It was a full house last Tuesday, February 4, at the Haarlem 2020 Baseball Week partner meeting at Villa-Westend. While enjoying a delicious snack and drink, the (future) partners received an update from the organizing committee on the current status as well as plans for the anniversary edition, which will take place from Friday, June 26, to Sunday, July 5, 2020.
Cuba is coming to Haarlem
The organization announced that Cuba has been added to the roster of participants for the anniversary edition. In addition to Cuba, defending champion Japan, Germany, Taiwan, and the Netherlands make up the tournament’s strong lineup. Negotiations are still underway with several U.S. college teams to complete the six-team roster for the 30th edition.
Baseball Hall of Famers to Speak
There were many familiar faces who have long been loyal sponsors and partners of Baseball Week, and we also welcomed many new faces—and hopefully future partners and sponsors. The evening featured interviews conducted in their own unique styles by Frank Snoeks (of NOS) and Simon Zwartkruis (Voetbal International, author of biographies of Seedorf and Memphis Depay). The two renowned journalists had three special guests at the table: baseball stars 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. Unicorn said, “When you’re a little boy sitting in the stands during Baseball Week, you only want one thing: to be on that field someday, too.”
Camping During Baseball Week
A new initiative was also announced during the presentation. During Baseball Week, camping will be available on the Ice Rink grounds. This will allow baseball fans traveling from afar to stay on-site throughout the week. There will be space for forty tents and five RVs. The permit for this is currently pending.
Would you also like your company or organization to become a sponsor or partner of Haarlem Baseball Week? If so, please contact Paul Louman at paul@honkbalweek.nl or call 0621 111935 to discuss the options.