The Stade Toulousain proved in 2023 that their place in Division 1 was well-earned. After announcing their playoff qualification early in the season, they achieved this goal. Baseball TV France met with the Tigers’ President, Yanael Delpech, to review the year.
BTVF: For the club in general, what’s the verdict on 2023?
It’s been a productive year with many initiatives taking shape. We’ve heavily invested in our youth, particularly in professionalizing and securing a coaching position. Nolan Soliveres, our catcher and youth coach, left last autumn. We’re integrating into five schools and a college near the field. These are crucial projects to build a strong player base from juniors to Division 1. Currently, we only have two players from our youth academy, but we aim to have half the team come from it. We’ve trained sports teachers in baseball 5 to create a UNSS championship outside the club. It’s the perfect stepping stone between school and club sports.
BTVF: How about the top level? How would you sum it up?
For two years, we’ve been building a competitive team. We started strong, with many wins and dominated at home. Our pitching staff was effective, especially with Nathan Laot’s breakthrough, who later made the French national team. As the season progressed, we became shakier, particularly away. Then came the Challenge de France break. We went with a weakened team due to different player eligibility rules compared to the league. The second half was tougher; we barely qualified and narrowly missed out after losing two games to Rouen.
In the playoffs, we dominated Montpellier but then relaxed, and the Barracudas pounced. We were overconfident in the second semifinal match. Under pressure, we lost in the semifinals. The season ended on a mixed note—we qualified for the playoffs, our main goal, but felt we could have done better. It was a strong regular season where we led the standings, but it left a bitter taste. Now we know we can go all the way. We need to improve on the road: this year, we had a player who refused to travel, causing logistical issues, including a forfeit in Rouen due to a missing minibus. We’re looking for a bus company partnership for 2024.
BTVF: What’s your take on the JFL?
It’s a good initiative to encourage clubs to develop their youth and reduce the number of expensive foreign players, freeing up funds for youth development.
However, the rules prevent us from selecting players with 10 years of experience but who started after age 20. We might lose these players. Other clubs should face the same issue. We need club representation on the sports commission, which is reportedly planned.
We’re not big on recruiting foreigners. We focus more on foreigners living in Toulouse and a good mix with youth from the France Academy.
BTVF: Speaking of Division 1 with 8 teams, what do you think?
I’m glad we’re losing the pool system. In other top divisions, teams play each other all year without worrying about pool strength. I’m not convinced this will raise the overall level. We’ll see.
BTVF: Any events planned for 2024?
In March, we’ll host the Challenge de France softball. It’ll be a great moment. We’ll use this opportunity to start broadcasting matches in Toulouse. For now, we’re focusing on junior development. We’re eager to experience the playoffs again. We’re also considering applying for national youth competitions later. We need to keep things in order so volunteers stay energized. With the Academy, we’ll have a referees’ clinic early in 2024 and the MLB camp. We’re fielding many teams: Division 1, two in Regional 1, an 18U team, and teams for 15, 12U, and 9U. Additionally, we have softball with the regional championship, women’s Division 2, and men’s Division 1.
BTVF: Any progress on infrastructure?
We hope to renovate the dugouts. In 2023, we got a new clubhouse to strengthen our club spirit. We also have a new concession stand thanks to the 2023 playoffs. We’re expanding spectator seating. We’ve noticed strong fan turnout and want to ensure they’re well-received. Our big project is lighting for 2025—we’ve been working on this for over 10 years. We’re pushing for Saturday and Sunday matches, except after long away trips.
BTVF: How can Baseball TV France support you?
We’ll be available for interviews with player profiles and match analyses. It’s important for our audience and visibility.
