A new French player hangs up his cleats. Meet a catcher whose career left its mark on the sport.
BTVF: Who are you, Théo Lakmeche?
T.L: Hello Baseball TV France, first of all, thank you for shining a light on and bringing the French baseball scene to life.
I’ve been playing baseball since I was 10 years old, starting with the Tigers de Thiais, a brief stint at STB, 7 seasons with the Lions de Savigny, several seasons abroad, and finally 2 seasons with the Boucaniers de La Rochelle.
I’m a massage therapist and sports educator, and after 19 years, I’ve decided to hang up my glove and bat.
BTVF: A life journey in sports, baseball, in France and several other countries, experiences with the French national team—all of this brings back at least a few feelings and senses of accomplishment. Which ones?
T.L: Yes, indeed, many experiences in France and abroad in various formats (tournaments, seasons, camps). It’s given me feelings of pride and fulfilled dreams; the dream of playing, living professionally, and achieving childhood dreams. All these experiences have also helped me grow as a person.
BTVF: The catcher position demands significant athletic qualities as well as mental leadership skills. Explain why you specialized in this position and what it has brought you throughout your career.
T.L: Indeed, the catcher makes the most throws in a game, does the most squats, dives into the dirt to stop balls, takes foul tips all over, and must pay attention to numerous details during the game.
When I was young, I wanted to focus on pitching, but that position doesn’t score runs for your team. The position where you can score runs and directly influence the game is catcher. I naturally gravitated toward this position. Coming from a club with a strong tradition of catchers who played internationally, with hard work and the right coaching, I developed well in this role. It has obviously brought me a lot of satisfaction (and bruises, haha) over the years.
BTVF: The Division 1 championship remains the showcase of baseball in France, yet it struggles to attract its audience. You have spoken out on this issue several times during your career. As a player, what would be, in your opinion, the achievable areas for progress to move it forward?
T.L: The debate is quite broad and revolves around many parameters to consider. It’s difficult to answer in a few lines, but the problem itself is not just about Division 1 and comes from elsewhere. I will outline a few areas for change that would move Division 1 forward.
– Having an active committee of current and former players.
– Changing the current format of Division 1 and several overly restrictive rules (I’m not talking about those limiting foreign players).
- Having a sporting logic.
- Having confidence and believing in the young players we train (national poles and teams).
- Having a rotation of positions (a person in office for 10 years who hasn’t achieved results should know it’s time to pass the baton).
- Having socio-professional follow-up for athletes involved in national teams.
- Having a manager of the French national team present in France with whom regular exchanges take place.
- Allowing the manager of the French national team to make his own selections.
BTVF: Seen as an outspoken player, you paid the price for your free speech by no longer being selected for the French national team. How did you live through those moments?
T.L: Indeed, I was banned from the French national team (like others before me) not for giving my opinion but for explaining the situation as I experienced it. I was first surprised to hear « the necessary will be done regarding me for the next France gatherings » from the deputy technical director. I then understood how little these people had understood the message, which is ultimately shared by many Division 1 players and national team members. When you’ve been trained since the poles to give everything for the French jersey and then the institution turns its back on you for unknowns, it naturally leaves a bitter taste. Fortunately, it’s not the end, and the most important thing has always been to thrive in the championship.
BTVF: At 30, you’re ending your career. How will you integrate baseball into your future career as a health specialist?
T.L: I’ve already started organizing seminars on topics like « the shoulder in baseball players » because I think I can bring knowledge in specific and necessary areas for the development of players. The goal is to repeat this and it will evolve over time.
I remain committed to developing my club with the Boucaniers de La Rochelle!
BTVF: We’ve seen here and there interviews with great French players conducted by you. Does the volunteer career of a sports journalist for baseball tempt you?
T.L: Indeed, the creation of « Baseball Mastery » with a childhood friend appeals to us a lot. We hope to continue doing video interviews with players who have marked the history of French baseball when time allows, as we have busy professional lives!
BTVF: What can we wish you?
T.L: That La Rochelle establishes itself durably in the top 3 and wins a title in the next 5 years!
Photo credits: Ivan Nejezchleb, Camcam création, Glenn Gervot, Alonso Almeido Castro, Christophe Dupont Elise
