AUSTRALIA – The Perth Baseball Club is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the coaching positions that will become available for the 2010/11season.

The club requires coaches for the following teams:

• State League
• AAA
• 19’s

The Perth Baseball club is one of the most successful club’s in WA baseball having won the most premierships in State league competition history with our most recent success being in the 2005-06 season. Our 19’s won the premiership this season and we have an outstanding crop of young talent looking to take the next step in the upcoming season’s

It is expected that the interested parties will have a proven track record and experience in coaching of senior grades.

We ask that Interested parties email our club secretary at watto62@iinet.net.au and be sure to include your Baseball Resume and Relevant coaching experience by no later than Friday, May 14th,2010.

Please contact either Glenn Watson (0402773533) or Mark Freeman (0417909992) if you require any additional information. All contact will be kept in the strictest of confidence and all short listed applicants will be notified regarding an interview with our coaching selection Panel.

Source: Australia Baseball Federation

Photo courtesy of Perth Baseball Club

UNITED STATES – Former minor league All-Star corner infielder Mike Thompson is seeking to play for a European team in the upcoming 2010 season.

The Wichita, Kansas native earned Second Team West Coast Conference (WCC) honors at Santa Clara in 2004 when he batted .321 with 16 doubles, three homers and 33 RBIs.

The 26-year-old spent two seasons with the Houston Astros organization (Lexington Legends and Salem Avalanche) before playing one year in the Kansas City Royals farm system with the Burlington Bees.

The 6-foot-4 slugger joined the independent circuit in 2008 and batted .305 for the Wichita Wingnuts. He also played for the Camden Riversharks that same year before returning to the Wingnuts last season.

Thompson set multiple defensive records for a third baseman during the 2008-2009 campaigns, and was second in the American Association last year with 32 doubles.

Contact this free agent at: mthompson15@hotmail.com

Photo courtesy of Wichita Wingnuts

UNITED STATES – A trio of young arms and a middle infielder are all seeking an opportunity to play baseball in Europe this upcoming season. Clubs interested in the services of the free agents listed below should contact the player(s) directly for additional information.

STANLY PUJOLS
Pujols is a former New York Mets pitching prospect who says he is in optimum condition. He reportedly has a fastball that touches the high 80s that is complemented by a changeup, curveball, slider and sinker.

CONTACT: pujols25@hotmail.com

SAKHAIRI “AJ” JOHNSON
Johnson is a 20-year-old LHP/OF who earned All-Conference (Honorable Mention) honors at Texas Southern University. He went 8-3 with a 2.32 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 79 2/3 innings.

CONTACT: Sakhairijohnson9@yahoo.com

VASILIOS “BILLY” MILA
Mila is a hard-hitting middle infielder who currently attends Palm Beach Atlantic University. He batted .386 (2006-07), .465 (2007-08) and .395 (2008-09) heading into the 2010 campaign.

CONTACT: Bmila88@Yahoo.com

VICTOR “VIC” RUBIO
Rubio is a 20-year-old pitcher seeking a short-term stint (three months) overseas. The Western Nebraska Community College hurler posted a 6-3 record with a 3.00 ERA and six saves in his sophomore season.

CONTACT: vrubio@live.com

UNITED STATES – The 2010 World Free Agent Tryout will be held at Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater, Florida from April 9-10. The tryout camp is open to all free agents and will allow professional teams a chance to sign recently released players from the Grapefruit and the Cactus leagues, as well as other talented prospects.

Independent Teams from the Atlantic, Golden, Northern, Frontier, Can Am, American Association, United and Continental Leagues will be in attendance.  For more information on this tryout please email questions to: worldfreeagenttryout@gmail.com

Tryout Schedule:

Friday, April 9th
3:00 – Registration Time (Please enter on the 3rd base side)
4:00 – Pro Combine Tryout

Saturday, April 10th
3:00 – Invitation Showcase Game

Players may begin negotiations with any team once tryout is concluded on Saturday.

The cost of the tryout is as follows:

- AA affiliated experience (FREE)
- Rookie-A+ experience ($60)
- No affiliated pro experience ($120)

All Participants are encouraged to join The American Baseb Institute to get into the best shape possible before the season. Currently minor leaguers and indy prospects are working out daily, while getting maximum exposure as the 2010 season approaches.

