face each other again in game three of the Belgian Series, where the HOBOKEN PIONEERS hope to close out the sweep against reigning champion PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS. Adam Crabb (MRG) and Kenny van den Branden (HOB) would battle in a fourth match.

Schedule:
Saturday, October 10^th:
14:00 Hoboken Pioneers – Port of Antwerp Greys
Sunday, October 11^th:
14:00 Port of Antwerp Greys – Hoboken Pioneers*
Saturday, October 17^th:
14:00 Hoboken Pioneers – Port of Antwerp Greys*
*if necessary

Belgian Series: Pioneers take first two Games

philipp — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:57:15 +0000

(1-0) Hoboken Pioneers – Port of Antwerp Greys 5-4 (10)

The PIONEERS won game one of the best-of-five Belgian Series on Saturday in Antwerp 5-4 against the GREYS in dramatic walk-off fashion. Matthias Group delivered the decisive RBI single in the bottom of the tenth to seal the victory.

The game started with a pitcher’s duel between TJ Antonacci (HOB) and Dennis van Hoof (MRG) and HOBOKEN led 1-0 after seven innings. After both teams had scored once in the eighth, reigning champion GREYS rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth to take a 4-2 lead.

But the PIONEERS answered quickly, as the first two batters in the bottom of the ninth reached. A sac bunt moved up the runners and with two outs and Dennis Ribbens tied the contest 4-4, setting up the thrilling finish in the tenth.

(0-2) Port of Antwerp Greys – Hoboken Pioneers 4-7

One day later the PIONEERS won again to take a 2-0 lead in the series, this time by a final score of 7-4. At the home field of the PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS with pitchers Kenny van den Branden (HOB) and Adam Crabb (MRG) on the mound, HOBOKEN decided the outcome in the eighth.

With the score tied at 4-4, a squeeze bunt by Johnny Peerens brought the game-winning run over the plate. Back-to-back doubles by Steven de Lannoy and Dennis Ribbens plated two more runs in the frame. Dennis van Hoof had evened the score for the GREYS in the seventh with a two-run double.

Picture Gallery on Picasa

Brussels Kangaroos secure Spot in 2010 1st Division

philipp — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:33:15 +0000

The BRUSSELS KANGAROOS will stay in the Belgian 1st Division. They won the first two games of the best-of-three relegation series against the GENT KNIGHTS this weekend to secure their spot in next year’s campaign. On Saturday they crushed the KNIGHTS 11-2 at home. One day later they completed the sweep with a 12-9 victory in Gent.

Results:
Saturday, October 3^rd:
Brussels Kangaroos – Gent Knights 11-2
Sunday, October 4^th:
Gent Knights – Brussels Kangaroos 9-12
(Brussels wins series 2-0)

Belgian Series: Hoboken Pioneers have one Hand on the Cup

philipp — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:45:51 +0000

The HOBOKEN PIONEERS are two-thirds on their way to celebrate the Belgian championship for the first time since 1970. They beat the PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS 5-4 on Saturday and 7-4 on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. The GREYS have won the last four Belgian titles in a row. Games three and possible four are scheduled to play next weekend.

More on both games later this week.

Belgian Series: Pioneers hope to end Greys Streak

philipp — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:00:46 +0000

The HOBOKEN PIONEERS will meet the PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS in the Belgian Championship Series. The best-of-five series is scheduled to start this weekend. The PIONEERS were first in the regular season and in the playoff round robin and try to capture their first Belgian title since 1970.

The GREYS on the other hand have won already 23 championships, including the last four in a row. They were tied with HOBOKEN in the regular season with a 19-8 record, but finished in second due to the tiebreakers. In the playoffs they had the same 6-6 record like the BRASSCHAAT BRAVES, but advanced to the Belgian Series due to winning all four postseason matches against the BRAVES.

Schedule:
Belgian Series:
Saturday, October 3^rd:
14:00 Hoboken Pioneers – Port of Antwerp Greys
Sunday, October 4^th:
14:00 Port of Antwerp Greys – Hoboken Pioneers
Saturday, October 10^th:
14:00 Hoboken Pioneers – Port of Antwerp Greys
Sunday, October 11^th:
14:00 Port of Antwerp Greys – Hoboken Pioneers*
Saturday, October 17^th:
14:00 Hoboken Pioneers – Port of Antwerp Greys*
*if necessary

Relegation Series:
Saturday, October 3^rd:
14:00 Brussels Kangaroos – Gent Knights
Sunday, October 4^th:
14:00 Gent Knights – Brussels Kangaroos
Saturday, October 10^th:
14:00 Brussels Kangaroos – Gent Knights*
*if necessary

Recaps: Angels lay the foundation for 2010 but get swept again

philipp — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:12:43 +0000

by Namur Angels, www.namur-angels.be

The Angels made their way to Hoboken on Saturday looking to salvage what has become a painful second round. They couldn’t turn things around however, as the offense would continue to be anemic .

Hoboken got on the board in the second inning thanks to a hit batsman with the bases loaded. A walk followed, forcing in another run to give the Pioneers a 2-0 lead.

The Hoboken offense was right back at it in the next inning. After two walks and a hit, an untimely error scored the final two runs.

Pioneers starter, Terrence Antonacci kept the Angels off the board in his five innings of work. The Pioneers relief efforts were just as solid; keeping the shutout intact over the last four innings.

The Angels failed to amount much of a threat and found themselves on the familiar end of a 4-0 loss.

The good news came from 17 year old speedy back up centerfielder Matthieu Deltombe who went 1 for 3 at the plate with 2 outfield assists.

