Jendrick Speer was named a few weeks ago as the new Senior and U-23 German Baseball National Team manager.
The 42-year-old understands pretty clearly how he can help the German national teams to improve. “ I want to pass on experience and knowledge of the game that I have learned and gained for the last 30 years on and off the baseball field from multiple successful coaches and situations that I have been in.”
The former national team player considers that it is “very important to have a good connection with the players and coaches from the youngest youth national team to the top. More good quality games have to be played and club baseball needs to improve in order to grow as the foundation and pool of talent.”
German Baseball and Softball Federation (DBV) president Juergen Elsishans considers a key part of his plan is to have a manager who is 100% committed to the national teams' program.
“For the DBV it was crucial that we find a German manager who is able to see the players all year long," Elsishans said. "As an active player, Jendrick Speer was a key part of our national team. We followed his progress as a coach in the last few years and are convinced that he is ready to take over the role as manager for our senior and U-23 national teams.”
Speer said that having the opportunity to manage the senior and U-23 is not just about teaching, but it is also about learning. “With this opportunity, I can learn more about the work of successful programs in Europe and around the world with the goal to strengthen German baseball for player development," Speer said. "The game on the international stage is played faster and with a lot of pride from each one for their own country.”
Every process has goals. Speer and Elsishans have a pretty clear idea of what they want to accomplish for the future.
“My goal as National Team manager is to improve the skill set for players and the overall game in order to produce more professional athletes and gain success. Improve the ranking of German baseball in the world and grow the fan base and recognition in our own country,” explained the new German manager.
For the DBV it was crucial that we find a German manager who is able to see the players all year long.
DBV President Juergen Elsishans
Big goals lead you to big results and Elsishans is conscious of it. “Our main goal as a national federation is to grow the sport of baseball and softball in Germany. With our national teams, we are always aiming for the podium during the European Championship. Ultimately we are vying to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games,” the DBV president said.
The next challenge for Germany, ranked No. 19 in the world, is the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup in July, having qualified as European champions.
