America to the rescue of French baseball

French baseball is writing one of the most exciting pages in its history. Bruce Bochy, an essential figure in American baseball, will lead the Blues in their quest for a qualification for the 2021 World Baseball Classic. This former player, manager of the Padres of San Diego and then of the San Francisco Giants between 2007 and 2019, has more than 2000 victories under his belt. And it was he who led the Giants to consecration by winning the prestigious World Series 2010, 2012 and 2014. A myth for all fans.

"Working with someone of Bochy's caliber is a unique experience. We are the 25th nation in the world, which is to say that it does not weigh much! With him at the head of the team, we can hope to exist on the international scene and enter a new dimension. I want to believe in the success story! Says Didier Seminet, President of the French Baseball and Softball Federation.

How can you not believe it when the legend Bruce Bochy endorses the tricolor colors? His choice is surprising, but signs for the 64-year-old American back to basics. Born in Landes de Boussac, Charente-Maritime, while his father, an army sergeant, was stationed in the region, he has always had a special relationship with France. Today, his whole family accompanies him: "II was born in France, my son Brett is eligible to play with the team and my brother Joe, will help me in coaching. The Bochy family as a whole will support French baseball Explains the manager.

A golden opportunity to draw attention to this little-known sport in France, where there are less than 15,000 licensees. " It's cultural "Affirms the president of the Federation. " In France, there is not a child who has not kicked the ball and in the USA, not one who has not touched a glove! The French are used to sports left / right and baseball jostles because it is clockwise / anti-clockwise and you do not score points when you have the ball. "

Didier Seminet therefore savored the original spotlight offered by Bruce Bochy. " It's fantastic ! It shows that we exist. His contacts and experience open the doors. On develops more effective commercial partnerships and links. We have better credibility to attract players, especially French people living in the United States. It is essential that they know that they can represent their nation in international competitions. "

To convince Bruce Bochy, no big check or amazing contract. " We were lucky to meet him thanks to the privileged connections of one of our photographers with the Giants and I announced the color: no money, but a national team, which is more important than a club. He replied that he would ask his wife! I thought it was his way of refusing … "Says President Seminet. When he meets him a few months later, Bruce Bochy does not recognize him. But after an exchange with a coach, he ends up inviting him into his office. They don't speak baseball, but wines. And at the end of their conversation, he announces: " I will be there ".

Bruce Bochy will explain later having thought for a moment about his post-career with the Giants and wanting to stay involved. " I want to give back to baseball what he gave me. Managing France is a perfect example of how I can help develop the practice "He specifies. And Didier Seminet added: " I believe that his motivation is also to accompany his son in this new stage ".

The rest of Bruce Bochy's story will therefore be with that of the French team. And the latter intends to extend the success of his idol. "We set the obligation to win. We want him to be proud of us. We want to get a title and the emotions that go with it…Admits Didier Seminet. To find out how events will turn out, go next March for the first World Classic qualifier games in Tucson, Arizona.