by Pim van Nes
New KNBSB managing director Bart Volkerijk and Ziggo Sport Vice President Will Moerer signed a partner agreement about TV coverage of the upcoming European Championship in Hoofddorp, Netherlands. The signing session took place being applauded by 80 KNBSB guests gathered on Thursday at Hoofddorp stadium as from 16.00 hrs. The invitation by KNBSB combined a press conference with a networking reception for business men and women from Haarlemmermeer region and for diplomats from The Hague.
As from 19.30 hrs most of them enjoyed the sunshine and the regular Hoofdklasse game between home team Pioniers and visiting Pirates. The new European Champions Cup winner, admired by Italian fans and press last weekend, was defeated by Vaessen Pioniers: 5-1. On Sunday June 12, L&D Amsterdam Pirates will present their first international cup to their own fans before their first home game, since their 7-6 victory over Italian Baseball League champion ASD Rimini in the final of the tournament in Rimini and San Marino.
It was the second business and diplomats gathering by the Netherlands federation. The first one in Rotterdam was characterized by speeches delivered by Ambassadors of Japan and South-Korea and by acting Ambassador of USA assigned in The Hague. On Thursday in Hoofddorp, diplomatic delegations came from US Embassy in The Hague and from Netherlands Consulate General in San Francisco: former Head of Mission Hugo von Meijenfeldt and retired International Trade Secretary Peter Laanen.
It was the right occasion for KNBSB to celebrate the recent election of Netherlands Kingdom Team manager Hensley Meulens for the International League Hall of Fame in USA. His daily job is hitting coach for San Francisco Giants, ranking first with .590 in the Western Division of MLB National League. The two Netherlands diplomats from San Francisco, attending the Hoofddorp gathering yesterday, told the other guests warmly about their Giants baseball experiences, included the last birthday party of late William B. Arce.
Pioniers public announcer Hans Heil guided a group of about 15 persons during a long walk inside the new stadium, meeting all high requirements applicable for regular MLB games. He explained to Dutch and US guests the functions of all rooms from top floor to basement. For the European Championship tournament, the stadium will be extended for thousands of fans. Tournament director Paddy Roomer will offer 45 games live in front of VIP boxes for 15 guests at 8.000 euro rental and for 10 guests at 5.000 euro.
Further information: Info@2016EBC.com or telephone 00-31 -6- 2259 9166.
Photo: left Will Moerer (Ziggo), right Bart Volkerijk (KNBSB)