Back home, or Schneider is Skokan again
Martin Schneider, a professional fireman, one of the most renown and successful Czech baseballers will play in Olomouc this season. Schneider grew up playing for Skokani, he then moved to Draci Brno in 2007 where he won a number of Extraliga titles and became a core player in the national team. For thirteen years fans could see “Omar” (the nickname under which he’s known to a wide baseball public-author’s note) in black jersey, but this season he is coming back home.
How are you planning to play for Draci and Skokani this season?
I will play the regular season for Skokani. Then I should play potential play-off games in Brno. This is mainly to get ready for European Championship in Italy. But if we play well here and there would be a chance to get to Extraliga, I will consider staying here for the promotion games. But I will decide based on the situation.
What was your reason for coming back?
It was definitely because of my family. The whole family is here and we are building a house, so it’s back to the roots for me. Furthermore, I grew up with Skokani and there’s a lot of people to whom I owe for who I grew up to be. As a man and as a baseballer. That’s why I want to pay it back, to the club where I started. Both as a player and as a coach.
You played in Draci Brno for a long time. How do you rate your time there?
After Skokani gave me a solid start, 13 years in Draci helped me to get to the level, where I could play against the best teams in Europe, I could be a part of the national team and play against world-class players. They gave me a chance to experience many baseball and other moments and I will always remember them. Mostly, however, I gained a huge number of friends, who I believe will remain till the end of my life and to whom I can rely on, who are like a family to me. And I have to thank them for that.
What’s your greatest achievement for the national team?
Unfortunately, until there’s a medal around my neck from some huge championship, me, nor the rest of the team can speak of achievements. Because I know we have what it takes. But there’s a lot of small, partial successes. We won against Netherlands and Italy, two top European teams, several times. We were the only ones to beat Isreal in Olympic qualifications, the team full of professional players from USA. We were one out from the bronze medal during European Championship. We played close games during World Baseball Classic against top teams with players from MLB in front of tens of thousands of spectators. For me personally any game where I played and I helped my team to win was a success. Although people who know me are aware that I’m never happy with myself.
What will be your role in Skokani?
Only time will tell.
As a player, I want to help the team to win, as long as I can contribute. I hope I can share my experience with younger players. I certainly have a plan that I want to propose to the managment of the club, as far as the youth development goes and for the unification of the coach development. I hope baseball will gain more support in Olomouc and that we will be able to get back where this traditional club belongs.
You are one of the faces for Inbetween project (project, which aims to show players in thier professional life-author’s note). How do you combine work with the baseball at the top level?
Sometimes it is difficult. I have family that always supported me and cheered for me, so from this point of view, it was easy and I am greatful for that. Unfortunately, I work in shifts, so I can’t play a lot of games during the season. But I was able to take vacation for the important games in the season or tournaments so that I could focus fully on my performance. Draci made their peace with my situation and they know I can’t play for them in the regular season, but they also know I will be back and ready afterwards. And I dare to say it will be the same in Skokani!
We will be able to see Omar in Olomouc mainly in the home games. Olomouc grown player will finish the season in Draci, but afterwards he will be playing fully for Skokani. Fans can look forward to Czech internation and a great shortstop.
Skokani OLÉÉÉ!!!
