They are the 2022 French Division 2 champions. They were promoted to Division 1 in 2016 and stayed in 2017. Since then, Les Arvernes have been in Division 2 but always near the top. This year, they clinched the title against Valenciennes, a trophy they missed in 2015 when they lost in the final to the Federal team.
During the regular season, Clermont was solid, securing the most wins. The playoffs allowed them to face other teams and confirm that pitching was their strength.
In this final series, which went to three games, they bounced back after losing on Saturday night 6-4. Valenciennes’ batting made the difference. The two Sunday games went their way, as they held off Valenciennes’ strong batting averages by capitalizing on some passing weaknesses in their opponents’ pitchers.
The two teams didn’t share the same ambitions beyond winning the title. Valenciennes aims to move up to Division 1, while Clermont Ferrand doesn’t have that ambition just yet.
Here’s Clermont Ferrand President Batptiste Izoulet:
A simple, emotional joy to see a national title crown a year of effort on administrative, sporting, and above all human levels, after making the reasoned and coherent choice with our values to drop back to Division 2.
Delighted to have experienced the playoffs with players (from both teams) whose committed attitude was a fine demonstration of the regular and demanding work of our beautiful discipline. They were all ambassadors of quality baseball in front of a massive crowd at each match.
Very happy to see that this ‘unpopular’ discipline has a wider audience than we think! Winning a national final in the club’s 30th year is encouraging and also signifies that there is a strong foundation among Les Arvernes (of which I am the heir and responsible as president). The new momentum of Les Arvernes is heading in the right direction, and I am very proud to contribute as part of the team (board, players, and volunteers).
On the Valenciennes side, President Marc Williamson had this to say:
An excellent season for the Vipers. The club tasked William Swindling with promoting the team to Division 1 with a group that could stay there within five years. In his first year as manager, it’s clear that the entire team has made significant progress, reaching the final. We are proud of our team and eager to see where they’ll be after the 2023 offseason. Congratulations to Clermont Ferrand on their championship.
Individually, Valenciennes’ player-coach swept nearly all the titles:
Triple Crown for William Swindling
1st AVG .600
1st HR 6
1st RBI 37
The Division 1 regular season was more intense than Division 2, with more suspense and numerous competitive teams. Mezieu, La Rochelle, and Valenciennes stood out in their match broadcasts, which is great for the notoriety of our sport.
Next year, we won’t see Clermont Ferrand in Division 1 despite their title. Valenciennes will be in the mix during the offseason to move up, facing Nice’s possible relegation from Division 1. We don’t have an answer to that question yet.
