Two Defeats and Many Small Victories

“Today we were basically running on reserve and somehow dragged ourselves across the finish line. The girls still gave everything, as always, and fought against the losses until the very end. You could feel very clearly that the strength was fading – not only among the players, but throughout the entire staff as well. It’s been an incredibly exhausting season so far, one in which we’ve demanded everything from the team, physically and mentally. On top of that, the sheer number of games has taken its toll. But one thing I want to emphasize clearly: I’m very grateful to the federation that the game days are played as doubleheaders. That’s the only way we can continue to develop our sport in Germany, make it more visible, and give our talents valuable playing time to carefully build them up step by step.

Looking back on today, I see two defeats – but above all, I feel pride. Because even though we lost both games, every single player showed today how much she burns for this team. Each one had to push herself to the limit, each one had to leave her comfort zone. And that is what defines us.

The first game was extremely tough. We had to completely reshuffle positions, and it was clear from the start that not everything would run smoothly. We quickly fell behind, and it looked as if we wouldn’t be able to turn the game around. But that’s exactly when the character of a team shows. Instead of giving up, the team kept fighting. After being down 3–8, we made it really exciting again. Losing 8–13 in the end is bitter – but it also shows that we gave everything until the last pitch. Nobody let their heads drop. On the contrary: you can feel the joy with which softball is being played here, no matter what the scoreboard says at the end.

After a short break of just thirty minutes, there was hardly any time to adjust for the second game. We had actually prepared scenarios, but then an injury threw all our plans overboard. That challenged us even more, because there weren’t many options left in the field. Still, we communicated the goals clearly. For me, there was no question: we would go into the game with Nina and Olivia as pitchers.

About Nina, I want to say this: today she had some trouble finding her landing zone and struggled to fully execute her motion.

That happens – especially when the strain has been so high for weeks on end. We had to take her out already in the first inning, but I’m still satisfied with her performance. Because every single pitch helps us. Every pitch makes us stronger, teaches us how to deal with nerves, and ultimately gives us confidence. That’s development, and I’ll gladly take that with us.

And then there’s our youngest player, and we couldn’t be prouder of her. Today Olivia showed impressively what we can look forward to in the future. With three hard-hit balls at the plate, she not only proved her increasingly consistent offensive qualities. Since we had traveled without a shortstop, Olivia spontaneously took over that role in defense – and did it flawlessly. For me, that was a real highlight. And when we needed her in the circle as well, she pitched three really strong innings.

What moved me the most was that in the postgame talk she emphasized again how important the entire team is to her. She thanked everyone for their constant encouragement and motivating words. That shows her character, and it also shows that such success wouldn’t even be possible without every single player.

At the end of the day, the record shows two defeats. But if you look closer, there are also many small victories: the fighting spirit, the joy of the game, the growth of young players, the support for one another. These are all things we can be proud of.

Of course, we would have loved to win the games. But we’re not too disappointed. We knew that playing against Jülich wouldn’t be easy. Jülich earned these victories – that has to be acknowledged without envy. For us, it’s now about regenerating, gathering strength, and looking ahead. This team has heart, it has courage, and it has the ability to keep getting back up. And that’s exactly why I am convinced that we will come out of this season even stronger than we went into it.

On the final game day against Neunkirchen, we will throw in everything we’ve got once more and reward ourselves with two selfless, wholehearted games for what has already been an outstanding season.”

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.”

Senators Ladies Stay in Top Form – Two Wins in Aachen

With an impressive offensive performance and another round of strong pitching, the Düsseldorf Senators’ softball ladies secured both away games against the Aachen Greyhounds. The results: 17:1 and 20:11 — clear and well-deserved. These victories extend the Senators’ winning streak to eight games and move them into second place in Landesliga Staffel 2.

“The games were more competitive than the scores suggest. That’s why we’re even happier to take both wins back to Düsseldorf,” said Head Coach Frank Mohr after the matchday at Brander Wall.

The Senators made a statement early in game one. Their offense took control quickly, especially during a second inning that lasted over 30 minutes. Düsseldorf kept up constant pressure, leaving the Aachen defense with little opportunity to make outs.

