The Boys of Summer: From Curacao to Williamsport

Frank Curiel Ballpark, Photo by Gail Ohnsman, Stadium Journey

In 1996, a nineteen-year-old outfielder named Andruw Jones burst onto the Major League baseball scene as a member of the Atlanta Braves. Seventeen years later, the “Curacao Kid” had amassed career totals of 434 home runs, 1,289 RBI and a .486 slugging percentage.

For some people, that was the first time we heard anything about Curacao.  The fact that Jones spoke four languages was regularly pointed out by TV announcers.  

The island of Curacao, located just 50 miles north of Venezuela,  has since become a hot-bed for Little League baseball. Year-round hot, sunny weather allows the kids to play the game daily.

Starting in 2001, Little League International gave an automatic berth to the Caribbean Region which is comprised of 13 countries/islands. Teams representing Pabao and Pariba (leagues in Willemstad) won this region for nine consecutive years and went to play in Williamsport, PA.

The first three years, these teams came in third place in the World Series.  In 2004, the Pabao League team defeated Mexico 4-0 to win the championship! As of 2025, Curacao has won 50 and lost 28 games in Williamsport.

Many other Curacao natives have become great players in MLB since Andruw Jones arrived on the scene, including Ozzie Albies, Andrelton Simmons, Roger Bernadina, Kenley Jansen, Jair Jurrjens, Hensley Meulens, Jurrickson Profar, Jonathan Schoop and Randall Simon:  all from a population of 150,000 people.

An entertaining documentary entitled “The Boys of Summer” was released in 2010 and it showed the team’s progress through the Caribbean Region and Williamsport as well as the kids at home and practice.

In this film, we meet a gentleman named Frank Curiel. He created the Little League program for the island and to this day proudly maintains the field named after him in northwest Willemstad. He even lives in the park. Over the years, I have attended a few Little League World Series in Williamsport and was always taken by the strong work ethic that the Curacao team demonstrated, along with their love of the game and, oh yes, those amazing smiles. My wife and I decided to travel to the island and visit the birthplace of these great teams.

The field is in a residential area northwest of beautiful downtown Willemstad; Google Maps found it as “Frank Curiel Ballpark.”  In one sense, it is nothing special with aging artificial turf/carpet on the infield and outfield, advertising on the entire outfield fence, one modern batting cage, old tires attached to poles where the players build up stronger swings, older fencing around the field, aluminum bleachers with canopies overhead to shield the fans from the sun, and a concession stand. The field has four under-powered light stands overhead but they get the job done.

A large sign behind home plate proudly shows 41 years of existence, Liga Vruminga and a photo of local hero and MLB star Jonathan Schoop. Near the concession stands, various trophies and photos of MLB players from Curacao are proudly displayed. Stray dogs wander around the perimeter, often taking a nap in the shade and two windmills turn lazily behind the left field fence.

Concession stands are somewhat similar to those found in the United States but offer freshly prepared local favorites like chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and french fries along with traditional drinks.  One surprise was beer in nine-ounce bottles: Heineken, Amstel “Bright” and Amstel Light for $1.80-$2.40. Fans can even buy a case of beer if so inclined and save a few guilders. Popsicles in eight flavors (including tamarind, pina colada, Oreo and pistachio) help to cool off the fans during the tropical heat.

However, the highlight of this story is the people of Curacao. People such as Señor Curiel who spends countless hours taking care of the facility, the proud parents who enjoy watching their kids play (and yes, like parents everywhere, they offer coaching advice and support to the little ones), and the kids (both boys and girls) who play the games, and younger children who, with reverent eyes, watch them. There are also amazing coaches, many of them former players who return to “pay it back/forwards” as they enthusiastically challenge and cajole the players during a recent practice.

Frank Curiel and Author, Photo by Gail Ohnsman, Stadium Journey

A few Caribbean islands have “Baseball Academies” where promising young players live, attend school and receive concentrated baseball instruction. Curacao is hoping to have a similar facility on their own island. The Baseball Academy Curacao is one such place where kids on the island learn the game from a young age.

And so, the genesis and growth of baseball in Curacao has a short but amazing history of success for their youth teams and successful MLB players.  What does the future hold? Let’s keep an eye on the story and enjoy the ride!