Mister Baseball » News – Dutch Baseball Leagues

Neptunus, Amsterdam open 2012 Hoofdklasse Season

philipp — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:52:33 +0000

The Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association has published the Hoofdklasse schedule for the 2012 season. European Cup participants DOOR Neptunus and defending champion L&D Amsterdam will open the new year in Honkbal with a three-game series from Thursday, March 29 to Sunday, April 1. The regular season will be played until July 8.

After the Haarlem Baseball Week the playoffs in the same round-robin format as last year will start on July 26. The best-of-seven Holland Series will take place between August 16 and August 26. The European Championship in September in the Netherlands caused the earlier start and ending of the Hoofdklasse season.

Otherwise not much has changed. Starting games for night games has been moved from 7.45pm to 7.30pm. Also ADO is now called the “ADO Lakers” after the fusion of two clubs. Visit KNBSB.nl for the complete schedule.

Hoofdklasse Teams 2012

L&D Amsterdam
DOOR Neptunus
Vaessen Pioniers
Corendon Kinheim
Mr. Cocker HCAW
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam
UVV
ADO Lakers

Dutch MLB Bid still waiting for Green Light

philipp — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:48:51 +0000

Honkbalsite.com has published an article on Saturday, updating us on the Dutch bid to host Major League Baseball games in 2014. A delegation headed by Robert Eenhoorn had presented the plan to MLB in September. Now everybody is still in waiting mode. Field and facilities coordinator Murray Cook visited the site of the planned new ballpark between the cities of Hoofddorp and Nieuw-Vennep earlier this month. The construction of the new baseball stadium as part of the large-scale project Park 21 is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2012 with the completion one year later.

The submitted plan for MLB games has the year 2014 in sight, which would bring a three-game series between two, most likely east coast based, MLB teams to the Netherlands. The only news organizers so far have received is the fact that their bid is the only serious plan for Europe. A decision by MLB is expected for March, when the team owners will talk about international games in the coming five years. This spring the Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics will travel to Tokyo for a two-game Japan Opening Series (March 28&29, 2012).

MLB Coaches visit Dutch Baseball Academies

philipp — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:49:27 +0000

The Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association (KNBSB) sent out a press release this week, announcing that coaches from Major League Baseball are visiting Dutch Baseball Academies these days. All three are well known around Europe. Strength and conditioning coaches Vaughn Robinson (Arizona Diamondbacks) and Rob Helmich (Toronto Blue Jays), as well as field coordinator and catching instructor Charlie Greene (Milwaukee Brewers) are working with the youth players.

Haarlem gets “Gregory Halman Square”

philipp — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:27:54 +0000

The Dutch city of Haarlem will honor the deceased outfielder of the Seattle Mariners, Gregory Halman, by naming a square in front of Pim Mulier Stadium after him. A city council commission unanimously approved a proposal by initiator Jan Baaijens this weekend. Additionally Halman’s picture also is supposed to be displayed at the side of a ring road in Haarlem alongside other famous sports stars of the city. Halman was stabbed to death on November 21, 2011 at his home in Rotterdam.

Dutch Club retires Win Remmerswaal’s Number 49

philipp — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:33:46 +0000

The baseball club Storks, based in The Hague, has retired jersey number 49 of former Major Leaguer Win Remmerswaal during their 60-year anniversary ceremony last weekend. KNBSB technical director and fellow former Major Leaguer Robert Eenhoorn was present, as the 57-year-old Remmerswaal couldn’t come due to health problems.

Remmerswaal signed with the Boston Red Sox in 1974. He moved through the various minor league levels and made his MLB debut on August 3, 1979. He would pitch in 22 games, all as a reliever, in 1979 and 1980 with an ERA of 5.50. He later also pitched in Italy and Puerto Rico until a shoulder injury ended his active career.

Picture Gallery of the Ceremony

Markwell elected Rotterdam Sportsman of the Year 2011

philipp — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:11:53 +0000

by Pim van Nes

On Monday evening Rotterdam Topsport hosted its 25th yearly awards gala for best sports man, sport woman, sport team and sport talent of 2011. Nominated and eventually winner for sport man of the year was pitcher Diegomar Markwell, born in Willemstad 8/8/80. He debuted in Hoofdklasse on 29 May 2004 for Sparta/Feyenoord in Rotterdam and has played all other national seasons for his present club DOOR Neptunus, also in Rotterdam. Markwell played a remarkable 2011 season with Neptunus and with the Netherlands national team. He belonged to the national team roster which won IBAF Baseball World Cup in October 2011.

Neptunus finished first in the regular season of the Hoofdklasse and third in semi finales of national playoffs. Left-hander Markwell reached his best pitcher’s statistics with his own club both in regular season and in post season. He finished as third best pitcher of Hoofdklasse regular season with an ERA of 1.71 in 13 starts and 79 innings. Second best was his Australian teammate Craig Anderson with 1.09 in 5 starts and 58 innings and first was L&D Amsterdam pitcher Rob Cordemans: 0.31 in 13 starts and 88 innings. Markwell struck out 50, walked 26 and conceded 56 hits and 15 runs in his 79 innings.

When his club Neptunus went to the European Cup in Parma, Markwell started his international season with a stunning 7-3 win over T&A San Marino, but a few months later this opponent won the Final Four Champions Cup in Brno. Back in the Netherlands Markwell opened the Dutch playoffs with another strong performance during 7 innings versus Vaessen Pioniers: 8-1. Later he shut out Amsterdam with a 7-0 complete game victory, but the Pioniers finished first in the round robin semifinals and Amsterdam won the 2011 Holland Series.

With the Netherlands national team Markwell participated in the World Port Tournament in Rotterdam. Based on ERA stats, Markwell finished as ninth pitcher in his team ranking. He was involved first with a 4-8 defeat versus Taiwan and later with a 6-inning start for a 4-2 win over same Taiwan, which in the tournament’s finale beat Cuba for the overall victory. Markwell was also picked as lefty by national team manager Brian Farley for the trip to the IBAF Baseball World Cup in Panama. He appeared in 3 games: as middle-reliever in the 5-2 win over Japan, as winning pitcher with a 6 plus innings start versus USA (7-5) and again as middle-reliever in the 2-1 win over Australia. Markwell collected the highest ERA of his own team ranking, but the Netherlands beat Cuba in the tournament’s finale for the world championship.

Markwell and his national teammates and coaches back home became Dutch super stars who were crowned as best sports team of the year and best coach in Europe or best sports man of their city or region. Readers of main newspaper De Telegraaf voted for their national baseball team, when they had to elect the best sport momentum of the year. Majority considered the twenty-seventh out in the hot corner in the Baseball World Cup finale versus Cuba as their ‘moment supreme’ of the year. On Monday also Rotterdam has chosen for baseball and the best pitcher of this city of sports.

Greg Frady brings Max Schmitz, Roy Seltenrijch to Georgia State University

philipp — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:32:44 +0000

Mister-Baseball is going to have a lengthy interview with German national team head coach Greg Frady in a couple of days. But before a tidbit of news. Among the topics was also the addition of a pair of European players to his team at the NCAA Division I College Georgia State University. German pitcher Max Schmitz and Dutch infielder Roy Seltenrijch will enroll to the University this spring.

The 19-year-old Schmitz pitched for the German national team this summer and went 3-1 with two saves and an ERA of 1.85 in nine games for the Bonn Capitals in the Baseball-Bundesliga. Seltenrijch, who is from Rotterdam, had joined Corendon Kinheim in the Dutch Hoofdklasse in 2011. He batted .243/.328/.308 with a triple, five doubles, 19 runs and 14 RBI in 36 games for the Haarlem based club.

The new season for the GSU Panthers will start on February 17 at home. It is going to be a great opportunity for both players to improve their skill level by simply working out and playing baseball everday in a challenging environment of a Division I team.

Ryan Murphy joins UVV for 2012 Season

philipp — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:30:08 +0000

One of the best pitchers in recent Hoofdklasse history is returning to the Netherlands. The Canadian right-hander Ryan Murphy joins UVV for the 2012 season. He was named MVP in 2009, MVP for the 2008 Holland Series and best pitcher in 2009. After that he tried his luck in Taiwan, but got released and joined Technika Brno in 2010. This year he was sidelined with a shoulder injury before returning to the field this fall in Australia. He played for RCH MediaMonks, L&D Amsterdam and the Konica Minolta Pioniers (now Vaessen Pioniers) previously in the Hoofdklasse. He is expected in Utrecht at the beginning of April.