On Sunday the Angels would fare no better. With it being a meaningless game for both teams it was a chance to have fun and go out on a good note. The Angels offense and defense were lackluster, which had been the story of the playoffs.

One of the lone bright spots was Ludovic Geuquet’s two run single in the fourth inning. The Angels offense awakened a little as they managed to push five runs across during the contest. However, it would not be enough.

The game was used as a chance to get some young talent into the game. Louis Dellieu got the start on the mound and pitched well. He wasn’t helped out by his defense but showed poise and control in what hopes to be a promising future. The same holds true for Edouard Vanheer who relieved the final two innings for the Angels.

The game ended with the score 12-5 in favor of the Pioneers. The game marked the end of a strong season by the Angels, who just couldn’t keep their momentum going in the second round. The Pioneers advance to face the Port of Antwerp Greys for The Belgian title starting next weekend.

Playoffs/Playdowns in Belgium finished, Pioneers vs. Greys in Finals

philipp — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:47:07 +0000

The last weekend of the Belgian playoff/playdown round is in the books. The PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS defeated the BRASSCHAAT BRAVES twice and erased the two-game deficit in the standings to clinch a berth in the Belgian Series against the HOBOKEN PIONEERS. They won all four games in the playoff round against the BRAVES and now have a chance to defend their title.

Results Playoffs:
Saturday, September 26:
Port of Antwerp Greys – Brasschaat Braves 1-0
Hoboken Pioneers – Namur Angels 4-0
Sunday, September 27:
Brasschaat Braves – Port of Antwerp Greys 6-9
Namur Angels – Hoboken Pioneers 3-11

Standings Playoffs:

Hoboken Pioneers 10-2
Port of Antwerp Greys6-6
Brasschaat Braves 6-6
Namur Angels 2-10

Results Playdowns:
Saturday, September 26:
Merchtem Cats – Borgerhout Squirrels 4-9
Brussels Kangaroos – Mortsel Stars 6-13
Sunday, September 27:
Borgerhout Squirrels – Merchtem Cats 11-0
Mortsel Stars – Brussels Kangaroos 15-8

Standings Playdowns:

Mortsel Stars 11-1
Borgerhout Squirrels 8-4
Brussels Kangaroos 3-9
Merchtem Cats 2-10

Playoffs/Playdowns end in Belgian Baseball

philipp — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:04:57 +0000

The BRASSCHAAT BRAVES and the PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS battle for a Belgian Series berth against the HOBOKEN PIONEERS this weekend. The GREYS need two wins to make it back to the finals, as they trail the BRAVES by two games in the standings. The PIONEERS clinched their spot in the championship series last week and conclude the playoffs against the NAMUR ANGELS.

In the playdowns the MORTSEL STARS and the BORGERHOUT SQUIRRELS already have secured their spots in the 2010 edition of the Belgian 1st Division. The BRUSSELS KANGAROOS and the MERCHTEM CATS will have to play relegation series against 2nd Division clubs.

Schedule Playoffs:
Saturday, September 26:
15:30 Brasschaat Braves – Port of Antwerp Greys
15:30 Hoboken Pioneers – Namur Angels
Sunday, September 27:
15:30 Brasschaat Braves – Port of Antwerp Greys
15:30 Namur Angels – Hoboken Pioneers

Standings Playoffs:

Hoboken Pioneers 8-2
Brasschaat Braves 6-4
Port of Antwerp Greys 4-6
Namur Angels 2-8

Schedule Playdowns:
Saturday, September 26:
15:30 Merchtem Cats – Borgerhout Squirrels
15:30 Brussels Kangaroos – Mortsel Stars
Sunday, September 27:
15:30 Borgerhout Squirrels – Merchtem Cats
15:30 Mortsel Stars – Brussels Kangaroos

Standings Playdowns:

Mortsel Stars 9-1
Borgerhout Squirrels 6-4
Brussels Kangaroos 3-7
Merchtem Cats 2-8

Recaps: Angels can’t stop the bleeding against the Braves

philipp — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:38:22 +0000

by www.namur-angels.be

On Saturday the Angels hosted the Brasschaat Braves. With all hopes of the Belgian Series disappearing, The Angels desperately needed a win to stay alive. The game would be a pitcher’s duel between the Angels Nicolas Migeot and Braves starter, Clayton Cooper.

In the second inning the Braves would draw first blood after three straight singles and a throwing error. Migeot limited the damage to only the one run. They pushed another run across in the fifth inning after a leadoff walk and a three base throwing error on Randy Georgiadis’ bunt attempt.

The Angels responded in the bottom of the frame when Jerome Sana was forced in on a walk. The run evened the score 1-1. In the bottom of the sixth inning the Angels would put another run on the board, thanks to a leadoff homerun by Brian Hurld. This would be all the offense the Angels would get as Clayton Cooper kept their bats at bay for the rest of the contest. The Braves would take the lead in the seventh inning on a single by Erwin Maes. The run would prove to be the game winner.

Cooper finished his complete game five hitter without the Angels mounting much of a threat. The final score, 3-2. The loss eliminated the Angels from contention for the Belgian series as it is now a three team race.

The Angels continued their slide on Sunday against the Braves.

Brasschaat got on the board first in the bottom frame of the 2nd inning thanks to a solo shot from right fielder Chris Ruggenberg. In the 3rd inning, n° 9 hitter Thomas Van den Eynde started things off with a double to left field. A mishandled bunt advanced him to third before scoring on a sacrifice fly from shortstop Randy Giorgiadis.

