Playball International – Our Story / Where It All Began
What started as a dream to bring America a little closer soon became the place where young talents from all over the world could develop their passion for baseball. No need to fly across the ocean to Florida – a bus, train, or European flight was enough to reach Playball International, where the American dream came to life.
With professional coaches and a strong vision, Playball International began organizing clinics throughout Europe. Its permanent home became the International Baseball Academy in Amsterdam, founded by Karel “Charly” Crouwel.
Karel first picked up a catcher’s mitt at the age of nine, playing for the Cats (OVVO) in Amsterdam. By fifteen, he was already competing in the Dutch top division, and a year later, he earned a spot on the Dutch National Team. His playing career led him to Haarlem Nicols and ultimately Kinheim, where he later guided the team to a National Championship title as manager in 1978.
Karel’s influence went far beyond baseball. From 1971 to 1981, he served as the physical trainer for the Dutch National Ice Hockey Team, winning the World Championship in 1979, competing at the Lake Placid Winter Olympics in 1980, and playing in the “A” Pool in Sweden in 1981. He also worked 3 years with the Dutch top division basketball team KINZO to back-to-back national titles.
A true highlight came in 1977, when Karel, together with Rob Muller, invited baseball legend Hank Aaron (755 home runs) to visit the Netherlands – a milestone moment for Dutch baseball.
(Photo Crouwel and Aaron Family in Old Dutch Dress)
See Hank Aaron Goes Dutch.
Playball Europe & Major League Baseball
From the very beginning, Playball Europe developed strong ties with Major League Baseball.
One
of the first instructors was Chicho Jesurun, scout for the Montreal Expos and Miami Marlins. Over the years, several Playball alumni signed professional contracts with MLB organizations, including Vince Rooi and Roger Bernadina
(photo Left Chicho Jesurun and Roger).
In 1996 and 1997, MLB scout Randy Kierce worked with Playball International. He was the one who advised a young Rick van den Hurk to switch from catcher to pitcher – advice Rick later called “the best I ever received.”
The Amsterdam Games – Almost a Reality
In 2007, Amsterdam came close to hosting two official MLB games. Preparations were in full swing: the Arena was inspected, agreements were made, and Playball Europe was set as the official promoter. The City of Amsterdam pledged its support, and a draft contract with MLB was ready.
But just as the finish line was in sight, a dispute between MLB and the players’ union halted the plan. By the time it was resolved, MLB shifted its focus to launching the World Baseball Classic. Although the games never happened, the project confirmed Playball Europe’s standing as a respected international partner.
Playball Europe Today
Growth has always been part of the Playball story. In 2008, MLB in New York referred Ghanaian player Kofie Frimpong to Playball International. His dedication and development eventually led to the creation of the Playball Africa Academy in 2023, with Ghana as its home base.
Over the past three decades, countless international and Dutch instructors and players have contributed to the academy’s success. In 2019, the Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Federation (KNBSB) honored Playball Europe with the prestigious Leen Volkerijk Award, recognizing its role as one of Europe’s most respected baseball instructional academies.
Today and Tomorrow
Playball Europe continues to shape the future of baseball and softball – inspiring young players, developing talent, and celebrating the love of the game.
Playball International – Where passion meets the game.
LET’S PLAYBALL!!!
Playball was and still is my dream.
Thank you Instuctors and Pirates staff for your support in this journey
Thank you Annemieke for your patience