The Gothenburg Sharks had a very tough season opener away in Stockholm. The first game started with great pitching on the Stockholm side. Stockholm got on the board in the first inning and seemed to score in each an every one of the seven innings the game lasted. Gothenburg Sharks failed to get on the board. Game one ended 12-0.

Something happened in the second game. After the first inning it was 5-3 to Stockholm. Stockholm really caught fire in the second and got in no less than seven runs. Gothenburg stepped back after that cold shower and the board read 12-7 mid fourth. In the fifth both teamed had scored again to 14-9. However, the Sharks didn’t get any closer than that. The game ended 20-9 after seven innings.

Big thanks to Andreas Hammarstedt for the reports. With some luck we could also get our hands on a protocols for the games as well. A more detailed report will follow.

This interview was done well before Branden arrived to Sweden. You can read a shorter version translated into Swedish in the game day program.

It takes a few minutes to read through, but it is well deserved time to get acquainted to Branden before the season starts or just to get some reading tips.

– Tell us a bit about yourself and where you come from?

My name is Branden Joshua Porchêr Roper-Hubbert. I am a Bermudian-American that was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I have one older brother (Bradley) and one younger sister (Brielyn). My mother is a Bermudian immigrant who married my father, who is from Alabama and a former professional football player, way back in 1980. My brother currently plays baseball in Germany for the Bonn Capitals and my sister is a college student at Kennesaw State University.

I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta (which is the capital of Georgia) and was always very active. Atlanta has a relatively warm climate that allows you to be outdoors for most of the year. Additionally, one of the main desires that our parents had for us was to remain active in team sports because of their history and the benefits that they saw it had for a child’s development. I started playing sports when I was about 4 years old and loved them since the beginning.I played a variety of sports growing up: baseball (of course), football, golf, tae-kwon-do, and I swam competitively for years. Despite loving all those other sports, baseball was where I found my nitch. I, of course, played up until my senior year of high school, when I attended Chamblee High School in the greater Atlanta area. After I graduated, I knew I wanted to continue to play collegiately, and finding a school for my desired major where I could still play was very important to me. Therefore, I decided upon Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. I have always been interested in Aeronautics (the science, history, and future of aircraft and air travel) and Embry is one of the top schools in that field of study. Additionally, they have a great athletic program there, so I was blessed to have the best of both worlds and find a place that really fit me so well.

I graduated from Embry-Riddle in 2009 with my Bachelor’s of Science in Aeronautics and a minor in Business. From there, I knew I wanted to continue my education because today’s job market is so competitive, that I wanted to give myself an advantage over my peers, plus I still had one more year of athletic eligibility so I began my Master’s coursework in the field of Aviation Meteorology which I completed in December of 2011.

It’s been a blessing for me to be so fortunate in being able to accomplish this much thus far in my life. And I am extremely thankful to my parents who sacrificed so much for us throughout the years to get these types of opportunities.

– Did you read up on Gothenburg as a city yet?

I have looked into the city of Gothenburg a bit. And I have to say that I like what I’ve seen so far. Aside from baseball, I’m very interested in seeing what else the city has to offer. However, I’m especially interested in the archipelago that neighbors the mainland. I am an absolute beach lover. Maybe it’s the Bermudian in me, but I love the water, the beach, and everything in between!

– What’s the word on the street about Sweden? Is it all tall blonde, good looking women and IKEA?

Umm, Yes!! And I’m hoping that it is true!! But I’ve also heard great things about your food. And since my stomach pretty much controls everything that I do, I’m excited to sample your local cuisine! Starting with the meatballs!!

– What have you heard about the Swedish baseball game?

I have heard from a few sources. Travis Bass, who was a teammate of mine this past summer and Evan Porter, a former player for the Sharks as well as the Solingen Alligators (who I played for in 2012). I’m expecting it to be a pretty competitive, high-energy, and up-tempo pace. Although the level of play won’t be close to uniform across the board, I hope that they will be hard fought games by people who love the sport.

