Germany’s Mona Brauch pitched in relief against Mexico on Day 2, subbed in on defence on Day 3 and was in the starting lineup on Day 4 and on Day 5 of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup 2025 presented by RAXUS in Tainan (TPE), where she batted in her first run, showing off girl power in every corner of the field.
The WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup isn’t Brauch’s first time playing for Germany’s national team, since she was also on the roster for the 2024 European Championship (as well as part of the German U-13 Softball National Team last year at the European Massimo Romeo Youth Trophy in Italy). For her, playing in world events is an exceptional experience because it means getting to travel the globe.
“We can learn something about the other kids,” said Brauch. “And then I was able to do it again after a year. That’s really good because I already had the experience.”
It’s Brauch’s first time in Taiwan, and she brought her mum and little brother along. They’ve been capturing every unforgettable moment and enjoying their stay. Not only did they stop by a baseball store to pick up gear for her upcoming games, but they also soaked up some authentic Taiwanese culture at a night market.
“I bought two wristbands and two pairs of batting gloves,” Brauch said. “I think the night market is something beautiful, and we saw many stands. That’s cool.”
Brauch started playing baseball at the age of five, after her brother began at two. She would tag along and quickly fell in love with the sport. Now eight years old, Mikka Brauch still plays, and he’s his sister’s biggest fan.
Growing up in Germany, where football is huge, Brauch chose baseball instead because it’s a team sport with more variety.
“Football, I think it’s boring,” Brauch said. “We have more with football, but I love baseball more. Baseball’s the coolest because we have defence, offence, pitching, and other aspects. Baseball is the best sport in the world.”
Playing both infield and pitcher, Brauch loves offence the most, especially when she can see the ball, hit it, and run the bases, but she looks forward to every “good day” when she can shine in other areas, too.
“It’s game to game,” Brauch said. “When I pitch, and it’s a good day, then I pitch well. When I hit well, then it’s also a good day with offence.”
Baseball is a significant source of happiness for Brauch, and she truly likes being part of the German Nationalmannschaft [National Team]. This squad only came together about a month before the tournament. On her birthday in June, she got to play baseball, which made it one of her best birthdays ever.
“We always have fun,” Brauch said. “When we’re not leading, we lose, but I think we are also a team. Just think, today’s not a day for us, but tomorrow will be better.”
