by Thommy BrolinÂ
The runners-up in the Swedish league 2007 Sundbyberg BSC announces new coaches for the 2008 season.
It is a quartet of ex-players from the club that will steer the club towards success in the new season.
The group will be headed by Jim SASKO, ex-infielder and pitcher in both Sundbyberg and the Swedish national team, and elected best infielder in the European Championships 1993. Jim was the team captain for St. John’s University (New York) between 1980 and 1984, and he has been the manager for the Swedish national team 1995 – 2000, and assistant manager 2002 – 2006.
Hasse BAECKSTROEM, Petter CRONELD and Jonas LINDHOLM are the three other members of the coaching team.
Hasse BAECKSTROEM played outfield for Sundbyberg during the clubs golden years in the 80’s, where he won three national championships. Hasse has also coached the clubs cadets and juniors to numerous championships since 2000.
Petter CRONELD was Sundbybergs catcher during the 90’s, and was elected MVP in the European Cup in Mannheim 1993. He has also been the chairman of the Club in the 90’s, and after his playing career he has coached the youth teams for the club.
Jonas LINDHOLM played infield for Sundbyberg during the late 80’s and the 90’s, and played his last season as player/coach in the clubs championship year 2003. He has since then coached softball for one of Swedens top clubs Nälsta, and also for the Swedish national team.
In Sweden most teams have players as coaches, and Sundbybergs approach with a very experienced quartet as non-playing coaches is very interesting. The club is confident that this new structure creates the foundation from which the club will aim for the Swedish championship and the European Cup Qualifier in Kutno, Poland.