NEW YORK - Curaçao-born baseball player Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox has been named the Best Center Fielder in the American League, earning his first Golden Glove Award — one of Major League Baseball’s most prestigious honors.

Each year, MLB awards Golden Gloves to the top defensive players at every position in both the American and National Leagues. The final results are determined by votes from coaches (75%) and defensive statistics (25%).

Rafaela, 25, made his MLB debut in 2023 and quickly impressed with his exceptional fielding range, agility, and athleticism. This season, the Red Sox finished third in their division, but were later eliminated by the New York Yankees in the playoffs.

A New Generation of Curaçaoan Baseball Talent

Born in Willemstad, Curaçao, Rafaela joins an elite group of Curaçaoan players who have achieved success in the Major Leagues, continuing the island’s proud baseball legacy alongside stars like Andruw Jones, Ozzie Albies, and Jonathan Schoop.

Rafaela’s historic achievement is especially meaningful given that Andruw Jones, who won ten Golden Gloves during his MLB career, now serves as the manager of the Kingdom of the Netherlands national team.

Looking Ahead to the World Baseball Classic

Rafaela is expected to make his first appearance for the Kingdom team at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March, to be held in the United States.

Coach Andruw Jones confirmed that Rafaela has already expressed his commitment to represent the Kingdom, calling him “a defensive powerhouse and a symbol of Curaçao’s baseball excellence.”

With this recognition, Ceddanne Rafaela not only cements his place among baseball’s elite defenders but also reinforces Curaçao’s enduring impact on the global baseball stage.