Evan Porter new Shortstop for ADO

philipp — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:07:33 +0000

ADO is continuing to occupy the headlines in the offseason of the Dutch Hoofdklasse. After their in the end unsuccessful attempt to lure Rob Cordemans from Amsterdam to The Hague, the club from the bottom of half of the standings added a third American player to the roster for the 2012 season. The 24-year-old Evan Porter takes over at shortstop to join pitcher TJ Macy and outfielder Phil Ortez.

Porter, a former teammate of Mike Bolsenbroek in the Philadelphia Phillies farmsystem already played the past two seasons in Europe. Following his release in Spring Training 2010 he signed with the Solingen Alligators. One year later he moved on to the Swedish club Goteborg Hajarna, winning the vice championship. He currently is playing in West Australia, becoming a worldwide journeyman of baseball.

Seattle Mariners Teammates carry Gregory Halman to Grave

philipp — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:58:58 +0000

by Pim van Nes

They came from the United States West Coast and crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Europe in order to pay their respects to their teammate Gregory Halman, outfielder on the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers roster and Major League team Seattle Mariners. Departed from Los Angeles on Saturday morning they arrived on Sunday morning in Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. Pitcher Dan Cortes (24 years of age), catcher Adam Moore (27), infielder Matt Mangini (25) and first baseman/outfielder Mike Carp (25) joined Seattle’s Club Vice President Bob Engle and Coordinator European Scouting Wayne Norton in Haarlem, the native town of Halman.

According to ceremony master Frits Mulder, close to 2000 people old and young came to present their condolences to Greg’s parents Eddy Halman, Hanny Suidgeest and to his sisters Naomi and Eva Halman during the wake on Sunday. After the ceremony also Minor League roommate Alex Liddi arrived from Pisa, Italy on Amsterdam airport. The first ever Italian player to have made it to Major League Baseball reached the family and his Mariners mates still at Pim Mulier stadium. Together they traveled to Hoofddorp, where Alex (23), third baseman often in Greg’s Minor League teams, saw the Dutch Mariner for the first time since the latter died on early Monday morning, November 21.

On Tuesday November 29, even more people (estimate 3000) attended the final farewell ceremony in Driehuis, a village just north of Haarlem. Several hundreds of them had to stay outside the aula, where the crowd listened to speeches by all kind of family and friends. Surrounded by Mariners players Liddi, Mangini, Moore and Cortes the microphone went to Mike Carp reviewing the years with Greg Halman in Minors and Majors. Dutch federation president Bob Bergkamp referred to Halman as a Netherlands club and national team player and mother Hanny Suidgeest unveiled what happened with her son Jason since he participated in MLB camp 2006. Greg’s best baseball friend in Rotterdam Jeffrey Arends (first base with Neptunus) inspired everybody to help Jason, alike Greg used to ask him every year. Greg’s brother Jason is still in custody in Rotterdam as suspect liable for the death of the Seattle Mariners outfielder.

The white coffin holding Greg Halman went on the strong shoulders of baseball players Carp and Cortes, Moore and Mangini, Liddi and Arends for his last walk. Up and down the dunes between Westerveld aula and his definite resting place. Mister-Baseball.com noticed among the thousands starting pitcher Rob Cordemans and catcher Sidney de Jong of Netherlands national team that clinched recently the Baseball World Championship, Washington Nationals outfielder Roger Bernadina who had accompanied Greg in the second European Big League Tour, Mariners scout in the Netherlands Peter van Daalen and former KNBSB president Theo Reitsma, accompanied by his former colleagues with national TV and radio system NOS, Mart Smeets and Andy Houtkamp. Despite of their age and/or prestige in the country, they waited outside more than two hours on a late November day till the coffin left the aula.

The first to appear with a reaction on internet was MLB.com writer Greg Johns, who quoted Mrs. Louise Molendijk telling about Greg Halman as an instructor for her son during recent European Big League Tour, attended by her son in Utrecht on November 12. The article is illustrated with a photo showing Mariner Halman fine-tuning the skills of his succeeding generation.

Gregory Halman killed at home in Rotterdam (Update)

philipp — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:14:15 +0000

According to Dutch media reports Major League outfielder Gregory Halman of the Seattle Mariners has been stabbed fatally at his home in Rotterdam, Netherlands on early Monday morning. He was only 24 years old. Officers which were called to the scene at 5.30am found him bleeding on the floor and tried to resuscitate him, but unfortunately without success. Apparently his brother Jason Halman was detained by police for questioning. Some reports say he is considered a suspect. However the circumstances of Gregory’s death, which was confirmed by his family, are still under investigation.

Gregory Halman was born on August 26, 1987 in Haarlem, Netherlands. After making his debut in the Dutch Hoofdklasse at the age of 16 he was signed as a non-drafted amateur free agent in 2004 by the Seattle Mariners. He quickly moved up through the Mariners farm system and reached the big leagues in 2010. He appeared in 44 MLB games for Seattle since then. He also was part of the European Big League Tour of Rick van den Hurk together with Prince Fielder and other Major Leaguers, which toured through Amsterdam, Utrecht, Prague and Parma ten days ago, bringing MLB baseball to the kids.

Baseball worldwide mourns the death of Gregory Halman. Rest in Peace.

Riccardo Fraccari, president IBAF and FIBS: “This is terrible news for the whole baseball community. It’s really sad and it’s really terrible the way it happened. We mourn for him and respect his family’s sorrow”

Massimo Fochi, Vice President Italian Baseball and Softball Federation (FIBS): “I cannot believe it. I met personally Greg on Saturday November 12th in Parma, where he was with the European Big League Tour. He was a great guy and the most appreciated by the kids. His passing away is really painful”.

Robert Eenhoorn, Technical Director Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association (KNBSB): “It’s a tremendous tragedy for everybody, but our thoughts go especially to his family and the way they need to cope with this”.

“The loss of a talented 24-year-old young man like Greg, amid such tragic circumstances, is painful for all of us throughout the game,” said MLB Commissioner Bud Selig in a statement. “On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to the entire Mariners organization and to all those whose lives were touched by Greg.”

Michael Weiner , Executive Director Major League Baseball Players Association in a report by MLB.com: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Greg Halman. Greg was passionate about the game of baseball and generously gave of himself to share his passion with others in an attempt to help grow the sport’s popularity across Europe. He will be sorely missed. … Our thoughts and prayers go out to Greg’s family, his teammates, the Mariners organization and his many friends and fans throughout Europe and America.”

“The Mariners family is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Greg Halman,” said Mariners chairman Howard Lincoln, President Chuck Armstrong and General Manager Jack Zduriencik in a statement issued by the club. “Greg was a part of our organization since he was 16, and we saw him grow into a passionate young man and talented baseball player. He had an infectious smile that would greet you in the clubhouse, and he was a tremendous teammate. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Greg’s family.”

The KNBSB has published a condolance register at http://www.condoleanceregister.nl/Condoleance-Gregory-Anthony-Halman.html

KNBSB hands out 2011 Awards in Baseball and Softball

philipp — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:05:47 +0000

Besides the big party to celebrate the 2011 Baseball World Champions, the Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association also handed outthe official awards, honoring the best players in Baseball and Softball competitions in the Netherlands.

