Mister Baseball

by Martin Sutter

By having an exotic nickname the Swiss team SISSACH FROGS surely stand out in the scenery of Baseball. Some 60 active players sustain Baseball in the provincial town of Sissach. Despite having to manage several difficulties in the past the various teams of the club have been competing in championship Baseball for more than 20 years.

Roots in the 80’s

The club was founded in 1985 by several young local Baseball fans. The team competed in the Swiss National League B the next years. In 1990 and from 1992 on the SISSACH FROGS could compete in the National League A. After having some issues at the end of the last century and being relegated in the Swiss Baseball leagues, the SISSACH FROGS could recover and are playing in the top league of Swiss Baseball since 2002.

A home in Sissach

While having the team coming from the smallest community of the top Swiss Baseball league, the SISSACH FROGS could manage to develop and establish itself locally. Soon after the foundation of the club the desire for an own Baseball field emerged. While not really believing in the long time success of the local Baseball program the town officials have assigned a space in the Tannenbrunn sports complex to be reshaped for the
game’s needs. The SISSACH FROGS created the infield themselves and the outfield is still shared with the local soccer club. “The cooperation with other local sports clubs has been very good for the last years, especially with the soccer club”, says Ueli Bürgi, the club’s president. “The two clubs respect each other and help each other out if necessary.”

The club could rise to one of the major local sports clubs, the decent Baseball park and the local roots could contribute to this growth.

The teams and recent success

In recent years the SISSACH FROGS have been growing to some 60 active players, featuring two senior teams, the team in the National League A and a team in the first regional leagues. Two more junior teams complete the Baseball squads which are registered for Swiss Baseball championships. Some years ago the BLACK FROGS were introduced as the recreational Slow Pitch Softball team, which participates in several national and international tournaments during the summer. The newest team also has the youngest players — the T-Ball team for kids aging from three years and older was introduced by the former club’s president and honorary member Ivano Piaia. This squad plays its game once each week. The strong building up of the club and the teams is due to several individual members. For his outstanding work on the field and in the administration of the club founding member, former president and honorary member Steve Klee’s number 13 was retired during the Home Opener this year to honor his crucial commitment.

In 2006 the SISSACH FROGS won the Swiss Cup, which is held in addition to the championship leagues. This surely represents the biggest national success for the club! Further the regular season was won in 2005 by the SISSACH FROGS. The club could also participate in European tournaments in Ljubljana/Slovenia in 2006 and in Stockholm/Sweden in 2007. These tournaments added great experiences for the players participating in.

Each year the SISSACH FROGS participate in the Finkstonball in Attnang-Puchheim/Austria, a tournament with international participation held on the Whitsun weekend. In 2007 it is the FROGS’ 10th participation in the 11th edition of this tournament, making the team with the most participation besides the hosting team MOSQUITO ATHLETICS of Attnang-Puchheim. The FROGS could win this tournament in 2004.

In August the BLACK FROGS are hosting their own international Slow Pitch Softball tournament, which also features international participation.

Building the infrastructure

Some years ago the SISSACH FROGS were given a shed on the Tannenbrunn sports complex, which is used as the clubhouse. The reshaping of this building was done in different steps over the last years. Further to this a second shed was assigned to the club, which is currently rebuilt to host an indoor batting facility, which surely is unique along the national Baseball teams. Further the club has built their own fixed stands behind Home Plate.

During the games the SISSACH FROGS install an electronic score board in center field and catering stands. “We are working hard to make the game enjoyable for our visitors and to improve our infrastructure for our players”, adds Ueli Bürgi.

The addition of the several elements is to a certain extent due to the corporation between the club and town officials, which developed in a good way recently.

Creating opportunities

Recently the SISSACH FROGS hired international coaches to help to develop the players and the game. Mostly they were from the United States, but this year the club chose another way, and hired Ramon “Teddy” Figueroa. The Cuban coach already visited Sissach a decade ago, and due to his expert knowledge in coaching European Baseball teams he can surely help to develop the game. “Besides improving the playing skills Teddy also is a great addition for the social life”says Ueli Bürgi. “His friendly acquaintance is good for our senior and junior players.”

This current development is surely built on the efficient work of the club members, but on the other hand the work that lies ahead of the club should not be mistaken. Especially when it comes to recruit new players and convincing young people to choose Baseball from a variety of offers as their leisure activity a lot of effort has to be invested. The situation has been rather difficult for the last years, as Ueli Bürgi points out: “The infrastructure did not fall in our hands — we had to create these opportunities. We are promoting our game and we are trying hard to recruit young players. But that effort does not pay out instantly.”

Despite fighting some difficulties the players expect looking into a bright future of the club and for the game in Switzerland!

For more information and schedules log on to www.frogs-baseball.com