What No One Can Take From Us
On July 19, 2025, the Düsseldorf Senators faced off against the Aachen Greyhounds for the final time this season. The outlook for games 5 and 6 – against a feisty but clearly outmatched opponent – could hardly have been more promising: second place in the standings versus the bottom-ranked team, paired with an impressive eight-game winning streak. What could possibly go wrong?
“I love statistics,” head coach Frank Mohr says with a smile.
“In American sports, there’s a stat for everything. You could probably even find out that Nina bats .576 when Peter Fox plays between the top and bottom of the third inning, she’s chewing cinnamon gum, and at least one teammate is searching for sunscreen.”
This tongue-in-cheek anecdote points to a frequently overlooked factor: day-to-day form. In a league with far fewer games than in the U.S., even minor fluctuations can have a major impact. Still, in Düsseldorf, every pitch, hit, and play is analyzed.
“That often leads to ‘aha’ moments at the end of the season, because our own perception is more misleading than we think.”
Improvising in the Summer Heat
Both teams entered the doubleheader severely understaffed. For the Düsseldorf ladies, things looked even grimmer just a week and a half earlier – only six players were available, raising the threat of a cancellation.
“Many of our girls are on vacation, unavailable due to work, or injured. Sixteen absences in total! The fact that we’re still able to field a team speaks volumes about the development of softball in Düsseldorf. A year ago, we would’ve had to cancel games like this.”
Despite the deeper roster, six of the team’s top hitters were missing – a fact that became especially noticeable in Game 2.
Better Not Wake Up
Game 1 ended in a surprisingly clear 8–2 win for the Senators, an impressive feat considering the personnel situation.
“It feels a bit like a dream,” said pitcher Katja after the game.
“This season feels so unreal sometimes – I’m almost waiting to wake up.”
Spectators witnessed a high-level game that ended after 60 minutes with a well-deserved win for the Senators’ ladies. The defense once again shone: every ground ball was smoothly turned into an out, and the infield played as if in perfect sync.
Fading Strength and Unfamiliar Roles
With only two players in their usual positions, Game 2 became a battle of endurance. Temperatures climbed over 32°C (90°F), and two players had to leave after the first game – improvisation became the name of the game.
The unusual lineup and growing fatigue took their toll: Aachen pushed hard and deservedly took the win, 8–4.
“The girls gave it their all – that’s something you can never fault them for. Losing is part of the game and part of the learning process.”
Four Weeks Off – And a Proud Look Back
After an outstanding season so far, the team now heads into a well-earned four-week break.
“We’re super proud and happy with our girls,” the coaching staff agrees.
“A fantastic season that no one saw coming. Everything from here on out is a bonus – and we’re hungry for more.”