Baseball
Best Batter: Dirk van ’t Klooster (Corendon Kinheim)
Best Pitcher: Rob Cordemans (L&D Amsterdam)
Most Homeruns: Bryan Engelhardt (Corendon Kinheim)
Most Stolen Bases: Dwayne Kemp (DOOR Neptunus)
Holland Series MVP: Wesley Connor (L&D Amsterdam Pirates)
All Star Game MVP: Bryan Engelhardt (Corendon Kinheim)
Guus van der Heijden Memorial Award: Dwayne Kemp
Roel de Mon Award: Jerremyh Angela (Amsterdam Pirates)
Ron Fraser Award: Stijn van der Meer (PSV)

Softball
Best Batter: Areke Spel (Oolders Omaco Sparks Haarlem)
Best Pitcher: Kirsten Scheele (Oolders Omaco Sparks Haarlem)
Most Homeruns: Debby Connor (Sparks Haarlem)
Most Stolen Bases: Chantal Versluis (Sparks Haarlem)
Holland Series MVP: Debby Connor (Sparks Haarlem)
Egbert van der Sluis Memorial Trophy: Nathalie Timmermans
Bep van Beijmerwerdt Trophy: Dinet Oosting (Olympia Haarlem)
Riet Vermaat Trofee: Marjolein Merkx (Gryphons)

2011 Honkbalsite Award Winners announced

philipp — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:21:29 +0000

Just before KNBSB will crown its own award winners during a gala in Haarlem, capping the festivities for the Dutch National Team, Honkbalsite.com has announced the winners of the annual internet voting, which was held for the ninth time. Big winner was Rob Cordemans. The hurler picked up the trophies for MVP and best right-handed pitcher. These are all the winners:

MVP 2011: Rob Cordemans (L&D Amsterdam)
Best Left-Handed Pitcher: Diegomar Markwell (DOOR Neptunus)
Best Right-Handed Pitcher: Rob Cordemans (L&D Amsterdam)
Catcher: Sidney de Jong (L&D Amsterdam)
First Baseman: Percy Isenia (L&D Amsterdam)
Second Baseman: Roeland Henrique Jr. (L&D Amsterdam)
Third Baseman: Raily Legito (DOOR Neptunus)
Shortstop: Vince Rooi (L&D Amsterdam)
Leftfielder: Eugene Kingsale (DOOR Neptunus)
Centerfielder: Danny Rombley (UVV)
Rightfielder: Dirk van’t Klooster (Corendon Kinheim)
Designated Hitter: Bryan Engelhardt (Corendon Kinheim)

ADO first time with main Sponsor since 2004

philipp — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:35:41 +0000

The Dutch Hoofdklasse club ADO from The Hague has found a main sponsor for the first time since the 2004 season according to a report by Honkbalsite.com. The AamigoO Group NV will finance the eighth-ranked team in the major league in the Netherlands. The club will be called AamigoO ADO during the 2012 season.

ADO was in the headlines for a couple of days last week, as they temporarily announced that Rob Cordemans would join the team from the bottom half of the standings. But in the end the best pitcher in the league decided to stay with L&D Amsterdam after all. However ADO still was able to add two former professional players from the United States.

The 25-year-olds TJ Macy (drafted by Milwaukee Brewers in 2006) and Phil Ortez (2006 Detroit Tigers, didn’t sign) will bolster the offense. They are still looking to add an infielder and a catcher. Also hopes are on their youth program to produce players for the Hoofdklasse.

Transfers within Dutch Hoofdklasse

philipp — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:45:40 +0000

The deadline for transfers within Dutch Baseball came and went on Monday. See below for a complete list of all transactions in the Hoofdklasse. We already mentioned earlier this afternoon that Rob Cordemans will remain with L&D Amsterdam. Another transfers which didn’t go through was Curt Smith’s arrival in Utrecht, as he will try to join a professional team in the United States next spring.

Otherwise there are quite some interesting transfers. ADO missed out on Cordemans, but still was able to acquire Thomas Macy from the USA and Phil Ortez from Solingen. Amsterdam picked up Nick Stuifbergen and Mets Minor Leaguers Bjorn Hato and Kevin Weijgertse from Kinheim.

Corendon on the other hand bolsters its pitching staff with Arshwin Asjes and brings in prospect Rachid Engelhardt, who impressed at the 16U Baseball World Championship in Mexico. After missing out on another title DOOR Neptunus was very active, signing Jason Halman, Adrian Anthony, Bobby Carrington, Rafael Jozefa and Lennart Koster from other Hoofdklasse clubs. additionally they are bringing back Dushan Ruzic.

Among the transfers of the other clubs, a few more are interesting. Eddie Aucoin of the Vaessen Pioniers is retiring, starting his new career as caring father in the US. Also Cuban slugger Fausto Alvarez is leaving UVV with unknown destination.

ADO

Arrivals: Thomas James Macy (Southern Illinois Miners), Ludwin Obispo (Sparta/Feyenoord), Philip Ortez (Solingen Alligators), Martijn Riphagen (UVV), Dave Daniëls (head coach).

Departure: Jan Baldee (DOOR Tridents), Jurandy Girigory (Sparta/Feyenoord), Gyenuar Lopez (Vaessen Pioniers).

L&D Amsterdam

Arrivals: Nick Stuifbergen (Corendon Kinheim), Björn Hato (Corendon Kinheim), Kevin Weijgertse (Corendon Kinheim).

Departure: Seb Visser (Mr.Cocker HCAW)

Mr.Cocker HCAW

Arrivals: Linoy Croes (Vaessen Pioniers), Randy Reiph (Vaessen Pioniers), Glenn Romney (UVV), Seb Visser (L&D Amsterdam), Rudy Dirksen (head coach).

Departure: Rodney Daal (UVV), Mitchell Koot (UVV), Kevin Miner (Vaessen Pioniers), Michael Pluijmers (Vaessen Pioniers), Kyle Ward (UVV), Rachid Engelhardt (Corendon Kinheim), Ronald Jaarsma (head coach, retired).

Corendon Kinheim

Arrivals: Arshwin Asjes (DOOR Neptunus), Ramiro Balentina (Sparta/Feyenoord), Quintin de Cuba (Sparta/Feyenoord), Rachid Engelhardt (Mr.Cocker HCAW), Marvin Evangelista (Kinheim Rookies), Jorn van Ingen (Kinheim Rookies), Mervin Gario (Vaessen Pioniers), Dion Steyl (Kinheim Rookies), Stanley Engelhardt (assistent-coach).

Departure: Jason Halman (DOOR Neptunus), Björn Hato (L&D Amsterdam), Duko Jansen (UVV), Rafael Jozefa (DOOR Neptunus), Rodney Michel (unknown), Patrick Beljaards (retired), Nick Stuifbergen (L&D Amsterdam), Kevin Weijgertse (L&D Amsterdam).

DOOR Neptunus

Arrivals: Adrian Anthony (Mr.Cocker HCAW), Bobby Carrington (Sparta/Feyenoord), Jason Halman (Corendon Kinheim), Rafael Jozefa (Corendon Kinheim), Lennart Koster (Mr.Cocker HCAW), Dushan Ruzic (Telemarket Rimini, Australia).

Departure: Craig Anderson (Australia), Arshwin Asjes (Corendon Kinheim), Eldiron Regina (retired).

Vaessen Pioniers

Arrivals: Jourick Blanco (Sparta/Feyenoord), Byron Cornelissen (RCH/Pinguïns), Gyenuar Lopez (ADO), Kevin Miner (Mr.Cocker HCAW), Michael Pluijmers (Mr.Cocker HCAW).

Departure: Eddie Aucoin (retired), Linoy Croes (Mr.Cocker HCAW), Tino van Erk (RCH/Pinguïns), Mervin Gario (Corendon Kinheim), Randy Reiph (Mr.Cocker HCAW).

Sparta/Feyenoord

Arrivals: Edison Bito (Orioles), Churandy La Cruz (Cromtigers), Siegert Flaneur (Robur 58), Jurandy Girigory (ADO), Elton Koeiman (PSV), Jochem Pronk (Euro Stars), Brian Raap (St. Maria Pirates, Curaçao), Michel Ruiter (PSV), Reynaldo Samiento de Claro (PSV), Pim Swinkels (DOOR Tridents).

Departure: Ramiro Balentina (Corendon Kinheim), Brian Biezen (UVV), Max Bijster (Euro Stars), Jourick Blanco (Vaessen Pioniers), Bobby Carrington (DOOR Neptunus), Quintin de Cuba (Corendon Kinheim), Rensver Jansen (unknown), Rubinet Koko (Euro Stars), Emeron Lourens (Blue Devils), Ludwin Obispo (ADO), Rudy Seebus (Euro Stars), Leo Voogd (assistent-coach, Euro Stars).

