2023 will be remembered as the year the long-dominant Rouen Huskies stumbled. We analyze the situation with team president Pierre-Yves Rolland.
BTVF: What’s the verdict on 2023?
It’s been a year to forget on the field. The worst season in over 20 years. It’s natural to want to understand what went wrong to correct course, but we can’t just brush it all aside. We must stay true to our core values—the ones that built this team and brought us past success. We’re allowed to fall short. We just need to stay grounded in our fundamentals. So overall, a disappointing year where nothing went as planned. Absences, injuries, recruiting missteps, even administrative oversights that cost us dearly… Despite it all, we missed the playoffs by just one game and reached the Challenge de France final. We’re not making excuses, and we’re looking ahead to next season with a clean slate.
BTVF: On facilities, what improvements came in 2023 and what’s in the works?
We’ll see some upgrades to the field by late winter, including a refreshed infield with functional improvements. Upgrading our facilities is just as important as on-field results. You’ll see it all at the Challenge de France in Rouen, May 9-12.
BTVF: How do you view the JFL rule’s impact on rosters?
We embrace it. It aligns with our development philosophy. Bringing in foreign talent is necessary, but homegrown development is vital. French baseball overreached with foreign player access without the means to support it. The JFL rule is a smart move.
BTVF: You announced a coaching change. Can you explain?
Our sports director, Sylvain Virey, recently explained it clearly. We weren’t looking to overhaul everything, as mentioned earlier. Boris Marche won it all in 2022, and we planned to back him in 2024 despite 2023’s setback. He informed us he couldn’t fulfill his commitments for personal reasons. We respect that and turned again to our internal pipeline, bringing in Quentin Becquey. Rest assured! There’s no crisis at the Huskies. This transition was smooth and natural.
BTVF: You teased an unprecedented February event. Tell us more.
You’re likely referring to the Capitales de Québec and Aigles de Trois-Rivières tryout, happening for the first time in Europe—right here in Rouen, March 30-31. This fits our push to strengthen Quebec ties, from whom we have much to learn. This program will pave the way for many more. It’s a hugely impactful project for our club, academy, coaches, and players. So mark your calendars for March 30-31 in Rouen.
