AMSTERDAM - Hensley Meulens has bid farewell as the manager of the Kingdom of the Netherlands baseball team. This decision marks the end of a golden era for the Kingdom team, which soared to unprecedented heights under his leadership.
Meulens, known by the nickname 'Bam Bam,' guided the team to historic successes, including reaching the semi-finals of the prestigious World Baseball Classic twice, in 2013 and 2017. These achievements put the Kingdom team on the map in the international baseball world.
Peter Kwakernaak, Technical Director of the Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association (KNBSB), praised Meulens, saying, “His dedication and commitment over many years have not only strengthened our team but also brought memorable moments and successes.”
For Curaçao, a significant part of the Kingdom team, Meulens' departure signifies a change in the sporting landscape. He played a crucial role in developing talents from Curaçao, elevating baseball to a higher level.
In addition to his role as a manager, Meulens was also a prominent player. He made his debut for the Kingdom team in 2000, leading the Netherlands to victory over Cuba in the Olympic Games with a decisive double. According to the Baseball Association, his transition from player to coach and later to manager reflects his profound knowledge and love for the sport.