UVV

Arrivals: Brian Biezen (Sparta/Feyenoord), Rodney Daal (Mr.Cocker HCAW), Lindell Finsy (UVV Rookies), Jeroen de Haas (Seattle Mariners), Duko Jansen (Corendon Kinheim), Mitchell Koot (Mr.Cocker HCAW), Stijn van der Meer (PSV), Andy Raaff (UVV Rookies), Brendan Schoemaker (Euro Stars), Kyle Ward (Mr.Cocker HCAW), Frank Koene (head coach), Marlon Frolijk (assistent-coach), Eric de Vries (pitching-coach).

Departure: Fausto Alvarez (unknown), Juri van Leeuwen (Domstad Dogers), Glenn Romney (Australië/Mr.Cocker HCAW), Jurien Overman (retired), Martijn Riphagen (ADO), Rutger Veugelers (Euro Stars 3), Jeroen Hermans (Euro Stars 3), Royce Holder (head coach), Patt Romney (assistent-coach), Cliff Foster (assistent-coach).

Rob Cordemans stays in Amsterdam after all

philipp — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:05:59 +0000

Last week’s news that right-handed pitcher Rob Cordemans would leave L&D Amsterdam to join ADO for the upcoming season in the Dutch Hoofdklasse created quite some attention. The club from The Hague already had reported the transfer on its website and the Pirates themselves confirmed it. Cordemans wasn’t in the country, as he went on vacation to Tenerife following his heroics at the IBAF Baseball World Cup in Panama. But at the deadline on Monday for transfers within Dutch Baseball, his name didn’t change the club and he will stay with Amsterdam after all. It would have been a coup for the eighth-ranked team, which certainly would have improved their standing in the league. Now it seems they will stay in the bottom half.

More about all the transfers later this afternoon.

Five Days left for Honkbalsite Awards Voting

philipp — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:54:33 +0000

Our friends at Honkbalsite.com have their annual Honkbalsite Awards voting right now. Fans can cast their vote for an all-star team of the 2011 season in the Dutch Hoofdklasse and for the Most Valuable Player. The voting is open until Friday, November 4, 2011.

2011 in Review – Dutch Hoofdklasse – L&D Amsterdam

philipp — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:35:54 +0000

As we did in the last couple of years, we want to use the offseason to look back at the statistical performances by the teams in Europe’s top baseball leagues this past season. At the plate for the first part is the Dutch Hoofdklasse.

L&D Amsterdam

2011 Record: 30-11-1
2011 Ranking: 1st. L&D Amsterdam won the championship in the Dutch Hoofdklasse thanks to winning the best-of-seven Holland Series 4-1 against the Vaessen Pioniers. The Pirates already battled for first place during the regular season, missing the top spot by a mere half game. During the playoffs they won six of the nine games to qualify for the championship series.
Runs Scored: 257 (3rd)
Runs Allowed: 151 (2nd)

Best Batter: Vince Rooi. The former Minor Leaguer batted .381 (OBP .452/SLG .604) with four homeruns, two triples, 15 doubles, 35 runs and 37 RBI in 38 games this past season.
Best OPS: Vince Rooi 1.056
Most Homeruns: Percy Isenia 8
Most RBI: Vince Rooi 37
Most Runs Scored: Sidney de Jong 44
Most Stolen Bases: Roeland Henrique Jr. 19

Best Pitcher: Rob Cordemans. The veteran right-hander pulled off another stellar season the mound, going 9-1 with an ERA of 0.31 in 13 starts. He struck out 127 batters in 88 innings, while walking just ten and issuing only 40 hits.
Best ERA Starter: Rob Cordemans 0.31
Best ERA Reliever: Al Morales 2.40
Most Strikeouts: Rob Cordemans 127
Most Walks: Ben Grover 26
Most Innings Pitched: Rob Cordemans 88.0

Previous:
ADO
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam
Mr. Cocker HCAW
UVV
Corendon Kinheim
DOOR Neptunus
Vaessen Pioniers

2011 in Review – Dutch Hoofdklasse – Vaessen Pioniers

philipp — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:33:55 +0000

Vaessen Pioniers

2011 Record: 25-16 (one tie)
2011 Ranking: 2nd. Despite several player departures, a new sponsor and new coaching staff, the Vaessen Pioniers nearly went all the way in the Dutch Hoofdklasse in 2011. Making the playoffs as the number four team with a 25-16-1 record, the Pioniers dominated in the round robin semi-finals with six wins in nine games to reach the Holland Series. In the best-of-seven championship series L&D Amsterdam turned out to be too strong in five games.
Runs Scored: 250 (4th)
Runs Allowed: 167 (3rd)

Best Batter: Nik Gumeson. The American import batted .315 (OBP .378/SLG .467) with four homeruns, 13 doubles, 31 runs and 40 RBI in 42 games.
Best OPS: Mervin Gario .884
Most Homeruns: Nik Gumeson 4
Most RBI: Nik Gumeson 40
Most Runs Scored: Michael Duursma 33
Most Stolen Bases: Norbert Lokhorst, Jefferson Muzo 11

Best Pitcher: Eddie Aucoin. The right-hander went 11-1 with an ERA of 1.98 in 14 starts. He struck out 84 batters in 100 innings, while walking just 12.
Best ERA Starter: Eddie Aucoin 1.98
Best ERA Reliever: Jan Rehacek 1.40
Most Strikeouts: Eddie Aucoin 84
Most Walks: Conrad Orman 42
Most Innings Pitched: Eddie Aucoin 100.0

Previous:
ADO
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam
Mr. Cocker HCAW
UVV
Corendon Kinheim
DOOR Neptunus

2011 in Review – Dutch Hoofdklasse – DOOR Neptunus

philipp — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:20:48 +0000

DOOR Neptunus

2011 Record: 31-11
2011 Ranking: 3rd. Following their record-breaking 2010 season, DOOR Neptunus wasn’t able to dominate the Dutch Hoofdklasse in the same way, but still ended up with a first-place finish in the regular season. However in the playoffs they won just four of the nine games and had to watch the Holland Series from the sidelines.
Runs Scored: 277 (1st)
Runs Allowed: 109 (1st)

Best Batter: Dwayne Kemp. The former minor leaguer batted .363/.432/.538 with two homeruns, five triples, 14 doubles, 47 runs and 28 RBI in 42 games. He also stole 22 bases.
Best OPS: Dwayne Kemp .970
Most Homeruns: Dwayne Kemp 2
Most RBI: Rien Vernooij 36
Most Runs Scored: Dwayne Kemp 47
Most Stolen Bases: Dwayne Kemp 22

Best Pitcher: Craig Anderson. The successor of Dushan Ruzic on the pitching staff went 5-1 with one save and an ERA of 1.09 in 16 appearances (five starts). He struck out 34 in 58 innings, while walking 13.
Best ERA Starter: Diegomar Markwell 1.71
Best ERA Reliever: Craig Anderson 1.09
Most Strikeouts: Kevin Heijstek 57
Most Walks: Diegomar Markwell 26
Most Innings Pitched: Diegomar Markwell 79.0

Previous:
ADO
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam
Mr. Cocker HCAW
UVV
Corendon Kinheim

2011 in Review – Dutch Hoofdklasse – Corendon Kinheim

philipp — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:08:44 +0000

Corendon Kinheim

2011 Record: 30-12
2011 Ranking: 4th. Corendon Kinheim reached the play-offs as the number three team with a 30-12 record, trailing regular season winner DOOR Neptunus by a single game. But in the semi-final round robin the team from Haarlem only celebrated in two of the nine games to miss out on the Holland Series.
Runs Scored: 261 (2nd)
Runs Allowed: 180 (4th)

Best Batter: Dirk van’t Klooster. He batted .400 (OBP .444/SLG .500) with ten doubles, 30 runs and 27 RBI in 42 games, winning the batting title by 19 points over Vince Rooi.
Best OPS: Bryan Engelhardt 1.121
Most Homeruns: Bryan Engelhardt 10
Most RBI: Bryan Engelhardt 38
Most Runs Scored: Rene Cremer 36
Most Stolen Bases: Remco Draijer 15

Best Pitcher: Nick Stuifbergen. Together with Pim Walsma and Patrick Beljaards the trio dominated the bullpen battles against opposing teams. Stuifbergen went 3-2 with seven saves and an ERA of 1.05 in 22 appearances. He struck out 20 batters in 25 2/3 innings, walking seven.
Best ERA Starter: David Bergman 2.11
Best ERA Reliever: Nick Stuifbergen 1.05
Most Strikeouts: David Bergman 101
Most Walks: Nick Veltkamp, Duko Jansen 29
Most Innings Pitched: David Bergman 94.0

Previous:
ADO
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam
Mr. Cocker HCAW
UVV

Stunner: Rob Cordemans to join ADO

philipp — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:01:35 +0000

With the October 31 deadline for transfers within the Hoofdklasse approaching the rumor mill in Dutch baseball is spinning. According to various media reports and an article on the team website, right-handed pitcher Rob Cordemans is going to leave reigning champion L&D Amsterdam to join the eighth-ranked ADO from The Hague.

