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.

Dutch Club Signs Solingen Southpaw

GERMANY – Mr. Cocker HCAW of the Dutch Major League has signed Solingen Alligators left-hander Andre Hughes. In a media release issued by the German club, Hughes will be able to pitch for HCAW while at the same time continue working in Germany.

Hughes, 23, went 11-1 with a 1.79 ERA for the North Division Champions this past season while teaming with staff ace Enorbel Marquez Ramirez on a squad that won 27 of 28 regular season contests.

An integral part of the German National Team the last couple of years, he also fanned 77 hitters while surrendering 15 free passes in 80 2/3 innings.

Telemarket Rimini Continues To Revamp 2009 Roster

ITALY – Telemarket Rimini of the Italian Baseball League has signed American infielder Phil LoCascio as the club continues its roster overhaul this winter.

LoCascio, 30, played collegiate ball at Kent State University and played with the Italian second division club Warriors Paterno this past season. In 34 games he posted a .400 batting average and finished second in the league with 56 hits while collecting 27 RBIs and scoring 36 runs.

Rouen Huskies Welcomes French League Veteran For 2009

FRANCE – Former Paris Universitie Club and Montpellier Barracudas pitcher/outfielder Jean Philippe Miet, who retired after the 2006 campaign, will return to the French League next spring as a member of the Rouen Huskies.

Miet, 30, decided to end his retirement and join the reigning French League titleholders after watching the Huskies top the Senart Templiers in this year’s finals. He retired two seasons ago to devote more time to his business career.

Mr. Cocker HCAW Inks Australian Outfielder

NETHERLANDS – 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.

Cariparma Adds Former Minor League Pitcher To 2009 Staff

ITALY – Italian Baseball League club Cariparma has inked American pitcher Robert Cramer for the 2009 season.

Cramer, 29, is a California native who has played in both the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland A’s minor league systems.  The left-hander pitched for the Golden Baseball League’s Orange County Flyers in 2008 and posted a 7-4 record and a 3.93 ERA with 92 strikeouts.

Tex Town Tigers Hire Fast-Rising American Skipper For 2009

NETHERLANDS – 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: Baseball.it, Honkbalsite, Mister-Baseball, Solingen Alligators

Tags: Netherlands