Email ABI for further details info@americanbaseballinstitute.com

For more information about the World Free Agent Tryout please click here.

VENEZUELA – A versatile utility player from Venezuela, Carlos Arrieche, is seeking to join a European club for the 2010 season.

Arrieche started his professional career in the Dominican Summer League and is a former minor league prospect of the Oakland Athletics. He has also played in the Venezuelan Winter League for Aguilas Del Zulia.

Contact this free agent at:  carlos_arrieche@hotmail.com

2003 – Dominican Summer League
2004 – Dominican Summer League
2004 – Aguilas Del Zulia
2005 – Dominican Summer League
2005 – Aguilas Del Zulia
2006 – Arizona (R)
2006 – Aguilas Del Zulia
2007 – Vancouver Canadians (SS-A)
2007 – Arizona (R)
2007 – Stockton Ports (A)
2007 – Aguilas Del Zulia
2008 – Kane County Cougars (Low A)
2008 – Vancouver Canadians (SS-A)
2008 – Stockton Ports (A)
2008 – Aguilas Del Zulia
2009 – Kane County Cougars (Low A)
2009 – Aguilas Del Zulia

Photo courtesy of Carlos Arrieche

UNITED STATES – University of Houston at Victoria right-handed pitcher Casey Newman is seeking to join a European club for the 2010 season. The 6-foot-2 Texan, who can also play in the outfield, is a Communications major who will graduate in the fall.

A jack-of-all-trades pitcher who is adept at starting, middle relief or closing games, Newman throws what scouts call a “heavy ball.” He has a high 80s to low 90s fastball with good movement on all four of his pitches – fastball, cutter, curveball and changeup.

An above average athlete with good speed, the former two-sport prep standout is coached by former Major Leaguer Terry Puhl. He went 4-1 with a 4.95 ERA in 2008 with 30 strikeouts in 40 innings for the Jaguars.

Click here to see recent stats.

Please contact this free agent at: crnewman22@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Casey Newman

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UNITED STATES – Former minor league pitcher Kenny Salyer is looking to coach in Australia this upcoming baseball season. He played collegiate ball at San Jose State (Division I) and San Francisco State (Division II).

From May to June of the 2007 season, Salyer pitched against affiliated rookie level teams with the International Performance Baseball. He also had the opportunity to pitch against both the Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs, and later joined the independent South Coastal League that same year.

The following year he pitched in the Arizona Winter League and for the Reno Nevada Silver Sox of the Golden Baseball League.

Sayler served as the Pitching Coordinator at San Francisco City College for the majority of the 2009 season before joining the Dutch lower division club Storks (ages 15-18) as a playing coach.

Please contact this free agent at: Gator_kenny@yahoo.com

Photo courtesy of SFSU

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UNITED STATES – Anthony “Tony” Torcato is a former Major League player who is seeking to play for a European club in the upcoming 2010 season.

The Woodland, California native who now resides in Oregon was drafted in the 1st round (19th overall) of the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft by the San Francisco Giants. Torcato was called up by the Giants in 2002 and played in the big leagues from 2002-2005.

Torcato finished his big league career with a batting average of .298 (14-for-47).

In 2008, the 6-foot-1 first baseman signed to play with the Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League. However, in late July he was traded to the Chico Outlaws.

Please contact this free agent at: atorcato@yahoo.com

UNITED STATES – Former NAIA All-American left-hander Brian Gartley is seeking to join a European team for the upcoming 2010 season.

The Cincinnati, Ohio native – who will turn 26 next month – posted a 22-8 collegiate record at Florida Southern College (2002-2004), Manatee Community College (2005), and Georgia Southwestern State University (2005-2007).

The 5-foot-11 southpaw made his professional debut in 2007 with the Bradenton Juice. He earned a trip to the league All-Star game while garnering Pitcher of the Year honors after going 12-3 with a 2.31 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 105 1/3 innings.

Gartley, who touches the upper 90s on the radar gun, joined the Chillicothe Paints of the Frontier League the following season and went 3-11 with a 6.88 ERA. He rebounded to post a 7-1 record with a 1.31 ERA in 2009 with the Cincinnati Chiefs.

