Aarhus Dominates Danish Championship in Baseball5: All Medals to Aarhus Teams

Aarhus has once again cemented its position as a strong city in Baseball5, as all the medals at this year's Danish Championship went to Aarhus teams. The championship, held on Sunday, February 9th, was a great triumph for the city.

Aarhus Havoc, the defending champions, regained their title after an exciting final against the favorites, Roundnet Aarhus. Roundnet Aarhus had won big over Aarhus Havoc earlier this year at the Aarhus Open 2025, making them the favorites at the Danish Championship. Aarhus Havoc, led by player-coach Philip Spielmann, showed their strength and preparation by winning the decisive third game in the final. The team impressed with their strategic play and two "triple plays" – a rare feat in Baseball5.

Aarhus Havoc with their medals and the trophy!

Roundnet Aarhus, who had surprised many by finishing second at the Aarhus Open 2025, only surpassed by a team of Dutch national players, had to settle for the silver medal at the Danish Championship. The bronze medal went to Jutland Krakens also from ÅBSK, completing Aarhus' dominance at the championship. Jutland Krakens delivered solid performances and secured a place on the podium.

"It is fantastic to see how Aarhus has dominated this year's championship. It shows how strong our Baseball5 environment is and how much talent and dedication there is in our club," says Philip Spielmann.

Aarhus Havoc had a challenging season, including a heavy defeat to Roundnet Aarhus at the Aarhus Open 2025. But with hard training and a strong team spirit, they managed to turn the situation around and regain their title as Danish champions.

"After each game in the preliminary rounds, we came together as a team and analyzed our performances. It was all with the goal of optimizing our strategy for the final. We felt completely ready to bring home the gold," says Philip Spielmann.

With this victory, Aarhus has once again shown that the city is a dominant force in Baseball5. It is a great success for Aarhus and bodes well for the future of the sport in the city.

Join an Exciting New Sports Initiative in Denmark!

Aarhus baseball5 player hitting the ball

Are you ready to help introduce and develop a completely new sport in Denmark? We are looking for dedicated volunteers to assist us in promoting and developing Baseball5 – a street version of baseball that is fast, inclusive, and fun!

What is Baseball5?
Baseball5 is a young and dynamic sport that is similar to danish rounders and baseball but with a twist. The game requires teamwork and ensures that all players are active all the time. It is an intense and challenging sport that can quickly capture the interest of both young people and adults.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for volunteers who think it could be fun to help start and develop a new sport. How much time and energy you want to dedicate to the project is entirely up to you. You can contribute anything from giving feedback and suggestions to taking responsibility for a specific area. Your effort can be ad-hoc or more structured – every bit helps!

How does it work?
As a volunteer, you will become part of our Facebook group, where we invite you to meetings, ask for feedback, and request help. You can participate whenever it fits your schedule and contribute whatever you can.

What skills are we looking for?
We need volunteers with various backgrounds and skills, including:

  • Event helpers

  • Social media experts

  • Videographers

  • Graphic designers

  • Graffiti artists

  • Musicians

  • Entrepreneurs

  • Promoters

  • Coaches

  • Innovative thinkers

  • Journalists or journalism students

  • Sports management students

  • Event planners

  • Future Baseball5 team leaders or coaches

  • And much more – the possibilities are endless!

Who is behind the initiative?
The initiative is run by the Danish Baseball5 Committee, which already has dedicated members, but we want more input from a wider group – including those who may not necessarily be part of the baseball and softball community.

Are you interested?
If you want to be part of creating something new and exciting, get in touch and become part of our network. Together, we can make Baseball5 a success in Denmark!

Contact philip at: philip@aarhusbaseball.com

Aarhus Open 2025: An Unforgettable Baseball5 Event

Aarhus, January 11, 2025 – Aarhus Open 2025 was a weekend filled with intense competition, surprises, and an electric atmosphere, making it the largest Baseball5 tournament in Denmark to date. This event, held at DGI-huset, also marked the first Baseball5 tournament in Aarhus, and it was an experience that no participants or spectators will forget.

A New Sport Takes Over Aarhus

Baseball5, a fast and dynamic street version of baseball where you play 5 against 5, has quickly gained popularity worldwide. The sport is known for its simplified rules, compact field, and fast-paced games, making it both exciting and accessible for all ages and skill levels. Aarhus Open 2025 was a perfect introduction to this new sport for many Aarhusians.

