The Bracos, Montpellier Barracudas’ men’s softball team, returned from their European Cup just over a week ago. They managed to secure a podium finish, becoming Vice Champions of the SE Cup.
The format is a bit different from the women’s European Cups. The 17 best European club teams are gathered in a single cup. This year, it was held in Prague, Czech Republic.
The first phase of this competition works like this: 4 pools of 4 or 5 teams with a single round-robin.
The second phase: the top 2 teams from each pool face off in the Super Cup, while the others compete in the SE Cup. It’s then a double-elimination system, also known as the Paige System.
All the sporting details and match results can be found here.
On our side, we returned with Anthony Cros to discuss this competition.
BTVF: A European Cup is both a sporting adventure and a human journey. How did you experience it this year?
On paper, we had a stellar roster, with players capable of performing at a very high level and fitting perfectly into the team. The team got along great, but we just couldn’t get our offense going during the week. I’m thinking especially of the match against Germany, where we hit hard but right into the opponent’s gloves. Sometimes it comes down to nothing—that’s also the beauty of our sport: you can hit poorly and still get a base hit, or tear the cover off the ball and get out…
BTVF: A very tough pool to advance to the Super Cup. In your opinion, what’s missing for us to reach the highest level?
It’s clear we weren’t favored by the draw, facing two of the tournament favorites, but we played well against them.
We can hold our own defensively and in pitching, but the issue is at the plate. We only face this level of pitching once a year, and it’s tough to make adjustments in just one week. The level of pitchers was extremely high this year. For a comparison with the MLB, it’s a bit like if Verlander or Scherzer came to pitch at the European Baseball Cup… intense!
BTVF: You play, you coach, you manage the team—how do you juggle all these hats?
For a few years now, Pierre Manville has taken on the responsibility of managing the team, so I can focus more on the game. He really helps me a lot—without him, it would be mission impossible!
BTVF: Which role do you prefer and why?
I can still play at a decent level despite being 36, so as long as I can perform, I’ll say I prefer being on the field!
Interview by Raina Hunter
Photo credits: Montpellier
