A PART OF GOZO IN BELGIUM 

The seven members of the Gozo Tornadoes are back, and all have a lot of positive things to talk about.  The experience in Belgium has definitely increased the morale of these players, as this high-competitive tournament was what these players needed in order to improve their playing skills.  

Charles Attard was this year's full-time pitcher, as he started game 2 vs Team France, and came into relief for the remaining games.  Although he pitched well as a starting pitcher against France, Charles did very well as a reliever for Malta.  Attard might be the future set-up reliever for Malta, where he proved that he could do the job well during this tournament.  And that concludes a great pitching season for Charles.

Mark Buttigieg, who started off as a bench player five years ago with Gozo, has now became the number one outfielder of the country.  His defensive abilities has saved a lot of runs during this tournament, and he also managed to get a hit, which not a lot of Maltese players managed to do so.  Mark also did a terrific diving catch during game 3.  Buttigieg is definitely the best centerfielder Malta has ever seen.  

Shaun Chircop was one of the most interesting rookies of the 2003 season, and that's why coach Dennis Catania took him along with him to Belgium.  Chircop had some playing time in this tournament, but not enough time to excel.  He also played some outfield in this tournament, where he did a couple of good running catches. Shaun will definitely become one of the best hitting catchers in the near future.

Steve Ellis once again was considered as one of the best defensive players of Malta during international games.  Steve caught a massive amount of innings, where he handled Jeff Tabone, Charles Attard and Marlon Borg.  His ability to handle these pitchers and his crafty glove work has helped Malta tremendously during this tournament.  This die-hard player was the backbone of this team for more than two years, and he definitely has more years to come.

Finally, Steven Galea got what he deserved, being part of the Malta's regular infield.  Every season, Galea has improved his defensive skills, and that is why Catania gave him the go-ahead to play on third for Malta.  Galea also managed to play most of the innings in this tournament.  The 2003 NLCS hero is now ready for more action on third.

Silvio Sultana is back.  After missing one and a half seasons, Sultana made it for the Belgian Open, and will now consider making a comeback for Gozo next year.  Sultana has developed himself into a solid outfielder during the last couple of months, and he proved it in the tournament.  He had some action in left and right field in all games.  Although he didn't managed to get a hit, Silvio has hit the ball hard, especially against the US Athletes.  Gozo will now welcome the former .500 clean-up hitter for the 2004 season.  

Jeff Tabone performed very well during this tournament, although he still didn't manage to get a win in a Malta jersey.  The number one pitcher definitely deserved better support when he was pitching, especially in the first game vs the US Athletes.  The Gozo captain was the only Maltese pitcher to start two games during this tournament, and also pitched the most innings.  He also did a brilliant job in the infield, as his defensive plays were an asset for team Malta's performance.

(Official GT Report - 09/08/03)        

Malta Baseball Team 'plays ball' 

On Thursday, July 3, at 10.05 a.m., the Australian umpire yelled out 'play ball' signaling the start of the game between Team Malta and USA Athletes.

This game was a first of a variety of sorts - the first of the 2003 Belgian Baseball Open, the first time Team Malta faced other international competition, and the first participation of Team Malta in a Confederation of European Baseball recognized competition.

The team showed a lot of heart and soul on that day. Jeff Tabone, the starting pitcher, led Malta out on to the field keeping the score close for the first six innings. Up to this point the score read 3-0 in favor of USA Athletes.

This in itself was quite an achievement for the Maltese. If only they could have got their offence going it could have put some pressure on their rivals who went on to shut out the Maltese team.

In the second game, Malta faced eventual tournament winners - Team France. This side is ranked fourth in Europe, behind the Dutch, Italy and Germany. Team France used this tournament to prepare for the upcoming European A Championships and the Olympic qualifying competition.

Definitely it was a tough task for Malta. France had opened the tournament against USA Athletes posting a favorable 11-0 score line.

Malta, with Charles Attard pitching, quickly fell behind 6-0, in the first inning. The game ended on a close play at home. Marlon Borg hit a double down the right field line and Jeff Tabone, attempting to score from first base, was thrown out at home on a close play in the ninth inning. France vs Malta 12-1.

France went on to win all four games they played. In the final they beat Australian Provincial Team 11-2.

Malta figured in two more games in the relegation round, losing twice against host team Bogerhout Squirrels, an Antwerp-based top flight club in the Belgian League, and a re-match with USA Athletes for fifth place.

Final standings: 1. France won 4, lost 0; 2. Australian Provincial 3-1; 3. Belgium 3-2; 4. Bogerhout Squirrels 2-3; 5. US Athletes 2-2; 6. Malta 0-4.

On the score sheet Malta was beaten but the national team players significantly boosted their confidence ahead of next year's European B Championships.

Dennis Catania, the manager, explained that considering Maltese baseball is only 10 years old and all other organizations have been around for at least 50 years, the team was still in shape to compete admirably when faced with such opposition. His group's average age is 23 years.

"This baseball team has a bright future with a good chance of clinching good results with more experience," he said.

The national team, assisted by Air Malta, will now take a few weeks' rest before resuming training. The local baseball association is contemplating participation in competitions in Holland and Italy later this year.

Anyone interested in local baseball may visit website www.maltabaseball.org.mt or contact Steve Ellis on 7984-9060

(MABS PR - 09/08/03)