European Baseball Mourns the Loss of Jan Esselman

„Nakon zadnjeg bacanja na Yankee stadionu u srijedu, prva misao mi je bila da pošaljem poruku Janu, jer je bio veliki navijač Dodgersa Nažalost sljedećeg jutra sam saznao da je umro prije dva dana. Veliki gubitak za našu baseball zajednicu. Jan je bio veliki i pametan predsjednik CEB-a i puno naučim od njega, na terenu i van njega. Počivaj u miru dragi Jan, napisao je Kruno Karin na svom Facebook portalu.

The baseball community mourns the loss of Jan Esselman, a pioneering figure in Dutch and European baseball, who passed away at the age of 81. Esselman devoted decades of his life to the sport, leaving a lasting legacy through his leadership, advocacy, and passion for baseball.

Esselman’s journey in baseball leadership began with his role as Vice President of Haarlem Nicols, a prominent baseball club in the Netherlands, where he served from 1985 to 1989. His work at Haarlem Nicols was the foundation of his influence in Dutch baseball, and he soon moved on to play a vital role in the Koninklijke Nederlandse Baseball en Softball Bond (KNBSB), the Dutch Baseball and Softball Federation. From 1989 to 1996, Esselman served as Commissioner and Board Member for KNBSB.

His impact reached beyond Dutch borders as he took on multiple significant roles in European baseball governance. In 1993, he joined the Technical Commission of the Confederation of European Baseball (CEB), serving as a member, secretary, and eventually chairman over two decades until 2013.

During this time, he was also a dedicated member of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) Tournament Commission from 1994 to 2013.

In 2013, Esselman was elected President of the Confederation of European Baseball (CEB), becoming only the second Dutch president in the organization’s history. He held the role until 2017, championing initiatives to promote baseball throughout Europe and supporting emerging talents across the continent. His presidency marked a time of unity and advancement for European baseball, as he fostered partnerships and promoted increased visibility for the sport.

Esselman’s contributions to baseball, both in the Netherlands and internationally, cannot be overstated. His strategic vision, dedication, and countless hours spent in service of the sport earned him admiration from colleagues and players alike. Jan Esselman’s passing is a profound loss, yet his influence and legacy will continue to inspire the baseball community for years to come.

As we remember Jan Esselman, we celebrate his unwavering commitment to baseball and the profound impact he made in building the sport in Europe. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of baseball fans and players around the world.

News , Baseball , WBSC Europe Foto: Rob Jelsma