In the top of the 4th inning though, Namur was getting back on track. Consecutive walks to Brian Hurld and Jérôme Sana, followed by a bunt single by Ludovic Geuquet loaded the bases with no out.

Young starter Tacco Van den Heuvel balked to advance the runners and allow the Angels’ first run of the day. Rookie second baseman Florentin Goyens reached on an error by the first baseman scoring Jérôme Sana to tie the game at 2. Adrien Geuquet then got himself a bunt single to score his brother Ludovic and give Namur a 2-3 lead.

That was the end of the day for Braves’ starter as he was relieved by lefty Yannick Sel. Sel didn’t waste time retiring the next 3 hitters to keep his team into the game. In the bottom of the 4th, DH Erwin Maes led off the inning with a single to left. With 2 outs, things got ugly as the Angels defense make back to back errors to allow Maes to tie the game 3-3. After a quiet 5th inning, things got worse for Namur as the Braves scored 3 runs on 1 hit, 1 walk and 3 errors 3-6.

Angels starter Brian Hurld was lifted in the 7th and 16 year old Edouard Van Heer was getting his first appearance for the Angels on the mound. Things started well for the strong 1.90m righty as the retired n° 4 hitter on a pop fly and n°5 Erwin Maes recording his 1st division 1 strike out. He loaded the bases on a walk, a hit batsman and an infield single before getting another strike-out to end the inning.

Things didn’t go as smoothly for the young hurler in the 8th inning as he allowed 3 consecutive singles before Hans Heyrman smoked an outside pitch over the right-centerfield fence. SS Todd Emr came in to pitch and took care of business by retiring the next 3 batters on a pop fly and a timely double play.

In the 9th, another top Angels’ prospect, Thomas Vandenabeele walked to start things off and scored on a long 2-out single by veteran catcher Ronny Heymans before Emr lined out to end the game on score of 10-4.

Brian Hurld took the loss, allowing 5 hits, 1 walk, 2 strike-outs for 2 earned runs in 6 innings. Yannick Sel was awarded the win with 3 hits, 1 walk, 5 strike-outs for 1 earned run in 6 innings.

Namur will face the leader, Pioneers next week, hoping to close the book on 2009 on a good note.

Results Belgian Postseason September 19&20

philipp — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:59:05 +0000

The HOBOKEN PIONEERS swept their two-game series against reigning champion PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS this weekend in the Belgian playoffs and have reached the Belgian Series, which will be played in October. The BRASSCHAAT BRAVES also won both games against the NAMUR ANGELS, but still need one more win next week against the GREYS to clinch the second championship series berth.

Results Playoffs:
Saturday, September 19:
Namur Angels – Brasschaat Braves 2-3
Port of Antwerp Greys – Hoboken Pioneers 1-2
Sunday, September 20:
Brasschaat Braves – Namur Angels 10-4
Hoboken Pioneers – Port of Antwerp Greys 8-7

Standings Playoffs:

Hoboken Pioneers 8-2
Brasschaat Braves 6-4
Port of Antwerp Greys 4-6
Namur Angels 2-8

Results Playdowns:
Saturday, September 19:
Borgerhout Squirrels – Brussels Kangaroos 5-2
Merchtem Cats – Mortsel Stars 1-9
Sunday, September 20:
Brussels Kangaroos – Borgerhout Squirrels 2-3
Mortsel Stars – Merchtem Cats 10-1

Standings Playdowns:

Mortsel Stars 9-1
Borgerhout Squirrels 6-4
Brussels Kangaroos 3-7
Merchtem Cats 2-8

Angels lose control of their destiny after being swept by the Greys

philipp — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:58:35 +0000

by Brian Hurld, www.namur-angels.be

Saturday was the start to an important weekend for both the Angels, and the Greys. Both teams were looking to sweep and get back into the running for the Belgian Series.

Unfortunately the Angels would continue their recent losing ways.

Harold Gerard got the start on the mound for the Angels and he got roughed up early as the Greys pushed two across in the first inning. Gert Rosiers doubled in the two runs that put the Greys ahead for good.

Dennis Van Hoof kept the Angels off balance all day with a good fastball and steady diet of strong off speed stuff. He went eight innings while only allowing two hits.

In the third inning Rosiers launched a two run homer to extend the lead to 4-0. The Greys would never look back as they continued their offensive onslaught. When the dust settled the final score was 8-0 in favor of the Greys.

Game two wouldn’t be much better for the Angels. The Greys would score four runs against Brian Hurld in the first and never look back.

After scoring one more in the second they would be done for the day but the Angels simply couldn’t overcome the early deficit.

The Angels kept the game close and had base runners all day but just couldn’t execute.

The Greys got some timely defense and double plays to take the wind out of the Angels sails.

Going into the ninth the Angels found themselves only down by two. The tying run reached second base with two outs but Nicolas Migeot was induced into an infield popup to end things. The final score 5-3 in favor of the Greys.

With this loss the Greys improve to 4-4, while the Angels fall to 2-6 and need some real help to have any chance of making it to the Belgian series.

Results Belgian Postseason September 12&13

philipp — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:16:31 +0000

The defending champion PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS moved back closer to the top in the playoff standings in the Belgian first division with two wins over the NAMUR ANGELS. They are now 4-4, tied with the BRASSCHAAT BRAVES for second place. The HOBOKEN PIONEERS remain at the top with six wins in eight games.

