Will baseball and softball be in the Olympic Games program?

During the last meeting on August 3th, 2016 the IOC decided to include baseball and softball in the Games’ program in 2020 which will be held in Tokyo city. We are happy with such decision. To my mind, one of the greatest sports must be for sure part of the most important sport event. I hope with time baseball and softball will become common kinds of sport in the Olympic family.

How will it affect the development of baseball in Germany?

Positive affect we will notice on many levels. Certainly, the national sports development is focused on Olympic sports. Thus, it will give new perspectives for us and our athletes. Changes will affect infrastructure as well. However, criteria for the Olympic and non-Olympic sports are different on federal and state levels. Besides, Olympic sports facilities and full service will be more accessible.

On the state level, reorganization of sport funding in Germany was closely linked to the reform of big sport. The Ministry of Interior Affairs and the DOSB discussed separate organizations. There was much criticism before the decision was made.  What is your attitude toward this reform?

I believe all agreed towards the fact other countries in the recent years have not only strengthened their positions in the medal standings, but moved forward as well. Some of these countries have not only increased financial support, they are trying to direct funds exactly for the preparation of Olympic champions. So, we realize that in future it is important not only to support the development of sports. It is needed to focus more on the certain things. Thus, this support will be more quantitative.

With this aim director of DOSB sports achievements Dirk Shimmelpfennih has developed a concept that should help in the development of medal potential. We believe this concept is correct, because it received an approval from the German Baseball Federation (DVB) during the meeting of DOSB members. At the stage of realization of this idea, we need to ensure that we give young and not very common sports a chance to develop their great potential.

Reform of the German Bundesliga will be along with sports reform. At what stage is it now and what will change in 2017?

Bundesliga reform has three main tasks. These are number of games increasing, creation of regional relationships and prospects for our talents. Thus, the second Bundesliga and Regional baseball league will be combined into six regional groups to meet the needs of lower leagues and to reduce clubs’ expenses. In addition, in the first baseball league apart from the regular final competition will be another one – for the four best teams of North and South Bundesliga, after which the playoff games will take place.

As for limiting the number of players from other European countries in our teams most Bundesliga clubs, unfortunately, do not support this idea. It could provide more opportunities for our talents. But, members did not agree with it. So, during the last meeting of the Committee on sport competitions it was decided to cancel these restrictions.

Did German Baseball Federation make certain concessions for some baseball clubs?

I would really like clubs approve three proposed approaches. Some agreed, but we must realize that we cannot convince everyone. And of course, we would not approve reform against the will of most clubs.

However, we adhere to the goal, which is to create perspectives for our national talents. We are actively seeking for new opportunities to solve these issues.

What the main sport achievements in 2016 can you highlight?

Baseball year began for us with defeat of the male team at the qualifying competitions for the international tournament World Baseball Classic (WBC) in Mexico. But I’m delighted with the way our team has accepted this defeat and not desperate. Fourth place at the European Championship was absolutely deserved. Martin Helmih and his coaching staff fulfilled a great work and showed how to work in a team.

For younger athletes, in my opinion, it was the most successful year in the history of German baseball. The youth and junior team won bronze, and a children’s baseball team won its first gold medals.

And most of all I’d like to note work of the German Baseball Academy (DBA). Special thanks and respect I would like to address George Bull for his great work.

Will Martin Helmih be a coach next season?

As I have said before, all of us like Martin’s work. We are very pleased with his work in the team. Now we have been conducting negotiations with him and hope we will continue our sport cooperation in the season 2017.

Let’s sum up the year 2016. What was done? And what do you plan to do in the future season?

It was a difficult, and at the same time productive year. I have already told in details about the achievements of our teams. As of international arena we saw a great debut of Max Kepler in the main league baseball (MLB). Hardly anyone would think he will come to the fore and show such high level of game in his first season. Donald Lutz is another one outstanding “Made in Germany” player in the MLB, who we can be proud of.

For me it was a great joy that coach Greg Freidy entered the German Hall of Fame. I think it totally expresses all our gratitude and admiration for his work.

What does the president want in the season 2017?

I would like athletes do not leave our clubs and the number of players begin to increase again. Many baseball clubs show that it has become possible. And it can be seen on the example of innovation in the field of work with the younger generation. I would like to see a lot of motivated workers who will contribute to the development of baseball at all levels. And, of course, I would like to see a lot of players, referees and coaches who live with this game.

I will be also very happy if MLB will expand its activities and actively support us in the training of young athletes.

And, in conclusion, I would say this year we will have a record number of participants during the DBV-Convention Congress, to be held in January. I wish Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and look forward to an exciting baseball year 2017.