Please contact this free agent at: Mvpitcher23@aol.com

UNITED STATES – Former Atlanta Braves minor league pitcher Terrence Wohlever, who was a member of the 2006-07 NJCAA Academic Spring Team of the Year, is seeking to join a European club for the upcoming 2010 season.

The 23-year-old left-hander was a 32nd round selection in the 2007 Amateur Draft and posted a 1-2 record over 19.2 innings in two seasons with the GCL Braves. The 6-foot-1 pitcher, who pitched for the Perth HEAT in this year’s Dominoes Claxton Shield in Australia, will be available at the end of April.

The Las Vegas, Nevada native touches the low-90 mph on the radar gun posted a 4-4 record with a 3.26 ERA in eight starts for Perth this winter. The hard-throwing southpaw struck out an impressive 113 hitters in just 66 1/3 innings.

Please contact this free agent at: tjsliden@hotmail.com

Photo courtesy of Perth HEAT

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UNITED STATES – Former Kansas City Royals minor league pitcher Richard Folmer, who was the 2007 Pitcher of the Year for the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, is seeking to join a European club for the upcoming 2010 season.

The 23-year-old right-hander was a 25th round selection of the Royals and posted a 1-2 record with a 4.14 ERA and eight saves for the Idaho Falls Chukars. The 6-foot-3 relief pitcher, who recently became a free agent, registered 49 strikeouts with just 19 walks in 37 minor league innings.

The Houston, Texas native touches the low-90 mph on the radar gun and was the only relief pitcher to be named All-Conference during his final collegiate season. In four years, Folmer went 9-10 with 21 saves. His best season was his senior year in 2009 when he recorded 12 saves with a 3.27 ERA while limiting opposing hitters to a paltry .162 batting average.

Please contact this free agent at: rich.folmer@hotmail.com

Photo courtesy of Richard Folmer

UNITED STATES – Former major league pitcher John Trujillo, signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Padres in 1999, is interested in taking the mound for a European club this upcoming 2010 season.

The 34-year-old made his big league debut on June 11, 2002. In four relief appearances for the Padres, Trujillo was 0-1 with a 10.12 ERA and three strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings.

In 2002, Trujillo went 3-0 with a 0.66 ERA in 31 games for the Double-A Mobile BayBears (SL) before getting promoted to the Triple-A Portland Beavers (PCL) where he was 2-0 with a 4.33 ERA in 18 appearances.

Trujillo (5-2, 2.35 ERA) made nine starts and tossed four complete games – including a shutout, last year on the independent league circuit.

The Corpus Christi, Texas native has posted a career minor league record of 34-34 with a 2.98 ERA in 378 games. The 6-foot Dallas Baptist University product has also racked up 621 strikeouts in 650 2/3 innings.

Please contact this free agent at: shimmer0929@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of John Trujillo

UNITED STATES – Former Baltimore Orioles minor league pitcher Trevor Caughey, who was the 2008 Pitcher of the Year in the independent Golden Baseball League, is seeking to join a European club for the upcoming 2010 season.

The 27-year-old southpaw was a ninth round selection in 2002 and spent 5 1/2 years with the O’s organization. The 6-foot-1 starting pitcher, who can also play first base and outfield positions, attended Cuesta College where he posted a 3.14 ERA and was a All-California First Team selection. In 2008, Trevor was named to the Baseball America All Independent Team while pitching in the Golden Baseball League.

The San Luis Obispo native touches the high-80 mph on the radar gun and was a member of the Top Prospect Team in 2003. Caughey has posted a 26-33 professional record with a 4.44 ERA and 492 strikeouts in 567 2/3 innings.

In 2010, Trevor was the pitcher of the year in the Czech Extraleague going 9-2 with 4 complete games. He pitched 106 innings, struck out 103 batters, and only walked 26 as a member of Technika Brno, and was named to the 2010 All European Team.

“My friend Whitney Pierce is a catcher who is interested in playing in same league. He was drafted in 2002 by Baltimore Orioles and has played in Australia, Switzerland, and the Dutch Major League.”

Please contact this free agent at: trevor_caughey40@yahoo.com

UNITED STATES – Former Northern State University left-hander Jonathan “Jon” Bitz is seeking to join a European club for the 2010 season.

