AMSTERDAM (Netherlands) -
A big delegation of the Dutch National Softball Team attended a private, for invited guests only, première of the American movie 'Moneyball' tonight at cinema Pathé ArenA in Amsterdam.
Also attending was a delegation of the Dutch Baseball Team, which in October captured the world title, as well as Major League-players Rick van den Hurk and Adam Jones of the Baltimore Orioles.
During the evening, the Mattingly V-grip bats were promoted.
Tonight was a private screening of the movie, which comes into theaters in the Netherlands on November 17.
Before the movie started Rob van Leeuwen did a presentation of the Mattingly V-grip bats, which made the screening possible.
The patented V-grip was conceived and designed by legendary Major Leaguer Don Mattingly, who played in the big leagues for the New York Yankees and currently is the Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The V-grip corrects the position of the hands around the handle and transfers more energy and power at the point of impact.
Dutch Major League-pitcher Rick van den Hurk (Baltimore Orioles) and teammate Adam Jones also addressed the attendees.
The two are currently in the Netherlands for the second European Big League Tour, which is set up by Van den Hurk.
Joining the pitcher this time are Prince Fielder (Milwaukee Brewers), Adam Jones (Baltimore Orioles), Dexter Fowler (Colorado Rockies), Mike Stanton (Florida Marlins), Roger Bernadina (Washington Nationals), Gregory Halman (Seattle Mariners) and former player Bobby Bonilla, who represents the Players Association.
Of this group, only Van den Hurk and Jones were at the screening tonight.
This year, the Tour's charity was the Ronald McDonald Children's Foundation, for which people could make a donation.
After conducting clinics in Utrecht and Amsterdam this weekend, the group also will travel to Prague (Czech Republic) and Parma (Italy) later in the week.
'Moneyball' is based on the book with the same name by Michael Lewis and tells the story of former player Billy Beane, who has become the General Manager of the Oakland Athletics.
Beane (who is played by Brad Pitt) has to work with a low budget, but then meets Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill), who introduces computer-generated analysis to draft players.
Together, they start compiling a team of players that brings Oakland back to the top, but also results in a hard confrontation with Field Manager Art Howe (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman).
The movie includes several baseball-scenes, but primarily plays in the Front Offices and uses a lot of baseball (and stats) language, which could make it a long sit if you have no link with baseball.
Overall, the movie tells a good and interesting story and is very well played.
Brad Pitt is rumored to be a candidate for an Oscar for his role in 'Moneyball'.
Trailer 'Moneyball'
The Red Carpet to the entrance of the cinema
The Dutch Softball Team poses for the filmposter of 'Moneyball'(photo by Henk Seppen)
Photographer Henk Seppen takes a photo of Coaches Brian Farley and Craig Montvidas
Baseball Head Coach Brian Farley and Softball Head Coach Craig Montvidas are joined by cheerleaders
This photo made by Henk Seppen was published the next day in De Telegraaf-newspaper
Major Leaguers Rick van den Hurk (left) and Adam Jones pose for the poster (photo by Henk Seppen)
AMSTERDAM (Netherlands) -
A big delegation of the Dutch National Softball Team attended a private, for invited guests only, première of the American movie 'Moneyball' tonight at cinema Pathé ArenA in Amsterdam.
Also attending was a delegation of the Dutch Baseball Team, which in October captured the world title, as well as Major League-players Rick van den Hurk and Adam Jones of the Baltimore Orioles.
During the evening, the Mattingly V-grip bats were promoted.
