Baseball Thrives in Liesing: Vienna Baseball School Expands its Reach
As establishing its presence in Liesing in 2022, the Sportunion Baseball School Vienna has become a vibrant hub for young athletes. The school, which caters to children aged four to fourteen, not onyl provides expert coaching but also organizes competitions and collaborates with local schools, fostering a love for the sport within the community. [1]
the school’s competitive teams, the Vienna Hurricanes and Vienna Panthers, have been making waves on the international stage, showcasing the talent nurtured within Liesing.
Coach Matthias Lichem, a driving force behind the school’s success, is eager to expand its reach even further. he envisions a Liesing student league, bringing the excitement of baseball to even more young people.
Recently, the school received a visit from three prominent American baseball professionals: former player and current coach Tim Hyers, ex-pitcher Adam Warren, and baseball manager Jay Stott.Their visit, part of a European training tour, provided a unique opportunity for the young athletes to learn from the best. [1]
“It was an incredible experience for our students to train alongside these professionals,” Lichem shared. “They generously shared their knowlege and expertise,inspiring our young players.”
The Vienna Panthers, the school’s girls’ team, have been making extraordinary strides. Their recent participation in an international tournament in Bratislava, while not resulting in a victory, served as a valuable learning experience.
“The tournament was a reality check for the Panthers,” Lichem explained. “It showed them where they stand and fueled their determination to improve.”
Lichem strongly believes in the importance of team sports for girls, particularly baseball. He has witnessed firsthand the positive impact it has on their self-confidence and overall development.
“Its crucial for girls to have the same opportunities as boys in sports,” he emphasized. “Baseball teaches valuable life skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience.”
The school is actively seeking partnerships with elementary and secondary schools in Liesing to establish a thriving student league. The GEPS elementary school on Anton-Baumgartner-Straße has already expressed interest,with its third-grade students forming the frist school team.
Lichem encourages interested educators to contact him to learn more about this exciting initiative. For more details about the Vienna Baseball School, visit www.baseballschule.at or email [email protected]. [1]
Swinging for the Fences: An Interview with Coach Matthias Lichem
Vienna’s baseball scene is experiencing a renaissance, adn at the heart of it all is the Sportunion Baseball School Vienna. Today, we’re joined by the mastermind behind this burgeoning baseball haven, Coach Matthias Lichem. Welcome, Coach!
Coach Lichem: Thank you for having me! It’s exciting to share the passion for baseball with your audience.
Moderator:
Let’s dive right in.You’ve spoken about expanding the school’s reach in Liesing – what concrete steps are being taken to achieve this ambitious goal?
Coach Lichem: Our vision is clear: create a Liesing Student League. We’re actively engaging with local elementary and secondary schools to establish dedicated baseball programs.The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the GEPS elementary school already forming their first team! This grassroots approach is key to cultivating a sustainable love for the game within the community.
Moderator:
That’s fantastic! The visit from MLB professionals Tim Hyers, Adam Warren, and Jay Stott must have been a dream come true for your young athletes. Can you share some insights into the impact their visit had on the school?
Coach Lichem: It was truly inspiring.These gentlemen are legends in the sport, and their willingness to share their expertise was invaluable. Our students were truly captivated, not just by their skills but also by their genuine passion for the game. It sparked a renewed sense of dedication and fueled their ambition to reach even greater heights.
Moderator:
you’ve also championed the importance of baseball for girls, even highlighting the Vienna Panthers’ experience in an international tournament. In your view, how does baseball contribute to the development of young women?
Coach Lichem: Baseball is more than just a sport; it’s a powerful tool for empowerment. I see firsthand how it builds self-confidence, teaches teamwork, and instills resilience in young women. It’s about breaking down stereotypes and showing girls that they can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields. The Panthers’ experience in Bratislava, while challenging, was a valuable lesson in perseverance and sportsmanship.
Moderator:
That’s a powerful message. For readers who might be interested in getting involved with the Vienna Baseball School, what are some of the next steps?
Coach Lichem: I encourage anyone interested in baseball – be it as a player, coach, or supporter – to reach out to us. We’re always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our growing community.
you can visit our website at www.baseballschule.at or email us at [email protected].
Moderator:
Coach Lichem, thank you for sharing your insights and passion for the game. I have a feeling Vienna’s baseball scene is in very capable hands.
What are your thoughts on the Vienna Baseball School’s ambitious expansion plans? Is youth baseball development important for the growth of the sport? Let us know in the comments below!
