TOP 5 of Czech Baseball in 2022

Same as every year we take a look at the events of the previous season. Naturally, this is our personal opinion and we will be happy to hear yours.

5. Keeping 2 Spots in Champions Cup

For the first time since only 8 teams played Champions Cup, Czech baseball had two teams in the mix, with Arrows Ostrava, and Draci Brno both aiming to keep their spots. However, after the group stage, the things looked bleak as neither of the teams was able to get a win and both entered the elimination stage from the last spot. Fortunately, the most important games were played well. First, Arrows defeated Heidenheim 8-7 in a dramatic matchup, for Draci to show grit only a few hours later, to beat Dutch Neptunus 12-6. Since Cup format doesn’t change in 2023, we can look forward to two Extraliga teams playing the competition next year. This time, it should once again be Draci and Arrows.

4. Women’s Silver in Europe

Czech women’s baseball achieved their best result to date, despite having a short history, as they were able to get their second medal in two European Championships. After winning bronze in 2019, finishing third from three, leaving a lot to be desired, Czech performance walked a mile this year. Furthermore, with Great Britain entering the mix this year, the medal was far from given. Czechs entered the tournament with a 10-27 loss against the newcomers from the Great Britain, but the following day they looked like a whole new team. First, they beat the reigning champions from France 11-9, for them to get the spot in the finals after beating Netherlands in a blow-out win 24-9 the following day. Unfortunately, Czechs were unable to repeat their win in the finals against France, and they left with silver medals. It is little surprise CBA decided to keep working with the head coach Richard Kania following 2023 season.

3. Success of U-12 Team

Czech U-12 team had a couple of tops this year, both in European Championship and World Cup. At the beginning of July, in nearby Vienna, the young players managed to get to the finals. They were only one out from the gold in an epic battle against Germany that lasted 9 innings. Unfortunately, their opponent was able to take the game back on their side with a single hit and Czechs had to settle with silver. A few weeks later, the youngers got to compete in a postponed World Cup in Taiwan. They were unable to win a game in an incredibly difficult group. However, the team beat Italy and South Africa in the placement group. Furthermore, they played a close game against Panama, finishing 9th.

2. Bronze at Home Tournament for Juniors

U-18 European Championship was hosted by Czech Republic for the first time in seven years, and the goal of the team was to get a medal. Czechs showed it’s not a unreasonable goal in the group stage, after their excellent performance caught an eye of the public, since they entered the elimination with 5 wins and no losses. Many fans were secretly whispering about a historical first; a gold medal. However, one unlucky inning in the semifinal against Netherlands sent Czechs to fight for bronze. They had a tough opponent to face in Italy, too. But Czechs showed no fear and after winning 4-2 they won bronze.

1. World Baseball Classic Qualification

The first place in our ranking is surprise to few. September saw Czechs to qualify for World Baseball Classic. And all despite so many things not going right for the team. Eric Sogard, who was supposed to be the main star of the team, had to skip the qualification in Germany due to injury. Czech manager Pavel Chadim discovered, close to the start of the tournament, that MLB would not allow him to add Jeff Barto and Ryan Johnson to the lineup. The entrance to the tournament, was, a catastrophe from Czech point of view, after they lost to Spain and move to loser bracket. Any loss would now mean the end of Czech dream. However, the team then won against France and Germany, and suddenly Czechs were only a step away from reaching the main tournament. But to do so, they needed to beat a team full of professional that already beat them – Spain. And sensation in making came to a happy end as Czechs took 3-1 win. The small country will big dream can now prepare for the greatest tournament in their history