The 23-year-old reliever, who features a low-80s mph range fastball, racked up 15 strikeouts over 29 1/3 innings in 24 appearances for Northern State.

The 6-foot-4 southpaw is a native of Aberdeen, South Dakota who recently completed his B.S. Marketing and B.S. Management degrees. Jon also possesses various computer skills including knowledge of distance learning/communications and video filming and editing.

Please contact this free agent at: jonbitz88@hotmail.com

VENEZUELA – Former Oakland Athletics minor league pitcher Julian Granado is seeking an opportunity to pitch for a European team in 2010.

The 27-year-old Venezuelan southpaw has also pitched on the independent league circuits in Canada and the United States, as well in the Netherland Antilles, Spain, Czech Republic, and winter ball in the Dominican Republic.

The 6’1″, 210 pounder also told BaseballdeWorld that “every year when I played in Europe, I was a hitter too.”

For more information, please contact Julian at:  jsjmuf@hotmail.com

Photo courtesy of Julian Granado

UNITED STATES – Former University of Virginia Cavaliers pitcher Alex Smith is seeking a short-term contract with a European club for the 2010 season. The left-hander is currently under contract with the Sussex Skyhawks in the Can-Am League but is available as a Player/Coach until May 1.

The 25-year-old Smith posted a 1-1 record with 47 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings in the Atlantic Coast Conference (Division I). In 2009, he went 0-1 with a 4.40 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 45 innings for the Skyhawks who was managed by former big league skipper Hal Lanier.

“I am a hard worker and a good instructor as well, and I would really like the opportunity to pitch in Europe before returning to the US for the 2010 Independent season,” the Virginia Beach native wrote in an email to BaseballdeWorld.

The 6’1″ southpaw can be contacted at: alex.smith1227@gmail.com.

PLAY BALL IN EUROPE IN 2010

If you have collegiate and/or minor league experience – and would like to be featured in a Free Agent Profile – please Click Here for more details.

Photo courtesy of Sussex Skyhawks

International Baseball Connect (IBC), a worldwide baseball placement service company, has joined together with BaseballdeWorld.com to help aspiring ballplayers pursue their dreams of playing professional baseball.

IBC has a vast network of international contacts that works with teams and leagues from around the world. Besides Europe, Asia and South America, IBC also helps to place players in Australia’s winter league.

IBC charges a “Finders Fee” which is much less than other Placement Services. However, players who are not placed are not charged. For inquiring teams looking to hire players, our service is FREE of charge.

For more information, click here or send an email to: info@intbaseballconnect.com.

UNITED STATES – Two utility men and a pair of aspiring pitchers headline the second installment of the BaseballdeWorld Free Agent Directory.

Former Saint Anselm College standout Melvin Perdue is a true utility player who can play both infield and outfield, while former University of Arizona Wildcat Josh Eichenstein plays three different infield spots.

Perdue majored in politics and aspires to become a teacher and coach.

BaseballdeWorld will publish Free Agent candidates on the following dates:

Part 1: Nov. 29
Part 2: Dec. 13
Part 3: Dec. 27
Part 4: Jan. 10
Part 5: Jan. 24
Part 6: Feb. 07
Part 7: Feb. 21

Here are this edition’s candidates hoping to land a job in Europe next year.

• MELVIN PERDUE, UT, USA

Melvin is a 5’10″ utility player who started most of his collegiate career at CF/LF/2B. A recent graduate and four-year letterman in football and baseball at Saint Anselm College (Division II), the 25-year-old played this summer for two high-level semi pro teams.

The Concord, California native batted .280 (OBP .321/SLG .400) his senior season with nine doubles. He combined to hit .424 (59-for-139) with 35 runs scored, 16 stolen bases, and a .424 on base percentage this past summer for the Bay Cal Yankees and East Bay Lumberbacks semi-pro teams.

Watch Melvin Perdue’s Scout Video

Contact this free agent at: mperdue3@gmail.com

• JOSH EICHENSTEIN, INF, USA

Josh is a 5’10″ infielder who attended the University of Arizona (Division I). The 26-year-old batted .298 with 17 RBIs in 2007 with the Netanya Tigers of the Israel Baseball League.

The Los Angeles, California native main position is second base but is also adept at playing either shortstop or third base.

