Czech Baseball Team Balances Day Jobs with International Competition Ahead of WBC
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – November 8, 2025 – The Czech Republic national baseball team faces South Korea today at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul in the first amiable match of the 2025 ‘K-Baseball Series,’ offering a crucial preparation opportunity ahead of the World Baseball Classic in March. What sets this team apart isn’t just their underdog status, but the diverse professional lives it’s players lead alongside their passion for the sport.
The Czech squad boasts a roster of “two-jobbers,” including starting pitcher Jan Novak,who is self-employed,adn captain Martin Musik,a groundskeeper.Outfielder martin Chervinka juggles baseball with careers as both an accountant and an electrician. Remarkably,the team is led by manager Hatim,who is also a practicing neurologist.
“It’s time for Czech people to wake up now,” Hatim remarked, highlighting the growing excitement surrounding the team’s international appearances. He later added with a smile, referencing the 2pm Korean game time (6am in the Czech Republic), “At this time, melatonin is being secreted in the local Czech people. I no this well because I’m a neurologist.”
Despite the challenges of balancing demanding careers with national team commitments, the players express unwavering dedication. “I’ve been playing baseball since I was 12, and baseball is everything,” said Musik. “It’s difficult because I don’t have enough training time, but I’m doing well.” Hatim explained he utilizes his five weeks of annual vacation to participate, while Musik acknowledged the financial sacrifice, stating, “I’m not making money…but that’s okay.”
The team’s momentum is building after a historic moment at the 2023 World Baseball Classic,where Musik hit the Czech Republic’s first-ever home run against china – off KT Wiz pitcher Ju Kwon. “I found out as you asked,” Musik said, surprised to learn his opponent played in the KBO League. Hatim noted the home run has already opened doors for Czech players in leagues across Asia, including Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.
Today’s game is viewed as a vital stepping stone towards the upcoming WBC. “I think this is a good opportunity to prepare for the World Baseball Classic,” Hatim stated.
The Czech Republic’s starting lineup includes Wojtek mensik (SS), Willy Escala (3B), milan Prokov (2B), Marek hlupp (CF), Michal Sindelka (RF), Martin Musik (1B), Jan Pospisil (DH), Martin Zelenka (C), and Marek Kreachiric (RF), with Jan Novak on the mound.
