The Haarlemse Honkbalweek kicks off its 2012 tournament, the 26th edition in history, on Friday, July 13. Until Sunday, July 22 the Netherlands, Cuba, Team USA, Puerto Rico, Japan and Chinese Taipei will play in the Haarlem Baseball Week. Defending champion is the Dutch national team.
Cuba and the United States will come to Europe fresh off a five-game exhibition series in Havana, which was won the Caribbean powerhouse. Cuba is coming with a strong team, including well-known stars Yulieski Gourriel, Alfredo Despaigne, Frederich Cepeda, Alexei Bell and Freddy Alvarez. They are managed by Victor Mesa. Team USA is a selection of college players, led by Golden Spikes Award finalist Carlos Rodon and coached by Dave Serrano.
All games will be played at Pim Mulier Stadium in Haarlem, Netherlands. Two games are scheduled each day. After a round-robin preliminary phase the top four teams in the standings advance to the semi-finals. All information around the tournament can be found at www.honkbalweek.nl.
Schedule Day 1:
Friday, July 13:
14:00 Japan – Chinese Taipei
19:00 Cuba – Puerto Rico