PHILIPSBURG:--- The 2024 WBSC Premier12, the third installment of the prestigious baseball championship, brought together the world’s top 12 national teams under the banner of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). The tournament, widely regarded as the second most significant event in international baseball after the World Baseball Classic, featured two pools of six teams. From each pool, only the top two advanced to the Super Round in Tokyo, Japan.
This year’s edition saw standout performances from St. Maarten's very own Denzel Richardson, a key player for Team Kingdom of the Netherlands. Richardson played alongside renowned former Major League Baseball stars, including Didi Gregorius, the former New York Yankees shortstop, and Jonathan Schoop, an All-Star second baseman for the Detroit Tigers.
Amid fierce competition, Richardson proved himself a formidable force on the international stage. He delivered an impressive performance, boasting a .400 batting average with two home runs and three doubles. Richardson also led his team with the highest slugging percentage, demonstrating his ability to excel against the world’s best players.
Despite Richardson’s efforts, Team Netherlands finished with a record of two wins and three losses, placing fifth in their pool during the group stage held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Unfortunately, this result was not enough to secure a spot in the Super Round in Tokyo.
While Team Netherlands fell short of advancing, Richardson’s stellar showing at the WBSC Premier12 underscored his talent and solidified his place as one of the tournament’s standout performers. His contributions served as a reminder of the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ strength in the international baseball arena, even against the backdrop of an early exit.
