The team is there. And there is also a nice climate. Today, April 25, the Parma Clima baseball group was presented to the press at the “Cavalli” stadium. It wasn’t even almost over when the players were already on the pitch training. There’s a lot of energy, there’s a lot of motivation. And this climate is shared by everyone.
«We are here to present the team to the city – he introduces Gianluigi Calestani, head of the press office and moderator of the event –. I like to underline this renewed sense of team and the profound preparation work that has been carried out. Now we all have to row in the same direction to achieve the goal of winning the championship, it’s been eluding us for 14 years now.”
Then the word passes to Luca Meli, president of Parma Baseball. «Unfortunately, many public representatives were unable to attend today for institutional reasons, but we are here and we are excited. I speak as president and as a fan: the team will give its all. It will not be easy. All the opponents will want to make a good impression but what matters is that there is great unity in our team. Tomorrow a particular journey begins. I hope we start off on the right foot in Grosseto too. Best of luck to everyone. We will all win and lose together. First of all, have fun but what matters is the final result, I am convinced that you will not give up. Things change with a 7-inning championship but if we do a lot to understand the wonderful challenge that exists between hitter and pitcher this sport could develop excellently over time.”
Word to the DS Maurice Renaud and to the General Manager Maximum Fires. «We have reduced the team roster but increased the quality – declares Renaud -. We see an excellent team spirit in the locker room. We think we have achieved all the objectives. There is a very good relationship between everyone. We have to start strong straight away. We still have to reach the best form but we will get there soon.”
«You win and lose together – Fochi intervenes – Everyone must find maximum concentration and focus on their own objectives. Ours is a team that must learn to grow and work every day with a specific objective in mind: to win.”
The idea of Marco Campanini, Team Manager: «It’s been a very long winter. With the new rules we had to start from scratch. Bringing the highest possible quality to Parma. Each of the kids must feel indispensable. We may have a slightly short team but it is of extreme quality. Some players can perform multiple roles: it is an important characteristic of our team.”
The manager concludes Meo Saccardi and the captain Stefano De Simoni: «Playing for a point is challenging, it’s a different baseball. – explains Saccardi – I am very happy with everyone’s availability. We will play 30 games and go onto the pitch confident and excited. It is in difficult moments that we see the true commitment of the team. We prefer a competitive championship.”
The captain’s thoughts are clear and echoed by President Meli. «The past is an important thing for this city. We underlined and remembered that you play for an entire city, playing in Parma is not like playing in any other place.” «Stefano is a good leader – concludes Meli -. Over time he has also built a family but in any case he is giving a lot to this club. It is important to feel part of the Parma community.”
