Following the conclusion of the 2010 Haarlemse Honkbalweek the Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association (KNBSB) announced the final national team roster for the upcoming European Championship. The most prominent player not making the cut is former Major Leaguer Randall Simon. The 35-year-old first baseman was released by his northern league club a few days ago and joined the Netherlands for the last two games in Haarlem this weekend. However after seeing him in person manager Jim Stoeckel decided Simon was not in good enough shape.
Other cuts following the international tournament, where the Dutch team won seven of the eight games, were pitcher Nick Veltkamp and Nick Stuifbergen and infielder Rene Cremer. Stuifbergen is rehabbing an injured shoulder and couldn’t get healthy in time. With Simon missing all 24 players will be out of the Dutch Hoofdklasse. Ten players are from reigning champion DOOR Neptunus. The Netherlands are opening the tournament next Friday in Heidenheim against the Czech Republic.
Complete Roster Netherlands:
Pitchers: Arshwin Asjes (Konica Minolta Pioniers), David Bergman (Corendon Kinheim), Leon Boyd (DOOR Neptunus), Rob Cordemans (L&D Amsterdam), Dave Draijer (Konica Minolta Pioniers), Berry van Driel (DOOR Neptunus), Gregory Gustina (Sparta/Feyenoord), Kevin Heijstek (DOOR Neptunus), Michiel van Kampen (Corendon Kinheim), Diegomar Markwell (DOOR Neptunus)
Catchers: Jason Halman (Corendon Kinheim), Sidney de Jong (L&D Amsterdam), Bas Nooij (L&D Amsterdam)
Infielders: Michael Duursma (Konica Minolta Pioniers), Bryan Engelhardt (Corendon Kinheim), Dwayne Kemp (DOOR Neptunus), Raily Legito (DOOR Neptunus), Vince Rooi (Corendon Kinheim), Jeroen Sluijter (DOOR Neptunus)
Outfielders: Shaldimar Daantji (DOOR Neptunus), Bas de Jong (L&D Amsterdam), Dirk van ’t Klooster (Corendon Kinheim), Eugene Kingsale (DOOR Neptunus), Danny Rombley (DOOR Neptunus)
Staff: Jim Stoeckel (manager), Steve Janssen (pitching coach), Wim Martinus (hitting coach), Tjerk Smeets (bullpen coach), Ben Thijssen (bench coach), Mourik Huijser (bullpen catcher), Rob Tamminga (physiotherapist), Martijn van Berkel (physiotherapist), Ton Meiresonne (equipment manager), Loet van Schellebeek (press officer)