Arguably the best pitcher in the Netherlands at the moment, the 37-year-old went 9-1 with an ERA of 0.31 in 13 starts last season. He struck out 127 batters in 88 innings, while issuing just 40 hits and 10 walks. Every baseball fan in Europe probably remembers his most recent start, when he held Cuba to two hits in seven-plus innings en route to the Gold Medal at the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup in Panama.

Besides this stunning transfer ADO also announced that Dave Daniels is taking over as head coach, while Aldrick Dunlop remains on the coaching staff. Daniels briefly coached the Solingen Alligators in the German Baseball-Bundesliga during the 2010 season.

2011 in Review – Dutch Hoofdklasse – UVV

philipp — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:24:13 +0000

UVV

2011 Record: 17-25
2011 Ranking: 5th. Being the promoted team in the Hoofdklasse, UVV didn’t disappoint and was able to play at the same level like the top four teams with only inconsistency stopping them from a playoff qualification. During the playdowns the club from Utrecht won seven of the nine games to easily secure its spot in the 2012 campaign.
Runs Scored: 196 (5th)
Runs Allowed: 257 (7th)

Best Batter: Fausto Alvarez. The Cuban veteran batted .336/.392/.469 with four homeruns, 17 runs and 22 RBI in just 30 games this season.
Best OPS: Fausto Alvarez .861
Most Homeruns: Fausto Alvarez 4
Most RBI: Fausto Alvarez 22
Most Runs Scored: Danny Rombley, Rutger Veugelers 30
Most Stolen Bases: Jeff Delfina 11

Best Pitcher: Orlando Yntema. The Dutch national teamer had an even 7-7 record with an ERA of 2.38 in 15 starts. He struck out 82 in 102 innings, walking 31.
Best ERA Starter: Orlando Yntema 2.38
Best ERA Reliever: Derek Tarapacki 2.70
Most Strikeouts: Orlando Yntema 82
Most Walks: Orlando Yntema 31
Most Innings Pitched: Orlando Yntema 102

Previous:
ADO
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam
Mr. Cocker HCAW

2011 in Review – Dutch Hoofdklasse – Mr. Cocker HCAW

philipp — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:18:14 +0000

Mr. Cocker HCAW

2011 Record: 13-29
2011 Ranking: 6th. Mr. Cocker HCAW needed several weeks to get things going in the 2011 season, finishing the regular season with a 13-29 record in seventh place. During the playdowns they had no troubles to hold down Sparta/Feyenoord and ADO, trailing only UVV with six wins in nine games.
Runs Scored: 188 (6th)
Runs Allowed: 247 (tied 5th)

Best Batter: Dirimo Chavez. The Venezuelan infielder batted .363 (OBP .435/SLG .478) with two homeruns, 12 doubles, 28 runs and 27 RBI in 42 games.
Best OPS: Dirimo Chavez .913
Most Homeruns: Dirimo Chavez, Juan Gonzalez 2
Most RBI: Juan Gonzalez 30
Most Runs Scored: Dirimo Chavez 28
Most Stolen Bases: Lennart Koster 6

Best Pitcher: Maarten Mulder. The closer went 3-3 with two saves and an ERA of 2.11 in 17 appearances. He struck out 18 batters in 21 1/3 innings, while walking eight.
Best ERA Starter: Kevin Roovers 3.33
Best ERA Reliever: Maarten Mulder 2.11
Most Strikeouts: Moises Melendez 72
Most Walks: Moises Melendez 33
Most Innings Pitched: Kevin Miner 86.2

Previous:
ADO
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam

2011 in Review – Dutch Hoofdklasse – Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam

philipp — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:32:50 +0000

Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam

2011 Record: 16-26
2011 Ranking: 7th place. After capturing sixth place in the regular season of the Hoofdklasse, Sparta/Feyenoord dropped to seventh during the playdowns due to winning just four of the nine games.
Runs Scored: 180 (7th)
Runs Allowed: 247 (tied for 5th)

Best Batter: Jourick Blanco – He batted .309 (OBP .402/SLG .474) with two homeruns, ten doubles, 13 runs scored and 18 RBI in 28 games.
Best OPS: Jourick Blanco .876
Most Homeruns: Quintin De Cuba 3
Most RBI: Jourick Blanco 18
Most Runs Scored: Anthony Vrolijk 24
Most Stolen Bases: Jesus Castillo 13

Best Pitcher: Jose Ventura – The closer had a 1-2 record with three saves and an ERA of 1.98 in nine appearances on the mound. He struck out 31 batters in 27 1/3 innings, walking 11. Opponents batted just .218 against him.
Best ERA Starter: Bobby Carrington 2.93
Best ERA Reliever: Jose Ventura 1.98
Most Strikeouts: Bobby Carrington 70
Most Walks: Bobby Carrington 37
Most Innings Pitched: Bobby Carrington 95.1

Previous:
ADO

2011 in Review – Dutch Hoofdklasse – ADO

philipp — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:30:07 +0000

ADO

2011 Record: 5-37
2011 Ranking: 8th place in the Dutch Hoofdklasse. But after finishing in fourth place in the playdowns, ADO was able to win the promotion/relegation series in four games against the Euro Stars to maintain its spot in the Hoofdklasse.
Runs Scored: 116 (8th)
Runs Allowed: 367 (8th)

Best Batter: Gyenuar Lopez – He batted .347 (OBP .416/SLG .463) with 11 extra base hits, 13 runs and 11 RBI in 35 games for the club from The Hague.
Best OPS: Gyenuar Lopez .879
Most Homeruns: Enrique Tromp 4
Most RBI: Jair Roseburg 18
Most Runs Scored: Jair Roseburg, Jareau Martina 15
Most Stolen Bases: Gyenuar Lopez, Jair Roseburg 8

Best Pitcher: Nick Martin – He had a 1-12 record with an ERA of 4.91 in 14 games (12 starts), striking out 59 batters in 77 innings, while walking 50.
Best ERA Starter: Nick Martin 4.91
Best ERA Reliever: Carlos Tavares 4.75
Most Strikeouts: Nick Martin 59
Most Walks: Carlos Tavares 83
Most Innings Pitched: Jurandy Girigori 84.2

Frank Koene new Head Coach of UVV

philipp — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:24:29 +0000

Honkbalsite.com reported at the end of September that Frank Koene is taking over as head coach for the Utrecht based Hoofdklasse club UVV. He is replacing the American Royce Holder, who was at the helm for one season. Koene already worked with Mr. Cocker HCAW and the Konica Minolta Pioniers at the highest level in Netherlands baseball.

Dushan Ruzic returns to Hoofdklasse for 2012 Season

philipp — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:17:01 +0000

After one season with Telemarket Rimini in the Italian Baseball League, Australian right-hander Dushan Ruzic is returning to DOOR Neptunus and the Dutch Hoofdklasse. Last year’s champion confirmed the acquisition on Thursday. Ruzic went 5-7 with an ERA of 4.06 in 14 games (11 starts) for Rimini this year, striking out 86 batters in 84 1/3 innings, while walking 22. He already played for Neptunus in the past, winning Hoofdklasse championships in 2009 and 2010. His Aussie successor in Rotterdam, Craig Anderson, will not be back. He is no longer playing outside of Australia, trying to start his career outside of baseball.

