WILLEMSTAD – The young athletes of MLB Elite Curaçao have returned from an unforgettable experience at the Breakthrough Series tournament held in Vero Beach, Florida. During an intensive week, the players not only proudly represented Curaçao but also showed remarkable development and growth in their baseball skills.
The tournament featured fierce competition among 16 teams from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The MLB International team was made up of players from Brazil and Curaçao. Despite initial nerves and the challenge of merging players from two different development programs, the team adapted well and ended the tournament with two wins and two losses. The team showed great resilience, bouncing back to win their final two games.
One of the highlights for the Curaçao players was receiving exceptional guidance from a professional coaching staff made up of former Major League Baseball stars. These included infield coach David Eckstein—two-time World Series champion and Series MVP, pitching coach Roger McDowell—World Series champion with the 1986 NY Mets, and outfield coach Jeff Conine—two-time World Series champion with the Miami Marlins, fondly remembered as “Mr. Marlin.” Alongside support from coaches from Brazil, Curaçao, and Mexico, the players received valuable training and tips throughout the week.
Games were played at the state-of-the-art Jackie Robinson complex, where the team had the privilege of playing two matches at the main Hollman Stadium. Several MLB scouts were present to observe the action, providing players a chance to be seen by professional organizations. Notably, one scout from the St. Louis Cardinals signed a Brazilian player—who had also participated the previous year—to a professional contract at the end of the tournament. This inspired the Curaçao players to keep their dreams alive, whether of signing a professional deal or earning a scholarship to a high school or university in the U.S.
Individual achievements were also celebrated, with Chey-niël Delanoy being named the team’s best hitter, and Sebastian Ramirez Russo recognized as the best pitcher after securing the first-ever victory in MLB International team history. Manager Rudy van Heydoorn and the MLB Curaçao coaching staff expressed pride in the players’ accomplishments.
Looking ahead, MLB will host a major tryout event in Curaçao this coming August, offering more young talents the opportunity to join the MLB Elite Curaçao program. The Curaçao Baseball Development Foundation, MLB’s local partner, and the Curaçao Tourist Board, which supports the development project, congratulated the young athletes once again for their outstanding performance in the United States.
