by Jeffrey Darrion Siler II
The past several weeks have been busy ones for Portuguese Baseball. Part II of the International coaches’ clinics took place from March 30 – April 2 in Abrantes. Jim Jones (MLB) and Steve Janssen (KNBSB) instructed these clinics, giving both theoretical and practical instruction. Coaches from all major clubs and schools across Portugal, and Norwegian Academy coach Brian Bach attended the second part of Levels I & II.
“It has been my pleasure and honor to work with the Portuguese Baseball and Softball Federation to conduct the first set of their coaches’ certification clinics in 2012. Lilly Rosetti, Boris Rothermundt and Steve Janssen did an outstanding job in presenting the Portuguese coaches will sold baseball/softball information that will help them grow in their role as coaches. It was a great learning experience for all – including me.
Sandra Monteiro is to be commended for taking the lead in developing a solid path for the Portuguese coaches to follow in their pursuit of a successful coaching career. We will continue to adjust and improve the clinic structure and content to give coaches the opportunity to raise the game of baseball to a higher level in Portugal.” Jim Jones
In other recent news, on the weekend of March 15-18 HSV Giants from Hengelo, Netherlands came to Portugal for pre-season workouts and friendly games. HSV Giants also spent an afternoon in local schools giving Baseball instruction to young students in Abrantes, Portugal.
In coordination with Portuguese Baseball Softball Federation, the HSV Giants scrimmaged against pre-selection members of the Portuguese National Baseball Team. Head Coach, Nus Jurgens was present to oversee the PNT, and is using scrimmages like these to evaluate players for final selection. Portuguese Academy Coaches, and National Team Assistant Coaches Petr Stříbrcký and Jeffrey Darrion Siler II will continue to hold workouts with PNT players in close coordination with Coach Jurgens in preparation for 2013 European Qualifier Competition.
Portuguese National Baseball Club Championships begin in the coming weeks, and international friendly games between Portuguese Federation and Madrid Federation club teams are to be held in late May, more information to come.