Contact this free agent at: joshhesh@gmail.com

• FRED THOMAS, RHP, USA

Freddy is a 6’5″ right-hander who pitched for Saddleback Junior College in 2009. The 19-year-old posted a 2.85 ERA this past season and reportedly has a fastball that touches the low 90s.

The Huntington Beach, California native acknowledges having a “rubber arm” that is capable of chewing up innings for a pitching-hungry squad, and would like to put his studies on hold to pursue a professsional baseball career.

Contact this free agent at: freddyythomas@yahoo.com

• ROLANDO MARTINEZ, RHP, USA

Roland is a 5’10″ right-hander who reportedly has a fastball in the 87-90 mph range. The 21-year-old Lubbock, Texas native enjoys teaching the game to kids and can also type 45-50 words a minute.

Contact this free agent at: Basemvpball@yahoo.com

(Candidates with incomplete information will be included in a future edition.)

UNITED STATES – With European clubs finalizing their rosters for the 2010 season, a shortage of quality arms remain an obstacle for too many teams. BaseballdeWorld has learned that besides the United States, some clubs are also recruiting pitchers from Asia and South America.

“We need someone who can help us compete for a championship and help train our pitching staff,” said a Belgian coach. “Finding a good pitcher is not easy.”

Besides talent, clubs must also recruit players who fit their respective budgets. Also, the language barrier and cultural difference can also lead to problems.

While players from countries such as Venezuela and the Dominican Republic often sign for a cheaper rate than American ballplayers, their sometimes poor command of the English language often makes it difficult to communicate effectively with teammates and coaches.

One of the budding “hot spots” for foreign pitchers may eventually be the Philippines. Left-hander Jon-Jon Robles has sparkled in the Czech Republic and is one of a long list of talented southpaws playing in the upstart Baseball Philippines circuit.

With an estimated 8-10 million Filipinos currently working overseas as drivers, maids, etc. (earning $200 to $400 a month) in places like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Singapore – Asia’s largest English-speaking country could become a viable alternative for European clubs with smaller budgets seeking talented players.

BaseballdeWorld will publish an updated Free Agent Directory with “new” candidates on the following dates:

Wanna Play Baseball In Europe in 2010? Click here!

An accomplished American import shortstop and a former Penn State University southpaw headline the first installment of the 2010 BaseballdeWorld Free Agent Directory for ballplayers seeking to play overseas in Europe next spring.

BaseballdeWorld, a one-stop website for the latest baseball news from around the globe, will spotlight several free agent players hoping to land a European baseball gig every two weeks until next spring.

FREE AGENT DIRECTORY POSTINGS:
Part 1: Nov. 29
Part 2: Dec. 13
Part 3: Dec. 27
Part 4: Jan. 10
Part 5: Jan. 24
Part 6: Feb. 07
Part 7: Feb. 21

Former Austin College shortstop and team captain Dennis Kelly has already showcased his skills in top leagues in Sweden, Australia and France. European clubs desiring a middle infielder or centerfielder with great leadership qualities and a strong bat should not wait too long before contacting this Lone Star State product.

Another top free agent, Michael Lorentson, is a former draft pick of the San Diego Padres who started 24 games with Division I Penn State University during his collegiate career. It’s a good bet that this southpaw could solidfy more than a few pitching rotations in Europe next season.

• DENNIS KELLY, USA

Dennis is a 5’10″ shortstop who was a four-year varsity starter at Austin College in Sherman, Texas. The 25-year-old finished his collegiate career with 38 doubles, 13 home runs, and a .350 batting average. A team captain from 2004-2006 who set several school records , Dennis was a 1st team All-American (West Region) his senior season.

The Lewisville, Texas native has also enjoyed success playing overseas in recent years with the Karlskoga Bats (Swedish League), Sandringham Royals (Vodafone State League, Australia) and the Montpellier Barracudas (French League).

Visit Dennis Kelly’s Baseball Page

Contact this Free Agent: dennis.p.kelly@gmail.com

• MICHAEL LORENTSON, USA

Michael is a 6’4″ left-hander who posted an 8-15 record in three seasons at NCAA Division I Penn State University (2005-2009). The 23-year-old started 24 games during his final two years with the Nittany Lions and racked up 74 strikeouts in 128 innings with 52 walks.

