The presence of the 40 heroes of the four decades highlighted the night. The gala event was onboard the Silja Europa ferry boat. A video message by WBSC President Fraccari opened the night.
The Finnish Baseball and Softball Federation (FBSF) celebrated 40 years of baseball in the country during a gala hosted by the Federation's sponsor Tallink onboard the Silja Europa ferry boat.
A video message by WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari opened the gala. Fraccari acknowledged the launch of the new Baseball Finnish Superleague, scheduled for the summer of 2022.
Gabriel Waage attended the event on behalf of WBSC Europe and applauded the presentation of the Finnish Softball National Team programme.
During the ceremony, FBSF presented awards medals by the Minister of Culture and Education to Terho Tiilikainen (Puumat Helsinki), Mika Rarjanen (FBSF Umpire) and Simopekka Vänskä (Lahti Pirates).
The Finnish Baseball Hall of Fame inducted two new members: Veli-Pekka Häkkinen, a former National Team catcher, became member number five. Timo Tiihonen, former National Team pitcher and current umpire, became member number six.
After the induction ceremony, FBSF mourned the passing of member number two Clarence Taylor, the first National Team manager.
The highlight of the gala was when FBSF called to the podium the 40 key people of the last four decades. The moment was named 40 Years 40 Heroes.
