Tereza Stejspalová: It was great to show that women can also play quality baseball

The best European teams met in Hluboká nad Vltavou in the middle of August to determine which one will be crowned European champion. It was the first time in the history this tournament took place on Czech soil and only the third time it took place anywhere in Europe. After a great second place in 2022, Czech had the highest of ambition and a with plenty of youth in their roster there reached finals again, where they unfortunately lost to the Great Britain.

One of the outstanding played for the Czech team was Tereza Stejspalová who had plenty of baseball left after the championship. Almost immediately after the finals she travelled to USA for WPBL tryout and this weekend she travels, along with the Czech Blind baseball national team to Italian Nettuno. But she also spared some time to answer our question and so we got a chance to ask what was it like to go through all of this.

Fans know you as a national baseball team player, but can you tell us where do you normally play?

Beside the national team, I currently don’t play baseball anywhere. I play for Eagles Praha softball team.

Championship at Hluboká wasn’t your first one, can you tell us how did the level of the Czech team and your opponents changed from three years ago?

The level of women’s baseball in Europe improved immensely. During the previous edition of the championship, where this category was in its infancy, all teams struggled with rules and mainly with the long distances, since most of the players came from softball. Since that championship Great Britain and France developed their women’s baseball leagues and you could tell from the opponents‘ level. Czech baseball also improved, we added a lot of young players, which went through youth baseball. Team worked together better, since we had more time to prepare. Along with the great atmosphere that fans created for us, I can tell it was great baseball.

Can you describe your preparation for the European championship? Be it individual, or the team one.

Team preparation was realized through monthly sessions which we had during weekends, where we focused on team-work and communication. We also played some friendly games with boys U15 teams. Furthermore, I trained and played with softball Eagles Praha, where we trained before the European championship with baseballs. Individually we trained with my teammates.

Czechs were close to the win in the finals and a chance to represent Europe in the World cup. How did you feel during the game? What was it like to play in front of a home crowd?

It was a great game, close till the end. We fought for the lead with Brits in every inning. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be, after winning in the group stage we had big ambitions. Saturday’s postponed game also played a role. The home crowd was great, they created an amazing atmosphere and supported as till the end. It was great to show that women can also play quality baseball.

You won the Best Offensive Player at the championship. How did you feel getting the award?

When I received award I still fought the emotions after the tight final, so I didn’t pay it much attention. It all came to me on my way home, it was a great accomplishment.

Which of the games was the most difficult for you?

Mentally, the most difficult was the wait for the first game, we didn’t know what the opponents will be like at all, how the levels of baseball improved. We didn’t know what to expect.

Do you see a change in how people in the Czech Republic see women’s baseball after the great second place from Montpellier?

I would say the change will come after the championship in Hluboká, where the home crowd got a chance to see women’s baseball in action. We also had a great advertisement at the social networks.

You also took part in Women’s Baseball Professional League this year, which will take place in USA. Compared to the other continents Europe had relatively few players there. How did the idea of signing up came to be and what was the tryout like?

The idea started to come together in winter, where the information about the league reached me. I wanted to see the level of women’s baseball in the world and this was a great opportunity. Tryout was a great experience, I got to meet a lot of new people and discover how women’s baseball goes in the world. It also motivated me and showed me that I really love baseball and I want to play more of it.

You are also a founder of Blind Baseball in the Czech Republic. Can you tell us how it all started and what are your plans for the near future?

The project started as a part of my bachelor thesis, we gradually started to work with Czech Baseball Association and Italian Baseball Association of Blind Baseball and we formed a team. We already organized a clinic with experienced coaches from Italy and they shared a lot of experience with us. In October we travel to European championship, so we actively prepare the team for it.

We will hope that the development of women’s baseball in the country will actively continue after the successful tournament. One of the options for the young players is the Diamond Queens project, started by Milujeme Baseball, where girls aged 6 to 15 can sign.

European Blind Baseball championship will also take place in Nettuno between 3rd and 5th of October and Czechs will be one of the five teams to fight for the title. Czechs will play their first game at 12 against the Great Britain and you cane follow the entire event at the official page.

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