The Düsseldorf Senators look back on an eventful 2024. Marked by numerous changes in team and leadership structure, the beginning of the year called for rolling up sleeves and embarking on a new direction. Focused firmly on the future, the management, led by department head Christoph Suschek, launched numerous new projects to restore what has distinguished the Senators for so many years: baseball and softball in a family-oriented atmosphere, where team sports fit seamlessly into life and people enjoy spending their free time with like-minded individuals.
The inaugural Baseball5 tournament in January was a big hit, bringing together players, families, and friends of the Senators across teams. It was a day not soon to be forgotten, as the team “The Smurfs,” led by Head Coach Steffen, narrowly won an exciting final. This title will be up for defense in the 2025 edition.
The subsequent preseason training had mixed results for all teams. The season’s start came too soon for some squads, and weather-related cancellations of practices and games prevented anyone from finding their rhythm. Field maintenance also proved challenging, leaving the bullpens for the youth and softball teams unfinished at the start of the season. It wasn’t until mid-season that our pitchers could use the new practice areas, which will continue to enhance the appeal of our club.
Nonetheless, the Senators entered the new season with five teams – U10, U15, Men’s 1, Men’s 2, and Women’s – highly motivated and full of anticipation.
“Beyond the athletic successes of the teams, player development remained a primary focus. We would also like to recognize individual achievements: the Senators proudly fielded three U10 All-Stars – Noah, Marlon, and Kai – who, with their team, also won the All-Star Game held in Dortmund.
The women’s softball team also proudly presented Lina Schwippert, the first national team player to represent the Düsseldorf Senators. She participated in the U22 Softball European Championship in Kutno, Poland, where her team achieved a commendable eighth place.
The Senators proved that sports and integration go hand in hand with the initiative “Welcome – A Piece of Home in Düsseldorf.” This landing page offers people from other countries the chance to build social connections and overcome cultural barriers through sports. Nothing is better than practicing a sport you came to love in your home country. Sports know no boundaries, no barriers. In that spirit, we gladly recall a quote from Jenna Davis, who once described us as follows:
“The Düsseldorf Senators are like the United Nations of Baseball and Softball.”
It was not only this quote that earned Jenna the honor of throwing the first pitch at a women’s softball game; she also received it for her dedicated support in developing our landing page through her programs, Life in Düsseldorf and Life in Germany.
The summer festival mid-year, complete with a kickball game, demonstrated to everyone involved that the team was on the right path. Despite the unpredictable weather, everyone came together to make it a special day.
The biggest hit of the year was undoubtedly our newly established editorial team behind the members’ magazine *INSIDE THE PARK* – professionally produced, lovingly designed, and carrying a clear message:
“The Senators of the Future – Who We Are and Who We Aspire to Be.”
On August 25th, 2024, we had a special guest: Manny the Fox, mascot of the Baseball Germany fan club, visited the ballpark on Südallee for the local derby against the Cologne Cardinals. Manny witnessed an intense duel, which, fittingly for neighbors, ended with a split.
Not a goodbye, just a “see you later”: On September 22, 2024, we bid farewell to Max Laufer as he wrapped up his active time as a player and coach for the Senators.
“As a coach, he didn’t just win games; he won hearts,” said Holger in his moving tribute.
Even though the season extended into October, all teams managed to complete their scheduled games. At this point, we’d like to put wins and losses aside, because more important than results are the connections made on and off the field that continue to make the Senators what they stand for. Every player, coach, umpire, scorer, member of the catering crew, and anyone who contributes to the Senators’ mission plays a part in beating with one heart.
The future is coming. We are ready.
