Newly acquired Dutch RHP, Rick van den Hurk made his debut with the Softbank Hawks during an intra-squad game yesterday (February 17). The 29-year old started the intra-squad game for the white team. His velocity reached 148 km/h (92 mph). The first three batters that he faced were retired by him. Van den Hurk threw …
Rick van den Hurk arrived in Japan yesterday to join his new team, the Softbank Hawks from Fukuoka. Shortly after his arrival he joined a training session and introduced himself to his new team members. Today the six time Japnanese champion organized a press conference to introduce the 29-year old Dutch RHP. During the last…
The Pittsburgh Pirates signed Korean shortstop Jung-Ho Kang to a four year deal. The deal, pending a physical, will guarantee Kang $16 million. Kang played for the Nexen Heroes of the KBO (Korean professional league), the runner up in the Korean championship. The Nexen Heroes fell to the Samsung Lions in the championship series of…
Rick van den Hurk had a marvelous 2014 season in the KBO. As we all may know by now, the former Major Leaguer (Marlins, Orioles, and Pirates) won the league’s awards for lowest ERA and most strikeouts. When you know that the KBO is a very offensive league with an average of 5.71 runs per…
According to Chunichi Sports, the Yomiuri Giants are also interested in Dutch pitcher Rick van den Hurk. The 196 cm (6 ft 5) tall Van den Hurk is currently pitching for the Samsun Lions of the KBO (Korean Professional Baseball League). This season, Van den Hurk won thirteen games and lost four. He leads the…
Now the Dutch baseball season, the MiLB season and MLB season are over, I slowly start to realize that it is time for baseball hibernation. But the problem is that I don’t want to hibernate. I try to postpone that moment as long as possible. What can you do to get through the off season…
A Korean website has mentioned that the new NPB champions Softbank Hawks have shown interest in Dutch pitcher Rick van den Hurk. Currently Van den Hurk is pitching for the Samsung Lions of the KBO. One of my contacts on Twitter confirmed that he had signed a contract but no Japanese baseball site, even not…