The idea for Aarhus Open 2025 came from tournament organizer Philip Spielmann, who was inspired by the Winter Olympics. "I saw Slope Style Snowboarding, where one of the athletes hadn't won her way to qualification but had qualified by earning enough points in open tournaments. I thought that idea was great, so I suggested that we build our Baseball5 tournaments in Denmark based on the principle of open tournaments where anyone can sign up," says Philip.

Tune Squad Takes the Victory

The tournament attracted six dynamic teams from all over Denmark, as well as an international participant, Tune Squad from the Netherlands. Tune Squad, consisting of players from the Dutch Baseball5 national team, which placed fourth at the 2024 European Championship, showed their class by triumphing in the final against the underdog Roundnet Aarhus. The final was a close game, ending with a score of 8-7 to Tune Squad.


Tune Squad, the Dutch Team Tournament Winners and the Tournament Planner Philip Spielmann on the left

Roundnet Aarhus Surprises

Roundnet Aarhus, who had never played Baseball5 before, impressed everyone by defeating the Danish Baseball5 teams in their own sport. Their techniques from the Roundnet sport proved to be highly effective in Baseball5, and their powerful hits surprised many of the other teams. They managed to defeat the Danish champions, Aarhus Havoc, in the semifinals with a convincing victory of 20-2.

Philip Spielmann noted, "Roundnet Aarhus had a very special 'hitting technique' that allowed them to hit the ball much harder than the other teams might have thought possible. This made it incredibly difficult for many teams, including the Danish Champions, to stop the ball."

Aarhus Havoc, who were the host team and Danish champions, experienced their first defeat after 15 games. First, they were defeated by Tune Squad from the Netherlands and then by Roundnet Aarhus in the semifinals. Aarhus Havoc thus ended up in third place in their own tournament, but their fighting spirit and sportsmanship were evident throughout the tournament.

The Second Place team “Roundnet Aarhus”

A Day Filled with Excitement and Community

The event attracted over 100 visitors throughout the day, all of whom enjoyed the great atmosphere, excitement, and many surprises. Spectators of all ages cheered on the teams and created a fantastic atmosphere. There was also an opportunity to try out Roundnet, which added an extra dimension to the experience.

"The atmosphere has been fantastic throughout the day. In the morning, many children came by to watch the first 6 games, and it made a big impression on me to see how they seemed to find it extremely entertaining, given how fast-paced the game was," says Philip Spielmann. "Later in the day, when it became clear that the local 'underdog' Roundnet Aarhus had the chance to win the entire tournament, the atmosphere changed completely - but in a good way. Where there was previously noise and an energetic atmosphere, there was now full focus, excitement, and nail-biting."

Qualified Teams for the Danish Championships

The following teams qualified for the Danish Championships, which will be held on February 9 at 2:00 PM at Nyborg Idræts- & Fritidscenter, located at Storebæltsvej 13, 5800 Nyborg:

  • Roundnet Aarhus

  • Aarhus Havoc

  • Jutland Krakens

Aarhus Havoc was already qualified along with Vandals Vintage and Team Lycra, who did not participate in Aarhus Open.

A Bright Future for Baseball5 in Denmark

Aarhus Open 2025 was a great success and showed that Baseball5 is a sport with great potential and appeal. This tournament has put Aarhus on the map as an important destination for Baseball5, and we look forward to more exciting tournaments in the future. If you missed this event, you really missed something special. We hope to see even more spectators and participants next time Baseball5 takes over Aarhus!

Philip Spielmann concludes, "I would like to thank everyone who helped make Aarhus Open 2025 such a fantastic experience as it was. This includes the volunteers, the registered teams, and the many spectators who all helped make the day unforgettable. It has really given me the belief that Baseball5 has a bright future in Denmark."

Rules for practice during COVID-19

Dear members of Århus Baseball Softball Club

I’m pleased to have learned that DIF and DIG are revising the guidelines for outdoor sports and activities. In line with the recommendations from the danish health authorities and the government posted on coronasmitte.dk, we will once again be allowed to play our sport on our field.

DGI and DIF has, for many weeks, worked closely with the danish health authorities in order to get some clarity on how outdoor sports and activities once again can be allowed within the danish associations. 

