Discover Where to Catch Exciting Baseball Action from the Netherlands to Italy and Beyond
European Baseball may not be the first sport that comes to mind when considering Europe, but the continent has a budding love for America’s pastime. Across cities in the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, and beyond, dedicated teams and enthusiastic fans gather to celebrate the game. From the historic clubs in the Netherlands to rising talent in Italy and Germany, these locations offer a unique glimpse into the vibrant world of European professional baseball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the sport’s international reach, here are some of the best places to catch pro baseball in Europe.
Pro baseball is less widespread in Europe than in the U.S., but there are still some great places to catch a game. Here are a few spots where you can enjoy professional baseball in Europe:
Haarlem, Netherlands
Team: Haarlem Baseball Week
Venue: Pim Mulier Stadium
Highlight: Haarlem Baseball Week is an international baseball tournament held every two years, featuring top teams worldwide.
Bologna, Italy
Team: Fortitudo Baseball Bologna
Venue: Gianni Falchi Stadium
Highlight: Fortitudo is one of the top teams in Italy’s Serie A1 baseball league and has a strong fanbase.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Team: Amsterdam Pirates
Venue: Loek Loevendie Ballpark
Highlight: The Amsterdam Pirates are one of the leading teams in the Dutch Hoofdklasse, the country’s top baseball league.
Parma, Italy
Team: Parma Baseball Club
Venue: Nino Cavalli Stadium
Highlight: Parma has a rich baseball tradition, with multiple championships in Italy’s top league.
Regensburg, Germany
Team: Buchbinder Legionäre
Venue: Armin-Wolf-Arena
Highlight: The Buchbinder Legionäre is one of the most successful teams in the Bundesliga, Germany’s top baseball league.
Barcelona, Spain
Team: CB Barcelona
Venue: Estadio Pérez de Rozas
Highlight: CB Barcelona is a key team in Spain’s División de Honor, the highest level of baseball in Spain.
Rouen, France
Team: Rouen Huskies
Venue: Stade Saint-Exupéry
Highlight: The Rouen Huskies have dominated French baseball, winning multiple championships in the French Elite League.
Brasschaat, Belgium
Team: Brasschaat Braves
Venue: Cerreveld Baseball Stadium
Highlight: The Brasschaat Braves are a prominent team in Belgium’s top baseball league, offering a great local baseball experience.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Team: Curaçao Neptunus
Venue: Neptunus Familiestadion
Highlight: Curaçao Neptunus is one of Europe’s most successful baseball clubs, consistently competing for titles in the Hoofdklasse.
These locations offer a chance to experience baseball in a European context, where the sport grows and develops a passionate fan base.
Did you know?
One interesting fact about European baseball is that the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany each host unique international tournaments. For instance, Haarlem Baseball Week in the Netherlands isn’t just a local event but an international competition featuring teams from around the globe. Similarly, Italy’s Serie A1 baseball league, where teams like Fortitudo Baseball Bologna and Parma Baseball Club compete, is known for attracting top talent across Europe and the Americas. These tournaments and leagues help elevate the sport’s profile and foster international connections within the baseball community.
A little history:
Baseball in Europe has a rich history, reflecting the sport’s gradual growth and adaptation outside its American origins.
Early Beginnings: Baseball was introduced to Europe in the late 19th century. British expatriates and American soldiers stationed in Europe played a role in this. The first recorded game in Europe occurred in Paris in 1872, organized by American diplomats.
Establishment of Leagues: The early 20th century saw the formation of organized leagues. The Netherlands was among the first to establish a formal baseball league, the Hoofdklasse, in 1922. Italy followed the Italian Baseball League (Serie A) in the 1940s. These leagues became the foundation for European baseball, fostering local talent and introducing the sport to broader audiences.
International Growth: Post-World War II, European baseball expanded further by establishing the European Baseball Confederation (now known as the Confederation of European Baseball) in 1953. This organization helped coordinate competitions and promote the sport across the continent. Tournaments like the Haarlem Baseball Week, which started in 1961, became important international events, showcasing top teams and fostering cross-cultural exchange.
Modern Era: European baseball continues to grow, with increasing investment in youth development and national leagues. Countries like the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany have established themselves as key players in the European baseball scene, regularly competing in international tournaments and sending players to professional leagues in the U.S. and Japan.
