Raban “Appie” Schalm. Started playing at the age of 4. As his big brother already played “peanutball”, he went to the field with him and was placed in the outfield. ABC Amsterdam was the first team Raban played for and with that club, he made his first National Youth Team at the age of 12. He was a utility player for many years, but finally became pitcher. After ABC (11 years), he played for Survivors Amsterdam/Diemen (1 year) and  than became a real Pirate in Amsterdam (with exception of 2 years at Almere). After the European title with the Dutch Little League Team, he went on to play for all the other youth teams as well. Two European Championships, two World Championships and the Kingdom Games (with the Dutch youth teams) and an international tournament (with the Dutch National B team). Raban played for 11 years in the Dutch head-class as a pitcher, but occasionally also as a position player. Highlights were; European champions in ‘92 and ‘97, participation with the World Championships Kingdom Games and Dutch Champion with the L&D Amsterdam (Pirates) in 2008. After the season 2009 he stopped his active carreer and will start in 2010 as Pitcher Coach for the L&D Amsterdam Team. In daily life Raban is teacher physical education in primary school. He has been with “Playball” since 1999 and is on of PBA's Chief Instructors and Wnter Commissioner.