Finland celebrates 40 years of baseball in the country
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<p>The Finnish Baseball and Softball Federation (FBSF) celebrated 40 years of baseball in the country during a gala hosted by the Federation's sponsor Tallink onboard the Silja Europa ferry boat.</p>
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<p>A video message by WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari opened the gala. Fraccari acknowledged the launch of the new Baseball Finnish Superleague, scheduled for the summer of 2022.</p>
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<p>Gabriel Waage attended the event on behalf of WBSC Europe and applauded the presentation of the Finnish Softball National Team programme.</p>
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<p>During the ceremony, FBSF presented awards medals by the Minister of Culture and Education to Terho Tiilikainen (Puumat Helsinki), Mika Rarjanen (FBSF Umpire) and Simopekka Vänskä (Lahti Pirates).</p>
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<p>The Finnish Baseball <strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Hall of Fame (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.wbsc.org/news/finland-fed-inducts-two-baseball-players-into-hall-of-fame" target="_blank">Hall of Fame</a></strong> inducted two new members: Veli-Pekka Häkkinen, a former National Team catcher, became member number five. Timo Tiihonen, former National Team pitcher and current umpire, became member number six.</p>
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<p>After the induction ceremony, FBSF mourned the passing of member number two Clarence Taylor, the first National Team manager.</p>
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<p>The highlight of the gala was when FBSF called to the podium the 40 key people of the last four decades. The moment was named 40 Years 40 Heroes.</p>
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