14/06/2021 1 Minute Read

Netherlands National Team roster revealed for WBSC Baseball Final Qualifier

The core of the team selected by manager Hensley Meulens comes from the Dutch major league.

The Royal Netherlands Baseball and Softball Federation (KNBSB) unveiled the Dutch 26-man national team roster for the WBSC Baseball Final Qualifier, which is set to take place from 22 to 26 June in Puebla, Mexico.

The core of the team comes from the Dutch Hoofdklasse league. Former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder Yurendell De Caster is currently playing in the Curaçao domestic league. The Dutch federation also scouted in Europe (Italy, Germany), Mexico and the independent leagues in the US, in order to fill out their national team roster. Six players are currently free agents.

Manager Henlsey Meulens will head into the final Olympic baseball qualifier in Mexico with the following players:

PITCHERS (12): Tom de Blok, Juancarlos Sulbaran, Mike Groen (Amsterdam Pirates), Orlando Yntema, Diego Markwell, Kevin Kelly (Neptunus Rotterdam), Lars Huijer (HCAW Bussum), Mike Bolsenbroek (Heidenheim, German BundersLiga), Jair Jurrjens (Guerreros Oaxaca, Mexico), Wendell Floranus (Tigres Angelopolis, Mexico), Shairon Martis, Franklin van Gurp (free agents).
CATCHERS (2): Sicnarf Loopstok (Lincoln Saltdogs, USA), Dashenko Ricardo (Neptunus Rotterdam).
INFIELDERS (7): Yurendell de Caster (Wild Cats, Curacao), Curt Smith (Lincoln Saltdogs, USA), Dwayne Kemp, John Polonius (Neptunus Rotterdam), Calten Daal, Juremi Profar e Sharlon Schoop (free agents).
OUTFIELDERS (5): Roger Bernadina (Neptunus Rotterdam), Denzel Richardson (Amsterdam Pirates), Randolph Oduber (Hoofddorp Pioniers), Jiandido Tromp (San Marino, Italian Serie A), Aldemar Rifaela (free agent).

Meulens' coaching staff includes bench coach Evert-Jan’t Hoen, pitching coach Robin van Doornspeek, hitting coach Sydney De Jong, first base coach Wim Martinus, third base coach Ben Thijssen and bullpen coach Lester Victoria.