by Pim van Nes
Tomorrow in Rotterdam the fans will face the first classic clash of the two favorite club teams for the national title of the Netherlands: NEPTUNUS and KINHEIM. In the new Hoofdklasse season the two clubs are already trailing one game behind Pioniers, but on the long run each of them is expected to reach the Dutch playoffs after their players have come back home from the Beijing Olympics.
National title defender CORENDON KINHEIM lost a road game versus MR COCKER HCAW as one out of four games played so far and so did DOOR NEPTUNUS versus L&D AMSTERDAM, the new name for the traditional PIRATES managed this year by the former Major League player Rikkert Faneyte (SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS). Last year KINHEIM conquered the European Cup for national champions in San Marino, where the favorite Italian clubs were beaten by German ALLIGATORS and French HUSKIES. The European Cup Winners Cup was won by NEPTUNUS in the Hoofddorp tournament, where hosting PIONIERS were to defend their 2006 title. Instead the club, known for long lasting sponsoring by Konica Minolta, beat NEPTUNUS in the semi-final of the Dutch playoffs for a spot in the finale series versus KINHEIM, alike in 2006.
Most reputed KINHEIM players in Haarlem are pitchers David Bergman (RHP) and Patrick Beljaards (LHP), catcher Tjerk Smeets, infielder Vince Rooi and outfielder Dirk van ‘t Klooster. The team is coached by Ben Thijssen, Marcel Joost (batting) and Eelco Jansen (pitching). Tomorrow’s home team NEPTUNUS has brought forward from last year pitchers Leon Boyd (RHP) and Diegomar Markwell (LHP), catcher Martijn Meeuwis, infielder Raily Legito and outfielder Lennart Koster.
New transfers to the Familie Stadion are Eugene Kingsale and Ivanon Coffie from degraded ALMERE’90 and Derick Francisca from AMSTERDAM. The first two were available because of financial problems and the latter for recent disciplinary reasons. Work ahead for coaches Eric de Bruin and Jan Collins, assisted by Wim Martinus (ex ADO) and Adonis Kemp (ex SPARTA/FEYENOORD).
After the Thursday night game in Rotterdam, the <European Cup Winners Series> will continue with afternoon games on Saturday in Haarlem’s Pim Mulier Stadion and on Sunday back in Rotterdam.
Other Hoofdklasse games scheduled by KNBSB on Saturday are HCAW – PINOIERS, SPARTA/FEYENOORD – ADO and AMSTERDAM – RCH. On Sunday the returns PIONIERS – HCAW, ADO – SPARTA/FEYENOORD and RCH – AMSTERDAM.
{mrb-standing:netherlands-2008}
Pim van Nes
Baseball writer for
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Photo © Ron Wickert, www.eott.nl