In the European Cup in baseball, Amsterdam Pirates will start a tough game tonight. The team from Amsterdam will compete against defending champion Parma from Italy. “I don’t underestimate anyone, but everyone is talking about Parma,” said coach Mervin Gario.
In addition to the Italian opponent, the team from Amsterdam has been placed in group A with Paderborner Untouchables and Draci Brno. “We hope to finish in the top three, but anything is possible in baseball,” said Gario.
Gario is in his first year as coach of Amsterdam Pirates. In the regular season, Amsterdam finished third. “I am satisfied with what we have shown. We are a bit unstable in the competition, but we will work on that,” said Gario.
At Pirates, the main sponsor took a step last year back. As a result, a number of experienced players left the club. Gario therefore has to fit in a lot of youth and work with a much smaller budget.
HCAW
Together with HCAW from Bussum, Amsterdam Pirates will organize the European Cup this year. The Bussumers are the reigning national champions. “The fact that the European Cup is now being held with us makes it extra special. It should be clear that we want to shine”, says team manager Frank Mooijman of HCAW.
HCAW is placed in Pool B with Bonn Capitals, Rouen Huskies and SKSB Arrows Ostrava. The Bussumers will play their first match tonight against Rouen Huskies from France. The European Cup starts and lasts until next Saturday.