However, this extended offensive inning came with a downside: for starter Katja, who had been pitching confidently, getting back into rhythm after the long break was difficult. The second inning nearly unraveled — the coaches were close to taking her out. But after a quick mound visit, Katja regained control and calmly finished the game.

“A year ago, something like that would’ve been hard to imagine,” the coaches commented. “She’s grown immensely — mentally and athletically. Seven wins, six complete games, and a no-hitter speak for themselves.”

Game two also started strong, with five runs in the first inning and three quick outs bringing relaxed smiles to the dugout. But in the second inning, a few unusual defensive errors crept in with two outs, allowing Aachen to close the gap to just two runs.

“Our offense was simply too strong that day — it was very impressive,” the coaches summarized.

After two innings, the youngest on the team stepped up: Olivia, new to the pitching circle this season, pitched two solid innings, contributed two outs herself with comebackers, and earned her first official win. “We’re incredibly proud of both our rookie pitchers. They’re growing with every challenge — and the whole team grows with them.”

Another highlight: Kiki (4 hits, 5 RBIs). At just 14 years old and playing softball only since April, she’s already a key contributor. “She’s already one of our best hitters,” says Head Coach Frank. “In a roster full of experienced players, that kind of progress is exceptional. Talent and willingness to learn go hand in hand with her.”

With this mix of youth, experience, and strong team spirit, the Senators look confidently toward their next games. Eight wins in a row are no coincidence — they are the result of hard work, trust, and a shared belief in one another.

Aachen is once again on the schedule this coming weekend. Despite the clear wins this time, Frank Mohr isn’t taking anything for granted: “Aachen has shown how dangerous they can be. I’d like to remind everyone of the first series — two tightly contested games, one of which Aachen won. We’ve been warned.”

Pink Against Racism – Taking a Stand, Together

Sometimes you don’t need big words.

Sometimes, a single color says it all.

With their new special-edition jersey “Senators – Pink Against Racism”, the Düsseldorf Senators’ softball team is making a powerful statement, on behalf of the entire club. Created in close collaboration and with the generous support of Druckhaus Boeken, this jersey is more than just a new design. It’s a message!

Pink was a deliberate choice. This color is many things, but never neutral. It represents compassion, care, and connection, a form of strength that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Pink is the color of peaceful protest, worn by those who stand up against hate.

It’s a reminder of the global fight against breast cancer, a symbol of solidarity, and of shared fears and hope. It belongs to the history of the queer community. And it shows up again and again when people take to the streets – against discrimination, against racism, against the exclusion of diversity.

“With this jersey, we want to show that there’s no place for racism, discrimination, or exclusion in our society – neither on nor off the field. We are only strong when we stand together,” say the team’s leaders.

And what a team that is. Currently, eight different nations are represented on the Senators’ softball roster. Eight cultures, eight perspectives, eight life stories – united not only by sport, but by mutual respect. What’s lived out on this team, day after day, is exactly what society should look like: trust, openness, and true togetherness.

Because in the end, it doesn’t matter where we come from.

What matters is that we walk this path together. And play as one.

In pink.

GREYHOUNDS SHOWED THEIR TEETH

On May 25th, 2025, the Senators Ladies faced the Aachen Greyhounds to conclude their road trip.

After one win and three losses in the previous matchups, the team hoped to end on a high note against the still-winless squad from the cathedral city—and erase the sting of a bitter defeat in Krefeld.

“We would’ve preferred heading to Aachen with a win behind us,” said Head Coach Frank Mohr.

“Because when you have momentum, it’s simply easier to play with more freedom.”

“The fact that it didn’t work out that way—we only have ourselves to blame.”

The coach also issued a clear warning not to underestimate the opponent:

“Anyone who looked at the score sheets from their recent games would’ve seen that the Greyhounds were overdue for a win.”

Game 1: Discipline, Pitching, and Five Timely Runs

With nearly the same lineup as in the game against league-leaders Neunkirchen, the Senators entered game one highly motivated—and scored a run in the very first inning.

Thanks to solid contact, the bases stayed active throughout, but no further runs came across early on.

“The Greyhounds’ defense—especially in game one—really impressed me. It was the reason we had to fight long and hard to protect our narrow lead.”

