From BR Bullpen
| 2006 Haarlemse Honkbalweek
|
The 2006 Haarlemse Honkbalweek was the twenty-third edition of the Haarlemse Honkbalweek, held every two years. It was held from July 21 to July 30, 2006 in Haarlem, Noord-Holland. Five teams competed in the tournament and the tournament was won by Netherlands.
[edit] Competing teams
The following teams participated in the tournament:
| Team | Nation | Previous appearances
|
| China |  China | none
|
| Chinese Taipei |  Chinese Taipei | 1984, 1988, 1990, 2000, 2002, 2004
|
| Cuba |  Cuba | 1972, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004
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| Japan |  Japan | 1978, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004
|
| Netherlands |  Netherlands | 1961, 1963, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004
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| United States |  United States | 1982, 2000, 2002
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[edit] Game results
[edit] Preliminary round
Cuba got off to a strong start, knocking out three-time Olympian and four-time Hoofdklasse Pitcher of the Year Rob Cordemans in the first inning and scoring four runs. They made it 6-0 in the third but gave up five in the bottom of the third to make it a contest. In the fourth, the Dutch scored twice for a 7-6 lead, which they would hold. The winning hit was delivered by C Sidney de Jong, who singled in 1B Percy Isenia and CF Eugene Kingsale. Cuba failed to score in the final six innings against strong relief work from Michiel van Kampen and Dave Draijer, who combined to allow four hits and two walks. The Dutch tacked on a couple insurance runs in the 6th and 7th to lock it up. In the finale, Kingsale (2 for 3, 3 R, RBI) and De Jong (2 for 5, 4 RBI, R) led the Netherlands offense, which had five of their players hit doubles.
[edit] Final rankings
[edit] Awards
The following awards were handed out:
[edit] Team summaries
- China was making its first appearance in Haarlem Baseball Week competition. Managed by Jim Lefebvre, they tied for last but managed one win, not bad for a first show. They were outscored 34-8. 3B Wei Sun (.312/.353/.438) led the offense while Jiangang Lu (1-1, 3.46) was the top pitcher.
- Chinese Taipei was managed by Chih-Shien Yeh and tied China for last place, their one win coming against the USA in the opener. Their 7-13 run differential was much better than China's thanks to the best pitching of the tourney. CF Chen-Yu Chung (.294/.400/.353) was the top hitter while three hurlers had ERAs under 1.50 in 8+ innings of work.
- Cuba had won four of their nine prior Haarlem Baseball Week appearances and did not lose until the finals. Managed by Antonio Pacheco, the Cubans did not boast the presence of their top national team players for this tournament but sent their best team in years. OF Yoandry Urgelles (.800/.818/1.200) and OF Yoennis Cespedes (.481/.481/.741) paced the charge, which outscored opponents 38-22. Maikel Foch (0-0, 1.42) was the top pitcher.
- A three-time former champion, Japan's roster was composed of players from the industrial leagues. Hiroaki Takahashi served as the manager of the club, which scored 23 and allowed 15. OF Toshihiro Nakao (.545/.615/.909) was the top batter while Shoji Saeki (1-0, 1.42) was their most effective moundsman.
- The Dutch roster was similar to that of their team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. Managed by Robert Eenhoorn, the 2006 Haarlem Baseball Week champs was led by 2005 Hoofdklasse MVP Dirk van 't Klooster (.500/.500/.571), 4-time Pitcher of the Year Rob Cordemans (0-0, 6.14), 2006 Hoofdklasse MVP Tjerk Smeets (0 for 2) and 2006 Pitcher of the Year Diegomar Markwell (2-0, 2.77). Former MVP Sidney de Jong (.320/.393/.600), former Haarlem Baseball Week MVP Johnny Balentina (.200/.200/.200) and ex-major-leaguers Eugene Kingsale (.476/.621/.667, 12 R) and Ivanon Coffie (.176/.391/.412) also were on the club. Bryan Engelhardt (.444/.565/1.000) led the tournament with 3 HR. They had a 55-28 edge in runs as they led the tournament in offensive output. Dave Draijer (0 R in 5 2/3 IP, 3 saves) was the closer for the Netherlands. The home team won just their second Haarlem Baseball Week, but their second in a row.
- The American team was not a notable assortment. They were outscored 36-16. 3B Ricky Reavis (.429/.455/.524) and OF Scott Santschi (.417/.500/.417) were the top hitters for the USA. Nick Cebula (0-1, 4.26) was the only starter to allow under a run per inning; Josh Keller (0-1, 1.54) and Ian Harrington (0-1, 1.42) had lower ERAs but gave up a slew of unearned tallies.
China
Chinese Taipei
Cuba
Japan
Netherlands
United States
