Photo: Michelanka Zuiverlone
August 29, 2023 | Michelanka Zuiverlone and John Sampson
Curaçao’s young baseball players became international champions in the United States for the second time in a row. They were ceremoniously received on the island. “This is very special for such a small island!”
The airport arrival hall is crowded. Several children in baseball uniforms distribute Curaçao flags to the audience. In the distance, carnival trailers and buses wait, while tourists wonder what is happening.
Suddenly it was announced that the Curacao Minor League team was here. Boys aged 11-12 have become ‘international champions’ after beating all the major nations. They couldn’t win the last match, on record against America, so they can’t call themselves ‘world champions’.
“This is so special!”
Curaçao has a population of about 150,000, rivaling large countries like Australia (25 million people) and Japan (125 million). “It’s hard to find our island on a world map. And then you beat a country so big!” says baseball fan Miguel. “Very special!”
Baseball is one of the favorite sports on the island. Curaçao, along with the Dominican Republic, is the main supplier of top players to the United States. Many students dream of becoming a professional Major League Baseball player in the United States, which is the absolute pinnacle.
Miguel says this victory means something big to the boys and their families. “They have thrown themselves into the international spotlight and can only grow as a result.”
Willemstad is decorated everywhere
After a number of interviews at the airport, the boys board the trailers and follow the carnival route to Brionplaine in Otrobanda, where the official opening takes place. The city is decorated in the colors of the Curaçao flag. A stage has been set up where musical instruments are ready. After the speeches, there will be a party until late into the night.
Dayron Martina is the coach’s cousin. “When I was a kid, I played against Zino Everett, and now he’s leading this winning team!” he says proudly. According to him, Al Jazeera is also ready for more positive news out of all the negative news. “He inspires us and shows us as a people that we can achieve great things.”
In the past 20 years, Curaçao has reached the finals of the World Junior Championships no fewer than five times. More times than any team.
What distinguishes Curacao is that it is not played on grass, but on hard sand. The island will not have a “luxury” baseball budget, as it does in the United States. Meanwhile, Dayron hopes sports facilities will improve. He believes that young people will then achieve more. “I think because of this great achievement, our politicians will now invest more in sports.”
Money for a new baseball stadiumThe Besas Cabinet brings news during the festive ceremony later in the evening: 3 million guilders will be provided to upgrade the Little League Ballpark, where youngsters train and hold competitions. Four team managers get a day pass at an all-inclusive hotel. All winning boys will receive daily passes to the water park resort. |
A few weeks ago, the Curacao baseball team also became champions of the Senior League. Even world champion. The Council of Ministers decided – Giving all civil service employees half a day off For this opening. The Curaçao Business Association and the Chamber of Commerce have called on politicians to save more on tax money.
“Promotion in the US is invaluable.”
Sports Minister Setri van Heydron believes the win could bring economic benefits to the island. The island lives on tourism, and the attention the island has received among Americans is “something we can’t stand.” “We attract attention everywhere. In restaurants, people stand up to applaud and congratulate us. Even from police officers.”