DIF and DGI has made some general demands on how the activities should be done with the goal of limiting the danger of contamination. Those demands along with the genereal recommendations from the danish health authorities and the government, are included in the practice procedures stated below. It is important that everyone takes responsibility on following the procedure and reminding those at practice that might forget - coaches included:

  1. No more than 10 people can be at one practice at once (coaches included)
    To ensure this, it is most important that you sign up on holdsport. If you haven’t signed up and choose to show up as the 11th person - you will be asked to leave again.

  2. Clubhouse is closed during practice
    That means everyone show up to practice in sports wear. Socializing in the clubhouse after practice is therefore also not allowed.

  3. Safe distance between players and between players and coaches of minimum 2 meters
    Within this rule, it is clear that tag plays and similar close plays are not allowed.

  4. Dugouts are not to be used before, during or after practice
    To avoid people getting too close, we are closing down the dugouts. Keep your stuff behind the backstop or up against the fence at 3rd base.

  5. Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize
    Everyone sanitizes before practice begins, during breaks and after practice. If a player or coach touches their face during a drill, they should sanitize immediately as well as sanitize equipment touched after the fact.

  6. Cough or sneeze in your sleeve/elbow, not your hands
    or facing away from any club members (example: if you’re in the outfield, it might be better to cough out into the air, when no one near, rather than on your clothes)

  7. Players with any symptoms resembling those of COVID-19 are not allowed at practice
    Symptoms include: dry cough, fever or muscle soreness. Also applies if you experience symptoms during practice.

  8. Shared equipment should be sanitized before and between use
    Bats, helmets or similar

  9. All drills should be design for smaller groups
    Coaches are responsible for this

Best Regards
Philip Spielmann Nielsen
Secretary General, Århus Baseball Softball Klub

Statement regarding COVID-19 and Århus Baseball Softball Klub

As the Secretary General of Århus Baseball Softball Klub, I feel the need to make an official statement regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic currently affecting the country as of now.

I’m blind in regards to what is happening in Denmark right now. I feel strongly that we should continue to back up the government in making sure that the virus does not spread faster than the health sector can keep up.

But as a club and sport, we are threatened by the consequences of the government regulations.

All of you already know that the practices have been cancelled and are most likely also wondering when we are going to be playing games again - and although I don’t have the answer, I share the same concerns.

Many of you have paid your membership fees - which is very important and great to see.

But some members are also hesitant to pay membership fees. I would assume because of the uncertainty to how much baseball or softball you will get in return.

As a member of the club, a baseball and softball fan and as a strong supporter of the sports associations in Denmark as a whole, will strongly encourage any hesitant members of the club to pay the membership sooner rather than later.

Think of the membership as what it is: A membership in Baseball and Softball, an investment in the future of Baseball and Softball in Denmark and as of today: as a safety for Århus Baseball Softball Club’s survival.

A club membership in a danish sports association is not a “pay for service”-subscription as you know it from Fitness World or Netflix. Especially smaller associations such as our club. We don’t take any profits - but we invest it right back into the sport and the club.

I’ll gladly set aside time to tell you about all the things we have in plan for the future of this sport in Denmark and also talk about what we had in plan for 2020. It is quite interesting to talk about, to be honest - so don’t hold back.

To those reading this that are not playing members, but still have an interest in supporting the club and the sport: You might be a former player, a parent, friend or maybe just a fan of the game. You have the option to make a difference by signing up as a “Motionist” in our small club.

By signing up as a “Motionist” you’ll be paying a 150 kr.-membership to the club and that money will be used solely on equipment and developing the sport in Denmark. By signing up as a member of the club, you’ll also indirectly contribute with the funding we get from various organizations such as DIF and the municipal, based on the amount of members in the club. You can sign up for a Motionist membership by sending 150 kr. on mobile pay to “box09074” and write in the comment your “first name” and “birth year”.

Soon, the club will also introduce a clothing web-shop where you can buy both Århus-specific merchandise and uniforms, but also logo-free clothes and training apparel. By buying from the web-shop, you’ll indirectly donate money towards buying uniforms for the teams in the club, in the future.

We have to look at every possibility to secure the survival of the club and I hope that you will show your support.

As a bonus info: The Women’s Softball team can join my own online lectures for Softball theory every Wednesday on Cisco Webex.