ADO secures Spot in 2012 Hoofdklasse

philipp — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:30:28 +0000

ADO has secured its spot in the 2012 Dutch Hoofdklasse. The club from The Hague prevailed 3-1 over the Euro Stars in the Relegation/Promotion Series on Saturday with a 4-3 win. A bunt-single by Gyenuar Lopez plated the winning run in the top of the ninth inning. Jurandy Girigori allowed only four hits in a complete game victory.

After splitting the first two games of the best-of-five series, ADO was leading 10-2 in the eighth inning, when Umpires stopped play in game three as Euro Stars head coach Peter van den Akker didn’t leave the dugout area following an ejection. KNBSB ruled the game a 2-0 win for ADO, which converted the first match ball on Saturday.

Results:
Thursday, September 1:
ADO – Euro Stars 9-4
Saturday, September 3:
Euro Stars – ADO 7-6
Sunday, September 4:
ADO – Euro Stars 2-0 (KNBSB decision)
Saturday, September 10:
Euro Stars – ADO 3-4
(ADO wins Series 3-1)

Rudy Dirksen new Head Coach of Mr. Cocker HCAW

philipp — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:00:04 +0000

The 51-year-old Rudy Dirksen is new head coach of the Dutch Hoofdklasse club Mr. Cocker HCAW. He is succeeding Ronald Jaarsma, who had taken over for the fired Bill Froberg in June. Dirksen worked with the Rookie League team of HCAW this year. As a player he was a member of Amsterdam OVVO in the Hoofdklasse. He also played Men’s Softball for the Hilversum Hurricanes and the Anillian Stars. His son is Kevin Dirksen, who is playing for the Vaessen Pioniers. The rest of the coaching staff will be announced in the coming offseason.

Holland Series: L&D Amsterdam win Hoofdklasse Championship

philipp — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 15:56:41 +0000

(4-1) L&D Amsterdam – Vaessen Pioniers 10-2

PIO 000 000 101   2  6 3
AMS 003 000 34X  10 12 2

L&D Amsterdam has won the championship in the Dutch Hoofdklasse for the fourth time in team history. On Sunday they beat the Vaessen Pioniers 10-2 and prevailed 4-1 in the best-of-seven series, winning three games in as many days. Leadoff hitter Wesley Connor initiated the attack, going 3-for-5 with a homerun, three runs and three RBI. Sidney de Jong cleared the bases with a double in the eighth to blow things wide open. Ben Grover (W) issued just two hits, a run and two walks in seven innings. Roger Kops (L) surrendered three hits, three runs (2 ER) and a bb in three innings.

Holland Series: L&D Amsterdam takes 3-1 lead

philipp — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 18:48:30 +0000

L&D Amsterdam Pirates has taken a 3-1 lead in the Holland Series. They won game three and four against the Vaessen Pioniers and need just one more win in the best-of-seven series to clinch the championship in the Dutch Hoofdklasse.

On Friday Rob Cordemans struck out nine batters in eight innings in a 6-2 win of the Pirates. Mark-Jan Moorman was the only one to do damage against the Dutch national teamer with a two-run homerun in the fourth. However Kenny Berkenbosch followed with a tie-breaking solo shot and Amsterdam didn’t look back.

On Saturday afternoon L&D scored five runs in the second and three in the seventh to beat Vaessen 8-1. Sidney de Jong drove in two. Vince Rooi crossed the plate twice. Jos de Jong went the distance for the win. He issued just one run on six hits in nine innings.

Game 3 of Holland Series postponed to Friday

philipp — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:39:30 +0000

Game three of the Holland Series between the L&D Amsterdam Pirates and the Vaessen Pioniers, which was scheduled to be played on Thursday evening, was postponed to Friday, 7.45pm due to rain. The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1 after last weekend’s action. Games four and five will follow on Saturday and Sunday.

Playdowns in Netherlands finished, ADO has to fight for Hoofdklasse Spot

philipp — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:46:52 +0000

The playdowns in the Dutch Hoofdklasse ended last week with UVV, Mr. Cocker HCAW and Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam securing their spots for 2012. ADO finished in fourth place with a dismal 1-8 record and has to play the Euro Stars in a demotion/promotion series.

The best-of-five series started already last Thursday. ADO and the Euro Stars split the first two games. In the first match the team from The Hague prevailed 9-4. In the second the Euro Stars won 7-6 on a walk-off homerun by Jeffrey Sprott in the tenth inning.

Game three was stopped by the umpires in the eighth inning, when Euro Stars’ head coach Peter van den Akker stayed too close to the dugout following an ejection according to a report by Honkbalsite.com. ADO was leading 10-2 at this point and the Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association has to decide what is going to happen.

Results Demotion/Promotion Series:
Thursday, September 1:
ADO – Euro Stars 9-4
Saturday, September 3:
Euro Stars – ADO 7-6
Sunday, September 4:
ADO – Euro Stars suspended

Schedule:
Saturday, September 10:
14:00 Euro Stars – ADO
Sunday, September 11:
14:00 ADO – Euro Stars

Final Standings Playdowns Hoofdklasse:

UVV 7-2
Mr. Cocker HCAW 6-3
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam 4-5
ADO 1-8

Complete Results Dutch Playdowns

Holland Series: Pioniers and Pirates split first two Games

philipp — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:50:03 +0000

The Vaessen Pioniers and L&D Amsterdam Pirates have split the first two games of the best-of-seven Holland Series this weekend. Both games were decided by single runs. On Saturday Wesley Connor scored home in the top of the 14th inning to lift L&D Amsterdam to a 5-4 win. One day later Mark Duursma hit a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth in a 6-5 Vaessen Pioniers victory.

(0-1) Vaessen Pioniers – L&D Amsterdam 4-5 (14)

AMS 101 000 200 000 01  5 12 2
PIO 000 100 120 000 00  4 11 1

Box score

In game one of the Holland Series, five extra innings were needed to decide the outcome. Wesley Connor reached with a one-out single, moved to third after a throwing error by pitcher Jan Rehacek (L) and stole home to score the decisive fifth run in a 5-4 L&D Amsterdam win. Previously Rehacek was brilliant, striking out eight batters in six innings of three-hit relief. Eddie Aucoin (PIO) had allowed nine hits, four runs and two walks in 7 2/3 frames. Jos de Jong (AMS) opposed him and issued five hits, two runs and a bb in seven innings. Jurrian Koks (W) picked up the win. Nik Gumeson went deep for the Pioniers, Bas de Jong and Roeland Henrique for Amsterdam.

(1-1) Vaessen Pioniers – L&D Amsterdam 6-5

AMS 003 100 010  5 11 4
PIO 010 030 101  6  7 2

Box score

In the second game of the Holland Series on Sunday, the Vaessen Pioniers overcame a 1-4 deficit after four innings en route to a 6-5 win and the tie in the series. Mark Duursma drove in the winning run with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning. Amsterdam had tied the contest in the eighth inning on a sac fly by Percy Isenia. Jan Rehacek (W) pitched again and received the win after two innings of scoreless relief. Ian Delmarre (L) took the loss. Starters Roger Kops (PIO) and Ben Grover (AMS) had allowed four runs in 3 2/3 respective five innings of work.

Dutch Playoffs: L&D Amsterdam follow Vaessen Pioniers into Holland Series

philipp — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:58:36 +0000

NEP 000 002 010 1  4 5 1
AMS 000 000 021 2  5 9 1

Box score

L&D Amsterdam eliminated defending champion DOOR Neptunus with a 5-4 extra inning win on Wednesday and reached the Holland Series, where they will face the Vaessen Pioniers. Roeland Henrique Jr. scored the winning run in the bottom of the tenth inning on a wild pitch. Afterwards coaches and players of Neptunus started heavy discussions with the umpires after several disputed calls.

The Pirates had erased a 0-3 deficit in the last two innings and forced extra innings with a RBI double of Bas Nooij in the ninth inning. Sidney de Jong hit a two-run homerun in the eighth. In the tenth inning Neptunus took a 4-3 lead in the top of the frame on a sac fly by Raily Legito, but blew it right away. A throwing error led to the tie, setting up the stage for Henrique Jr.

