Kinheim shocked Dutch Baseball on Monday when they announced through a press release that they are withdrawing from the Dutch Hoofdklasse. As main reason they cite player departures and the non-ability to field a Hoofdklasse worthy team for the 2017 season.
Apparently Kinheim already informed the Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association (KNBSB) two weeks ago about their decision. Afterwards they made a last-minute push, but on Monday informed the KNBSB that they indeed withdraw. They hope to return to the Hoofdklasse in the future.
The 2017 Hoofdklasse will start with seven teams, as no second division team is willing to take the open spot on short notice. Kinheim won the Holland Series five times, lastly in 2012.