Curaçao names former minor leaguer Hainley Statia as National Team manager
A switch-hitting middle infielder, Statia played over 900 Minor League Baseball games for the Los Angeles Angels and the Milwaukee Brewers. He is currently working as a hitting instructor for Milwaukee.
The Curaçao Baseball Federation (FEBEKO) named Hainley Statia as the manager of the National Team. He will also be involved in the youth development programme from the U-12 to the U-23 age brackets.
The switch-hitting middle infielder played professional baseball in the United States from 2005 to 2014. He appeared in 963 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) games, including 220 at the Triple A level for the Los Angeles Angels. He helped the Netherlands win the 2007 and 2014 European Championships.
Statia, who will turn 35 on 19 January, started his coaching career in 2017 with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. He is currently a roving instructor in the farm system.
FEBEKO also introduced its new National Team logo through their Facebook page.
Federation President Jedrek Magdalena stated that Curaçao's goal is to climb the WBSC Men's Baseball World Rankings where Curaçao is currently No. 64.
Mr Magdalena, 29, and his Vice President Bradley Stuart, 27, are the youngest baseball leaders amongst WBSC Member Federations. They have been in office since February 2020 and managed to run what Magdalena called a "successful season" despite dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
