Netherlands ​Aims for Best-Ever Result at WBSC U-23 Baseball ⁣World⁢ Cup 2024

Manager Sidney de⁣ Jong expressed the Netherlands’ ambition to achieve its best-ever result at ‍the upcoming WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024, scheduled to⁣ take place from September ‍6-15 in Shaoxing, China. The Netherlands, currently ranked‍ seventh in the world, has​ been ⁢working⁤ towards this goal.

The team’s past performances have been promising, with an eighth-place finish⁢ in the 2022 tournament, 10th place in 2021 and 2018, and ninth place in 2014 (WBSC U-21‍ Baseball​ World Cup). In the 2022 tournament, the Netherlands finished fifth‍ in Group B, narrowly missing the opportunity⁤ to ​advance to the Super Round. This time, they‍ are determined to ‍make it⁤ to the top six.

De Jong expressed his confidence in the team’s abilities, stating, ‌”It’s only ‌the ‍second day since we had the⁤ entire roster together, but⁤ I’m confident we have a talented team.” He acknowledged the strength of the competing teams but ⁢emphasized the Netherlands’ potential, ⁣saying, “I ⁢know all the‍ teams are very strong, but ​I think we have what ⁢it takes to finish‌ in the top six.”

The WBSC U-23 Baseball World ‍Cup 2024 presents a valuable opportunity for the⁤ Netherlands’ players to gain experience and advance their baseball careers. De Jong highlighted the significance of this event, saying, “This ⁣U-23 Baseball World Cup⁤ is a great opportunity ⁢for ​our players. It will be a great experience for their ⁢baseball lives and their careers.”

The team boasts ​talented ⁢players, including‍ Jaikie Josefa, who‍ played 19 games for the Single-A Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2024 season. Left-handed pitcher ⁢Chris​ Stewart, in his senior ⁣season at Houston, has demonstrated impressive skills. ‍Catchers Sem Kuyper‌ and Jair van Borklo have⁣ consistently played everyday games for the Dutch Hoofdklasse over the ‌past three seasons.

De Jong attributed‌ the team’s strength to their​ unity, ‍saying, “The⁢ strength of this ⁤team ‍is our unity. We have ‍very athletic players and we play ‍with heart.”

Netherlands’ Roster

Pitchers:

• Georgy Casimiri
• Geo ​de⁣ Grau
• Dylan Farley
• Edvin Ilaskin
• Naut Kragt
• Rick Rizvich
• Chris Stewart
• Kane van ‘t Kloester
• Jair van der Lely
• Pim ⁣Wieffinkel

Catchers:

• Sem Kuiper
• Jair van Borklo

Infielders:

• Mathis Crewel
• Marvin Jacobs
• Jakie Josefa
• Laidley Legit
• Gedionne Merlin

Outfielders:

• Donovan Antonia
• Darryl Collins
• Marnix‌ Ruben
• Ruschen Thoms-Janssen

Utility:

• Tirsaimy Melfor
• Justin Morales

DH:

• Ruendrick Piternella

Coaching Staff

De Jong’s staff includes:

• Bench coach: Evert-Jan T. Hoen
• Pitching coach: Robin van Doornspeek
• Assistant coaches: Michael Duursma and Randolph Oduber

Tournament Groups

The Netherlands is in Group B, alongside Chinese Taipei (3rd), Venezuela (5th), South Korea ‍(6th), Nicaragua​ (17th), and‌ South⁣ Africa (31st). Group A consists of Japan (1st), Puerto ‍Rico (10th), Colombia (11th), Australia (15th), Great Britain (18th), and China (24th).