We had already interviewed him in February of this year (see the portrait section), when he took over from Keino Perez. After completing the treble, where does he stand now?
Beginner’s luck? Not really… Boris Marche, in his first year at the helm of the Huskies, has shown all season long that he’s no rookie and fully deserved this treble of the European Cup / Challenge / Championship. The manager of the Huskies looks back on this 2022 season, which was anything but ordinary, for Baseball TV France.
BTVF: What was your first thought when the final out of the 2022 final was made?
Whew! Bastien is under the ball! Then, of course, there was an explosion of joy. Sometimes, after a title, you’re more relieved than happy.
BTVF: What’s your state of mind today?
I’m very happy for the club and the team. There’s a lot of work behind all this, at all levels, so finishing as champions is a great reward.
BTVF: What did you find most challenging in your role as manager?
I think the most difficult thing was managing the highs and lows, the emotions, and keeping a level head to make the best decisions in tight games. Especially when managing the bullpen.
BTVF: And in the same vein, what did you enjoy the most this season?
The team, the relationships we’ve managed to build together and that will last well beyond the field. I also enjoyed the players’ commitment and all the efforts and sacrifices they made throughout the year. I deeply thank them for buying into my project, and I’m very, very proud of what we’ve accomplished.
BTVF: What have you learned from this first season as the boss of the Huskies?
A lot of things, like making decisions, managing a group, a bullpen, managing a group of guys, handling pressure, and many other things. Also, that it’s a lot of work, especially off the field.
BTVF: If you had to do it all over again, what would you change?
Not much, except for a couple of decisions (one or two, no more). On the other hand, I think I can improve in quite a few areas…
BTVF: You’ve shown a lot of calm throughout the season, in both high and low moments. Is this non-verbal communication important to you?
I think I can’t really do otherwise, it’s my personality. Nevertheless, I’m convinced it’s an asset. Baseball is a long game, it’s crucial to control your emotions. If I stay neutral, it will be easier for the players to do the same.
BTVF: I’d like you to talk about one of the craziest moments of the season, and even the history of the club, the « Rouenmontada » from 0-8 to 8-8 against Montpellier and the two extra innings that followed. How did you live through this madness?
Honestly, I was already preparing my post-game speech in my head just before the first points. It’s the weirdest game I’ve ever been a part of. I still don’t really understand it, to be honest.
BTVF: When we look back at difficult moments, always against Montpellier, there was the European Cup semi-final and the 9th inning of the Barracudas’ 5-point rally. Were you afraid of losing?
I never fear defeat…
BTVF: Another difficult moment, perhaps, was the double defeat against the Lions, in the championship. Was there concern after those games?
Not really, we had just won the European Cup, which had exhausted us physically and mentally. And that day, Savigny played very good baseball. We just didn’t play as well that day and without really having a game plan…
BTVF: And when the Lions went for game 3 of the final and started to go all out in game 4, did doubt creep in for a moment?
No, no time to doubt. If I doubt, the players doubt, and it becomes complicated to perform. Especially since we’ve come back several times this season after being down.
BTVF: The France Challenge was really well mastered, especially in pitching. Is this a moment when you feel that everything was going as planned?
Honestly, I think so, despite the decisions on pitcher rotations, there are always elements that we don’t control. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t… and this time everything went as planned.
BTVF: In the European Cup, the final was tough, Rouen came back from behind. It’s actually one of the characteristics of the Huskies this season to come back in the score. This mental aspect, this winning culture is something you attach great importance to and try to pass on to the players?
Yes of course even if they don’t need me, they have built themselves in these victories, in the history of the club and those who preceded them.
BTVF: Are there any players who surprised you this season?
It’s hard to name one more than the others, as each one contributed to our victories. I’ll talk to them privately during the winter interviews.
BTVF: We saw a little video on social networks in which you thank your staff. Is it important to be well surrounded?
Of course, very important, they have also worked very hard to get us there since this winter. Having a real staff has allowed us to do a lot of specific work this winter, for example. It’s also good to have assistants who challenge us to push ourselves to give the best of ourselves.
BTVF: Next season, it’s the return to the European Champions Cup. Is it a major objective to shine in this competition?
Yes, it’s a major objective, not just to shine but to win it…
BTVF: And since we’re talking about next season, are you already diving into what needs to be brought to the team, in the winter preparation, or is it time to unplug a bit?
I’m unplugging a bit but it’s hard not to already project ourselves onto next season. Our margin for progress is still immense. There’s also the question of recruitment, of foreigners but also of other French players who could strengthen us.
Interview by François Colombier
Photo credits: Glenn Gervot