Aachen struggled to gain any offensive momentum—largely due to the Senators’ near-flawless defense, led by Katja, who delivered a masterclass from the circle.

From pitch one to seventy-six, she commanded the game, throwing a complete game while allowing just two hits, one walk, and recording five strikeouts—carrying her team straight to victory.

In the fifth inning, the coaching staff pulled out all the stops to give Katja some breathing room: bunt execution, aggressive base running, smart decisions.

“Not that I ever doubted Katja—she was simply too dominant that day. But we all know how fast a game can turn. Those five runs in the inning were crucial and firmly put us on the road to victory.”

In the end, a well-deserved 6–2 win for the Senators lit up the scoreboard.

Game 2: Early Lead Slips Away

Riding the momentum from their game one win, the team entered game two full of confidence—and came out strong. By the top of the third inning, the Benrath squad had taken a commanding 7–0 lead, and the doubleheader sweep seemed within reach.

Karen started in the circle and delivered two clean innings before handing things over to Olivia.

“We’re lucky to have developed another player like Karen for this position,” praised coach Mohr.

“That she’s already performing this well is impressive—it shows what hard work and consistent training can achieve, especially when paired with real talent.”

Olivia, too, is growing more stable and confident on the mound.

“She threw a lot of strikes and her progress is clear. After the agreed four batters and one out, I took her out again. We want to develop our young players gently—not burn them out.”

But as the game wore on, mistakes began to creep in.

Routine plays went unmade—and Aachen clawed their way back into the game.

“Losing 9–7 in the end stings a bit,” admitted Mohr afterward.

“That we experiment and don’t always play purely for the win is absolutely the right approach—and this loss isn’t because of that philosophy. We just weren’t present in the key moments. Aachen was—and they deserved the win.”

“But I’m confident we’ll fix those issues very soon.”

With one win and one loss, the Senators Ladies conclude their road trip.

The first game revealed the team’s potential—while the second showed where the work remains:

Consistency. Focus. And the mental strength to stay locked in until the final pitch.

Ladies make a statement

Düsseldorf Senators Make a Statement Against Undefeated Nightmares

On Sunday, May 11, 2025, the long-awaited matchup took place in Neunkirchen between the Düsseldorf Senators women’s softball team and the previously undefeated Neunkirchen Nightmares. Head Coach Frank Mohr’s team used the three-week break following their split against Krefeld not just for recovery, but for intensive preparation against the league leaders.

“Especially in the final week leading up to the game, we worked hard on our game plan — both defensively and offensively,” explained Head Coach Mohr. “We meticulously practiced plays and ran through all kinds of scenarios with our battery.”

Scouting the opponent was also high on the agenda: “We closely analyzed the Nightmares’ recent games and knew we had to be ready for anything — including players you wouldn’t necessarily expect to see in a regional league game.”

With that, the Senators Ladies entered both games not only highly motivated but also exceptionally well prepared.

As a neutral spectator, you might have rubbed your eyes in disbelief at the determination with which the Düsseldorf team faced the undefeated league leaders (8–0). On offense, the Senators lit a firework — playing boldly and aggressively on the bases and constantly putting Neunkirchen under pressure. At the plate, they stayed focused and kept their cool throughout.

“The fact that we played with such discipline is no coincidence — it’s the result of months of hard work by our hitting coach, Patrick Mohr,” Frank Mohr added. “Hardly a day goes by when we’re not thinking about softball — we read, watch, analyze, and learn from the best in the sport. Success is no accident; it’s the product of dedication and effort.”

That approach was also evident in the pitcher’s circle, where five different pitchers took the mound — two of whom made their debut in the second game.

“I want to once again emphasize that the decision to play a doubleheader in the regional league was absolutely the right one. It’s the only way we can consistently develop our young talent,” said Mohr.

As they did in their home opener against the Krefeld Crows, the Senators also used the second game in Neunkirchen to follow their own path — regardless of the score.

“The second game always gives us the chance to try new things — and that’s exactly what we do.”

Karen and Olivia made their debut in the circle. “Karen had already gained some experience in a scrimmage against the reigning national champions from Wesseling, but for Olivia, it was her very first outing. We agreed on three batters — and that’s exactly what she faced.”

