Dutch baseball players in the MLB?

On Wednesday a Dutch newspaper had a two page story about Dutch baseball players who are playing well in the MLB. You all know them, but did you realise they were Dutch?
As a Dodger fan I should start with Kenley Jansen, born on Curacao, which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He started out as a catcher but since his hitting isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be but his throws are very hard he was transformed into a pitcher. Last night he pitched 2 innings, struck out 4.

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Another revelation (or so the Dutch newspaper claims) is Roger Bernardina, outfielder for the Washington Nationals. He was born on Curacao and raised in The Hague. He has a .267 average this year and is known for his diving catches.
The third ‘Dutchman’ who was born on Curacao you all know. He was disappointing as a Dodger but great as a Brave. A 5 time all star and a 10 time Golden Glove winner: Andruw Jones. What can you tell about this guy we don’t know? Maybe that he’s adored on Curacao? Or that he doesn’t speak Dutch? You all know what he can do with a bat.
Jair Jurrjens, also from Curacao (Yep, they love their beisbòl overthere!), Atlanta Braves starting pitcher, won 14 lost 10 last season with 152 strikeouts.
Oh yes, there is one actually born on the Netherlands mainland: Rick vanden Hurk, starting pitcher for the Marlins until he moved to Baltimore last month. I guess we won’t see him in the postseason…
These Dutch guys are in the Show now, but they aren’t the first batch. Before them there were some who did okay e.g. Robert Eenhoorn, Yankees and one who did awesome. His name: Bert Blyleven.
Blyleven was born in Zeist and debuted for the Minnesota Twins in 1970 as a pitcher. He was an All Star twice and won the world series in 1979 and 1987. He pitched a no hitter in 1977. Since 1996 he’s a commentator for the Twins. I’m pretty sure we’ll hear from him this postseason.

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