Since mid-June, the top-tier French baseball championship has returned, succeeding its previous restricted version, renamed for 2020 the « French Summer League ». This year, the eleven teams have had time to fine-tune their rosters, and it’s clear now that French clubs are active in the global baseball market, which has supplied the biggest clubs across Europe for decades. In 2021, « Elite » baseball is back to its usual format, and two rounds have already passed, packed with insights for what’s to come.
In Division A, featuring five teams, the Cougars de Montigny (.168 AVG), Paris Université Club (.234 AVG), and the « pack » of Huskies de Rouen (.277 AVG) lead the standings with four games played, each boasting a 2-2 record. The Lions de Savigny (.292 AVG, the second-most consistent offense) and Stade Toulousain (.149 AVG) sit in second place with the same .500 winning percentage but only two games under their belts. At this stage, nothing is conclusive. We can only note the strong performance by the Cougars, who took a game from the Huskies with solid hitting, and the PUC’s impressive start. A small downside for the Lions and Huskies, who also hit hard but are splitting their games. These two teams, usually contenders, have neutralized each other.
Division B, with six teams, presents a very different picture, with three clubs tied at the top. The Boucaniers de La Rochelle (.255 AVG), Barracudas de Montpellier (.217 AVG), and Templiers de Sénart (.317 AVG, the most consistent offense in the league) all boast a 4-0 record, dominating their opponents. Meanwhile, the Cometz de Metz (.192 AVG), Arvernes de Clermont-Ferrand (.191 AVG), and Cavigal de Nice (.108 AVG, the league’s weakest offense) bring up the rear with 0-4 records in a group where a certain logic prevails. Watch out for the power of the Templiers, historically present in the playoffs.
The third round, scheduled for the weekend of June 26-27, promises some surprises, including a potential resurgence from the northern clubs?
Vincent P
Photo Credit: Alonso Almedo Castro
