Interview with Max Schmitz and Eric Brenk
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Bonn Capitals in the final: “We want more”
The big goal in mind: Head coach Max Schmitz.
Photo: MLH / Horst Müller
Interview Bonn The Capitals reach the baseball playoff finals for the fifth time in a row. The opponent is again Heidenheim. In a double interview, head coach Max Schmitz and shortstop Eric Brenk talk about the opportunities.
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For the fifth time in a row, the Bonn Capitals have moved into the final series of the German baseball championship – and for the fifth time their opponent is Heidenheim Heideköpf. Even if there was a little celebration after the 2-1 win against Paderborn, the Capitals have not yet reached their goal. “We want to become champions” is the credo of the reigning runner-up. The day after the semifinals, Thomas Heinen recorded the conversation with head coach Max Schmitz and shortstop Eric Brenk.
How high do you rate the success of being in the final again?
Brenk: We saw over the weekend that reaching the final is not a given, so it has to be rated highly. But it wasn’t the ultimate success we all want.
What is the most exciting thing this season?
Schmitz: The great team spirit, determination and strength of will. None of this is new, but we can finally access all of this when it matters. We show what we can do and enjoy our sport.
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Brenk: The few new players have brought a bit of new life and more quality to the team, which is good for us. And I am thrilled that we can survive on an international level, otherwise we would not have made it to the final of the Champions Cup.
With Heidenheim, the same opponent is waiting in the final for the fifth time in a row. What are the challenges?
Schmitz: In the four finals so far, we have only won the championship title once. That already shows how big the challenge is, because as with the Capitals, the face of the heather heads has not changed much. We finally have to beat their top throwers like Mike Bolsenbroek. I know we can and I hope we can bring it to the field.
Brenk: Heidenheim is an experienced team that knows how to win. This was shown by their close semi-final series against Regensburg once again. We all know each other very well and it is clear that we must all, without exception, be at our top performance in order to achieve our goal.
Hard work, big returns: shortstop Eric Brenk.
Photo: Horst Müller
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The offensive is clearly the showpiece of the Capitals. In the semifinals alone you managed 13 home runs.
Schmitz: Yes, but the home runs are only part of our game. Anyone who is on the field can make the difference offensively and defensively. What we saw against Paderborn, because every player scored points. But there are so many things besides the pitch that make us strong and all 25 players on the team have their share in that.
Mr. Brenk, you’ve already struck nine home runs this season, what’s behind that?
Brenk: I feel good when I’m on the stroke and the swing is right. It’s the result of hard work. Even in winter we stand in the batting cage for many hours every week and train the sensitive timing. There is only a fraction of a second between hitting the ball or striking it past. It is now paying off. But defensively, I could do a few percent more.
Mr. Schmitz: What does the head coach give his team for the way to part one of the final at the weekend?
Schmitz: I keep telling every player: Trust your own abilities. And trust your teammate, because one is there for the other. We live that at the Capitals.
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