Despite holding a solid lead, the coaches deliberately chose not to fall back on veteran players. “Our team’s development comes first. Our young players only grow when we trust them with responsibility. That’s why the narrow 10–9 loss in the second game doesn’t hurt at all — in fact, it doesn’t diminish our outstanding performance that day in the slightest.”

And let’s not forget: the Senators won the first game convincingly, 6–2 — a clear statement and a strong sign of progress.

A Strong Start for the Senators Ladies

“Drawing from a full roster” – what had long been more of a hopeful phrase than a reality, was often a challenge for the Düsseldorf Senators women’s team in recent years. Injuries, vacations, scheduling conflicts – rarely could they field their full lineup. But 2025 begins with a glimmer of hope – and a deep bench.

For the season opener, the roster briefly swelled to an impressive 20 players, before illness-related absences narrowed the list a bit.

Still – 18 players took the field, a strong sign of the team’s current depth.

“Every absence is significant – and I make no exceptions there. As I said before: we need every single player,” said Head Coach Frank Mohr.

The coach was especially impressed by how seamlessly the players integrated into the team structure:

“There was hardly any drop in quality on the field. Everyone gave it their all, kept the game close for a long time, and just played great. It was an absolute joy.”

The Senators Ladies came out focused from the first pitch and, led by their starting pitcher Katja, quickly built a comfortable lead. After three innings, the score stood at 10–3.

“We had to decide whether to let Katja pitch the game to the end or save her for game two. We chose the latter.”

“The fact that things got close again in the end – that’s on us.”

A team like the Crows can never be counted out. After a furious comeback in the fourth inning, it was up to the Senators’ closer to finish the job and secure the first win of the season with the final out.

Development Over Results

In the second game of the matchup, the coaching staff used the opportunity to try out some new things: two rookies got their shot in the circle – and impressed across the board.

With the Crows leading 6–5, Head Coach Mohr pulled his starter and brought in two of his planned relief pitchers – a move long in the making:

“Karen and Nina have been training for nearly two years for this critical role. It was time to get them into the game – and they did an excellent job.”

The split series against a top-tier team like Krefeld is more than just a respectable result – it shows the direction this season could take.

Despite the promising start, the coaching staff remains clear on what matters most:

“We don’t just say we don’t focus on results – we truly live that. We won’t play for wins at all costs and sacrifice our young talent for short-term success. That’s not the path we’re on.”

And further:

“This team already has so much quality that we can compete with any squad in the league. I’m confident we’ll cause a few surprises this season.”

– Frank Mohr

MORE THAN JUST A TEST

After a break of more than six months, it was finally time to say: Play Ball!

On March 23, 2025, at Düsseldorf’s Südallee, the Düsseldorf Senators’ softball team welcomed the Wesseling Vermins for two exciting exhibition games.

A Look at the Weather

Before the games could begin, worried looks turned to the sky. Heavy rain had fallen overnight, only letting up in the early morning hours.

“Our grounds crew has put an incredible amount of work into the field over the past few weeks. We were eager to see if and how the field would hold up after the night’s rainfall,” said Head Coach Frank Mohr.

Fortunately, there was no reason to worry. Both the new bullpens and the infield were in excellent condition.

“We definitely have to give huge credit to our tarp supplier, shout-out to KAMPA Planen because without the new field covers, today’s games wouldn’t have been possible.”

Strategy in Focus

With the field ready, the first of two games started at 1:00 PM.

“We deliberately chose the new format of 2×5 innings for this day to test how we can best position ourselves strategically. Looking ahead, we need to cover ten innings with our pitching staff, so this was a great opportunity to try things out.”

To keep their pitchers in top shape throughout the season, the coaching staff plans to distribute innings among all available arms – a challenging task with eight pitchers on the roster.

“We have two outstanding young talents whom we will develop step by step over the next three years, giving them selected pitching opportunities this season. Our experienced players, on the other hand, have the important role of guiding and supporting the younger ones through the coming seasons. This concept has been refined over the years and has proven to be very successful.”

Strong Pitching and Hitting Performances

“All of our pitchers did a fantastic job today, and I’m especially happy because I know how much effort they put in during the offseason,” said the head coach.

