The Heidenheim Heidekoepfe have found an adequate replacement for former Major Leaguer Mike Hartley. The 44-year-old Troy Williams is returning to take over as head coach of the reigning European and German vice champion. The American already led the coaching staff from 1998 to 2003 and at the 2007 CEB Cup in Croatia. Under his leadership the Heidekoepfe reached the Baseball-Bundesliga in 1999 and the playoffs in 2002 and 2003.
Williams is going to continue to work as assistant coach for Greg Frady with the German National Team. He also will be responsible for the regional baseball academy in Heidenheim and is going to coach the farm team in the 2nd Baseball-Bundesliga together with Christian Hägele. It is as well planned that Williams will be working as a basketball coach during the winter months. He will begin his work in mid-March.
At the coaching staff Williams will be assisted by the Americans Dusty Bergman, Matt Gaski and Andrew Smith besides the German national teamers Simon Gühring, Robert Gruber and Markus Winkler. Gaski and Smith are new on the roster. They also signed Alex Lauterbach this winter. The Heidekoepfe will open the new season on the road against the Gauting Indians in April.
Photo: © German Baseball and Softball Federation (DBV)