Press Release PONY
The first team to qualify for the 2014 PONY League World Series was named recently, as Prague, Czech Republic emerged victorious from the European Zone. Fourteen teams from nine different countries participated in the four-day tournament, which was held at the Czech Baseball Academy.
The MLB Baseball Tomorrow Fund kicked the tournament off by granting SK Kr? Praha $95,000 for repairs to their baseball and softball complex, which was damaged in August 2013 by winds and a thunderstorm. The check was handed over by Executive Director Cathy Bradley to Club President Jan Bagin. The programs offered by SK Kr? Praha support youth baseball and softball development, provide opportunities for all youth players of the local community to partake in physical activity, and continue to grow the games of baseball and softball throughout the country.
“We are grateful that the Baseball Tomorrow Fund understood the critical situation after the thunderstorm,” said Bagin. “At this moment, we are working hard to complete all work before the spring season starts. Because of the Baseball Tomorrow Fund’s support, we will be able to continue our programming and continue to add more schools and strive to have as many kids involved as possible.”
In six games, Prague scored 138 runs en route to a European Zone championship title. In its first game, Prague defeated Vilnius, Lithuania 25-4, and ended day one by dismantling Srbosko, Serbia 42-0. Prague opened day two by beating Ježica, Slovenia 20-1. On day three, Prague faced its toughest competition of the tournament from Kaunas, Lithuania, but Prague won the game decisively 16-9. After defeating its national counterpart in the semi-finals 14-3, Prague moved on to the championship game. Prague made easy work of London, Great Britain in the final game 25-2.
Two of Prague’s standout players received individual awards after the tournament concluded. Michal Kota?ka was named the tournament’s best hitter and Daniel Padyšák was named the tournament’s MVP. Both players’ standout performances came to the satisfaction of manager David Winkler, who is anticipating the trip to the PONY League World Series.
“I’m a big baseball fan and I have never been in the United States,” said Winkler. “I can’t wait to be there and coach the Czech Academy team in the PONY tournament. I’m sure my players are all looking forward to playing in the PONY League World Series.”
In Prague’s first game of the PONY League World Series, it will face the tournament’s host, Washington, in game four. The game is scheduled for August 9, and will begin at 5:30 p.m. For more information regarding the PONY League World Series’ events, sponsorship opportunities, as well as the complete 2014 World Series bracket, go to ponyworldseries.org.