After two away games, the Yaks’ baseball players are about to play their first home games, with the mayor’s first pitch.
District of Gütersloh (de) – When it comes to innings, pitchers and batters, the balls fly and bats are used. The Yaks Verl/Gütersloh baseball players are looking forward to the official start of the season.
After two seasons that were shortened due to the corona pandemic, in which there was neither promotion nor relegation, the Yaks are happy that they can return to normal championship mode with a full season.
They also revive a beloved tradition. Verl’s first citizen deserves the first pitch. Mayor Michael Esken will throw the first ball of the season next Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Yaks Ballpark on Schmiedestrang, in the immediate vicinity of the Verl sports club. After the official pitch, the program will see two state league games against the Turtles.
Even if they have only been able to practice their favorite sport to a very limited extent recently, the Yaks have come through the pandemic times well as a club. As a result, there were no negative effects on membership development, and around 150 baseball fans are involved in the club.
The Yaks are taking part in the coming season with five teams. In addition to two men’s teams and a women’s team, the youngsters are also well represented. A U15 youth team and a U12 school team fight for championship points. And the youngest are also welcome at the Yaks, because the U7-Minis give children from the age of four the opportunity to get in touch with baseball in a playful way.
The flagship is the first men’s team playing in the national league. Player-coach Tristan Gerdtommarkotten has to do without a few experienced players this season, but he is increasingly relying on young players. So it’s not surprising that the two away games at the Solingen Alligators were lost 2:13 and 3:13. After all, the former German champion of 2014 is the favorite this season. Verl’s coach Gerdtommarkotten’s goal for the season is still a top place in the table.
The 30th anniversary of the Yaks Verl/Gütersloh club is to be celebrated on Wednesday, May 25th. In addition to Paderborn, the Verler Ballpark is the second location for the German U18 Championship, which will be held from September 23rd to 29th.
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