Results Playoffs:
September 12:
Brasschaat Braves – Hoboken Pioneers 3-2
Namur Angels – Port of Antwerp Greys 0-8
September 13:
Hoboken Pioneers – Brasschaat Braves 4-2
Port of Antwerp Greys – Namur Angels 5-3

Standings:

Hoboken Pioneers 6-2
Brasschaat Braves 4-4
Port of Antwerp Greys 4-4
Namur Angels 2-6

Results Playdowns:
September 12:
Mortsel Stars – Borgerhout Squirrels 6-4
Merchtem Cats – Brussels Kangaroos 7-9
September 13:
Borgerhout Squirrels – Mortsel Stars 6-2
Brussels Kangaroos – Merchtem Cats 12-9

Standings:

Mortsel Stars 7-1
Borgerhout Squirrels 4-4
Brussels Kangaroos 3-5
Merchtem Cats 2-6

Belgian Postseason: Angels split Series against Pioneers

philipp — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:43:47 +0000

by www.namur-angels.be

On Saturday, The Namur Angels looked to get their Belgian Series hopes back on track against the undefeated Hoboken Pioneers.

The Angels sent Brian Hurld to the mound to quiet the Pioneers offense. For the first time in recent memory the Angels would get on the board first. In the bottom of the first inning Ronny Heymans scored on a single by Jerome Sana that scooted by the Pioneers right fielder.

This would be all the offense Hurld would need. He cruised through the first three innings without allowing a base runner. Thing were quiet until the sixth inning when Hurld helped his own cause by homering to right field to put the Angels up 2-0.

The Angels offense would keep the pressure on in the seventh in eighth innings but pushing runs across. In the seventh Brian Hurld plated Todd Emr on an RBI groundout. In the eighth Cedric Nauts doubled in Nicolas Migeot to extend Namur’s lead to 4-0.

Hurld finished off the Pioneers in the ninth after loading the bases and making things interesting. The final score Angels 4, Pioneers 0.

The Angels Traveled to Hoboken on Sunday looking for the sweep. It wasn’t in the card however, as the Pioneers avenged the previous day’s loss with some timely hitting and great starting pitching.

The Angels offense got on the board in the first inning. Ronny Heymans walked and was later singled in by Nicolas Migeot to put the Angels up 1-0.

From that point on Pioneers starter, Kenny Van Den Branden shut the Angels bats down by going the distance and not allowing any more runs.

Harold Gerard was quietly tossing a shutout for the Angels until the fifth inning when the Pioneers pushed across three runs with some timely hitting and shaky Angels defense. With the Pioneers up 3-1.

Kenny Van Den Branden continued to cruise for the Pioneers finishing off the game and completing the 6-1 victory for the Pioneers. The Pioneers improve to 5-1 while the Angels drop to 2-4 in the second round.

Results Belgian Postseason September 5&6

philipp — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:50:35 +0000

Week three in the Belgian postseason went on this weekend with the HOBOKEN PIONEERS remain in first place in the playoff standings, though they no longer are undefeated. The NAMUR ANGELS shut out HOBOKEN on Saturday behind a gem of Brian Hurld, who struck out nine going the distance allowing just five hits and three walks. One day later the PIONEERS got payback and improved to 5-1 with a 6-1 victory. The BRASSCHAAT BRAVES and the PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS also had to settle for the split. The GREYS also have brought back slugger Bryan Bell, who helped them winning the championship last year.

Results Playoffs:
Saturday, September 5:
Port of Antwerp Greys – Brasschaat Braves 3-2
Namur Angels – Hoboken Pioneers 4-0
Sunday, September 6th:
Port of Antwerp Greys – Brasschaat Braves 9-4
Hoboken Pioneers – Namur Angels 6-1

Standings Playoffs:

Hoboken Pioneers 5-1
Brasschaat Braves 3-3
Port of Antwerp Greys 2-4
Namur Angels 2-4

Results Playdowns:
Saturday, September 5th:
Borgerhout Squirrels – Merchtem Cats 15-3
Mortsel Stars – Brussels Kangaroos 9-8
Sunday, September 6th:
Merchtem Cats – Borgerhout Squirrels 9-12
Brussels Kangaroos – Mortsel Stars 11-15

Standings Playdowns:

Mortsel Stars 6-0
Borgerhout Squirrels 3-3
Merchtem Cats 2-4
Brussels Kangaroos 1-5

Belgian Postseason: Week 3

philipp — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:18:10 +0000

The first half of the playoffs and playdowns in the Belgian first division will end this weekend. In the top-four playoff round the unbeaten HOBOKEN PIONEERS will play against the NAMUR ANGELS, while the PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS will battle with the BRASSCHAAT BRAVES. NAMUR and the GREYS are already under pressure, having won just one of the first four games.

Schedule Playoffs:
Week 3:
Saturday, September 5th:
15:30 Port of Antwerp Greys – Brasschaat Braves
15:30 Namur Angels – Hoboken Pioneers
Sunday, September 6th:
15:30 Port of Antwerp Greys – Brasschaat Braves
15:30 Hoboken Pioneers – Namur Angels

Standings Playoffs:

Pioneers 4-0
Braves 2-2
Angels 1-3
Greys 1-3

Schedule Playdowns:
Week 3:
Saturday, September 5th:
15:30 Borgerhout Squirrels – Merchtem Cats
15:30 Mortsel Stars – Brussels Kangaroos
Sunday, September 6th:
15:30 Merchtem Cats – Borgerhout Squirrels
15:30 Brussels Kangaroos – Mortsel Stars

Standings Playdowns:

Mortsel Stars 4-0
Merchtem Cats 2-2
Brussels Kangaroos 1-3
Borgerhout Squirrels 1-3

Belgian Playoffs: A weekend to forget for the Namur Angels

philipp — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:50:10 +0000

by Brian Hurld, www.namur-angels.be

Saturday started what would become a long weekend for the Namur Angels as they faced off against the Brasschaat Braves.

