The Czech Republic becomes the European Champion in softball for the third consecutive time
The Czech Republic becomes the European Champion in softball for the third consecutive time
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2016
Men's European Championship in fastpitch softball was held in Montegranaro, Italy, July 11 – 16. Ten teams competed in the tournament, which shows growth of softball programs in Europe.
The final standings were:
1. Czech Republic (Gold)
2. Denmark (Silver)
3. Belgium (Bronze)
4. Netherlands
5. Great Britain
6. Israel
7. Croatia
Italy
9. Germany
Sweden
The Czech Republic
won the Championship as the only undefeated team. This was the third time,
the Czechs won three consecutive Men's European Championships. From now on,
their focus is on getting ready for the 2019 Men's World Championship,
which the Czech Republic will be hosting in Prague and Havlíčkův Brod.
Team Denmark is one of
the most successful teams in Europe, when it comes to men's fastpitch
softball. Denmark has taken silver medals eight times so far and
seized the European Championship title in 2008. Led by new coach,
Israel Nukunuku, the Danes did an outstanding job, even though a number of
rookies was on their roster.
Team Denmark became the leader of statistics in many categories. Danish batters recorded incredible 14 homeruns throughout the tournament. Also pitchers from Denmark: Kim Hansen, Rasmus Sorensen and Lucas Lohmann excelled, having struck out a total of 79 batters.
For the first
time in history of Men's European Championships, team Belgium won medals.
The players talked about their dream of beating the Dutch and they
celebrated a huge success when they actually accomplished this goal.
However, they secured their medals in another game against Great Britain.
Team Belgium was the surprise of the Championship having won the bronze
medals.
The Netherlands
performed as a team with a very strong offense and a very aggressive
style of playing. The Dutch lost their game against Belgium, which cost
them a medal. The Netherlands seized the European Champion title back in
1993, 1995 and in 2003. They are one of the teams which regularly place in
the top four.
National Team of
Great Britain has not missed a championship since 1999. Its performances
seem a bit unstable though, placing third, fourth but also eighth various
times. Team GB mostly relied on it's pitcher James Darby, while a
number of younger players were nominated to get more experience for future.
Israeli softball
program is mostly focused on men's softball. Many young players, who will
also attend the Junior Men's World Championship, were part of the Men's
National Team. Not relying on an individual, team Israel collectively
worked on getting the best possible result.
Team Croatia was
one of the strongest at the tournament, but was left out in the placement
bracket having lost two games by only one run in their round-robin games.
Because of a rain-out, team Croatia couldn't play its seventh-place
game and shared the final standings with team Italy.
This was the first
time in history team Italy participated in Men's Softball Championship. The
players were emotional and proud to have the chance to represent their own
country in front of many spectators. The Italians showed good batting
skills, but lack of pitching experience cost them chances of a better
result.
Team Germany
participated at European Championship only once, in 1995. This year's
attendance was a sign of the German men's fastpitch program
revival. Excited and happy, the Germans shared ninth place in the final
scoreboard.
Also Swedish team
premiered at Men's Championship this year. The players suffered on lack of
experience, but their love for the game was incredible. Despite losing all
games, the players kept smiling and learning for the future.
More information here, or on request at: hnovotna@europeansoftball.org
Photos by Sasha Schneider (www.sushysan.de) and Lauro Bassani. More photos at the ESF Facebook.
Download this press release here: European Championship Men in Fastpitch Softball 2016.pdf
Online press release here