It was a packed house last Tuesday, February 4, at the partner meeting for Haarlem Baseball Week 2020 at Villa-Westend. While enjoying delicious snacks and drinks, the (future) partners received an update from the organizing committee on the current status and plans for the anniversary edition, which will be held from Friday, June 26, through Sunday, July 5, 2020.
Cuba is coming to Haarlem
The organizers announced that Cuba has been added to the roster for the anniversary edition. Along with Cuba, defending champion Japan, Germany, Taiwan, and the Netherlands make up the tournament’s strong lineup. Negotiations are currently underway with several American college teams to round out the six-team roster for the 30th edition.
Baseball Legends Speak
There were many familiar faces who have long been loyal sponsors and partners of Baseball Week, and we were also pleased to welcome many new faces—and hopefully future partners and sponsors. The evening was highlighted by interviews conducted in their own unique style by Frank Snoeks (known from the NOS) and Simon Zwartkruis (Voetbal International, author of the biographies of Seedorf and Memphis Depay). The two renowned journalists had three special guests at the table: baseball legends Robert Eenhoorn (general manager of AZ, former player for the Yankees, and former manager and technical director of Team NL), Jan Hijzelendoorn (former international player, and now a consultant for companies and organizations), and Robin van Doornspeek (former international player, now pitching coach for Team NL). They spoke about their impressive careers and the role of Baseball Week in their baseball lives. Eenhoorn: “When you’re a little boy sitting in the stands during Baseball Week, you want only one thing: to stand out there on that field someday.”
Baseball Week Campground
A new initiative was also unveiled during the presentation. A campground is to be set up on the grounds of the IJsbaan during Baseball Week. This will allow baseball fans from far away to stay for the entire week. There will be space for forty tents and five RVs. A permit for this is currently being sought.
Would your company or organization like to become a sponsor or partner of Haarlem Baseball Week? Please contact Paul Louman at paul@honkbalweek.nl or call 0621 111935 to discuss the options.