Harold Gerard started on the mound and the Braves immediately took a lead that they would not relinquish. In the bottom of the first, after back to back singles to start the game, Hans Heyrman smashed a three run homer to right to put the Angels in a 3-0 hole. Later in the inning Erwin Maes hit a solo shot to put the Braves up by four.

Braves starter, Clayton Cooper kept the Angels hitters off balance the entire day tossing a complete game four hitter.

While the Angels offense remained in its’ funk the Braves pushed two more runs across in the seventh inning to put the finishing touches on a 6-1 victory.

The Angels would fare no better on Sunday as they squared off with the Braves again. The Braves put the Angels in an early hole again by pushing two runs across in the first against starter, Brian Hurld.

The offensive onslaught by the Braves would continue in the third inning as Randy Giorgiadis doubled and scampered home on a passed ball. Things got ugly in the sixth inning as the Braves pushed across five more runs.

The Angels offense remained anemic as they managed to push across only three runs. They simply couldn’t muster any timely hitting and any chance of a comeback seemed unlikely.

The Braves continued to score until the end when they pushed across their eleventh and final run. The final score was 11-3 in favor of the Braves.

Results:
Week 2:
Belgian Playoffs:
Saturday, August 29:
Brasschaat Braves – Namur Angels 6-1
Hoboken Pioneers – Port of Antwerp Greys 3-0
Sunday, August 30:
Namur Angels – Brasschaat Braves 3-11
Port of Antwerp Greys – Hoboken Pioneers 4-9

Standings:

Pioneers 4-0
Braves 2-2
Angels 1-3
Greys 1-3

Belgian Playoffs: Results August 29&30

philipp — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:33:37 +0000

The HOBOKEN PIONEERS improved to 4-0 in the Belgian playoffs after two wins over reigning champion PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS this weekend. The BRASSCHAAT BRAVES moved into second place in the standings with two victories against the NAMUR ANGELS.

More info later this week

Standings:

Pioneers 4-0
Braves 2-2
Angels 1-3
Greys 1-3

Belgian Playdowns:
Saturday, August 29:
Brussels Kangaroos – Borgerhout Squirrels 20-2
Mortsel Stars – Merchtem Cats 10-4
Sunday, August 30:
Borgerhout Squirrels – Brussels Kangaroos 9-4
Merchtem Cats – Mortsel Stars 3-13

Standings:

Mortsel Stars 4-0
Merchtem Cats 2-2
Brussels Kangaroos 1-3
Borgerhout Squirrels 1-3

2nd Week in Belgian Playoffs

philipp — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:44:59 +0000

The Belgian playoffs, which will determine the two participants in the championship series in October, will resume this weekend with the second game day. The HOBOKEN PIONEERS, which swept the BRASSCHAAT BRAVES last week, take on the reigning champion PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS in a home-and-away series. The GREYS split their twin bill with the NAMUR ANGELS. NAMUR faces the BRAVES.

Schedule:
Belgian Playoffs:
Saturday, August 29:
15:30 Brasschaat Braves – Namur Angels
15:30 Hoboken Pioneers – Port of Antwerp Greys
Sunday, August 30:
15:30 Namur Angels – Brasschaat Braves
15:30 Port of Antwerp Greys – Hoboken Pioneers

Belgian Playdowns:
Saturday, August 29:
15:30 Brussels Kangaroos – Borgerhout Squirrels
15:30 Mortsel Stars – Merchtem Cats
Sunday, August 30:
15:30 Borgerhout Squirrels – Brussels Kangaroos
15:30 Merchtem Cats – Mortsel Stars

Recaps: Angels split opening playoff series against Greys

philipp — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 06:31:43 +0000

by Namur Angels, www.namur-angels.be

Game 1

This weekend marked the beginning of the Division 1 playoffs and the quest for the Belgian Cup. The Namur Angels hosted the Port of Antwerp Greys to kick things off. The first game would not disappoint those in attendance.

The Angels sent Harold Gerard to the mound to face the Greys tough lineup. Gerard would throw six strong innings of one run ball while giving the Angels a chance to win. Unfortunately for Gerard, Greys starter, Adam Crabb also pitched well.

The offenses for both teams were quiet until the bottom of the fourth when the Greys got on the board. David Herssens led things off with a single. After moving to second on a groundout he was knocked in on a single by Gert Rosiers to give the Greys the 1-0 lead.

Namur would finally respond in the sixth inning to the tune of three runs.

After constantly leaving runners stranded early in the game the Angels finally capitalized. Brian Hurld led off with a walk which was followed up by a hit batsman and a bunt single by speedster Ronny Heymans. With the bases loaded Cedric Nauts doubled to knock in all three runners and give the Angels a 3-1 lead.

In the seventh inning the Greys answered right back. They pushed five runs across against reliever Nicolas Migeot which was the result of some shaky defense, walks, and a few timely hits by Merksem.

Down three runs going into the ninth the Angels rallied. Jason Holowaty walked and Jerome Sana was hit by a pitch. Evan Romanchuk then singled to load the bases. Holowaty would scamper home on a wild pitch and Ronny Heymans delivered the clutch two out single that plated the tying runs.

