Last year the opening day event was a rain-filled affair. This year the Swiss Baseball and Softball Federation (SBSF) try again. The 2009 season in the Swiss Nationalliga A (NLA) starts on April 5th with a rematch between the two finalists of last year, when the Swiss champion BERN CARDINALS hosts the LAUSANNE INDIANS at SBSF Opening Day in Huenenberg, Switzerland.
After this opening game the regular season in the NLA really begins on the weekend of April 18/19. The SBSF changed the format slightly from a two-pool league with four teams each to a single eight-team league. Following a double round robin with 28 games on 14 game days, the best four teams advance into the playoffs. Semi-finals and finals will be played in a best-of-five series.
Eight Teams in 2009 NLA Season:
Bern Cardinals (2008 Champion)
Lausanne Indians
Therwil Flyers
Zurich Barracudas
Zurich Challengers
Reussbuehl Eagles
Sissach Frogs
Embrach Indians (replace Wil Devils)