ACOG - News - IBM

(27 July 1996; Day 8)

Netherlands Softball: Nothing Gold But Their Hearts

A crowd gathers around the standing board outside Golden Park to determine where their favorite softball team stands. Fans from Canada, People's Republic of China, Japan and the United States all smile as a clan of men dressed head-to-toe in blue and orange have their pictures taken in front of the standing board. The men in orange revel, as atop the softball standing is the Netherlands. The man with the Netherlands' flag wrapped over his shoulder and an orange football helmet crammed on his head screams, "Netherlands, number one!"

Then reality returned and the Dutch fans moved the Netherlands card back to its proper place in the standings, tied for seventh with Puerto Rico. The Netherlands captured only one win in the first Olympic softball competition, but by looking at their fans and players, you would think that the championship was a reality.

The women from the Netherlands traveled to Atlanta as a decided underdog, but they still had a gold-medal agenda.

"I think being an underdog is good," said pitcher Anouk MELS. "I think this team has a lot of talent and can surprise some people, especially if they do not respect us."

Head coach Ruud ELFERS had the same high hopes for the Olympic competition, but he also kept it in perspective.

"I am really proud of our team. We are just entering the top ranks of international softball," said ELFERS. "We need this experience to make better plans for the future in Holland."

Fortunately for MELS, she and her teammates had another goal, the advancement of softball in the Netherlands and the world.

"We need to get more people involved in the sport," said MELS. "Only 10,000 people play the game in Holland, and that includes men and seniors. Maybe being in the Olympic Games will help us gain the interest with the youths of our country."

The International Softball Federation estimates that 19,800 citizens play softball in Holland. That number pales in comparison with the 33 million U.S. players.

The Netherlands softball team gained new respect in their country from Olympic competition. Everyday, 5 minutes of coverage was dedicated to the coverage of softball.

"These girls are golden for us in Holland," said ELFERS. "They will shape the future of softball in Holland as coaches and players."

In the final day of the competition, ELFERS' team captured a 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico for their first Olympic win.

"This was the best way to end the tournament. We don't think we are losers because we gained so much during the last few years," said ELFERS. "We saw the trip go from a lower level to better level and that is the real reward."

The Netherlands face a tough challenge in becoming one of the top softball teams in the world. Holland has neither the resources or the talent pool to match the other teams around the world.

"We will never reach the level of the United States," said infielder Madelon BEEK. "We don't have the opportunities, the coaches, the time or the money that the United States has."

MELS remains optimistic as she cites the relative newness of the sport in Holland.

"I just love to compete," said MELS. "I still learn about the game every time I play. My teammates constantly learn too. Remember, our program has not played as long as most teams in this tournament."

RUUD sees a bright future for Dutch softball.

"Now is the time to have a little vacation," said RUUD. "I think we will watch some games and go to the mall for a little fun. When we get back to the Netherlands we will evaluate and get new plans for the future."

The Dutch women left the tournament with only one win, but they were far from losers. They played very competitively, losing several close games. The Netherlands may not have won a gold, but they gained a lot of experience and respect.

"Of course a medal would be fantastic," said RUUD, "but it is also fantastic to be part of a great tournament, having learned a lot, not only as softball players or coaches, but as human beings."

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Thad Dohrn.


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