Netherlands manager Sidney De Jong introduces roster for WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024
World No. 7 the Netherlands are hoping to achieve their best ever result in the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup according to manager Sidney De Jong when the 2024 edition takes place in Shaoxing, China from 6-15 September.
The Dutch, who arrived in Shaoxing on Tuesday, finished in eighth place in the previous edition in 2022, 10th in 2021 and 2018 and ninth in 2014 (WBSC U-21 Baseball World Cup). In 2022, the Netherlands went close to reaching the Super Round, when they finished in an unprecedented five-way tie in Group B behind undefeated Korea. This time, they aim to reach the Super Round.
"The whole roster has been together for two days," De Jong said. "We must come together, but I'm confident we have a talented team.
"We know every team is very strong, but I think we have the talent to be in the top six," De Jong added. "This U-23 Baseball World Cup is a great opportunity for my players. They will face a level higher than what they are used to. It will be a great experience for their baseball careers and their lives."
Jakey Josefa, who starred for the Netherlands at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2021 (played in 2022), played 19 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks at Single-A in the 2024 season.
Left handed pitcher Chris Stuart played his senior season at the University of Houston. He was the only pitcher on the roster not to give up a home run.
Catchers Sem Kuijper and Jair Van Borkulo have been everyday players in the Dutch Hoofdklasse for the last three season.
"The strength of this team will be unity," added De Jong. "We have athletic guys and we will play with heart."
PITCHERS (10) Jiorgeny Casimiri, Gio De Graauw, Dylan Farley, Edvin Irausquin, Naut Kragt, Rick Rizvic, Chris Stuart, Koen Van 'T Klooster, Jeile Van Der Lelie, Pim Vijfinkel
CATCHERS (2) Sem Kuijper, Jair Van Borkulo
INFIELDERS (5) Matis Crouwel, Marvin Jakobus, Jakey Josefa, Raidley Legito, Gedionne Marlin
OUTFIELDERS (4) Donovan Antonia, Darryl Collins, Marnix Ruben, Rushenten Tomsjansen
UTILITY (2) Tilsaimy Melfor, Justin Morales
DH (1) Ruendrick Piternella
De Jong's staff includes bench coach Evert-Jan 'T Hoen, pitching coach Robin Van Doornspeek, and assistant coaches Michael Duursma and Randolph Oduber.
World No. 7 the Netherlands will compete in Group B and face No. 3 Chinese Taipei, No. 5 Venezuela, No. 6 Korea, No. 17 Nicaragua and No. 31 South Africa.
Group A includes No. 1 Japan, No. 10 Puerto Rico, No. 11 Colombia, No. 15 Australia, No. 18 Great Britain and No. 24 China.