#1
#1 out of 1
sports23h ago
With Hall of Famer at helm, Netherlands looks to bounce back in Classic
- The Netherlands will compete in Pool D at Miami's loanDepot Park, with a slate of tough opponents including Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Israel.
- Andruw Jones, a five-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, will manage the Netherlands in the 2026 Classic.
- The team aims to build on European success and Caribbean talent from Aruba and Curaçao.
- The 2023 Classic saw the Netherlands finish 2-2 in Pool A and exit on a tiebreaker by fewest runs allowed per defensive out.
- Shairon Martis delivered the Classic's first no-hitter in 2006 for the Netherlands.
- Netherlands fans remember the 2009 upset of the Dominican Republic as a landmark game in WBC history.
- Upcoming 2026 lineup could include MLB players like Ceddanne Rafaela and Xander Bogaerts, with others courted to return.
- Jones hinted at other potential returnees, including Jurickson Profar and Ozzie Albies.
- The Netherlands must improve after a challenging 2023 Classic to advance past Pool D.
- Prospects like Jurrangelo Cijntje and Druw Jones could join, adding talent to the Dutch-Caribbean pipeline.
Vote 0