WILLEMSTAD - With extreme pride, the organizers of Curaçao Baseball Week 2024 (CBW) look back on a successful week contributing to the development of baseball in Curaçao. This year, CBW saw the participation of 956 children, 101 coaches, and 18 umpires. This achievement is significant for CBW, as each year our community demonstrates its interest in and connection to baseball, which is in our DNA.
For baseball enthusiasts, CBW 2024 was a week filled with positive energy. Children, coaches, umpires, parents, and all attendees made our legends in baseball feel proud. Both our local legends in baseball and those who joined us from other countries spoke highly of this experience. With the participation of Dusty Baker and Xander Bogaerts, everyone present enjoyed seeing these renowned figures up close.
The core and essence of CBW are the clinics for children, coaches, and umpires, which were without a doubt a success. Children from all our teams in Curaçao learned and sharpened their baseball skills. With great enthusiasm, the kids followed instructions, showcased their abilities, and asked questions at Tio Daou Ballpark and Didi Deeds Field. It's worth mentioning that the Home Run Derby that took place at Bam Bam Tech Sports Zone was packed to witness Mairoshendrick Martinus claim the top title. Shakir Albert put up a good fight, securing the second position.
On the final day of the week, the Celebrity Charity Golf Tournament stole the show. Every participating group experienced a day filled with golf and enjoyment. The auction was a tremendous success, raising funds to buy more equipment for our local baseball teams. The day ended with the announcement of the winning team: 'Local Market,' composed of Kris Williams, Calvin Maduro, Edson Kelly, and Andruw Jones. This team won the prize for a trip to Miami on April 30, 2024 to attend the Miami Marlins vs. Colorado Rockies game. After the match, the winners can enjoy a dinner with Hensley Meulens in Miami.
Every year, CBW can rely on sponsors who believe in this project. A heartfelt thank you to: MVP Foundation, Curaçao Tourist Board, Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort, PRGV, MCB, Curaçao Airport Holding, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Atlantic Spine Center, Coca Cola, MLBPAA, MLB, Sandals Royal Curaçao, Profound, Built Different, Brent de Graaf, De Palm Management, Lovers, Old Quarry Golf Course Curaçao, The Wine Factory, Kyoto, Heineken, The Pit Smoker, Osteria Rosso, Ròm Tambú, La Casa del Habano, 8 The Experience, Bottles, Trupial Inn Hotel & Casino, Kome Restaurant, Ultimate Automobiles (BMW), Blue Maxx, Fresh., Mustashi Barbershop, Aqualectra, Kompania di Tou Kòrsou (KTK), DeliNova, and Café Barista.
Special thanks to everyone who, in one way or another, supported this project. Thanks to Curaçao for embracing this project in a spectacular manner. Stay tuned to our website www.curacaobaseballweek.com and our social media pages (Facebook and/or Instagram) for information on the next Curaçao Baseball Week.