This past weekend, Finland faced Sweden and Norway in the Nordic baseball championships. Representing Puumat on the national team were Nooa Määttä, Samu Ropo, Tomi Vuorinen and Konsta Kurikka.

Against Sweden, thanks to Konsta Kurikka’s strong pitching performance, we saw one of the best national team games in years – an even battle against the leading nation and strong defense from start to finish. Against Norway, the result wasn’t what was hoped for, but young pitchers like Oscar Liinamaa, Nooa Määttä and Juho Saarvo stood out with their good performances. Although the results (FIN-SWE 2-5, FIN-NOR 0-12) didn’t turn into victories yet, as a team there has been much progress since last year’s European Championship qualifiers in Kutno, both in skills and mentally.

Head coach Paul York has succeeded in strengthening the baseball culture, which shows in the game expression and team spirit.