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Jongejan to be named to Olympic Team

July 29, 2004 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release


Daytona Cubs pitcher Ferenc Jongejan has been named to the Netherlands Olympic team and will participate in the 2004 Olympics held in Athens, Greece beginning on August 15th thru the 25th. Jongejan (pronounced YONG-e-yan) resides in Utrecht, the Netherlands and was a non-drafted free agent signed in December of 2000. Ferenc is looking forward to the upcoming summer games and says the Olympics help showcase the talent in Denmark, a country more known for soccer and speed skating.

"After the 2000 games, I talked with (Chicago) Cubs scout Tad Powers and was later signed with a big part being because of the Olympics in Sydney, Australia," Jongejan said. "There are a number of scouts at the games and it's a great way for some of the players to get noticed and play professional baseball here in the United States." Jongejan also received interest from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri after competing in a summer tournament with the visiting Netherlands National Team in 1998.

Jongejan says the experience at the 2000 Olympics were some of the best, but understands his goal and gives credit to the Chicago Cubs organization.

"The opening ceremonies were awesome and seeing the top athletes in the world was great and I can't wait to go to Athens," Jongejan said. "However, I could never be in this situation if it were not for the Chicago Cubs. (Director of Player Personnel) Oneri Fleita has given me the green light to compete and I understand that there is risk involved. I being paid for the time in Athens and I hope to represent not only the Netherlands, but the Cubs as well."

The Netherlands Olympic Team is coached by former major league player Robert Eenhoorn who played four seasons in the majors and Jongejan says his reputation with Eenhoorn ensured him a spot on the team.

"I played with Robert on the 2000 team and I guess he liked the makeup of having a left-handed closer," Jongejan said. Former major league players Ralph Milliard, Ivanon Coffie and Calvin Maduro are also expected to represent the team in the Athens.

The Netherlands are one of eight teams to qualify for the Olympics. Greece, Italy, Cuba, Japan, Australia, Taipei and Canada also qualified.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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