Jakub Janda talked with Pim Walsma of the Dutch Hoofdklasse club L&D Amsterdam.
Pim Walsma
- RHP Relief pitcher
- L&D Amsterdam
- Born 3.2.1987
Jakub Janda: Pim, please, could you briefly describe your baseball career?
Pim Walsma: I grew up in Amsterdam, played for the Amsterdam Pirates ( L&D Amsterdam ) all my life. After I finished high school I decided to go play college ball in the US. Played there for one season and had to come back home for personal reasons and continued my career in de Dutch Head Class with L&D. I Got selected for the national team in 2008 and 2009. Right now I’m still playing for L&D in Amsterdam
JJ: You attended Lower Columbia College in the USA. How has it enhanced your career and how would you compare college ball to the Dutch league?
PW: Playing for LCC was definitely a boost for my baseball career. Lifting weights every day and being able to play baseball 7 days a week just makes you better. The work ethic there is just way different from what I was used to. I think talent wise college was better then the head class, but a lot of Dutch players are just more experienced. Pitchers threw harder and more home runs were hit in the US, but I think most of the (older) Dutch hitters are smarter and adjust better. A lot of college players had trouble hitting off speed.
JJ: When you debuted in the Hoofdklasse in 2005, you walked 38 hitters in 44 frames and in 2006 you had 40 free passes in 37 innings. Since that, how have you worked on your control?
PW: My pitching coaches over the years have helped me a lot. Especially my college coach when he let me work a lot on my front side. Whenever I start having control problems, something is wrong with my front side. I’ve always had the problem I was being over analytical and thinking too much when I’m not throwing the way that I’m suppose to. Right now I’m dealing with control issues and I just have to keep working hard on the mechanical as well as the mental part of being a pitcher. It has always been a frustrating process, but it is something I have to deal with trying to become the consistent pitcher that I want to be.
JJ: In summer of 2006, you participated at the MLB Academy. What were you experiences and how has it improved you as a ball player?
PW: I always cherished that experience a lot. It was the first time I could be out on the field every single day and after two weeks of practicing I could really feel my arm getting stronger. Working with the experienced instructors and those big names was dream come true and it helped me out a lot. I think it is a great initiative, being surrounded by talented kids your age in a professional environment creates great benefits. Especially working with Bruce Hurst and Lee Smith is something I will never forget.
JJ: In recent years, you have been used as a reliever. Do you like this role? What do you think is different mentally and physically in comparison with starting?
PW: My problem as a starter has always been that my pitch count is way up there after the fifth inning (about 100 pitches). I was never effective enough to keep it down long enough so it always put a lot of stress on the bullpen. I’ve always liked being a reliever to just go out there and give it all you got, you don’t have to hold back. I like the pressure and challenge to come in and work out of a jam or save a ballgame. I’ve always dreamed about being a starter, so one day I hope to get back to starting but I never felt bad about being a reliever.
JJ: You joined the Dutch squad in 2008 for the Olympics. What were your impressions? Did you enjoy the atmosphere?
PW: The Olympics were amazing, I never thought I had a chance to make the Olympic team. Whenever I look back at the pictures from the Olympics it is still a little bit surreal. Maybe when the next Olympics are on TV I’ll start realizing that I was part of such an enormous event. I wish we could have done a little better as a team in the tournament but nevertheless it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
JJ: You have had a personal experience with Robert Eenhoorn, getting coached by him in 2008. Please, try to explain why do you think he is special.
PW: I think Robert Eenhoorn brought Dutch baseball to another level. He has been so successful leading the Dutch in the years he was the manager. He put Dutch baseball on the map. He has a lot of knowledge about the game and he is just so professional. He goes about his business and I think that had a lot of influence on the National Team. Everything on and off the field was always taken care off and he brought out the best in players.
JJ: In 2009, you represented the Netherlands at the WBC. You started a game aganist Puerto Rico. How was that? Please tell us your feelings before such a game.
PW: Its an incredible experience facing a team like Puerto Rico with all the big names in that line up. You have always looked up to those players and watching them play on tv. To get a chance to compete with them is just amazing. It wasn’t my best game ever but its an experience the no one ever can take away from me. Working with Bert Blyleven is another experience I will never forget.
JJ: What do you consider your career highlight?
PW: Playing for the National Team in the Olympics and the WBC are definitely my career highlights, winning the championship with L&D in ’08 is another thing I am proud off. If I would have to pick one game it will probably be stopping the Cuban Olympic team for 5 innings and only giving up one run. And I hope to have a lot more similar experiences as my baseball career moves on. Meeting and competing with some of big names in baseball is another thing I consider a Highlight.
JJ: Please, compare your childhood dreams to baseball-related dreams you are having now?
PW: Of course you always dream about making it to the MLB and make it big. But the chances of that happening are slim to none. Playing for the national team has always been a dream for me and I made that happen. I hope to win a lot more championships and turn into a consistent pitcher.
JJ: Do you have anything special in your training or game routine?
PW: I like to throw flat sides and do tubing before I throw. I do not really have a game routine since I never know how the game will evolve being a reliever. Just get loose as fast as possible.
JJ: What has baseball given to you and what the game has taken from your life?
PW: Baseball gave me a lot of joy and beautiful experiences. Traveled a lot around the world and met a lot of great people. I do not see how it has taken something from my life since baseball is a part of me and always will be.
Thank you for your time.
Jakub Janda
Jandis(at)volny.cz