Things would end abruptly for the Angels though as the Greys won in walk-off fashion in the tenth. After loading the bases with no out, Greys leadoff hitter, Sam D’Olivero singled in the winning run. The final score was 7-6 in favor of the Greys.

Game 2

Less than twenty four hours later the Angels were back to exact some revenge for the previous day’s meeting. This would prove to be another barn burner of a game.

The Angels sent Brian Hurld to the mound to stifle the Grey’s bats.

Unfortunately in the first inning the Greys would get two runs on a throwing error that got past the first baseman.

They would respond in the bottom of the inning by pushing three runs across. Jason Holowaty and Phillip Van Woensel singled to get things started. Holowaty would score on a sacrifice fly by Todd Emr. Ronny Heymans was later walked which forced a run in. Nicolas Migeot then singled in the go ahead run to give the Angels a 3-2 lead.

The Greys fought right back and evened things up in the next inning. They would eventually take the lead in the fourth after Tom Van Extergem singled in Jamie Verheylewegen to put the Greys on top 4-3.

In the sixth inning Namur’s bats would come alive. Edouard Vanheer singled to get things started. He moved to second on a wild pitch and was driven in by Nicolas Migeot to tie the game. Finding themselves down a run again in the next inning, the resilient Angels scored again as Phillip Van Woensel scampered home on a wild pitch.

The Angels came to bat in the eighth with the score all square 5-5. Jason Holowaty led things off with a walk. Todd Emr stepped up to the plate later in the inning with Holowaty still stranded on first. He ripped a line drive just inside the right field foul line that made it all the way down into the corner. With Coach Chris Dassy and the entire Angels bench waving their man home, Holowaty beat the throw and the Angels now had the lead 6-5.

Brian Hurld came back out in the ninth to shut the door. After setting down the first two batters in order he followed with a walk but ended the game by picking off the runner at first. The final score Angels 6, Greys 5.

Complete Results Belgian Playoffs Week 1:
Saturday, August 22
Hoboken Pioneers – Brasschaat Braves 5-3
Port of Antwerp Greys – Namur Angels 7-6 (10)
Sunday, August 23
Brasschaat Braves – Hoboken Pioneers 1-8
Namur Angels – Port of Antwerp Greys 6-5

Belgian Playoffs: Results August 22&23

philipp — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:40:38 +0000

The top four teams after the regular season in the Belgian First Division started into the playoffs, which will determine the two participants of the Belgian Series until the end of September. Regular season winner PIONEERS overcame a 0-3 deficit on Saturday against BRASSCHAAT to win 5-3. Kenny van den Branden issued just three hits in four innings of scoreless relief, while striking out eight. In the second match on Sunday HOBOKEN prevailed by a final score of 8-1. T.J. Antonacci went the distance and allowed just one run on seven hits and two bb for the win. Steven de Lannoy collected four hits in five at-bats.

In the second two-game series this weekend between NAMUR and the GREYS (more on these games later this week), the two teams battled to win one game each. On Saturday the GREYS scored five runs in the seventh to take a 6-3 lead, but blew the lead in the ninth, sending the game to extra innings. After the ANGELS couldn’t convert a bases-loaded situation in the top of the tenth, PORT OF ANTWERP came through in the bottom of the frame, winning 7-6 on a no-out walk-off hit. NAMUR left a total of 17 men stranded in the game. On Sunday Brian Hurld went the distance in a 6-5 victory for the ANGELS. Todd Emr drove in winning run Jason Holowaty in the bottom of the eighth with a double.

Results Belgian Playoffs Week 1:
Saturday, August 22
Hoboken Pioneers – Brasschaat Braves 5-3
Port of Antwerp Greys – Namur Angels 7-6 (10)
Sunday, August 23
Brasschaat Braves – Hoboken Pioneers 1-8
Namur Angels – Port of Antwerp Greys 6-5

Playoffs Opener in Belgium this Weekend

philipp — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:34:31 +0000

The playoffs in the Belgian 1str Division starts this weekend. Starting on Saturday the top four teams after the regular season the PIONEERS, ANGELS, GREYS and BRAVES will play a round robin to determine the two finalists for the Belgian Series, which will begin on the first weekend in October. The playoffs are supposed to end on September 27.

Schedule Belgian Playoffs Week 1:
Saturday, August 22:
15:30 Hoboken Pioneers – Brasschaat Braves
15:30 Namur Angels – Port of Antwerp Greys
Sunday, August 23:
15:30 Brasschaat Braves – Hoboken Pioneers
15:30 Port of Antwerp Greys – Namur Angels

Schedule Belgian Playdowns Week 1:
Saturday, August 22:
15:30 Borgerhout Squirrels – Mortsel Stars
15:30 Brussels Kangaroos – Merchtem Cats
Sunday, August 23:
15:30 Mortsel Stars – Borgerhout Squirrels
15:30 Merchtem Cats – Brussels Kangaroos

Results Belgian First Division August 1&2

philipp — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:59:45 +0000

With the playoff spots already handed out, the only question remained in the Belgian First Division, if the NAMUR ANGELS could retake the top seed from the HOBOKEN PIONEERS. On Saturday the PIONEERS had to forfeit the first match due to field matters. But they stayed in first, as the Sunday game was rained out and due to league rules, the game will not be made up.

With the victory by the PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS on Saturday over the MERCHTEM CATS, three teams go into the playoffs with 19-8 records. The BRASSCHAAT BRAVES are the fourth team in the postseason, which will start in two weeks.

In the bottom half of the standings, the BRUSSELS KANGAROOS closed out the regular season with two wins over the BORGERHOUT SQUIRRELS and moved into a tie for fifth place.