I know Matthew tried doing the same with the Men’s Baseball team - but sadly no one but me showed up. I’ll encourage Matthew to keep doing it - and encourage you to join the lectures. Not only to gain the knowledge that Matthew has - but also as a great way to meet your team mates, when you can’t meet in person.

This could also be an inspiration to our latino friends in the Aarhus Athletics Baseball team. I’m also working on a way to activate the Juniors during this time and more info will follow.

To close this off - I just want to thank everyone working hard to develop the sport of Baseball and Softball in Århus and in the rest of the country. You are needed more than ever.

Best Regards

Philip Spielmann Nielsen

Secretary GeneralÅrhus Baseball Softball Klub

General Assembly 2020

28. Marts 2020
kl. 10:30-12:30
Cisco Webex online meeting.

OBS: pga COVID-19-situationen, afholder vi generalforsamlingen online.

Følg linket: https://spielmannnielsen.my.webex.com/spielmannnielsen.my/j.php?MTID=m2336a99a5ed1c1889266a6f87954f6ca
Meeting number: 145 760 143
Brug kode: TnJnsgcc372

Alle interesserede, medlemmer og venner af Århus Baseball Softball Klub inviteres hermed til den ordinære Generalforsamling 2020.

Generalforsamlingen bliver afholdt i dokk1’s møderum 2.
På generalforsamlingen skal der godkendes regnskab for 2019, budget for 2020 og stemmes om bestyrelsesposter. Men der skal også diskuteres fremtid og spændende projekter for 2020

Alle medlemmer, forældre, venner af klubben og nysgerrige opfordres til at møde op til dette års Generalforsamling og deltage i starten på det der forhåbentligt bliver endnu et godt år for Baseball og Softball i Aarhus.

Mvh
ÅBSK bestyrelsen.

Two days of Fast Pitch Softball in Aarhus

Most people in Denmark has heard about Baseball and most Danes have an idea of what Baseball is. Our experience has been that the same cannot be said about Softball or Fast Pitch Softball as it is called. During last week’s First and last day of the week, Aarhus got to know Softball a little better.

Århus Softball Team - May 21, 2018

Århus Softball Team - May 21, 2018

The Games

Monday 21 was the first Softball Game Day at the home field in the 2018 season. Last year’s second division winner and the runner up – both from the same club in Odense – came to Aarhus to play two games of Fast Pitch Softball against last year’s last place holder… Århus Softball Team.

It was two exciting games although both where lost and ended early due to the “mercy rule”. However, having in mind that Århus played with a mixed team of completely green players, experienced players and a few “inbetween’ers”, Århus put up a good fight against the two strongest teams in the league.

Most importantly: the team experienced playing a real game together as a team.

At the end of the week, Sunday, Last year’s winner “Oldstars” visited Aarhus once again, but this time the other team playing Århus was not from Odense, but Øksendrup. Øksendrup is the home of “Østfyn Oysters” – the only team Århus Softball Team managed to clear a win against in the 2017 season.

The fact that Oysters where to visit Aarhus, gave some hope to the Århus Team.

The first game against Oldstars was almost a replica of the Sunday before. Few errors, good at bats and Århus was generally playing a good game. Oldstars where simply a better team and therefore took the win once again.

Århus played a fantastic game against Oysters up until the end of the third inning. Århus had the lead and was playing arguably better up until Oysters hit a grand slam home run, which turn the tables on the scoreboard. The score was now 9-11 and although the lead wasn’t too big, it affected the moral of the Århus players.

A few innings later Oysters won on mercy.

It’s not about winning

Although every player on the Århus Team wants to win, it’s not about winning. It’s a work in progress and having a team of new players who needs to learn how to work together as a team takes time. Last season’s softball team was a team that could barely set a line up and played six of their games with only 8 players or less. Not winning games is not a result of failure, but experience learned on the way to victory.

 

 

ÅBSK vender en nedadgående tendens i medlemskaber og stiger i kvindelige medlemmer

Med gode nyheder til at starte 2018-sæsonen, ser bestyrelsen frem til et forhåbentligt bedre 2018. I 2017 formåede klubben og dens mange dedikerede frivillige at arbejde hårdt for at vende en sørgelig tendens i klubbens medlemskaber. Århus Baseball Softball Klub kan derfor glædeligt bringe nyheden om at året levede op til Formanden Rod Moores ord og håb blev virkelighed.