– You’ve previously played baseball in Germany. What was that experience like?

My overall experience was great. It was such a culture shock at first. The differences that I saw in the approach to baseball really threw me for a loop. Thankfully, I had a good group of guys and a coach who were committed to being the best that they could be. Once I recognized the desire that my teammates had, and saw that they wanted to win and to compete day in and day out, the way I did, the transition became a lot easier.

– Having been to Europe before and knowing a bit more about the culture of the game here – did you alter your off-season routines this year or are you sticking to an old programme of strength and conditioning combined with hitting and fielding?

I’m sticking to my usual strength and conditioning routine. It’s a routine that I spliced together from my time in college in addition to a routine that I received from a good friend of mine who played in the Oriole’s organization. When done with the proper intensity, and regularity I have found that it gives me great results and gets me in not just great shape, but great baseball shape.

The only thing that I have tweaked in my off-season workouts this year is my increase in pitching and catching drill work. Since I hadn’t done either of those for a while, and because I expect I’ll have to fill-in in those roles here and there throughout the year, I stepped up the intensity in those areas.

– Did your year playing ball in Germany change the way you view the sport? Are there any differences between the gameplay aspect of baseball in Europe and back home in the States?

Yes it did, especially the way I viewed the youth programs. I’m so used to having everything I do revolve around baseball, and when that happens, an added level of intensity/pressure gets placed on the players. So many players in the states are trying to use baseball for some reason, whether it be to earn money for college, or to earn their way onto an affiliated ball club, this incentive tends to make some kids “hungrier” and desirous to reach their maximum potential than what I saw in Germany. A larger number of kids in Germany simply did it for the fun of the game. To have something to do (which is not, necessarily, a bad thing). I think this is the case because baseball isn’t a nationally recognized sport and they don’t truly see the benefit of simply giving your max effort to become the best that you can be for your own pride. At times like that, in the development of the youth players, it helps to have something to aspire to that is relatively close to being achievable like the MLB or having a collegiate team to play for.

With the Bundesliga, I noticed a pretty similar level of desire and intensity to here in the states. Baseball meant more to a larger amount of players then. So it was definitely closer to what I’m used to here.

– What did baseball mean to you growing up as a kid? 

Baseball started for me as just something I did because my parents made me and we got to have awesome snacks at the games (I have to remind you that I started playing when I was 4 years old). As I grew though, it became something I did because I liked doing it because it is fun. After a few more years I realized I liked doing it because I like the team environment- the camaraderie, working together for a common goal and testing your skills and ability against those around you. And now I love it for all of those reasons, and because I want to know how good I can be if I work hard enough. Finally, I love baseball because it’s such a great parallel of life. It teaches you so many things about life and about yourself as well.

– What’s your best baseball memory? Is it something that happened on the field while you were playing yourself? Or is it catching a foulball at a major league game?

I hit a two-run, two out double for a walk-off win to send my 2010 team to the NAIA College World Series.

– How would a baseball scout describe your skills as a ballplayer?

They would probably say that I have good “tools.” That I have above average arm strength, that my speed is about average, and that I can hit for power and average at times. They would say that I can be a little streaky, but that I always play hard and give it my all.

– When not playing baseball, what are your favorite things to do? Hit the movies? Play videogames? Play basketball? Tell us

I absolutely love the beach. Whenever I have free time and there is a beach around, that is where you will find me. Outside of that, I love to dance. I may not be the best at it, but I’ve got a few moves!! I am also an avid reader. My favorite authors are Terry Goodkind, R.A. Salvatore, and George R.R. Martin.

– What’s your favorite major league team?

I have two: Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees

– Favorite major league player? Active or retired, doesn’t matter.

Jackie Robinson.

– Besides the obvious baseball gear and stuff you usually pack for a holiday, name one thing that you’re definitely bringing to Sweden.

