by European Baseball Coaches Association
After the first two sessions and an interesting hot stove panel discussion at the 12th EBCA Convention in Lisbon, Portugal with the speakers, EBCA president Georg Apfelbaum opened the social part of the first evening by announcing and presenting two of its annual awards
Lifetime Achievement Award
The EBCA Lifetime Achievement Award 2015 for extensive contributions to European Baseball was awarded to Bill Holmberg. Holmberg is the coach in residence at the FIBS Italian Academy in Tirrenia, involved with the Italian National Teams and a former Pro Scout and Club Coach. He has been in Italy for over a decade and is widely respected by his peers and within MLB. Because he is currently in Taiwan at the WBSC´s new Premier 12 tournament, he send a short video message.
New Grassroots Awards
With its new Grassroots Awards the EBCA is looking to recognize coaches who have dedicated extensive time at the grassroots level, developing kids programs, clubs and developing programs. The first edition was awarded to Terry Lingenhoel. Terry has been diligently working and building a big and succesful baseball program in Hungary.
Terry , who has been a longtime EBCA member, was in attendance and clearly emotional about the EBCA recognizing his efforts.
The 2015 Convention in Lisbon will continue Saturday with a great lineup of speakers and a lot of interesting topics.