In Germany, baseball is still a fringe sport. But there are strongholds of this sport, which is particularly popular in the USA. One is in Reinickendorf.
The Berlin Flamingos are at home in the stadium on Königshorster Straße in the Märkisches Viertel. The club, which was founded in 1990, claims to be the largest baseball club with the most members, not just in Berlin but in all of East Germany. The flamingos do a lot to popularize their sport. There are many opportunities to learn about baseball starting in April when the new season begins.
Baseball a volleyball game between two teams. The teams take turns batting. Defenders throw a ball towards attackers, who have to hit it with a bat. If this succeeds, the attackers can score points by running down running markers, so-called bases. At the same time, the opposing team tries to get the ball under their control as quickly as possible. “Throw, hit, catch, run, that’s baseball,” says the Berlin Flamingos in a nutshell.
Member of the first Bundesliga since 2020
The 1st men’s team of the Berlin Flamingos plays in the 1st Baseball Bundesliga and thus the top division. It consists of two squadrons, North and South, each with eight teams. In the end, the champion will be played out via play-offs. The club from the Märkisches Viertel was promoted to the Bundesliga for the first time in 2017 and has been there without a break since 2020. At the start of the new season, the Flamingos will welcome the Cologne Cardinals from Cologne on April 1st. The so-called home opener begins at 5 p.m. On April 2nd at 12 noon there will be another duel with the Cologne team in front of their home crowd. Because the first and second matches are played on two consecutive days at the same place.
On April 8th and 9th, the Flamingos have to play away at Untouchable Paderborn. The following home games are for 15./16. April, April 30th/April 1st May and 20./21. May at 5 p.m. on the first day and 12 p.m. on the second day. Admission to the Bundesliga games costs five euros, pupils and students pay three euros, and access is free for children up to the age of twelve. The 1st men’s games will probably also be broadcast on the “Flamingo TV” YouTube channel.
The regular season ends on July 16th. The play-off and play-down games that decide championship and relegation will begin on July 22nd.
The most important player in the Bundesliga is Enorbel Marquez-Ramirez. He has been a player and coach of the team since 2022. Enorbel Màrquez-Ramirez has also been a member of the German national team since 2007.
Student team is German champion
In addition to the 1st men’s team, the Flamingos also have a 2nd and a 3rd men’s selection. There are also women’s, children’s and youth teams. The student team deserves a special mention. The eight to twelve-year-olds became German champions in Bad Homburg last fall. Her season is scheduled to start on April 22nd.
In order to attract young people, the “FlaminGOSchool” project has been in existence since 2016, which the association offers as a working group for six months in various primary schools. The equipment will be provided. The high point and conclusion is always a tournament.
In the club, the youngest start at the age of three or four and are in the so-called Tee-Baller-Team. At this age the ball is not thrown but rests on a support from which it is hit. From the age of eight to ten, the “Tossballer” follow. In addition to the competition teams, there is also a “FUN team” in the adult area. Baseball is played here just for fun.
The Berlin Flamingos have around 220 members. Most come from the immediate vicinity or from the neighboring Brandenburg area. Some were already affine with baseball before they joined, others became aware of the club by attending a game, for example, says Flamingo spokeswoman Simone Kannapinn. Many members would also volunteer, especially around the game operation. As a ticket seller, at the barbecue stand, as a commentator on the YouTube channel.
power and speed
What does she like about baseball? According to Simone Kannapinn, the various skills required for this sport are power and speed, concentration and the ability to react. Also the relaxed atmosphere. Of course, baseball is also about victory and success. But there would be no absolute opposition. Even lamenting or protesting would be rather alien. And the wishes? “We’re going to have a good season.”
More information about the club www.berlin-flamingos.de.
