Let’s revisit the 15U World Championship held at the end of August and beginning of September in Mexico. Beyond the performance of the French team, a first in the history of French baseball occurred. Ben Couvreur was elected Best Pitcher of the 15U World Championship, he shares his thoughts with the Baseball TV France editorial team
BTVF: Who are you, Ben Couvreur?
Hello, I’m 15 years old, I’m licensed with Cavigal de Nice and I joined the France Pole in Toulouse this year.
BTVF: How did baseball come into your life?
When I was 5 years old, my parents brought back a baseball glove from New York, and I started throwing the ball with my brother. Not long after, at my town’s association fair, I tried it and I liked it. That’s how I started playing softball with the Cobras in Contes. A few years later, the Pacific team’s selector wanted to see me play baseball during a selection day. It was during the 2018 interleague matches that I played my first baseball games.
BTVF: The 15U category allowed you to throw a perfect game with your Nice team, how did you experience that match?
This match was like any other for me, except that I had a lot of success with my pitching, I stayed focused throughout the game. The main thing was the victory.
BTVF: Qualifying last year and the World Cup allowed you to reach the world’s top level, how did you prepare for this type of competition?
I was lucky enough to join the Montpellier hope pole two years ago, which allowed me to progress enormously on the field and in my head to be strong in important moments. Coach Mayeur and the staff gave us the opportunity to play a lot in two years in France, but also in Spain and Italy. This helps prepare for matches against foreign teams.
BTVF: Being a pitcher in France in the championship or pitching in Mexico against great teams is not the same at all, how do you manage to stay lucid despite the stakes and pressure?
I approach all matches the same way, wanting to be as effective as possible. Pressure is an extra motivation and I now manage to set my emotions aside.
BTVF: Winning the award for best pitcher in the world championship has put you in the spotlight, at the top of the world level. How did you experience this moment?
It’s incredible, I didn’t expect that!
I would have liked to pitch against top-tier teams, with a higher level like Japan, for example.
BTVF: How do you see yourself in the future, both in baseball and in your professional life?
I would like to become a professional player in the United States, or be a physiotherapist. But, I will do my best to become a pro.
BTVF: What can we wish you?
A great career in the MLB, and winning the French Championship 15U for the second consecutive year with Cavigal!
Interview by Didier Cannioux
