Photo: The young « Giants » formerly « Dodgers » from Sens in Davis, California.
Today, it can be said that regional baseball is the most productive national supplier of players in the hexagon.
Since the 1980s, a period of resurgence for the « made in America » sport in Europe, the number of licensed players has steadily increased, with a few hiccups, of course… Between 12 and 14,000 enthusiasts of all ages now take to the baseball and softball fields in France.
Far from federal influences, regional baseball is a hotbed of talent. As discussed in the September 29 article (D3), « territorial » baseball has its own existence, away from the burgeoning media hype around the « national pastime. » It also aims to provide champions for the D3-Open phase. Championships where, just like at the highest level, teams go all out to win.
Here, we aim to honor regional championship baseball in several chapters, in alphabetical order.
The Bourgogne Franche-Comté championship:
10 clubs are registered, offering two distinct levels:
the R1 and the R2. You’ll find the Dijon Université club (established 1986), the « Parrots » from Nevers (2002), the « Cyclones » from Fenay, the « Vikings » from Chalon-sur-Saône, the « Bad Snail » from Auxerre (2011), the « Red Stars » from Baudrière (2010), the « Titans » from Dole, the « Badgers » from Besançon, Sens baseball « Giants » (2007) and the « Green fielders » from Montbéliard (1985). Note the participation of the Cyclones in the 2021 Open D3.
Photo: The Cyclones from Fenay.
Notable events: the autumn cup which also includes teams from the Grand Est championship, or the « Open de France » tournament in Nevers (created in 2006). Tournaments for 12U, 15U and the « woodbat challenge » in July.
To be continued in Episode 2!
Vincent Picard
