by Jeffrey Darrion Siler II
A spokesperson for the Almada White Sharks recently released information about the first Baseball Tournament of the 2011 Season. This is the third annual pre-season tournament hosted by the White Sharks of Almada, and the daylong competition is aptly being billed as “III TaçaCidadedeAlmada.” There has been a general buzz in the community of players with speculation as to which teams would enter to compete. Just days ago the final list of teams was announced and official dates set for this Preseason showdown. This highly anticipated tournament will feature three of the four teams from the Portuguese Cup of October 2010, and is sure to be a platform for teams to assert themselves as the Portuguese Baseball Federation gears up for an exciting 2011 Season.
Hosts and defending champions of the 2010 Portuguese Cup, Almada White Sharks, hope to again demonstrate their on-field prowess and continue with momentum gained from last year’s season finale. The White Sharks roster looks strong as ever with the return once again of pitcher RuiLopes and catcher Renato Espírito Santo, as well as talented rising stars JoãoAlves and Octavian Merineanu. The White Sharks look to leave their mark this pre-season with spirited performances from all members of the club.When asked about the upcoming tournament team veteran and luminaryCarlos “Alex” Machado Tavares noted, “We are all excited to invite teams here for our Tournament. It has been such a success in years past, and we hope to continue with the tradition. Great baseball, and a great community of players, from all teams involved… not to mention the great weather, and it is only February!”
Other teams include Bravos C.S.L.V. and returning champions of the 2010 Federation League Championship, A.A. Coimbra. Coimbra now looks to reclaim their title as top team of the 2011 season, starting with a strong pre-season performance in the upcoming Almada Cup. The return of ace pitcher PetrStříbrckýadds to the team’s confidence and depth. He recently stated,“I have to admit that I am really looking forward to pitch again… the first breath on the field and first pitch, it’s an unforgettable feeling…”
Bravos also looks to come out swinging with an impressive lineup of solid contact hitters. They surprised many with strong shows of offensive force in last years Cup, and now look to this year’s pre-season as a call to waken the lumber from winter slumber.
The “III TaçaCidadedeAlmada” will be held on February 26, 2011 at “Pista de Atletismo da Sobreda,” first pitch to be thrown at 10:00 AM. For more information visit www.whitesharks.pt
