Eastpro / Stokes BBQ a talented team from the Netherlands

Eastpro / Stokes BBQ played their first ESSL season in 2018 and ranked 7th in Brunssum and 6th in Almere. Last season the team had so many close games that we expect them to be a new contenter for the ESSL very soon. We interviewed the team manager Tim Oosterveld about the plans for 2019.

(Q) Why did you choose Eastpro / Stokes BBQ as a team name? 
(A) Our team was founded 5 years ago. We formed the team to participate in the Windmill Classic. Over the years we obviously added to the amount of games we play. Eastpro and Stokes BBQ are the two sponsors of the team. Eastpro is my own Sporting Goods store and Stokes BBQ is the BBQ business of Huddie Lee Stokes.

(Q) Why did you join the ESSL?
(A) We joined the ESSL to play more games on a higher level. But also just because we like slowpitch weekends…. 😉

(Q) What do you expect from this season?
(A) We hope to do better this year than we did last year. Luckily there is lots of room for improvement. Our goal is to have fun and to end it all with a trophee, we will see how far we get 😉

(Q) How would you describe your team’s playing philosophy?
(A) Our philosophy is to take it game by game, try to have fun while playing to win. And of course try to have 10 guys standing for the final game.

(Q) How do you see the future for slowpitch in Europe and for the ESSL?
(A) Slowpitch is fun and it will probably keep growing the next couple of years. I hope it keeps diamond sports members in the game longer so clubs and federation will be able to keep their members, grow and have a financially healthy base.

Looking forward to this season. See you guys in Brunssum in June!