Kingdom of the Netherlands Honors De Jong as Baseball Classic Begins
The Kingdom of the Netherlands baseball team begins its quest in the World Baseball Classic tonight at 6:00 PM, entering the tournament with a poignant tribute to former captain and assistant coach Sidney de Jong, who passed away in January at the age of 46.
A Legacy Remembered
De Jong’s presence will be felt throughout the tournament. His jersey hangs in the team’s locker room and players will wear a badge with his number 24 on their sleeves. A special tribute is planned before the opening game against Venezuela, intended to boost team morale following his unexpected death.
Martis Reflects on Partnership with De Jong
Veteran pitcher Shairon Martis, participating in his fifth World Baseball Classic, remembers a strong connection with De Jong. Martis and De Jong were teammates when the Netherlands won the world championship in 2011. Martis recalls a crucial partnership with De Jong during the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, when he threw a no-hitter against Panama. “I threw the pitches that Sidney de Jong called as catcher,” Martis explained. “That no-hitter was really a team effort.”
Turbulent Road to the Classic
The team’s preparation hasn’t been without challenges. Beyond the loss of De Jong, the team has faced recent issues including the arrest of Jonathan Schoop and a doping suspension for Jurickson Profar. Despite these setbacks, Martis remains optimistic. “It’s unfortunate, but we’re moving forward. Jurickson knows we support him, but we’ll compete with the players who are here.” Jakey Josepha, from the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, has been called up as a replacement for Profar, having previously played for the Netherlands’ under-23 team under De Jong’s guidance.
Martis’s Continued Career and Olympic Aspirations
At 38, Shairon Martis continues to be a key player for the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He aims to remain fit with the goal of competing in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He joins Miguel Cabrera and Alfred Despaigne in a select group of players with five World Baseball Classic appearances. Martis too takes on a mentoring role for younger teammates, hoping to instill a winning mindset.
A Team of Polyglots
The Kingdom of the Netherlands team is notable for its multilingual players, many of whom hail from Aruba, Curaçao, and the Netherlands. Players like Xander Bogaerts, Kenley Jansen, and Didi Gregorius are fluent in Papiamento, English, Dutch, and Spanish, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie. This linguistic diversity allows for seamless communication and a feeling of home for players from different backgrounds.
FAQ
Q: What is a no-hitter?
A: A no-hitter is a baseball game in which a team does not record a single hit.
Q: Who was Sidney de Jong?
A: Sidney de Jong was a former catcher and captain of the Kingdom of the Netherlands baseball team, who later served as an assistant coach. He passed away in January 2026.
Q: What is the World Baseball Classic?
A: The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament featuring the best players from around the world.
Q: Where is Shairon Martis from?
A: Shairon Martis is from Curaçao.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Shairon Martis – his experience and leadership will be crucial for the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ success in the tournament.
Want to learn more about the World Baseball Classic? Visit MLB.com for schedules, scores, and team rosters.