The Springfield, Pennsylvania native was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2004 but did not sign. He also pitched 10 innings for the New Jersey Jackals of the Canadian American Baseball League.

Contact this Free Agent: lorentson.michael@gmail.com

• JOSE CASTILLO OJEDA, VENEZUELA

Jose is a former Boston Red Sox minor leaguer who has played in Colombia, Czech Republic, Switzerland (2004-2005), Belgium (2007) and Austria (2008-2009). The 32-year-old player/coach is a versatile performer who can play catcher, first base, and pitch.

Contact this Free Agent: jose_castillo27@hotmail.com

• JOHN WYBORNY, USA

John is a 6’2″ pitcher who compiled a 17-10 record with 190 strikeouts in 237 innings at Denison University (2004-08). The California native, who has a fastball that ranges from 84-86 mph, was selected as the Most Valuable Freshmen in 2005 and Most Valuable Pitcher in 2008. The 24-year-old former 2nd Team All-NCAC perfomer can also play third base.

Contact this Free Agent: wybornyjd@gmail.com

• HENRY EKPOTO, NIGERIA

Henry is a 6’3″ pitcher on the Nigerian national baseball team who describes himself as the “best pitcher in West Africa.” He reportedly possesses an 87 mph fastball with a good curveball.

Contact this Free Agent: henryekpoto8@gmail.com

• JASON SIERRA, USA

Jason is a 6’5″ right-hander who reportedly has been clocked at 88-91 mph. The 19-year-old California native who attends Monterey Peninsula College can also play third base.

Contact this Free Agent: quite-odd@hotmail.com

• GENE BOWLES, USA

Gene (pictured) is a 5’11″ right-hander who attended the College of Southern Maryland (2005-2007). The 22-year-old Hollywood, Maryland native also plays second base.

Contact this Free Agent: gene.bowles@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Gene Bowles/College of Southern Maryland

The first installment of the BaseballdeWorld Free Agent Directory will be published on Sunday, Nov. 29. The one-stop source website for international baseball news will also spotlight players interested in playing ball in Europe next year every two weeks until next spring.

Due to interest from non-Americans, the upcoming Free Agent Directory will also include players from all across the globe.

“We have had inquiries from Africa, Asia and Latin America about playing baseball in Europe in 2010,” said BaseballdeWorld Managing Editor Marvin Moore.  “So it only makes since to include these players in the free agent directory.”

Unfortunately, Moore reported that the majority of aspiring candidates in November for baseball jobs in Europe did not make the cut.

“Too many applicants were just not qualified to go overseas. Semi-pro and adult league players with little or no collegiate experience in all likelihood would not succeed in most leagues in Europe.”

BaseballdeWorld will publish an updated Free Agent Directory with “new” candidates on the following dates:

Part 2: Dec. 13
Part 3: Dec. 27
Part 4: Jan. 10
Part 5: Jan. 24
Part 6: Feb. 07
Part 7: Feb. 21

“Finding the right import is tricky business for many clubs, but these players play a crucial role in the success of their teams,” added Moore who coached in Europe for six years. “It is my hope that this Free Agent Directory will help European clubs find an credible import player that meets their needs.”

American shortstop Seth La Fera plays in Italy. (Ferrini/FIBS)

European baseball clubs contacting BaseballdeWorld recently regarding American import players have a constant theme – Pitching. From the first division leagues to the second division level, the need for quality arms remain the highest priority on the old continent.

“Teams are interested in players who can contribute on the hill,” said BaseballdeWorld managing editor Marvin Moore, who coached overseas in Europe for six seasons. “A staff ace can help a team become a title contender instantly in most European leagues.”

BaseballdeWorld will feature an American Import Free Agent Directory on Sunday, Nov. 29 with talented ballplayers (all positions) who are looking to travel overseas next spring for a once-in-a-lifetime European baseball adventure.

This special section, tailor-made for European baseball clubs, will include photos, player stats, contact information, past injuries and other relevant tidbits that will surely help teams looking for the final piece of their championship puzzle.

American players interested in competing for a European team next year, and would like to be included in the American Import Free Agent Directory at no cost, should send the following details with recent photo to: news@baseballdeworld.com.