Jurrian Koks (W) received the win in relief. Berry van Driel (L) took the loss. Craig Anderson (NEP) started and allowed six hits, two runs and two walks in 7 1/3 innings. He struck out seven. Ben Grover (AMS) gave up four hits, three runs (2 ER) and three bb in 7 2/3 innings. He also picked up seven strikeouts.

Final Standings Semi-Final:

Vaessen Pioniers 6-3
L&D Amsterdam 6-3
DOOR Neptunus 4-5
Corendon Kinheim 2-7

Dutch Playoffs: Pioniers vs. Neptunus or Amsterdam in Holland Series

philipp — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:31:47 +0000

The semi-final round robin in the Dutch Playoffs are still not over, as L&D Amsterdam beat DOOR Neptunus on Tuesday evening. Game number nine in the postseason tonight will decide, which team is following the Vaessen Pioniers into the Holland Series. They had secured their spot with a 6-1 win on Monday over Corendon Kinheim. The 0-6 shutout one day later didn’t matter. The Holland Series is scheduled to start on Saturday.

Results:
Monday, August 29:
Vaessen Pioniers – Corendon Kinheim 6-0
Tuesday, August 30:
DOOR Neptunus – L&D Amsterdam Pirates 2-3
Corendon Kinheim - Vaessen Pioniers 6-0

Schedule:
Wednesday, August 31:
19.45 DOOR Neptunus – L&D Amsterdam Pirates

Netherlands to present Bid Book to MLB next Week in New York

philipp — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:22:40 +0000

by Pim van Nes

Just before play-off game 8 of his Hoofdklasse team Vaessen Pioniers on Monday night, acting president Ilja Schinkel of Hoofddorp Pioniers replied positively about realization and schedule of the construction of the new Pioniers stadium and complex south of Hoofddorp.

In March this year the municipality hosted a press conference about the newly to be built stadium and the ambition to open it ceremonially in 2014 with the first official MLB games in Europe. MLB delegate in Europe Clive Russell came from his office in London to the Netherlands, in order to describe the plans in cooperation between Amsterdam and Hoofddorp as “pole position for the Netherlands”.

Yesterday Mr Schinkel announced to Mister Baseball that the Dutch delegation is expected to leave in a week’s time to present the definite bidbook to MLB International. Several experts in American pro ball have helped with suggestions for the composition of the text.

On Tuesday morning Mister Baseball spoke on the phone with Technical Director Robert Eenhoorn of Dutch federation KNBSB. He confirmed that to the purpose of this bidbook presentation, he will fly to New York on Tuesday next week. He will accompany the delegation from the two cities Amsterdam and Hoofddorp, headed by their sports eldermen Eric van der Burg, respectively Michel Bezuijen.

Former Yankees and Mets player Eenhoorn to Mister Baseball: “We expect also the presency of Mr Clive Russell (MLB Director for Europa, Middle East and Africa, pvn) and yes of course we look forward to a positive response from New York. Next year we will celebrate 100 years of federal baseball in the Netherlands. Once again we will organize and host the European Championship tournament for national teams. Dutch baseball has always been a movement in motion, as you know with Haarlem Honkbal Weeks, World Port Tournaments and three IBAF World Cup tournaments (1986, 2005 and 2009, pvn). We are alway looking for new ideas, initiatives and developments. Among them we welcome this future stadium of Pioniers and the option to watch the first official MLB games there.”

by Pim van Nes
Baseball writer for
www.honkbalsite.com
www.sporttribune.nl
www.baseball.it

Dutch Playoffs: Sunday postponed as well

philipp — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:33:35 +0000

After Saturday’s rainouts, the Dutch Hoofdklasse also couldn’t take the field on Sunday, as rain continued to play hiccup with the playoff schedule. Just two game days are left for the four teams, battling for the two spots in the Holland Series. Make-up games are supposed to be held on Monday and Tuesday with the Holland Series scheduled to start next Saturday.

Schedule:
Monday, August 29:
19:45 L&D Amsterdam – DOOR Neptunus
19:45 Vaessen Pioniers – Corendon Kinheim
Tuesday, August 30:
19:45 DOOR Neptunus – L&D Amsterdam
19:45 Corendon Kinheim – Vaessen Pioniers

Dutch Playoffs: Saturday rained out

philipp — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 18:07:46 +0000

The two games in the Dutch semi-final round robin, which were scheduled for Saturday had to be postponed due rain and will be made up on Tuesday, August 30. L&D Amsterdam was about to take on DOOR Neptunus and the Vaessen Pioniers would have faced Corendon Kinheim. The two games planned for Sunday are still set. This time the ballparks in Rotterdam and Haarlem are the scene of the semis.

Standings:

Vaessen Pioniers 5-2
DOOR Neptunus 4-3
L&D Amsterdam 4-3
Corendon Kinheim 1-6

Dutch Playoffs: Neptunus, Pioniers win on Thursday

philipp — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 06:23:27 +0000

DOOR Neptunus – L&D Amsterdam Pirates 7-0

AMS 000 000 000  0 5 3
NEP 040 100 20X  7 8 2

Box score

Diegomar Markwell (W) led DOOR Neptunus to a 7-0 shutout on Thursday night in the semi-finals of the Dutch Hoofdklasse. The national teamer allowed just five hits and three walks in nine scoreless innings. He struck out four. At the plate Tom Brice and Shaldimar Daantji were the main producers with five RBI combined. Jos de Jong (L) issued eight hits, seven runs (5 ER) and three bb in 6 2/3 innings.

Corendon Kinheim – Vaessen Pioniers 3-4 (10)

PIO 100 000 000 3  4 6 0
KIN 000 010 000 2  3 8 2

Box score

The Vaessen Pioniers edged out Corendon Kinheim 4-3 in ten innings on Thursday to move into sole possession of first place in the semi-final round. The game was decided with the IBAF Extra Inning Rule. Vaessen scored three runs in the top of the frame. Kinheim only was able to counter with two in the bottom half. Jan Rehacek (W) struck out five batters in 2 2/3 innings of strong relief. David Bergman (L) pitched 9 2/3 innings, giving up five hits, four runs (2 ER) and two bb, striking out nine.

Standings:

Vaessen Pioniers 5-2
DOOR Neptunus 4-3
L&D Amsterdam 4-3
Corendon Kinheim 1-6

Dutch Playoffs: Last Round of Semi-Finals starts tonight

philipp — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:03:16 +0000

The semi-final round robin in the Dutch Hoofdklasse will end this weekend. Defending champion DOOR Neptunus sits currently in third position with an even 3-3 record and needs to pass either the Pioniers or L&D Amsterdam to move into the Holland Series. Neptunus and Amsterdam will square off, while the Pioniers take on Corendon Kinheim.

Schedule:
Thursday, August 25:
19:45 DOOR Neptunus – L&D Amsterdam Pirates
19:45 Corendon Kinheim – Vaessen Pioniers
Saturday, August 27:
13:00 L&D Amsterdam – DOOR Neptunus
13:00 Vaessen Pioniers – Corendon Kinheim
Sunday, August 28:
13:00 DOOR Neptunus – L&D Amsterdam Pirates
13:00 Corendon Kinheim – Vaessen Pioniers

Live Play by Play at KNBSB.nl

Results Dutch Playdowns August 16 to 21

philipp — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 06:02:51 +0000

In the Dutch playdowns the second week is in the books and UVV is leading the standings together with Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam at 4-2. Mr. Cocker HCAW is still in striking distance with three wins in six games, while the Hoofdklasse lights seem to go out at ADO.

Results:
Tuesday, August 16:
UVV – ADO 11-0
Thursday, August 18:
UVV – Mr. Cocker HCAW 3-1
Friday, August 19:
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam – ADO 15-5
Saturday, August 20:
Mr. Cocker HCAW – UVV 4-3
ADO – Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam 5-6
Sunday, August 21:
UVV – Mr. Cocker HCAW 3-12
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam – ADO 6-9

Standings:

UVV 4-2
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam 4-2
Mr. Cocker HCAW 3-3
ADO 1-5

Dutch Playoffs: Vaessen Pioniers remains on Top

philipp — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:45:10 +0000

DOOR Neptunus – Corendon Kinheim 4-0

KIN 000 000 000  0 5 1
NEP 210 100 00X  4 8 0

Craig Anderson (W) pitched a complete game shutout and led DOOR Neptunus to a 4-0 win over Corendon Kinheim on Sunday afternoon in the semi-final round robin of the Dutch Hoofdklasse. He allowed just five hits, none for extra bases, in nine scoreless innings. He struck out five. Dwayne Kemp and Rien Vernooij combined for four RBI on offense. Patrick Beljaards (L) took the loss for Kinheim, issuing seven hits, four runs (2 ER) and two base on balls in four innings. Afterwards Pim Walsma conceded just one more hit by Neptunus in four strong innings of relief.

