„Representing Bulgaria Was Bigger Than Me“

                  An exclusive interview with Bulgaria’s newest baseball star

When Bulgaria qualified for the 2027 European Baseball Championship, one of the biggest revelations of the tournament wasn’t only the team’s historic success—it was the arrival of a young American-born player with Bulgarian roots who immediately won over teammates, coaches, and fans alike.

With his outstanding performances, disciplined approach at the plate, and humble personality, he quickly became one of the faces of Bulgaria’s unforgettable campaign. Shortly after the tournament, we sat down to discuss his journey from Michigan to Blagoevgrad, the Instagram message that changed his life, and why wearing the Bulgarian jersey means so much to him.

A Conversation with Michael Tchavdarov, Exactly 72 Hours After the Final Out of the Championship Final: Bulgaria vs. Slovenia

---

You became one of the biggest stories of the tournament, but let’s start from the beginning. Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m originally from Michigan in the United States. My parents emigrated there about 26 years ago from Gorna Oriahovitsa, Bulgaria, and I’m an only child.

I’ve been playing baseball since I was around ten years old. I recently completed my college baseball career in 2025, and shortly afterwards I was allowed to represent Bulgaria’s national team. It’s something I’ll always be grateful for.

---

Growing up in Michigan, you had every opportunity to play hockey, basketball, or American football. Why baseball?

It actually started because of my uncle. He’s American and signed both my cousin and me up for baseball.

At that point, my parents had never even heard of the sport. Baseball simply wasn’t part of their world growing up in Bulgaria.

From the moment I stepped onto the field, I fell in love with the game. It wasn’t only about baseball—it was about spending time with friends, competing, and having fun. My cousin and I started together, and that’s where everything began.

---

Did your cousin continue playing?

No. He eventually switched to American football during middle school. He’s a big, athletic guy and had a promising future, but unfortunately suffered several serious knee injuries, including ACL and meniscus tears, which ended his football career.

---

After college, you weren’t playing professionally anymore. How difficult was that transition?

Like every competitive athlete, I wanted to continue playing professionally.

I tried earning a spot in the Jimmy John’s League near my hometown in Michigan. It would’ve allowed me to stay close to home while pursuing baseball, but unfortunately I wasn’t selected.

So I started working full-time while continuing to play in a competitive men’s league. More importantly, I never stopped training.

For quite a while I’d been speaking with Johannes, Demeter and Coach Stephen about potentially representing Bulgaria, so I knew I had to stay ready if the opportunity ever came.

Thankfully, it did.

---

How did you even discover that Bulgaria had a national baseball team?

It’s actually a funny story.

Back in 2020, I searched online to see whether there had ever been a professional baseball player with Bulgarian roots. Yoanis came up immediately after signing with the Chicago Cubs as an undrafted free agent.

I found him on Instagram, sent him a simple congratulatory message, and honestly didn’t expect anything to come from it.

Instead, we became friends.

Through Yoanis, I connected with Dimitar and Coach Stephan, and eventually they invited me to represent Bulgaria.

Sometimes one message really can change your life.

---

Was accepting the invitation an easy decision?

Absolutely.

Representing Bulgaria wasn’t something I had to think twice about.

It was an incredible honour—not only because of baseball, but because my parents were born here. Wearing the Bulgarian jersey meant I was playing for something much bigger than myself.

---

During the tournament, the crowd regularly chanted „MVP.“ How did that feel?

It was amazing.

Hearing Bulgarian fans support me and my teammates like that meant a lot.

But baseball is never about one player. We had so many guys contributing throughout the tournament.

I simply wanted to do everything I could to help the team win, so hearing the fans’ appreciation was incredibly special.

---

Your swing immediately caught people’s attention. Your approach looked incredibly disciplined. What goes through your mind before every at-bat?

Everything starts before I even step into the batter’s box.

Timing is the most important part of hitting.

While I’m on deck, I’m constantly matching my swing to the pitcher’s rhythm, trying to stay perfectly on time.

Once I’m in the box, I’m hunting the fastball and reacting to everything else.

I’m not trying to hit home runs.

I’m trying to hit hard line drives.

When you consistently square the baseball up, home runs tend to happen naturally.

---

Do you have any superstitions? Lucky batting gloves?

(Laughs.)

Not really.

Although I did buy a pair of light green batting gloves about six months before the tournament.

I never used them because I told myself I was saving them specifically for Bulgaria.

So maybe those became my lucky gloves.

Putting those gloves on together with the Bulgarian jersey made the whole experience feel even more special.

---

One thing that impressed everyone wasn’t only your baseball ability, but your attitude. You immediately connected with teammates and fans. Where does that come from?

That’s entirely because of my parents.

They always taught me to treat people with kindness and respect.

The coaches, teammates, and everyone around the national team made things incredibly easy for me.

Despite my Bulgarian not being perfect, they accepted me immediately.

It honestly felt like I’d already been part of the team for years.

That kind of welcome is something I’ll never forget.

---

How would you describe the stadium in Blagoevgrad?

Honestly, I was surprised—in the best possible way.

The field was in outstanding condition.

I’ve played on Double-A and Triple-A fields in the United States, and this one honestly reminded me of those.

The infield was excellent, the grass was beautifully maintained, and everything felt professionally prepared.

But what really stood out was the setting.

The mountains, the trees, the river beside the stadium…

After every victory, we’d jump into the river to cool off and relax together.

Those moments with the team will probably remain some of my favourite memories forever.

---

What was your favourite baseball moment during the tournament?

Without question, Dimitar’s grand slam against Finland.

We were trailing, and suddenly everything changed.

While I was standing on deck, I actually told myself that if Dimitar hit a grand slam, I was going to hit a home run next.

It sounds funny now, but that’s exactly what happened.

Of course, my approach never changes.

I’m looking for a good count, a fastball over the plate and trying to hit a hard line drive.

Sometimes those line drives happen to leave the ballpark.

---

Looking back at your career so far, is there anything you would change?

Honestly, no.

I believe everything happens for a reason.

Baseball has given me incredible friendships, unforgettable experiences, and opportunities to travel the world.

Every step brought me here.

And I still don’t feel like my baseball journey is over.

---

Growing up in Michigan, who was your baseball hero?

Miguel Cabrera.

Watching him play while growing up was something special.

---

Many young Bulgarian children watched this tournament. What would you tell them?

Don’t be afraid to try baseball.

The baseball community in Bulgaria welcomed me with open arms, and I know they’ll do the same for every young player.

Give the sport a chance.

You’ll make friends, learn valuable lessons, and create memories that will stay with you forever.

---

Finally, Bulgaria has already qualified for the 2027 European Championship in Germany. If the invitation comes again, will you return?

Without hesitation.

If I’m invited, it would be an honour to wear the Bulgarian jersey again.

Representing Bulgaria has been one of the proudest experiences of my life, and I would love the opportunity to do it again.

---

„Sometimes all it takes is one message.“

A simple Instagram conversation became the beginning of an international baseball journey. A young player from Michigan found his roots, Bulgaria discovered a new star, and together they helped write one of the greatest chapters in Bulgarian baseball history.

Some stories simply feel like they were meant to happen.