The French record champion Paris UC will have a new head coach going into the 2011 season in the French Elite League. Jeff Stoeckel is taking over as coach and technical director of the baseball section of the club. He also will be responsible for the U21 squad. He is a former infielder at the Harvard University, where he batted .239 in 97 games from 2006 to 2008. Jeff is the son of Jim Stoeckel, three-time Dutch National Team manager and scout of the Cincinnati Reds. Gaétan Alibert of PUC was so kind to send Mister-Baseball a first interview with their new head coach Jeff Stoeckel, who already is in Paris since February 4th.
Paris UC: Can you introduce yourself to the PUC players and talk about your baseball experience?
Jeff Stoeckel: First, I want to say that I am very excited to work with the athletes at Paris UC. I grew up in Vero Beach, Florida, USA around baseball from the time I was born. For most of my life, my father was a professional scout and coach in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, and is currently the International Scouting Director for the Cincinnati Reds. After playing high school baseball in Florida, I played for Joe Walsh at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. I started out playing second base at the college level, and then moved to shortstop for my final two years. In addition to playing at Harvard, I played in the Florida Collegiate League and the Hawaii Collegiate League. After college, I coached high school baseball in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA with former second round draft pick for the San Francisco Giants, Sammy Serrano. Finally, the summer before heading to Paris, I worked for USA Baseball on the task force.
PUC: Why did you choose to join PUC and come to France? What are you goals for the club?
JS: Choosing to coach Paris UC was an easy choice. I was looking to make an impact on a team fighting their way back to the top, and Paris UC’s extremely decorated baseball history made it an obvious choice. As for France, I visited Paris when I was a boy, and I have never forgotten that experience. Additionally, my father has been involved with European baseball through his managing position with the Netherlands National Team. Discussing baseball with my father and experiencing the success of his team really made me anxious to make the move. My goals for the club are simple. As a team, we will compete in every game, every day, against every team. As a result, we will undoubtedly improve on our record from last year, and hopefully build momentum to make it back to highest level of French professional baseball.
PUC: You must have done some research this past few weeks about baseball in France. What are your impressions right now? Did you know anything about European Baseball before that?
JS: I have learned a tremendous amount about current baseball trends in France in recent months. My understanding, as well as most of the people I have spoken with who are involved with baseball internationally, is that we are at a time where baseball is improving rapidly in Europe and in France. Big signings like Max Kepler-Rozycki by the Twins, have brought more attention to baseball in Europe. Both the French Baseball Federation and Major League Baseball are doing a fantastic job of expanding the scope of baseball in France. As for my previous knowledge of European Baseball, I knew more than the average American before accepting this position, as I have many college friends and opponents who currently play in other leagues around Europe. Also, growing up with an international scout doesn’t hurt.
PUC: Before you meet the players, do you already have some advice for them with the new season approaching?
JS: The offseason can be long and slow. Baseball is by nature a team sport, and many times it is difficult to practice without a few other guys around. My advice to the players would be to staying shape physically, as this requires no baseballs or bats at all. Secondly, the pitchers should find a partner to maintain a throwing program, even if it is only a couple of days a week. And lastly, the positional players should find a wall, a batting tee, a net, a field, etc. and play some games that maintain their skills and enthusiasm for the game. When I was in Hawaii during college, there was a brick wall by my apartment that I used to take a tennis ball and throw it against to practice ground balls; it wasn’t glorious, but it worked.
PUC: Let’s get back to you now. What is (are) your favorite baseball teams? Your favorite player?
JS: My favorite baseball team is the Los Angeles Dodgers. I grew up watching Spring Training games in Vero Beach, Florida, USA and they have been my favorite ever since. My favorite player of all time would be Craig Biggio, former second baseman for the Houston Astros. He was a scrappy player who played the game right. My favorite player currently playing would be Elvis Andrus, shortstop for the Texas Rangers. He is an amazing talent.
PUC: What other sports do you like or play?
JS: I am an avid golfer. I haven’t had the ability to play a lot recently, but last summer I held a 2 handicap. Other than golf, I enjoy playing almost anything: tennis, soccer, basketball, etc.
PUC: Finally, what makes you love baseball?
JS: There are two things that make baseball great. First, you get to play every day. In sports like soccer or American football, your body simply can’t handle playing every day. With the right conditioning, you can play baseball every day! Second, it is such a mentally challenging game. I get a sense of joy from having to fight the mental challenges to perform outside your mind.
PUC: One last word?
JS: Again, I just want to say thank you to everyone at Paris UC for allowing me to be a part of this organization. My goal for this year is to compete every day against every team. I believe that we can do great things, and I am anxious to get on the field.
Mister-Baseball thanks PUC to be so kind providing us with an interview with new head coach Jeff Stoeckel.