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| WINE, WOMEN, BEIGNETS, BASEBALL? |
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| THE FRENCH ARE TRYING TO MAKE A NAME FOR THEMSELVES ON THE DIAMOND |
One of Europe's dark horses may be the French. What Frenchman Tony Parker has done for basketball in France,
another Frenchman could do for baseball here.
The French claims about 12,000 participants, but its yet to take
its game to the next level. The biggest challenge: lack of demonstrated hitting ability versus other European countries.
You
can learn more about baseball in France and Europe in World in a Ballpark: Baseball Goes Global, which is available for purchase at the Buy Joe's Guides page.
| FRENCH SCOLDING: ITS COACHING IS IMPROVING |
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| U.S. AND FRENCH COACHES MAKE UP THE NATIONAL TEAM STAFF |
Former Texas Rangers pitcher Jeff Zimmerman played in France briefly, and the country's national academy
trains ballplayers. French players demonstrate good fundamentals, but lack size and strength (see hitting). The country could
prove to be a site for finding pitchers, but it needs more attention. An MLB exhibition series in Paris, or one the country's other
large cities, would do wonders.
| THE FRENCH PAUSE WITH THE ITALIANS FOR ANTHEMS |
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| THE FRENCH ARE OFTEN LOOKING TO UPSET ONE OF EUROPE'S LONG STANDING TOP DOGS |
France's Elite League features eight teams, with traditionally the top clubs in and around Montpelier, Toulouse, Normandy
and Paris.
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