Orange-clad fans chant under summer skies, pitcher Jeroen Mulder wipes sweat from his brow, his glove still warm from a grueling practice, in Rotterdam’s Neptunus Stadion. The Netherlands’ national baseball team, fresh off a stunning sweep in the WBSC Premier12 rankings race, is riding high but bracing for tougher battles ahead. Their 3-0 series win over Japan last week vaulted them to No. 2 globally, yet players like Mulder know the road to the 2026 World Baseball Classic is no victory lap. “We’ve got the fire, but we can’t get comfortable,” he said, eyeing the diamond.
The Dutch team’s sweep, clinching a crucial rankings boost, showcased their pitching depth and clutch hitting. Mulder’s 95-mph fastball shut out Japan 2-0 in Game 1, while slugger Didi Gregorius’ grand slam sealed Game 3, per WBSC stats. The wins, watched by 15,000 fans in Rotterdam, solidified the Netherlands’ edge in the Eredivisie, Europe’s top baseball league, where clubs like Curaçao Neptunus dominate. But with the U.S. and Cuba looming in upcoming qualifiers, analysts warn of stiffer competition. “They’re peaking, but the Classic is a beast,” said ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
For Dutch fans, the sweep is a point of pride amid global tensions. Oil prices, up 12% to $90 a barrel due to Israel-Iran clashes killing 639 in Iran, per human rights groups, have hiked travel costs to games. “I spent €50 on gas to get here,” said Amsterdam teacher Aisha de Vries, waving a flag. The team’s success fuels local economies, with Rotterdam’s bars packed post-game, adding €2 million in revenue, per city estimates. Yet, injuries to outfielder Xander Bogaerts worry coach Eelco Jansen, who’s leaning on young talent.
Fans are buzzing but realistic. “We’re tough, but Cuba’s no joke,” said de Vries. Some, like Utrecht student Pieter Jansen, see the sweep as a springboard. “This is our shot to shine,” he said, wearing a Gregorius jersey. The team’s next test, a July series against Mexico, will gauge their mettle. Rotterdam’s mayor is boosting stadium security, citing Amsterdam’s recent soccer clashes, though baseball’s vibe remains calmer.
What’s next? Diplomacy easing Middle East tensions could lower costs, aiding fan turnout. The team’s youth academy, training 200 kids, aims to sustain momentum. Can the Dutch stay atop the rankings? For now, as Mulder throws bullpen sessions and de Vries cheers, the Netherlands dreams big, chasing glory on the global stage.
