The excitement and anticipation for the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers in Regensburg are increasing. Fans, players and the organizing team are looking forward to the start of the international tournament. Four Regensburg players are in three different teams at the start.
The final sprint is on. Only a few days left until the start of the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers in Regensburg. It all starts on Friday, September 16th in the Armin-Wolf-Arena. In addition to the hosts Germany, four other top European teams, Great Britain, France, Spain and the Czech Republic, as well as the team from South Africa, will then compete. Two teams can qualify for next year’s World Baseball Classic in this World Cup preliminary round.
Jewel is ready
The Regensburg stadium has reached the next level in time for the big event. Even if one or the other area still needs some work in the coming days, it can already be said: The team has won the race against time.
In particular, the construction of the new state training center was a real challenge given the short time available. But anyone who has been to the Armin Wolf Arena in the past few days will have seen that the work is almost complete. The arena will be fully completed by the time the WBC tournament starts.
Ready for the big party
Legionnaire CEO Armin Zimmermann was optimistic from the start that everyone involved would be able to cope with the sporting challenges. Now Zimmermann is full of praise for the people involved in the new building, but also in all other areas in the preparation for the largest European baseball event this year: “The team is doing a really good job here. The organization stands. We can look forward to great days – with great sport and everything else that goes with baseball.” In a nutshell: Regensburg is ready for the baseball festival.
National team to prepare in Regensburg
Hopefully the German national baseball team is ready too. The players met on Monday in Regensburg to start direct preparation for the tournament. This also includes a series of friendlies against the Czech Republic and South Africa, with venues in Prague and Heidenheim.
Regensburger in several teams
The German squad includes shortstop Alexander Schmidt and pitcher Sven Schüller. As in the qualifier tournament, they will meet two more Regensburg players in the test matches. Legionnaire pitcher Jan Tomek is in the Czech team and South Africa also has a Regensburger in the team. Daniel Mendelsohn comes from the Baseball Academy and also played for the Legionnaires for a long time. He had withdrawn from the Bundesliga team because the intensive training was not compatible with his medical studies. The 24-year-old has been playing for the Füssen Royal Bavarians in the 2nd Bundesliga since last year, but continues to live in Regensburg. It’s quite likely that there will be at least one other Legionnaire-connected player in the final German roster.
Opening in the Armin Wolf Arena
They will all be celebrating a home game when it finally gets going in the Armin Wolf Arena on September 16th. Daniel Mendelsohn will be active in the first game when South Africa plays Spain from 1 p.m. At 7 p.m. the opponent for the first game of the German team on Saturday will be determined between Great Britain and France.
Opening ceremony as a highlight
However, the WBCQ promises to be a real baseball festival from day one to the last. Friday is not only a tip for all fans because of the two games. The big opening ceremony in the stadium will be a special highlight of the international event.
On Wednesday, in turn, the decision as to which team is allowed to go to the World Baseball Classics 2023 will not be made until the last game at 7 p.m. It could well be that the German team will be in action again that evening.
Worldwide attention
The World Baseball Classics have a high status in the international perception of the sport. This is already shown by the previously known team USA at the WBC 2023. Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Tim Anderson and Pete Alonso are just a few of the superstars from the MLB who have already confirmed. For Japan, there is a high probability that the current record-breaking safety Shohei Ohtani will be on the field. Should Germany actually make it into the final round, Max Kepler should be able to be admired in the national jersey again.
German team hopes for home advantage
For the German team, the support of the audience can become a decisive factor. Head coach Steve Janssen does not want to be tied down to a prediction in the run-up to the tournament, but believes in the chances for his team. The first game on Saturday evening could already be decisive. The Armin Wolf Arena will be filled to the last seat that evening. The German fans will give everything to bring their team forward.
The Legionnaires fan shop in the stadium has also upgraded for this. During the tournament, national jerseys and Germany caps are also available there, as well as merchandising items for the World Baseball Classic.
Legionnaires Baseball AG/RNRed
image source:
camera photo / other |
Legionnaires Baseball AG
