Since 1986, the Atlantic coast has lived to the steady rhythm of the Rochelle bats. This year marks their fourth season at the highest level for the green and white team.
After participating in nearly every baseball and softball championship for 36 seasons, the Boucaniers de La Rochelle have firmly established themselves in D1. The flagship club of western France aims to continue playing a major role. But what does the paper say? Kirk McNabb is here. The 52-year-old Canadian returns to France after a stint with Savigny in 1993. There’s no doubt the expectations are high for Captain Forest Crowford’s men. Sixth place out of 12 in 2019, winners of the « French Summer League » in 2020 against Cavigal, PUC, and the Tigers de Toulouse, sixth out of 11 last season, La Rochelle has proven they are a competitive team but not yet powerful or consistent enough to reach the top 4. That coveted top 4, constantly occupied by the usual suspects: Rouen, Sénart, Montigny, Savigny, and Montpellier. Can we say today that the Rochelle side can break into the top 4?
After dominating five opponents with a winning ratio, they would need to slip past the Cougars de Montigny, a compact team accustomed to the podium’s waiting room, between the Lions de Savigny and more likely the Tigers de Toulouse, and why not go toe-to-toe with the Cometz, who could be a force to reckon with this year.
In the 2021 regular season, the Boucaniers ranked seventh in batting average: .229 (leader Sénart .279) and slugging percentage: .293 (leader Sénart .386). Sixth in ERA: 4.25 (leader Montpellier 2.12) and fourth in strikeouts: 221 (leader Sénart 289). Defensively, they’re also sixth with a .949 fielding percentage and 45 errors (leader Rouen .961 – 35 errors). In baseball, a solid defense complements an effective offense. These are two essential values for anyone aiming for the title.
On the recruitment front, Daniel Torres is back. The young Venezuelan catcher, also licensed in Spain, made a significant impact last season. The Italo-Brazilian Felipe Lot, outfielder and pitcher. Torres, Anton, Venezuelan pitcher. And to complete the infield, the Cuban Daniel Rossel. Still present are the Venezuelan Nieves (P), the Argentine Millar (C, OF), the American Buitron (3B, SS), the Dominican Suazo (OF-DH), and of course the man from Washington State: Crowford (SS).
Vincent Picard
