The 2009 Belgian Champion HOBOKEN PIONEERS have announced some transfers on their website. The most prominent name on the list is Sam D’Oliveira, who is coming from the PORT OF ANTWERP GREYS and already had played for HOBOKEN in the past. He batted .346 (OBP .420/SLG .375) with 26 runs scored and 18 RBI this season.
Besides D’Oliveira, Kevin Vervloet, Thiemen van Geel (both Borgerhout), Tim Verachert, Gianni Russo (both K. Deurne) and Roy D’Oliveira (Greys) also join the PIONEERS. Vervloet (tied for team-lead with 29 RBI) and van Geel (7-54, 20 BB in 81 PA) played in the Belgian First Division in 2009. Additionally starting pitcher TJ Antonacci extended his contract for two more years. He had a 7-3 record with an ERA of 1.29 and 89 strikeouts (16 walks) in 98 innings.
The PIONEERS will represent Belgium in the European Cup next summer. They will play in Rotterdam, Netherlands against TENERIFE MARLINS (ESP), DOOR NEPTUNUS (NED), SAVIGNY LIONS (FRA), TELEMARKET RIMINI (ITA) and T&A SAN MARINO (SMA).