Four weeks ago, the news was spread that Rick van den Hurk would be promoted by the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, the defending champions of the NPB. You may understand that the Dutch baseball community was very excited. I found the news on Twitter and published it on my blog. It took several days before the…
A day after his call up, Rick van den Hurk started vs the Seibu Lions of the Central League. Rick was flat out dominating in the first four innings striking out six and he took a 1-0 lead (solo homerun by Yuki Yanagita) into the fifth inning. But in the fifth the Lions tied the…
Several newspapers in Japan are stating that Rick van den Hurk may start the NPB game of July 2nd for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks vs the Seibu Lions. In the last few days, Rick took part in the pitcher practice in Saitozaki training camp. According to sources, Jason Standridge will be pulled from the roster the…
Rick van den Hurk’s adventure in the NPB didn’t last long. According to the website Yakyu Baka, he has been removed from the Hawks’ active roster. Rick was called up about a week and a half ago from the Japanese minor leages, where he posted very impressive numbers. In ten starts, he won five games and lost…
Rick van den Hurk injured himself a few weeks ago, shortly before the start of the NPB season. After a rehab stint with the Ni-Gun team of the Softbank Hawks, he was ready to pitch at the NPB. But the timing of this injury could not have been worse. The Hawks used pitcher Edison Barrios…
Dutchies in Japan Both Rick van den Hurk and Wladimir Balentien played a rehab game with the Ni-Gun teams (farm teams) of the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks and the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. In a 7-0 win over the Orix Buffaloes, Rick van den Hurk pitched seven innings in which he allowed two hits, walked three and…
Fukuoka Softbank Hakws’ pitcher Rick van den Hurk was scratched from the roster of the European team that will take on Samurai Japan on March 10 and 11, because of an injury His spot on the roster was filled by Duch pitcher Mike Bolsenbroek, who plays for the Regensburg Legionäre. I read in a Japanese…
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 Fukuoka Softbank Hawks officially announced that Rick van den Hurk has signed a two year contract worth 400,000,000 Yen. The 29-year old Dutch pitcher will wear uniform number 44. According to Yakyubaka.com Van den Hurk said the following: “I am honored and happy for this opportunity to sign a contract with the Fukuoka Softbank…
