by Jeffrey Darrion Siler II
Following the season break for the European Cup Qualifier, Portuguese Baseball has seen new developments in competition as the National Championship comes to a close, and NEW Iberian Cup Competition begins.
June 19, 2011 was the last official competition in the Portuguese National Championship as Almada White Sharks faced-off against archrivals A.A. Coimbra. The games took place in White Sharks territory, Sobreda, Portugal on a sweltering, hot, sunny day on the southern side of the Tejo. Coimbra pitching stifled Almada hitters, and their discipline at the plate allowed for the visitors to take an early lead. It held through game 1 as A.A. Coimbra claimed victory over Almada (13-5).
The second match featured much the opposite, as Almada bats wakened to drive in 12 runs, while Coimbra only managed to post 1. With the final victory, White Sharks clinched top spot of competition and claimed title of Champions of Portuguese Baseball. Sandra Monteiro (President of the Portuguese Baseball and Softball Federation), Fernando Lucas (President of Almada White Sharks), and Antonio Matos (Executive Sports Representative for the City of Almada) were all at hand to present awards and deliver speeches. The continuing growth of interest in the sport and ongoing development of teams and players in the Portuguese Federation leaves those who are involved quite optimistic about the future of Baseball in Portugal. As a move to continue this development, an Iberian Cup Competition is in the making, featuring 6 teams from Portugal and Spain. The final details of this international Cup should be forthcoming later next week.
This weekend in Abrantes, the White Sharks of Almada will take part in an exhibition match against newly formed team from Abrantes, The Ravens. This new team seeks to join the Portuguese National Championship next season, and is looking to prepare for the Portuguese Cup this October. This weekend’s exhibition match will showcase the Ravens’ young talent, and be a platform for their entrance into National Competition.