Swimming trunks! (I bet you saw that one coming)

– Do you play fantasy sports? Baseball or Football? Anything like that?

I tried to get into fantasy sports a few years ago, but I was just too busy to keep up with my teams. I haven’t really given it a try since I left college.

– Being from around the Atlanta area – what has Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones meant to the baseball scene in Georgia?

They are legends around here. Bobby Cox was Atlanta Braves baseball for the past few decades. He created a legacy of blue collar baseball that will last for years to come. He showed that you could win without having the largest payroll in baseball. With a good core group of guys he created one of the most dominant clubs in baseball. Chipper Jones’ impact was no less prolific on the Atlanta area. Especially since he played under Bobby for so long.

– Expectations on the upcoming major league season? Any teams that really stand out as contenders? Any obvious bottom dwellers (yeah I’m looking at you Astros and Marlins!)? 

I’m really hoping to see the Braves return to form with the addition of the Upton brothers. It’d be nice to see the type of pandemonium that ensues when thee Bravos are doing well. I’m not counting the Tigers out though, they still have a strong team with good leadership and I think that they could, if things fall their way, can have another successful year.

But I definitely agree with you about the Astros and the Marlins. I applaud the Marlins for revamping their whole organization last year, but they over-stretched their resources and they will be paying for it in the wins column this year.

– It’s still early but can we please get your picks for the World Series and who’ll be the WS champ? Will it be a Freeway Series in LA with the Angels and the Dodgers? 

I’ll give you the World Series I hope to see: Braves vs. Angels 

– Thoughts on MVP’s and CY Young winners in each league?

I thought that they were both well deserved and I agreed with both decisions. Despite the fact that both Miggy and Buster didn’t have “MVP” type World Series performances, their contributions over the course of the grueling season are without question deserving of the award.

Price and Dickey are both great. Dickey hands down deserved his and Price, though his was a little closer in the voting, he too deserved his reward after a an exceptional year.

This is from an interview made with Patrick well before he arrived in Sweden. Parts of it made it into the game day program, although with in a Swedish version.

It will take a few minutes to read through, but it is well spent time to acquaint yourself with Patrick before the season starts.

Tell us a bit about yourself and where you come from?

I am from Boston, Massachusetts, and I have lived here my whole life.  I went to college at North Carolina Wesleyan College, where I played baseball and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration.

Did you read up on Gothenburg as a city yet?

I did a lot of research on Gothenburg, and I am beyond excited to be spending the summer in such a beautiful and awesome city.  Prior to making my decision on where to play, I did a lot of reading and general research on Sweden as a country, and I was amazed at what I found out.  The country has such a rich culture, full of history and traditions, that I never really knew about until this opportunity presented itself.  The more I read into Sweden though, the more I began to fall in love with one particular city: Gothenburg.  I cant wait to go to stroll the streets and take in the beauty, go check out the Maritime Museum, and of course go to Liseberg!

What’s the word on the street about Sweden? Is it all tall blonde, good looking women and IKEA?

Whenever I mention to anyone I am going to Sweden, I get one of two responses, depending on the gender of who is talking.  If it is a girl, they get all excited and start talking about Ikea, and the wonderful and creative world of Swedish design.  If it is a guy, it’s all about the blonde Swedish women, and the occasional Swedish meatball.  Of course, I also know of the Vikings, and Volvo, and all the stereotypical Swedish stuff; but I know that the country has a lot more to offer, and I am so excited to experience it all!

What have you heard about the Swedish baseball game?

I have heard that baseball in Sweden, as is much of Europe, is still a growing sport.  With that being said, I have also heard that is quite good and very competitive.

In preparation for Europe, did you alter your off-season routines this year or are you sticking to an old programme of strength and conditioning combined with hitting and fielding?

