Dirk Fries Named New President of the EBCA

WED 11 DECEMBER 2024 - BY: STAFF - 142 VIEWS

The European Baseball Coaches Association (EBCA) is proud to announce that Dirk Fries has been named its new president during the recent EBCA Convention held in Budapest. Fries, who has served on the EBCA board since 2017, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role, underscoring EBCA’s commitment to advancing baseball coaching across Europe.

Dirk Fries has made an indelible mark on European baseball through his extensive involvement in coaching and organizational leadership. A former right-handed pitcher, Fries represented Germany in numerous international tournaments, including five European Championships and the 2007 World Cup. His coaching resume is equally impressive, featuring roles such as Assistant Coach for the German National Team during the 2010 European Championship and the 2011 World Cup.

In addition to his national team contributions, Fries has been deeply involved in the German baseball scene. He served as a Bundesliga pitching coach (2009-2011) and head coach (2012) while dedicating years to youth development (2001-2008). His international experience includes a season in the Spanish Baseball League with Madrid and a stint as the Norwegian National Team Pitching Instructor.

Beyond the field, Fries has been a driving force in baseball development. As the Technical Director for the German Baseball and Softball Federation (2015-2019), he championed coaching education and strategic growth. Since 2019, he has led coach education efforts in Southwest Germany while continuing to contribute to the EBCA.

Fries succeeds Georg Apfelbaum, EBCA founder and longtime board member, who steps aside to focus on other projects within the European baseball community. Apfelbaum’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in establishing the EBCA’s strong foundation.

Under Fries’ presidency, the EBCA is embarking on an exciting new chapter, with plans to expand its initiatives and further support the growth of baseball in Europe. Stay tuned for more updates as these plans take shape.

NEWS