	Time	Home	Visitor	Result
Saturday, August 01 2009
	15:30	Hoboken Pioneers	Namur Angels	00:07
	15:30	The Merchtem Cats	Port of Antwerp Greys	02:22
	15:30	K. Mortsel Stars	Brasschaat Braves	13:16
	15:30	Brussels Kangaroos	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	18:08
Sunday, August 02 2009
	15:30	Port of Antwerp Greys	The Merchtem Cats	ppd
	15:30	Brasschaat Braves	K. Mortsel Stars	07:00
	15:30	Namur Angels	Hoboken Pioneers	ppd
	15:30	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	Brussels Kangaroos	14:15

Standings

#	Team	W	L	R+	R-	.pct	GB	Streak
1	Hoboken Pioneers	19	8	215	88	.703	0	L2
2	Port of Antwerp Greys	19	8	216	112	.703	0	W4
3	Namur Angels	19	8	157	88	.703	0	W4
4	Brasschaat Braves	18	10	229	166	.642	1.5	W3
5	Brussels Kangaroos	10	18	151	277	.357	9.5	W2
6	K. Mortsel Stars	10	18	165	205	.357	9.5	L2
7	The Merchtem Cats	8	19	120	247	.296	11	L5
8	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	7	21	156	226	.250	12.5	L8

Regular Season ends in Belgium

philipp — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:15:36 +0000

The regular season in the Belgian 1st Division ends this weekend with potential finals preview, as the HOBOKEN PIONEERS take on the NAMUR ANGELS. Both teams are only separated by a single game in the standings and NAMUR can regain first place with a sweep. With a split they could drop to third, as the PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS are also just one game behind first in the standings. These three teams will be joined by the BRASSCHAAT BRAVES in the playoffs, which will be held in a round-robin format.

Time	Home	Visitor	Field
Dates and Times are subject to change! In case of doubt check with the responsible national federation!
Saturday, August 01 2009
15:30	Hoboken Pioneers	Namur Angels	Hoboken Pioneers
15:30	The Merchtem Cats	Port of Antwerp Greys	The Merchtem Cats
15:30	K. Mortsel Stars	Brasschaat Braves	K. Mortsel Stars
15:30	Brussels Kangaroos	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	Brussels Kangaroos
Sunday, August 02 2009
15:30	Port of Antwerp Greys	The Merchtem Cats	Royal Greys
15:30	Brasschaat Braves	K. Mortsel Stars	Brasschaat Braves
15:30	Namur Angels	Hoboken Pioneers	Namur Angels
15:30	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	Brussels Kangaroos	K. Borgerhout S...

Standings

#	Team	W	L	R+	R-	.pct	GB	Streak
1	Hoboken Pioneers	19	8	215	88	.703	0	L2
2	Port of Antwerp Greys	19	8	216	112	.703	0	W4
3	Namur Angels	19	8	157	88	.703	0	W4
4	Brasschaat Braves	18	10	229	166	.642	1.5	W3
5	Brussels Kangaroos	10	18	151	277	.357	9.5	W2
6	K. Mortsel Stars	10	18	165	205	.357	9.5	L2
7	The Merchtem Cats	8	19	120	247	.296	11	L5
8	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	7	21	156	226	.250	12.5	L8

Results Belgian 1st Division July 21 and 23

philipp — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:07:09 +0000

The HOBOKEN PIONEERS and the BRASSCHAAT BRAVES met twice this week in the Belgian 1st Division. On Tuesday both teams had to stop the play after twelve innings and the scored tied 14-14. They resumed play on Thursday in front of the second part of the home-and-away series and the PIONEERS won it 15-14. Afterwards the BRAVES shut out HOBOKEN 5-0. The league in Belgium is off this weekend, as the national team takes part in the international tournament Open de Rouen in France. The regular season ends next weekend.

	Time	Home	Visitor	Result
Tuesday, July 21 2009
	15:30	Hoboken Pioneers	Brasschaat Braves	15:14
Thursday, July 23 2009
	15:30	Brasschaat Braves	Hoboken Pioneers	05:00

Standings

#	Team	W	L	R+	R-	.pct	GB	Streak
1	Hoboken Pioneers	19	8	215	88	.703	0	L2
2	Port of Antwerp Greys	19	8	216	112	.703	0	W4
3	Namur Angels	19	8	157	88	.703	0	W4
4	Brasschaat Braves	18	10	229	166	.642	1.5	W3
5	Brussels Kangaroos	10	18	151	277	.357	9.5	W2
6	K. Mortsel Stars	10	18	165	205	.357	9.5	L2
7	The Merchtem Cats	8	19	120	247	.296	11	L5
8	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	7	21	156	226	.250	12.5	L8

Recaps: Namur Angels with Sweep over Merchtem Cats

philipp — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:38:50 +0000

by Namur-Angels, www.namur-angels.be

Game 1

The Merchtem Cats came to town Saturday to square off against the Angels. Namur sent Nicolas Migeot to the mound to keep the Merchtem bats at bay in a game that would not disappoint those in attendance.

After an uneventful first inning the Cats would push a run across. After a leadoff walk to Kristof Vandroogenbroeck, and a wild pitch, Geert Cleymans singled in the first run of the game. Migeot would get out of the jam only allowing one run.

The Cats were back at it in the third inning with some two out magic. Tim Van Lierde singled to start things off. The next batter reached on error by Florentin Goyens, which was followed up by a hit batsman. Geert Cleymans singled in another run to give the Cats a 2-0 lead. After a passed ball and another run the Angels found themselves in an early 3-0 hole.