I have a pretty set routine of strength training and conditioning I stick to all year round.  This year has been a little different though, as for the past several seasons I have been used to working out with a team in college, but I think it will benefit me as a player because I can focus more on what I want to work on. I have an indoor state of the art baseball training facility close by that I go to everyday of the week.  I have a pretty set routine during the week and a typical day for me consists of hitting and throwing in the morning, lifting and cardio in the afternoon, and helping coach younger kids at night through lessons and group training.

Do you think playing ball in Sweden (or Europe in general) will change the way you view the sport? Are there any differences between the gameplay aspect of baseball in Europe and back home in the States?

I am sure by playing in Sweden, and in Europe in general, I will get a different view on the sport. Without first hand experience and having never played in Europe, or with European players, I look forward to seeing if and how the game differs. Having played with many Latin American players, I noticed the American game to be more about pitching and power, while the Latin Americans game to be more emphasis is on defense and speed.  I believe anytime you play at a new level, whether its college, high school, or even Little League, your view of the sport changes, and I’m sure playing in a new country will be no exception.

What did baseball mean to you growing up as a kid? 

Baseball meant everything to me growing up and the best memories from my childhood all revolve around baseball, whether it was playing with my friends in a park or abandoned field, or playing Little League.  Baseball  has brought closeness to my family as they have always supported me and attended my games whenever possible.  In addition, I have made hundreds of great friends with team mates, their families and coaches throughout my years playing.

What’s your best baseball memory? Is it something that happened on the field while you were playing yourself? Or is it catching a foulball at a major league game?

I have had so many great baseball memories, from my first homerun in Little League to my last hit in college, and all the game winning hits and great plays in between; but I feel the best baseball memories I have didn’t happen at a specific time or place, but it’s an accumulation of all the little things that mean the most to me.  Playing catch with my dad in the yard, and the hundreds or thousands of times we went to the field together to hit just the two of us.  Stepping up to the plate and always hearing my mom cheer for me, and getting a hug from her after every game.  Looking into the stands and seeing my sister there supporting me, even though there is a million things she would rather be doing.  Those memories mean more to me than any specific play or hit ever could.

How would a baseball scout describe your skills as a ballplayer?

Scouts have described me as a power hitter with power to all sides of the field.  I am a solid defensive player with an above average arm and great knowledge of the game.

You’ve been praised for your community work off the field. Tell us about what projects you’ve been involved with?

I do a lot of work with children with special needs.  I am involved in many programs, in which I totor, mentor, and most importantly become close friends with, many children who have various special needs.  I also mentor at risk children in the city, and act as a “big brother” to troubled teen.  I think my biggest project, and the one I am most proud of is the work I did with a boy named Andrew who has Down-Syndrome.  Andrew was in my grade in school, and had a huge passion for basketball.  However, he was told he would not be able to try out for the team because it would be too hard for the coach to have to deal with him at practice and coach the team.  So, instead of playing varsity basketball my Junior and Senior years in High School, I worked with him everyday during basketball season one on one, so he could be a member of the basketball team.  My proudest moment came when he hit a three point shot in a Varsity Basketball game his senior season, and ran off the court and gave me a hug. Andrew got a standing ovation for 5 minutes from everyone at the game.  It was a life changing moment, and one I will never forget.

When not playing baseball, what are your favorite things to do? Hit the movies? Play videogames? Play basketball? Tell us

I love spending time with my friends.  I have a great group of friends and we are always very competitive playing all different sports all the time.  My favorite sport to play besides baseball is Hockey.  I also do a lot of Snowboarding in the winter.  In addition, I love music and I play guitar and piano.

What’s your favorite major league team?

My favorite major league team is the Boston Red Sox.  To live in Boston and not be a Red Sox fan would be impossible, and quite frankly, wrong!

Favorite major league player? Active or retired, doesn’t matter.

My favorite player of all time is Ted Williams.  I believe that he is the best hitter to ever live, and if he didn’t give 6 of his prime years to go to World War II and Korea, he would have broken all the hitting records.

Besides the obvious baseball gear and stuff you usually pack for a holiday, name one thing that you’re definitely bringing to Sweden.

