Jim Sieval

• Born September 3, 1952
• Died September 22, 2009

Jim Sieval played over 50 games for the Dutch national team. A middle infielder, he was noted as one of the top defensive players in the Hoofdklasse in the 1970s and 1980s. He also was known for his contact hitting and speed.

Sieval began as a pitcher with Schoten Haarlem. He played for the Netherlands in the 1973 European Championship, helping them to a title in his national team debut. He was with the Netherlands when they won Silver in the 1975 European Championship. In 1977, he set the Hoofdklasse records for complete games (20) and innings (206 1/3); both records still stood through 2009. He played for the second-place Netherlands in the 1977 European Championship. Sieval moved to the Amstel Tijgers in 1978 and became their shortstop, joining Charles Urbanus Jr. to form an excellent middle infield. Sieval was named the league's MVP.

Sieval helped the Netherlands win Gold at the 1981 European Championship. He played in the 1982 Amateur World Series, 1983 Intercontinental Cup and 1983 European Championship (second-place) as well.

Sieval also played for Haarlem Nicols. He died unexpectedly at age 57.

Primary Source: Marco Stoovelaar's website