The opportunity was too good to pass up. Living over 10,000 km away and being able to revisit his homeland and birthplace. It was a coincidence not to be missed. Bruce Bochy, former manager of the San Francisco Giants, was born in Bussac-Forêt, Charente Maritime on April 16, 1955. In 2020, he accepted the challenge of helping the French national team improve its standing among the world’s best. He began his collaboration in March 2020 in the USA during a preparation camp for the World Baseball Championship qualifying tournament. Unfortunately, the adventure was cut short due to the health crisis.
Today, the European Baseball Championship is on the horizon. The Challenge de France, which brings together the most Division 1 players in France, is a fantastic opportunity for a selector to see players in action. Let’s remember that there are few videos available of French players’ performances to date on various channels or applications.
He will be in La Rochelle (less than 100 km from his birthplace) for two events: from September 2 to 5, he will attend various matches during the Challenge de France, where the best teams in the championship will face off. The competition winner will secure their spot in the CEB Europe Cup. He will also stay in La Rochelle on September 6 and 7 for a preparation camp for the selected players. Then, the team, the staff, and Bochy will head to Turin, Italy, for two days of preparation. The European Cup competition will be held from September 12 to 19.
Bruce Bochy will be available during the Challenge de France for autograph sessions, and let’s hope that even the French press, still hesitant about baseball news, will be present as well.