L&D Amsterdam – Vaessen Pioniers 5-3

PIO 000 120 000  3 11 0
AMS 000 004 01X  5  8 0

L&D Amsterdam held on to their lead in the completion of a curfew suspended game on Sunday, defeating the Vaessen Pioniers 5-3. The Pirates had taken the lead thanks to a four-run rally in the sixth. Bas de Jong had the go-ahead two-run single during that frame. He drove in another run in the eighth. Michael Duursma went 3-for-5 for the team from Hoofddorp.

L&D Amsterdam – Vaessen Pioniers 1-4

PIO 001 010 200  4 6 0
AMS 000 100 000  1 9 1

The Pioniers got back into winning lane in the regular Sunday game, defeating Amsterdam 4-1. Norbert Lokhorst scored twice. Mark Duursma drove in two. Roeland Henrique Jr. collected three hits for the Pirates. Eddie Aucoin (W) went eight innings, allowing just one run despite giving up nine hits and a walk. He struck out seven. Frank van Heijst (L) issued five hits, four runs and a base on balls in six innings.

Standings:

Vaessen Pioniers 4-2
L&D Amsterdam Pirates 4-2
DOOR Neptunus 3-3
Corendon Kinheim 1-5

Dutch Playoffs: Neptunus and Pioniers celebrate Victories on Saturday

philipp — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 08:35:52 +0000

Vaessen Pioniers – L&D Amsterdam Pirates 4-2

AMS 000 020 000  2 6 4
PIO 003 010 00X  4 6 0

Box score

The Vaessen Pioniers defeated L&D Amsterdam 4-2 on Saturday in the semi-final round robin of the Dutch Hoofdklasse. Starter Roger Kops (W) allowed just two runs on five hits in five innings. Afterwards former Minor Leaguer Jan Rehacek (S) struck out six in four scoreless one-hit innings of relief. Ben Grover (L) took the loss, surrendering six hits, four runs (3 ER) and three bb in 5 1/3 innings.

Corendon Kinheim – DOOR Neptunus 5-6

NEP 104 010 000  6 12 0
KIN 000 011 120  5 12 3

Box score

DOOR Neptunus nearly blew a 6-0 lead, but hold on to a narrow one-run advantage in the end to prevail 6-5 against Corendon Kinheim. Tom Brice drove in two for Rotterdam. Bryan Engelhardt went deep for Kinheim. Kevin Heijstek (W) conceded five hits, two runs and a walk in six innings. Nick Veltkamp (L) gave up eight hits, five runs and a bb in two-plus innings for the loss. A strong relief outing by Steven van Groningen came to late.

Standings:

Vaessen Pioniers 3-1
L&D Amsterdam 3-1
DOOR Neptunus 2-3
Corendon Kinheim 1-4

Dutch Playoffs: Completion of Pioniers-Pirates Game now on Sunday

philipp — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 05:45:51 +0000

After the game between L&D Amsterdam and the Vaessen Pioniers got suspended due to curfew rule on Thursday with the Pirates leading 4-3, the completion of the contest now will be on Sunday before game three of the series in Amsterdam. Originally they wanted to complete it on Friday evening. Game two will be played as planned on Saturday afternoon in Hoofddorp.

Schedule:
Saturday, August 20:
13:00 Corendon Kinheim – DOOR Neptunus
13:00 Vaessen Pioniers – L&D Amsterdam
Sunday, August 21:
13:00 DOOR Neptunus – Corendon Kinheim
13:00 L&D Amsterdam – Vaessen Pioniers (completion of Thursday’s game, Amsterdam is leading 4-3 in the eighth inning)
13:30 L&D Amsterdam – Vaessen Pioniers

Dutch Playoffs: Corendon Kinheim defeats DOOR Neptunus in 11

philipp — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:51:36 +0000

DOOR Neptunus – Corendon Kinheim 3-7 (11)

KIN 300 000 000 04  7  9 2
NEP 100 001 010 00  3 13 0

Box score

Corendon Kinheim scored four runs in the top of the eleventh inning to prevail 7-3 against DOOR Neptunus. Bjorn Henrichs and Niels van Weert had two-run hits during the rally. Earlier in the game Neptunus had erased a 0-3 deficit and forced extra-inning, when Korenhof scored on an error. Starters David Bergman (KIN) and Diegomar Markwell (NEP) had allowed three runs each during their outings. Nick Stuifbergen (W) went 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief for the win. Berry van Driel (L) took the loss.

The contest between L&D Amsterdam and the Vaessen Pioniers had to be suspended in the top of the eighth inning due to the curfew in Dutch Baseball. The Pirates just had scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth to overcome a 0-3 deficit and were leading 4-3, when the game got stopped. It will be continued on Friday at 7.45pm CET.

Results Dutch Playdowns August 11 to 14

philipp — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:42:40 +0000

Besides the playoffs, the Dutch playdowns also will be played in a round-robin format. UVV, Sparta/Feyenoord, Mr. Cocker HCAW and ADO try to avoid a demotion into the second division in the Netherlands. UVV started into the playdowns with a pair of wins over ADO with the third game of the series being postponed from Thursday to Tuesday, August 16. In the second series this weekend Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam won two of the three games against Mr. Cocker HCAW.

Results:
Thursday, August 11:
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam – Mr. Cocker HCAW 7-1
UVV- ADO ppd
Saturday, August 13:
ADO – UVV 3-16
Mr. Cocker HCAW – Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam 5-8
Sunday, August 14:
UVV – ADO 4-3
Sparta/Feyenoord Rotterdam – Mr. Cocker HCAW 2-3

Complete Schedule at KNBSB.nl

Dutch Playoffs: Results August 13&14

philipp — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:07:48 +0000

While L&D Amsterdam also won games two and three of their series against Corendon Kinheim this weekend, defending champion DOOR Neptunus suffered consecutive losses to the Vaessen Pioniers after winning the opener on Thursday. The round robin continues on Thursday, when Amsterdam meets with the Pioniers and Kinheim takes on Neptunus.

Results:
Thursday, August 11:
DOOR Neptunus – Vaessen Pioniers 8-1
Friday, August 12:
L&D Amsterdam Pirates – Corendon Kinheim 2-1 (10)
Saturday, August 13:
Vaessen Pioniers – DOOR Neptunus 4-2
Corendon Kinheim – L&D Amsterdam Pirates 2-13
Sunday, August 14:
DOOR Neptunus – Vaessen Pioniers 0-6
L&D Amsterdam Pirates – Corendon Kinheim 6-4

Dutch Playoffs: Results August 11&12

philipp — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 06:47:57 +0000

The playoffs in the Dutch Hoofdklasse are underway. On Thursday Rien Vernooij drove in four runs to lead DOOR Neptunus to an 8-1 victory over the Vaessen Pioniers. On Friday Percy Isenia hit a sac fly in the bottom of the tenth to lead L&D Amsterdam to a 2-1 win over Corendon Kinheim. The semi-finals in the Netherlands will be played in a round-robin format this year. Two more games are on the schedule for each team this weekend.

Results:
Thursday, August 11:
DOOR Neptunus – Vaessen Pioniers 8-1
Friday, August 12:
L&D Amsterdam Pirates – Corendon Kinheim 2-1 (10)

Schedule:
Saturday, August 13:
13:00 Vaessen Pioniers – DOOR Neptunus
13:00 Corendon Kinheim – L&D Amsterdam Pirates
Sunday, August 14:
13:00 DOOR Neptunus – Vaessen Pioniers
13:00 L&D Amsterdam Pirates – Corendon Kinheim