A key factor in the team’s recent progress has been the support of U.S. pitching coaches Courtney Oliva and Kerri Foster, whose vast experience continues to be an invaluable resource for the coaching staff.

“I’m endlessly grateful to Courtney and Kerri for their support. Without their help, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

The hitting coach was also very pleased, praising the players for their strong performances:

“We didn’t just hold our own against strong pitching; we also made an impact on offense. That’s a great sign and gives us a lot of confidence for the games ahead!”

Solid Defense

Though not everything went perfectly – understandably so after such a long break – the coaching staff was happy with the team’s defensive efforts.

“Mistakes happen in every game, and the ones we made today are easily fixable with time. We experimented a lot, and towards the end, we could tell that the players were losing their focus. But Karo’s double play at second base at that point in the game was definitely a highlight!”

A Worthy Opponent

A great game also requires a great opponent – and the Wesseling Vermins were exactly that. At the end of the day, the coaches had nothing but praise for their competition and refrained from discussing game results:

“We’re not talking about scores today. For both teams, this was about gaining valuable game experience, trying out new things, and getting a sense of where we stand at this early stage of the new season.

We couldn’t have asked for a better opponent to kick off the season! We wish this talented and spirited young team all the best and are already looking forward to our next matchup.”

FOCUS ON YOUTH AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT

With great anticipation, the women of the Düsseldorf Senators are looking forward to the upcoming season in the Softball State League. With the largest roster in the club’s history – a total of 26 players – the Ladies will kick off their season on April 6, 2025, against the Krefeld Crows.

The impressive team size is not a coincidence, but the result of hard and tireless work from the entire team around Head Coach Frank Mohr.

“The progress our sport has made over the past few years is simply great and makes you excited for more.”

An increase can also be seen in the game operations of the state leagues this year. Starting this season, significant changes will come into effect, presenting many clubs with major challenges.

The change involves two games per matchday – the so-called Double Header (DH) – each lasting five innings with a 90-minute time limit.

“We highly appreciate the new game mode by the BSV NRW, because it gives our young players the chance to get more playing time than ever before.”

Mohr also sees the new mode as a future-oriented approach for German softball overall: “This is definitely the right step to become more competitive internationally. Especially when compared to the top softball nations, Germany could benefit from more playing experience and broader talent development. Sure, it won’t be easy, but we love challenges and believe we’ve done our homework.”

The Senators will start in the Landesliga 2, where they will face familiar opponents such as the Krefeld Crows, Jülich Duchess, Neunkirchen Nightmares, and Aachen Greyhounds. Games will be played in a round-of-three mode, and with the new structure, there will be a total of 24 games.

“We are incredibly happy to have such a deep roster, as we will need every player.”

Before the season kicks off at Südallee on April 6, 2025, the Ladies have a very special pre-season game: On March 23, 2025, the current German champions, the Wesseling Vermins, will visit Düsseldorf.

“We are very happy and proud that the Wesseling Vermins agreed to this game. Happy, because there is currently no better team in the Bundesliga or NRW League, and proud, because this game shows that our tireless work in Düsseldorf is being recognized. It will be a great day.”

A lot has changed, but when it comes to goals, our Head Coach has given the same answer for years:

“We always prioritize the development of the team and our players over the results. We want to play the best softball we are capable of. If we end up as winners at the end of the day, that’s great – and if we don’t, so what?”

Once again, the ladies of the Düsseldorf Senators Softball Team have shown their big hearts for those in need. This year, they donated 450€ to Trebe Café in Düsseldorf, an organization run by the Diakonie, dedicated to supporting young women in difficult and unstable situations. Here, they receive unconditional acceptance of their person and life circumstances.

The drop-in center can be visited during opening hours without prior registration and completely without obligation. Visitors can receive food, clothing, a mailing address, and a place to rest—without having to meet any conditions, for this reason every decision is made in full agreement with the girls and young women.

We are very proud to give something back to the community and are eager to continue doing so in the future.

We never take for granted how privileged we are to live and love a sport in a friendly and warm environment—something many of the girls who visit Trebe Café have never experienced before.

We can’t thank Maria Peixoto and her wonderful team enough for their incredible work with these young women and for reaching out to them unconditionally.

If you’d like to learn more about Trebe Café in Düsseldorf, visit their Website.