MALTA SURPRISES EUROPE AT THE EUROPEAN QUALIFIERS

Malta has just returned from the Baseball European Qualifiers where the tiny island’s representatives surprised Europe during their first international appearance ever. Fourth place is not unusual for a newcomer, but Malta progressed steadily during the Qualifiers held in Antwerp, Belgium. Team Malta faced favorites Belgium, Austria and Switzerland, in a rainy qualifier, forcing some games to be rescheduled. Malta’s handicap was that only twelve ballplayers could make the trip to Belgium, limiting manager Ray Bartolo’s depth in the line-up and pitching staff. Still, Malta played very enthusiastically and was impressive during the last two games. Malta’s best performance was during the 3rd place decider against the Swiss, having young Michael Bartolo on the mound. Malta collapsed only during the 8th inning, allowing the Swiss to score four runs to make it 12 – 6. During the Awards Ceremony held after the Qualifying Decider between Belgium and Austria, Malta was awarded the Sportsmanship Award, for its enthusiasm and perseverance. Team Malta was lead by veteran catcher Keith Bartolo, whose 6-for-12 performance was the second best of the tournament. He was also among the tournament’s leaders in many other offensive categories. Outfielder Clint Grima also took home a well-deserved trophy, after leading the tournament in stolen bases. Malta’s young talent should definitely blossom after this experience, as three-fourths of the team is still young and under the age of 25. The team’s performance was the perfect way of how showing MABS’ recent development.

First European Championship for Maltese National Baseball Team

The Baseball National team will be participating in the CEB (Confederation of European Baseball) Division Championship held in Antwerp, Belgium between the 9 July and 12th July 2008.
Newly appointed National coach Ray Bartolo called up the following players: Mustangs-Steve Ritchie, Mark Buttigieg and Patrick Pace; Gozo Tornadoes- Charles Attard, Steven Galea, and Mark Buttigieg; Mellieha Northenders- Mark Cauchi , Marlon Borg and Clint Grima; Jeka Baseball Club Breda Holland– Keith Bartolo and Michael Bartolo.
In this European qualifier Malta was drawn with Switzerland, Austria and Belgium.
This will be the first European Qualifier for the Senior Malta team, though the Under 21 team did participate in a European Championship two years ago. Seven players from that Under 21 team are included in this team.
This will also be the first time a Maltese Baseball Umpire will be taking part in a European Competition. Chuck Micallef will be Malta's official in his first Baseball official to umpire in an International tournament.