NETHERLANDS – Dutch National Team and Corendon Kinheim infielder Roel Koolen has decided to hang up his cleats to focus on his career away from the diamond.

Koolen, 26, was a member of the Dutch squad at the Beijing Games this past summer, and was also a starter at the 2007 Baseball World Cup. He competed in 39 games for the Black and Orange since making his debut in 2000.

The middle infielder hit .308 with six doubles, 23 runs scored, 13 stolen bases and 24 RBIs in Dutch Major League action in 2008.

Mr. Cocker HCAW Inks Australian Outfielder

The Dutch Major League club, Mr. Cocker HCAW, has signed Australian outfielder Jason Rees for the 2009 season.

Rees, 24, is a former standout in the defunct Israel Baseball League who earned a brief stint in the New York Yankees minor league system after batting .362 with 17 home runs and 50 RBIs. He is currently competing in the New South Wales League for the Central Coast Marlins.

Tex Town Tigers Hire Fast-Rising American Skipper For 2009

The Dutch second division club Tex Town Tigers has signed American skipper Jim Malec to coach the team in 2009.

Malec called the shots for the Stock City Cubs in the Austrian Baseball League (ABL) this past season and transformed a woeful team into a competitive squad in a short period of time. However, the American was dismayed with the lack of dedication of some of his former players.

Sources: Honkbalsite, Mister-Baseball

Tags: Netherlands