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).