by Pim van Nes
Between Game 7 (Chinese Taipei vs Japan) and Game 8 (Cuba vs Netherlands), KNBSB and Rotterdam Partners yesterday hosted another Baseball means Business gathering for their international relations. Main guests were Curacao Minister of Finance, Kenneth Gijsbertha and former US Ambassador to the Netherlands, Timothy Broas celebrating the National Day of the United States of America two days after the Curacao delegation celebrated National Flag Day at 16th World Port Tournament in Rotterdam.
After Baseball means Business meetings aboard cruise ship ss Rotterdam in sea port and a hotel lounge on airport Rotterdam – The Hague, yesterday baseball and business met aboard party boat Rotterdammer, berthed near WPT stadium in Delfshavense Schie, canal connecting port city Rotterdam with ancient royal residence city Delft and present royal residence The Hague. Embarking started at 16.00 hrs and guests were welcomed by KNBSB president Ron Schel, managing director Bart Volkerijk and commercial director Paddy Roomer.
After spirits and speeches by KNBSB management and their main diplomatic guests, also Rotterdam port employers chairman and former alderman Wim van Sluis explained the common interests for city, port, sports and business. Netherlands Kingdom Team manager Steve Janssen brought star pitchers Rob Cordemans and Diegomar Markwell on board in order new sponsors could make acquaintance with these World Baseball Classic performers back from domes in Seoul and Tokyo and from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Most guests also visited the vip boxes on top floor of World Port Tournament stadium for the top game between home team Cuba and the Netherlands. In the box of Rotterdam Topsport deputy director Hans Zoethoutmaar welcomed former Rotterdam mayor Bram Peper, inspirator of the first international baseball tournament over 30 years ago after a meeting with visiting mayor of Havana, capital of Cuba. Bram Peper then installed an organizing board presided by Rotterdam Chamber of Commerce manager Gerard Vaandrager and of course these two baseball fans sat together talking WPT history and watching the faithful Red Machine from Cuba.
Photos by Julia Pelealu