photograph
Catalog Number
2023.36.1Description
Photograph of the De Pree baseball team. In the back row, far left, is Henry Van Klink. Back row, 2nd from right is Gary Batema, middle row at far right is Ben Batema.History
Ben "Benny" Batema served in a field artillery company during WW1. He was born on 9-25-1888 in the Netherlands to Johannes and Willemke Batema. Benny passed away in Holland, MI on 11-11-1952. Benny played baseball for the Holland Independents in 1909. He was still with the team in 1916 and in 1922.Benny managed the Flying Dutchmen baseball team in Holland for 19 years, from about 1933-1952. He married Hazel Harris and was employed by the De Pree Company.