A Camera and journal!  I want to remember this trip for the rest of my life!!!

Do you play fantasy sports? Baseball or Football? Anything like that?

I play fantasy baseball and hockey.  In college, the baseball players used to take our fantasy baseball league pretty intense, all putting in $20 dollars, so the winner would win a couple hundred dollars!

Being from around the Boston area – what’s your take on the infamous Red Sox clubhouse situation with beer and chicken? The year of Bobby V?

I feel that Bobby V was a scapegoat for the lack of leadership and a sense of responsibility amongst the players.  The fact that all the players knew it was going on, and no one stepped up and said anything, is ridiculous and all of the players, whether they were the ones eating the chicken and drinking the beer, or playing the game, should feel ashamed that they let the fans and the city of Boston down.  They are professionals, making millions of dollars to play a game, they need to know better and be better role models.

The Red Sox have made some nice moves this off-season getting former pitching coach John Farrell back as the new manager, signing Mike Napoli, Jonny Gomes, Shane Victorino, trading for Joel Hanrahan etc. Is it enough to climb back into contention in a tough AL East?

I fear signing a bunch of mediocre talent is not enough to bring them close to even being considered a decent team.  They need to change some things internally, starting with the ownership, to climb back into contention.  They will never have leaders in the clubhouse, if they do not first have leaders in the owners box.

Expectations on the upcoming major league season? Any teams that really stand out as contenders? Any obvious bottom dwellers (yeah I’m looking at you Astros and Marlins!)? 

I was really impressed with some of the moves the Blue Jays made in the off season, and I think they are going to be a huge surprise team in 2013.  I think the Angels and Rangers will both be decent again in the American League.  In the National League, I think the Nationals, Reds, and Dodgers will be great!  I think the Astros, Cubs, Twins, and Marlins will all be disappointments once again!

It’s still early but can we please get your picks for the World Series and who’ll be the WS champ? Will it be a Freeway Series in LA with the Angels and the Dodgers? 

I think the World Series is going to be Angels vs Nationals, with the Angels winning it in 6 games!

Thoughts on MVP’s and CY Young winners in each league from the past year? Really tight races and we’d love your take on it.

For once, I actually agree with the MVP’s Cy Young, and Rookies of the Year picks from 2012.  Miguel Cabrera winning the Triple Crown, and Buster Posey leading San Francisco, were both worthy recipients.  I thought it was interesting to see a knuckleballer win the Cy Young in R.A. Dickey, and I also feel that David Price was somewhat of a surprise Cy Young winner, but both were deserving.  And how can anyone argue with Mike Trout or Bryce Harper, they are both straight nasty!!

The game day program is now available for download as a PDF. Program Sharks 2013

It contains information about the home games played this season. Help to read base ball statistics. Information from the Gothenburg Sharks chairwoman of the board as well as brief interviews with the American coaches Branden and Patrick. You can also see who was elected MVP for the Sharks last year as well as the whole squad and a list of games of the 2013 season. Go ahead and download it now!

The full interviews with Branden and Patrick in English will be published here within days.

Karlskoga Bats efforts to save Domarcupen seems to have failed. The weather didn’t play along. They will formally decide later on this week but everything points at that it will be cancelled. The Gothenburg Sharks decided earlier today that the team will focus on the field and try to play an inter squad game this weekend if possible.

Reports about Shark park have been up and down this week. The ground is still frozen except for the top layer that got a bit of extra water to it that is having trouble to find its way away from the field. Gothenburg showed itself on the spring side today with sun and 12C/54F. Rain is to expect later on this week which makes the forecast of the field condition a bit hard to make.

With that said, the Gothenburg Sharks will do its best to prepare Shark park for a game versus Akademin on the 27th and prevent yet another postponed game. However it looks like the season opener could be in jeopardy.

The organization has decided to have the season opener event the next scheduled game after that at the 11th of May vs Alby.