EVENTS

Sven Hendrickx, a native of Antwerp, is a prominent figure in Belgian baseball, currently serving as the President of the National Team Commission at the Koninklijke Belgische Baseball- en Softballfederatie (KBBSF-FRBBS). His extensive career spans roles as a player, coach, and mentor, significantly contributing to the development of baseball in Belgium.​

Hendrickx's coaching tenure is marked by notable achievements. He led the Belgian national team, the Red Hawks, as head coach until 2019, after which he continued to influence the sport through various coaching roles. In 2016, his exceptional contributions were recognized when he was named the European Baseball Coaches Association (EBCA) Coach of the Year. ​

Beyond national duties, Hendrickx has been instrumental at the club level, guiding the Hoboken Pioneers to two Division 1 National Championships. His commitment to nurturing talent and promoting the sport has made him a respected mentor within the baseball community.​

In 2025, Hendrickx is set to share his insights and experiences at the 20th EBCA Convention in Antwerp, bringing his hometown pride to an international stage. His participation underscores his ongoing dedication to advancing baseball coaching and development across Europe.

Tom O'Connell, the first high school coach to serve as President of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), recently retired after an illustrious 51-year career in baseball coaching. From 1969 to 2000, he led Pulaski High School in Milwaukee, where his teams achieved a record number of wins. Following his retirement from teaching, he spent 15 years at Catholic Central High School in Burlington, Wisconsin, where his teams won five state championships and reached the state quarterfinals for ten consecutive years. He later revitalized the baseball program at St. Francis High School.

O'Connell has been named National Coach of the Year three times and Midwest Coach of the Year four times. In 1995, he coached the USA Baseball North Team at the U.S. Olympic Festival, and he has been inducted into five Halls of Fame, including the ABCA Hall of Fame, where he was the 16th high school coach ever inducted.

A leader within the ABCA, O'Connell served as President in 2002 and now sits on its Board of Directors. He is also proud of his contributions to the ABCA Code of Ethics and his ongoing work in international baseball through ISG Baseball.

O'Connell has authored three books, including *Coaching Baseball: Techniques and Tactics*, and has been a frequent speaker at clinics across the U.S., Europe, and New Zealand. He has also scouted for several MLB teams and served as Lead Envoy Coach in Germany for Major League Baseball.

Beyond baseball, O'Connell has been actively involved with Milwaukee Irish Fest, where he has served on its Board of Directors. He and his wife Paula have three children and six grandchildren.