by Pim van Nes
Topsport President Papito Zielinski of Sparta/Feyenoord in Rotterdam has signed a new three-year sponsoring contract, which enabled him to reach an agreement with two Dutch players now active in the Italian Baseball League. Outfielder Ardley Jansen (born in 1983) and catcher Ulrich Snijders (1986) of T&A San Marino committed to play in next year’s Sparta/Feyenoord uniform, which will spell CURACAO. Result of the new contract signed in Rotterdam on July 30 with FBI (Fondashion Bon Intenshion), a foundation to promote name and fame of the Antillean Island.
Zielinski managed some time ago to convince Curacao first authority Mrs. Liza Dindial, accompanied by her Sint Maarten counterpart Franklin Richardson when visiting stadium Beverwaard, the ballpark of Sparta/Feyenoord at the southern city boarder of Rotterdam. The foundation from Curacao also intends to help young people both in Curacao and Rotterdam in developing a stable position. The baseball and softball club in Rotterdam has done so since decades and according to FBI the club deserves their support from now on. Zielinski wants better baseball and to conserve the usual people for people atmosphere in the clubhouse.
Confirmed by Zielinski is the sub-sponsoring by Econtras, main partner of the club thanks to Paul Roodenburg, former player of then Sparta and Feyenoord as independent clubs and lately general manager for the club’s Hoofdklasse team and Rookie League team. His son Tim Roodenburg together with Gregory Gustina and Rudy Seebus are the club’s rotation pitchers for the Hoofdklasse postseason, to start Thursday August 19. Whilst the other club from Rotterdam, DOOR Neptunus, is number one in the race for Hoofdklasse title 2010, Sparta/Feyenoord will have to protect its position in the league for next year’s participation.
It is exactly this long lasting domination by blue-white Neptunus in city and country, which inspired Papito Zielinski to bring back red-white Sparta/Feyenoord to top ranking positions in Hoofdklasse. Till 40 years ago Sparta experienced their golden age in Dutch baseball by winning nine national championships in eleven years. That happened with the help by Antillean players like Hamilton Richardson, Hudson John, Simon Arrindel and Jose Faneyte. Zielinski in 2010, however, spoke with previous batting average leader Jansen (bottom picture) and present slugger Snijders (top), Antillean players in San Marino and asked them to join Sparta/Feyenoord next year. From a scouting point of view Dutch coach Hensley Meulens of the San Francisco Giants will advise Zielinski about Minor League players ready to strengthen red-white baseball in Rotterdam.
Photos: © Ferrini/FIBS
by Pim van Nes
Baseball writer for
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