Sports

MIAA champion Hope College to play in Prague

Thursday, June 14, 2007 9:56 AM EDT

HOLLAND - The MIAA champion Hope College baseball team will compete in a tournament in the Czech Republic the last week of June.

The Flying Dutchmen will join teams from Australia, the Czech Republic, Russia, Slovakia and Sweden in the 26th annual "Prague Baseball Week" tournament from June 26-30.

Dowagiac junior Rich Burling is a member of the Flying Dutchmen baseball team.

There's a thriving baseball scene in the Czech Republic, with interest in the sport dating back to Communist times.

Today, there are two leagues and a national team, which has beaten some of Europe's top clubs. The home of baseball in Prague is the southern district of Krc - where the country's top extra-league team Sokol Krc as well as the national team is based.

This will be the first international trip for a Hope baseball team.

This spring, the Flying Dutchmen won the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) championship and competed in the NCAA Division III championships. Coach Stu Fritz's squad will include members of the 2007 team.

The tournament will begin with pool play. After beginning with an exhibition game against Sweden, Hope's first tournament opponent will be against Moscow, Russia.

Others teams in Hope's pool are from the Cezch Republic and Slovakia. Teams will play up to six games over the five days.

A year ago, the U.S.A. New England All-stars defeated a team from France 9-4 in the championship game. ESPN recently included the Prague Baseball Week among its top ten baseball experiences.

A unique feature of the tournament is that only wooden bats may be used.

In addition to the tournament, the playes and coaches will have several opportunities to tour historic Prague. They will also conduct a service project during their stay.

Baseball joins a growing list of Hope athletic teams embarking on international experiences. Others have included men's and women's basketball, women's and men's soccer, men's golf, volleyball and softball.

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