The Angels would get some help in the fourth as Ludovic Geuquet, who had previously walked, scored on an error to pull the Angels within two. The Cats answered right back in the fifth by pushing one across to extend the lead back at three.

The Angels offense would answer in the bottom of the frame as Todd Emr got things started with a walk. Brian Hurld followed with a single and Ludovic Geuquet reached via the base on balls. Victor Gerard then singled in Emr but that would be all the Angels could muster as Hurld was thrown out at home when a pitch squirted away from the catcher. After five the Angels were down 4-2.

Namur found themselves down 5-2 going into the bottom of the seventh. Brian Hurld led the inning off with a single and later scored on a single by Edouard Van Heer to pull the Angels within two. The late inning rally continued in the eighth when Hurld knocked in Thomas Vandenabeele on a single. Pinch runner Matthieu Deltombe scored from second on a deep triple by Jerome Sana to even things up at 5-5.

In the bottom of the ninth the Angels would complete the late inning comeback with some heroics from their young second baseman, Florentin Goyens. Cedric Nauts reached base to lead the inning off and went on to steal second. With one out and the winning run one hundred and eighty feet away, Goyens singled to right and Nauts beat the throw home to give the Angels the thrilling 6-5 victory. Nauts also picked up the win in relief.

Game 2

On Sunday the Namur Angels were looking to complete a weekend sweep that has been so elusive recently. They sent Brian Hurld to the mound with the hopes of securing win number eighteen on the season. Unfortunately, things would get off to a shaky start.

In the bottom of the first the Cats took advantage of some bad defense as they pushed two run across. Yet again the Angels were down but not out.

We fast forward to the sixth inning where the Angels offense woke up to tie the score. After a walk, an error, and a fielder’s choice Jerome Sana hit a double deep in the right center gap that plated Todd Emr from second and Brian Hurld all the way from first. After six the score was tied at two apiece.

The offense was back at it in the eighth inning as Hurld doubled in Emr to put the Angels on top for good. In the ninth Hurld helped his own cause again by singling in two more to give the Angels the 5-2 lead. He would head back to the mound to finish the complete game three hitter by sitting the Cats down in order in the bottom of the ninth. The final score was 5-2 in favor of the Angels who enter a week long break riding a two game winning streak.

	Time	Home	Visitor	Result
Saturday, July 18 2009
	15:30	Port of Antwerp Greys	Brussels Kangaroos	11:03
	15:30	K. Mortsel Stars	Hoboken Pioneers	05:15
	15:30	Namur Angels	The Merchtem Cats	06:05
	15:30	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	Brasschaat Braves	08:09
Sunday, July 19 2009
	15:30	Hoboken Pioneers	K. Mortsel Stars	00:05
	15:30	The Merchtem Cats	Namur Angels	02:05
	15:30	Brasschaat Braves	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	07:05
	15:30	Brussels Kangaroos	Port of Antwerp Greys	00:16

Standings

#	Team	W	L	R+	R-	.pct	GB	Streak
1	Hoboken Pioneers	19	8	215	88	.703	0	L2
2	Port of Antwerp Greys	19	8	216	112	.703	0	W4
3	Namur Angels	19	8	157	88	.703	0	W4
4	Brasschaat Braves	18	10	229	166	.642	1.5	W3
5	Brussels Kangaroos	10	18	151	277	.357	9.5	W2
6	K. Mortsel Stars	10	18	165	205	.357	9.5	L2
7	The Merchtem Cats	8	19	120	247	.296	11	L5
8	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	7	21	156	226	.250	12.5	L8

Results Belgian 1st Division July 18&19

philipp — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 21:17:58 +0000

The BRASSCHAAT BRAVES swept their two-game series against the BORGERHOUT SQUIRRELS in the Belgian 1st Division this weekend and qualified as fourth team for the playoffs. At the top of the standings the HOBOKEN PIONEERS dropped one of two against the MORTSEL STARS and now lead by just one game, as the NAMUR ANGELS and the PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS won twice. However the PIONEERS have four games left on their schedule in the regular season, while the ANGELS and GREYS only two.

More on the games later this week

	Time	Home	Visitor	Result
Saturday, July 18 2009
	15:30	Port of Antwerp Greys	Brussels Kangaroos	11:03
	15:30	K. Mortsel Stars	Hoboken Pioneers	05:15
	15:30	Namur Angels	The Merchtem Cats	06:05
	15:30	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	Brasschaat Braves	08:09
Sunday, July 19 2009
	15:30	Hoboken Pioneers	K. Mortsel Stars	00:05
	15:30	The Merchtem Cats	Namur Angels	02:05
	15:30	Brasschaat Braves	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	07:05
	15:30	Brussels Kangaroos	Port of Antwerp Greys	00:16

Standings

#	Team	W	L	R+	R-	.pct	GB	Streak
1	Hoboken Pioneers	19	8	215	88	.703	0	L2
2	Port of Antwerp Greys	19	8	216	112	.703	0	W4
3	Namur Angels	19	8	157	88	.703	0	W4
4	Brasschaat Braves	18	10	229	166	.642	1.5	W3
5	Brussels Kangaroos	10	18	151	277	.357	9.5	W2
6	K. Mortsel Stars	10	18	165	205	.357	9.5	L2
7	The Merchtem Cats	8	19	120	247	.296	11	L5
8	K. Borgerhout Squirrels	7	21	156	226	.250	12.5	L8