Manuel Schell has officially launched the “Poundy Hogs,” establishing the first baseball club in the Bessin region of Normandy, France, with team training sessions slated to begin this September. The initiative brings organized baseball to the local community in Bayeux, addressing a regional gap in bat-and-ball sports infrastructure and offering local athletes a structured environment to learn and play the game.
The establishment of the Poundy Hogs marks a notable milestone for sports development in the Calvados department. While soccer, rugby, and cycling dominate the regional sports landscape in Lower Normandy, the arrival of a dedicated baseball side provides a new outlet for sports enthusiasts interested in American pastimes. Schell organized the club as a personal tribute to his cousin, embedding a family legacy into the foundation of the newly minted organization.
Preparation for the club’s inaugural season is currently underway. Organizers are finalizing logistics, securing equipment, and mapping out practice schedules ahead of the September launch date. Prospective players of all experience levels, from complete novices to seasoned veterans of French regional leagues, are expected to take part in the opening workouts as the club builds its foundational roster.
The September training sessions will focus on fundamental skill development, including hitting mechanics, fielding techniques, and game rules comprehension. As the Poundy Hogs take the field in Bayeux, the club aims to foster local interest, recruit coaching staff, and eventually establish competitive fixtures against other developing squads across the Normandy region.
Keep reading
