Coach Keino Perez took over as national team manager last September after Bruce Bochy’s COVID-related departure. Unfortunately, the team fell short and was relegated to the B Cup, forcing them to requalify in 2022 to regain their spot in the A Cup. Last week, the French national team traveled to Tenerife, Spain, to face two teams: Tenerife (qualified for this year’s European Cup in Rouen) and the Czech national team.
Here’s what Keino Perez, the manager, had to say:
« I’ve had more time to build a team and focus on youth development. Over 50% of my usual roster is currently in college in the USA and couldn’t join us. This was the perfect opportunity to bring in young players and foster a team mentality with the veterans. »
For the Prague Baseball Week in June, the French national team’s next event, several players currently playing in the USA will be able to rejoin the squad. Think Pontiac, Anthonac…
Here’s what pitcher Nicolas Antoine had to say:
« Our manager really brought us together, created bonds among us. He used his knowledge of the Rouen team to avoid cliques and ensure we functioned as a single unit, even down to room assignments to help us get to know each other better. I really appreciated having Priest as our pitching coach; it’s crucial to have someone like him with us. »
Then there’s Dylan Gleeson:
« We had the chance to meet, discuss. I know Keino well after spending a lot of time with him in Rouen. For example, I had a great chat with Esposito, who’s a truly delightful guy. »
Should we focus on the results (2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss)? Keino explains:
« I didn’t go into this with the mindset of winning every game, but rather giving everyone playing time and developing game strategies by alternating powerful pitchers with young ones. I didn’t follow the Czechs’ approach of lining up their best pitcher in the final match, which obviously yielded a result I don’t find significant. »
And he adds:
« I had almost my entire coaching staff with me, except for Japse. I was able to support all the players, regardless of their position. »
The future also holds July’s qualification phase in Bulgaria. At that point, it will be crucial to seize victory based on the foundations laid during the spring.
« With my staff, we’ve divided up scouting trips to watch players in action during the D1 championship. There’s also the France Challenge and the broadcasts that help us analyze the games better. Thanks to La Rochelle, Sénart, and Montpellier for providing these images. »
« I’m confident. My goal is to build a strong team with a competitive, consistent, and powerful pitching rotation. We’ll reclaim our spot in the A Cup; I have no doubt about it. »
Interview conducted by Didier CANNIOUX
