(Q) Why did you choose DNT as a team name? 
(A) In origin our Slowpitch team is called Team the Netherlands. The Team name DNT was adopted in 2015. On the Wooden Cleats tournament in Nieuwegein Donald Ziermans figured out at the end of a game a team yell with the Dutch National Team, DNT was born.

(Q) Why did you join the ESSL?
(A) We proudly choose the ESSL competition, because it is currently the highest level of Slowpitch in Europe.

(Q) What do you expect from this season?
(A) DNT wants to finish high in the ESSL competition this year and has made some adjustments to the team. Reinforcements have been added to make the difference with last year.

(Q) How would you describe your team’s playing philosophy?
(A) We still have to train more on the basis of our own strengths and therefore make greater use of the possibilities. We just left that partly, last year. The field of participants this year is very strong and we will have to work hard to get this goal. The motivation within the team is certainly present.

(Q) How do you see the future for slowpitch in Europe and for the ESSL?
(A) Basically we want to play in the ESSL Slowpitch tournaments with lots of fun against the other friendly teams. And together ensure that Slowpitch will reach an even better sports position in Europe. Competition between the teams is always good. But the sporty look, the image to Europe, must of course be good and attractive. So let’s do this together with all the teams, and make sure that it´s our most important goal.

(Q) Anything else you want to say?
(A)I wish everyone a great season with fun, friendship and competitive pleasure.

Photo Team DNT © Grega Valaucic

Mike MacDowell from GB wrote about his impression of Spring Slowpitch Classic:

“The Spring Slowpitch Classic tournament was a fantastic idea. It’s great to have more international level softball played. We (GB) grouped together experienced and newer players together for the team that we took and it was a great benefit to expose those newer players to a higher level of ball.

Ultimately we went to win games, and were pleased to win all 7 that we played. Perhaps one of the big benefits we have is that Slowpitch is the dominant type of softball in the UK and it’s distinctly separate from Baseball because Baseball clubs are few and far between. If tournaments like this, with strong international Slowpitch on display can grow the popularity of, and remove any stigma about, the sport it can be nothing but a good thing.

There was excellent fielding all around from all three teams this weekend. Slowpitch stands alone as the best environment for game based repetition of infield and outfield skills, meaning it can and should be seen as complementary to Baseball and Fastpitch.

I think this is happening a bit in The Netherlands as they seem to be drawing on more current or ex Baseball and Fastpitch players who see a competitive sport and a pipeline to international success.”

Results

Men: DNT vs.  Brewers 27 – 4
Coed: Team GB vs. Bats 25 – 6
Men: Brewers vs. DNT 5 – 24
Coed: Bats vs. Team GB 10- 27
Coed: Team GB vs. Bats 11 – 6
Men: DNT vs. Team GB 8 – 11
Coed: Bats vs. DNT 11 – 18
Coed: Bats vs. Team GB 4 – 11
Coed: Team GB vs. DNT 15 – 8
Coed: Bats vs. DNT 7 – 18

The 2017 season will definitely be the toughest season in the history of the ESSL because more top teams entered the league and other teams combined to be a stronger competitor. However, if you want to be the ESSL champion there will be no way around than winning against the double ESSL champion Guzzlers.

Let’s have a closer look at the teams of the ESSL 2017 season.

BeBe Kidz,  Germany
The team from Germany enters the ESSL for the first time. As the level of slowpitch in the ESSL is really high they will need some time to adopt their game to it. However, the BeBe Kidz have an interesting roster that includes some Czech national team players that already played for the Grizzlies in the Supercup.

Bulldogs,  Slovenia
The Bulldogs from Slovenia managed to improve their roster by adding some Austrian and US players. The team never gives up and has a lot of fun on the field. They are very strong in the middle but they miss some power at the corners.  But after the 2016 season the Bulldogs are back to climb up the league standings like they did in 2014.

DNT,  Netherlands
This is the team to watch. They already showed their talent at the Supercup when they only lost the game against the vice champion Brovaria by one run.  Their chances to be the first European ESSL champion are very high, especially, by having the last ESSL tournament in Almere, Netherlands. Will the European power house surprise everybody in their first year?

D.R.,  Dominican Republic
A new strong contender in the ESSL. The team is a combination of former Los Coyotes, Titanes and Buffalo players. This season they will focus on finding the right mixture in their team. As we know the Dominican spirit, we know that they are on the field to win. If they find their mojo they will be difficult to beat.

Dream Team,  Slovenia
The best European ESSL team 2016 wants to know it this year. The Dream Team is a well-respected team and is well-known for its consistent development of their playing level. For them the future is bright because they also have a good chance to be the ESSL champion one day.

Eagles,  USA
Last year they were so close to win the ESSL. At the end they won the silver medal in the league and the bronze medal at the Supercup. If they manage to stay focused the whole season they will definitely be a championship contender for the ESSL this year. It’s a well-coached team and you never know when they explode on the field by hitting some bombs.

Guzzlers,  USA
The reigning ESSL champion will try to win it a third time after 2014 and 2016. This team is definitely hard to beat because they never give up. Even if you think they are on a losing track they will still find a way to free themselves and to win it at the end. So, if you want to win the ESSL you have to pass the Guzzlers.

At the end will they Dutch follow in the footsteps of their baseball team and surprise everybody? To see the answer watch the games live: http://live.softballeurope.com

Photo © Hans Jansen de Vries