Martin Cervenka is one of the few European players who can state he had a professional baseball career. He signed in 2009 for the Cleveland Indians. He was still in high school and participated in Extended Spring Training in 2009 and 2010, finally making his professional debut in the 2011 season.
The 31-year-old, who celebrates his birthday on 8 March, appeared in 617 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) games for the Indians and the Baltimore Orioles through the 2021 season, including 84 at Triple-A. He started 462 games at catcher. In 2018, he hit 15 home runs at the Double-A level.
Cervenka is one of four Czech Players (together with pitcher Martin Schneider, infielder Martin Muzik and outfielder Marek Chlup) on Team Europe's roster for the Global Baseball Games, the CARNEXT SAMURAI JAPAN SERIES, scheduled for 6 and 7 March in Osaka, Japan.
"Thanks to professional baseball and all the years I played in the US, I have a different level of experience. They don't look at me as someone different because the level of talent on the Czech National Team is high. The young only need more opportunities and playing time, and they will do better than I did."
Cervenka has played baseball since a very young age.
"My dad was a coach. He grew up playing softball and baseball. My older brother and I grew up around the game."
One day the Cleveland Indians approached him.
"They made a dream come true. Just getting the offer made me really proud. The Indians let me finish high school and gave me an opportunity. I'm grateful for that."
Playing professional baseball is not for everybody. How did you succeed in building a solid career?
"I've always loved baseball. I never looked at it as a hard job. I loved playing every day and working out, and to this day, I enjoy everything related to the game. It is mentally hard to stay focused every day, but for me, the love for the game helped me enjoy every moment of it. I even enjoyed the struggles because they are part of the game."
Czechia surprised the world qualifying for the 2023 World Baseball Classic and becoming a fan favourite in Japan.
"One of the biggest moments in Czech baseball history was the World Baseball Classic Qualifier in Regensburg, [Germany]. We knew we had good talent, and it was just a matter of coming together. Everything we did came in our favour. We performed at 100%. When we beat China in the World Baseball Classic, it was big also. It qualified us for the next edition, that's big for Czech Baseball. In Tokyo, we really appreciated the support of the fans. Showing the world we can compete against the best made us proud."
In the 2015 Global Baseball Games series, Czechia had just one player on the roster, first baseman Jakub Sladek, who also had professional experience (Philadelphia Phillies). This time there are four of you and National Team Manager Pavel Chadim on the coaching staff.
"To be honest, I have nothing to do with assembling the roster, but I think there could have been more Czech players in 2015. In the last couple of years, we have shown we are one of the best teams in Europe and can compete on the world stage. Czechia is more baseball-aware now, and I hope this can attract more young people. Baseball gives a lot of opportunities to travel and know the world better."
What do you expect from the two games in Osaka?
"I took a look at Japan's roster, and they look like an outstanding team. At the same time, we have a lot of players with Minor League experience and a few guys with Major League playing time. We are an experienced side. You are going to see good baseball and competitive games in Osaka. I expect to go out there and do our best. If we put on the field a 100% effort, we will be happy, whatever the result."
How do you see your baseball life in the future?
"That's a good question. The next World Baseball Classic, 2026, I think. I hope by the time I'm still at the level to make the National Team. I will be 32 this year, and I still enjoy playing. It's harder since I have a regular job, and I want to make sure I can manage my tune to give 100% effort on the field. I want to play as long as I can, as long as I can compete, but for sure, you will see me on the field the next two or three years."
