by Ty Eriksen
Czech Republic
The Czech National Team will be strengthened with some additional players after the EC, Coach Andy Berglund has confirmed. “We started the process of recruiting players for the WBCQ immediately after we discovered we were selected for the tournament, so it’s been an ongoing process. Everything was new in this regard, so we’ve tried a number of avenues to find players with Czech heritage. Fortunately, we’ve found a few players that can help us when they join the Czech national players.”
Berglund and the rest of the staff (McCarthy, Ahearne, Navratil) have committed themselves to the program the last few years, and hope to see the players rewarded for their dedication. While they understand the challenges their group brings, if they play at their best, says Berglund “we’ll absolutely contend for a medal and ride that momentum into the WBCQ.”
They’re trying to generate some early momentum in Italy playing against Spain, Taiwan, and the hosts in a mini-tournament called the Italian Baseball Week.
Players Petr Cech, Jakub Vojak, and Boris Bokaj should feel at home in Regensburg. Cech has been the starting catcher for the home team since 2010, while Bokaj pitched two outstanding seasons there as well. Vokaj split two years between the North and South.
Israel
Confirming reports that the team will be very strong and very not-Israeli, a source says that fewer than five spots will be reserved for Israeli players.
Peter Kurz of the IAB, speaking with Mister-Baseball, has stated that Head Coach Brad Ausmus be charged with making the final roster cuts during the Israeli NT’s camps in Florida in the coming weeks. Kurz and the rest of the IAB leadership has been very satisfied with Ausmus’ dedication and work so far, and he has expressed interest in remaining with the program longer-term. Success in Jupiter will be important to the future of Israeli baseball, Kurz says that their planned new home could also host future WBCQ events, should Israel need to qualify.
Two of Israel’s more experienced, home-grown talents, Alon Leichman and Shlomo Lipetz, have been taking their shot serious, working out and playing in various leagues in order to get on top of their game for an expected September 13th decision on their participation. Of being considered for the team, Lipetz states, “I am EXTREMELY excited to have the opportunity to continue and play baseball in my age and it such a high level of computation. To be able to share the field with a group of professional players and to all be wearing the Israeli National uniform is something I am very proud of. “ Having prepped all summer in a California summer league, Leichman says, “We are all putting in extra efforts to make the team. That will help the team out in the future. Having them (pro players) around also creates a buzz and awareness in Israel.”
Germany
Deutschland departed last weekend for their preparation in Holland, but hit the brakes….
Justin Pope (Staten Island Yankees), Terry Abbott (Marlins) and Gene Roof (Tigers) will take over Defense, Pitching, and OF/Base-running coaching duties, respectively, relegating coaches Fries and Williams to scouting duties once they return back to Germany.