By Merv Moore
Sports Director & Head Baseball Coach
Whenever someone asks me about the difference between baseball in Switzerland and Bohol, I tell them it’s all connected by the same diamond dust. Having steered the Therwil Flyers back in the day, my heart still does a little jump when I see a box score from a familiar European league.
So, let’s hop across the pond and tip our caps to the teams that conquered their continents this year. From dramatic comebacks to dynastic rule, 2025 had it all. Grab a coffee, and let’s talk champions.
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Italy: A Comeback for the Ages
San Marino Baseball claimed the Italian title in a way that would give any coach gray hairs. In the decisive Game 4 of the Italian Baseball Series, they were staring down a 6-2 deficit in the ninth inning against Parma Clima. What followed was an incredible rally—a storybook, walk-off kind of inning that completed the series win and cemented another championship for the Titans. That’s the kind of magic you can’t coach; it just lives in a team’s bones.
Netherlands: A Pitcher’s Masterclass
In the Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse, the mighty Curaçao Neptunus added a 21st national title to their storied legacy. The star of the show was pitcher Tom de Blok, who was named MVP of the Lucky Day Holland Series. In the clinching Game 6, he delivered a masterful performance, sealing the win with a dominant 1-2-3 ninth inning. When your ace is dealing like that on the biggest stage, it’s no wonder the trophy ends up back in Rotterdam.
Germany: Extra-Inning Grit
The Heidenheim Heideköpfe etched their name on the trophy for the eighth time in club history, but they had to fight for every inch. They edged out a tough Regensburg Legionäre team in a championship final that went to extra innings. Winning a title is hard. Winning a nail-biter in extras? That takes a special blend of skill, stamina, and sheer will.
Czech Republic: A Dragon’ Dynasty
Some things in European baseball are as reliable as a Prague clock. One of them is Draci Brno finding a way to win. They swept their city rivals, Hrochi Brno, 4-0 in the Czech Series to claim an almost unimaginable 26th national championship. The finals were defined by brilliant pitching, led by starter Aliangel Lopez, and timely hitting from players like José Colina. They’re not just a team; they’re an institution.
Spain: The Perfect Triple
While we’re building something new in Bohol, the Tenerife Marlins were busy completing a legendary season in Spain. They didn’t just win the national championship (LNBDH Oro); they conquered all before them. The Marlins completed a historic triple crown in 2025, adding the Copa de SM El Rey and another title to their haul. An utterly dominant year from the Canary Islands.
Slovakia: A New Chapter in a Classic Rivalry
Over in Slovakia, Apollo Bratislava continues to be the gold standard. They defeated the Angels Trnava to secure their 14th national title—and their 12th in a row. That’s pure dominance. A standout was Riley Moore, who starred both at the plate and on the mound to close out the clinching game. (No relation, but with a name like that, how could I not cheer?)
Austria: Ducks in a Row
The Diving Ducks from Wiener Neustadt are building their own dynasty in Austria. In 2025, they won the Baseball Bundesliga final for the third consecutive year and the fourth time in five years. This season, they did it by defeating the Dornbirn Indians, a fresh opponent in the finals, proving they can adapt and conquer any challenge.
Belgium: Braves New World
In Belgium, the Brasschaat Braves are the new kings. They won a tight, back-and-forth final series against the Borgerhout Squirrels, taking the decisive game with a 4-3 victory. Winning a championship is about seizing the moment, and the Braves grabbed theirs in 2025.
Switzerland: A Flyer’s Fight
And of course, a special nod to my old stomping grounds. The Therwil Flyers showed incredible heart to win their 17th Swiss championship. After falling behind 2-0 to the Zürich Barracudas in the best-of-five final series, they roared back to win three straight and claim the title. That’s not just talent; that’s championship character.
So there you have it—a quick tour of Europe’s baseball peaks in 2025. It’s inspiring to see the game thriving, from the Alpine fields to the Spanish coast. It reminds me why we’re doing what we’re doing here in Bohol.
We’re not just building a club; we’re planting seeds for a future where a kid from Cambanac might one day be the MVP of his own championship series, wherever in the world that might be. The dream is the same, whether you’re in Therwil or Cambanac.
Marvin “Merv” Moore is the head coach of the Bohol Coconuts Baseball and Softball Club. He has coached in both Europe and Asia, and helped start the Mister-Baseball and BaseballdeWorld international baseball websites.