- Full Name

- Nickname (if any)

- Hometown

- Email

- Phone (optional)

- Birthdate

- Height/Weight

- Main Position/Secondary Position

- College/University (Ex: Bethel University, 2006-2010)

- Collegiate Statistics (year-by-year)

- Collegiate Awards (if any)

- Pitchers Velocity (2009 Radar Gun Average)

- Professional Experience (if any)

- Professional Awards (if any)

- Professional Statistics (if any)

- Injury History (List all surgeries/major injuries)

- Baseball References (1-3 former coaches)

- Special Skills (non-baseball related/Ex: Photographer)

- Availability (3 or 6 months)

Photo courtesy of Diego Lazaro

With the 2009 Baseball World Cup a distant memory, the upcoming 2010 season in Europe promises to be a pivotal year for the sport on the old continent. And, the recruitment of talented foreign ballplayers remain one of the keys for the development of the game across the Atlantic Ocean.

BaseballdeWorld will feature an American Import Free Agent Directory on Sunday, Nov. 29 with an array of skilled catchers, pitchers, infielders and outfielders who are looking to travel overseas next spring for a once-in-a-lifetime European baseball adventure.

This special section, tailor-made for European baseball clubs, will include photos, player stats, contact information, past injuries and other relevant tidbits that will surely help teams looking for the final piece of their championship puzzle.

The European baseball scene is a mix of leagues with levels varying from collegiate Division III to Single A. The Italian Baseball League (Italy) and the Dutch Major League (Holland) are the top two leagues which require minor league experience at the minimum.

The next tier of leagues includes the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and Spain. Numerous former minor leaguers make these circuits highly competitive so players interested in competing in one of these leagues generally needs at least Division II collegiate experience.

Other leagues requiring at least Division III collegiate experience includes Austria, Belgium, Sweden and Switzerland.

Pitching is at a premium in Europe which means clubs are always looking for quality arms. Due the limited budgets of most clubs, the majority of foreign players will also be required to assist with the development of young players on the club youth teams.

If qualified, some players may even be hired as a playing coach.

Although the salaries are low, players receive free roundtrip air transportation and housing. However, the opportunity to learn a new culture while making new friends is priceless.

American players interested in competing for a European team next year, and would like to be included in the American Import Free Agent Directory, should send the following details with recent photo to news@baseballdeworld.com:

- Full Name

- Nickname (if any)

- Hometown

- Email

- Phone (optional)

- Birthdate

- Height/Weight

- Main Position/Secondary Position

- College/University (Ex: Bethel University, 2006-2010)

- Collegiate Statistics (year-by-year)

- Collegiate Awards (if any)

- Pitchers Velocity (2009 Radar Gun Average)

- Professional Experience (if any)

- Professional Awards (if any)

- Professional Statistics (if any)

- Injury History (List all surgeries/major injuries)

- Baseball References (1-3 former coaches)

- Special Skills (non-baseball related/Ex: Photographer)

- Availability (3 or 6 months)

Photo courtesy of Solingen Alligators

AUSTRALIA – Baseball Victoria is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the governing body of baseball in Victoria which has a direct affiliation to the Australian Baseball Federation, and responsible for the achievement of sporting and commercial objectives at State level.

Baseball Victoria has also established itself as a leading organisation with continuing influence on the management and growth of the sport nationally.

This is an exciting and challenging time for baseball in Victoria. An enhanced national competition is being developed, governance for all baseball in Victoria has been consolidated under Baseball Victoria and a new summer competition structure has been introduced.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the management of staff and resources of Baseball Victoria, the implementation of the new four-year strategic plan and importantly the management of all stakeholder relationships, including Government, sponsors, association members and the Australian Baseball Federation.

Candidates applying for this position must display:

• Successful administration experience preferably in sport management;
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent negotiation skills;
• Flexibility to work outside normal working hours when required; a
• Knowledge of successful sporting structures and processes.

Salary package will be negotiated in accordance with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

Applications close September 11, 2009.

If you believe you have the right qualities for this position please forward your CV and covering letter to:

Rob Sadler
Vice President
Baseball Victoria
PO Box 57,
South Melbourne VIC 3205

SOURCE: Australian Baseball Federation