The Kingdom of the Netherlands has officially unveiled its roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), and one name stands out prominently: Delano Selassa. For the first time in his career, the 26-year-old Hoofdklasse superstar has earned a call-up to the Dutch WBC roster, marking a major milestone for both Selassa and Dutch domestic baseball.
Selassa headlines a group of four active Honkbal Hoofdklasse players selected for the WBC, underlining the continued strength and relevance of the Netherlands’ top domestic league on the global stage.
Delano Selassa: From Hoofdklasse MVP to WBC Debutant
Delano Selassa has built one of the most impressive careers in modern Hoofdklasse history at a remarkably young age. Already a two-time Hoofdklasse MVP at just 26, Selassa’s journey began when he debuted for HCAW at only 16 years old.
After three seasons in Bussum, Selassa transferred to Amsterdam Pirates, before returning to HCAW four years later. That move proved decisive. Back in Bussum, Selassa enjoyed the most successful stretch of his career, capturing:
- Two Hoofdklasse MVP awards
- A Dutch national championship
- A European championship with HCAW
Career stats in the Honkbal Hoofdklasse
| G | AB | H | HR | AVG. | SLG. | OPS. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 316 | 1235 | 383 | 16 | .310 | .437 | .799 |
His performances confirmed his status as one of the most dominant all-round players in the league. In 2026, Selassa is set to return once again to Amsterdam, adding another chapter to his already unique Hoofdklasse journey.
On the international stage, Selassa climbed steadily through the Dutch youth national teams and has already debuted for the senior national team, including appearances at last year’s European Championship. His first-ever WBC selection now represents the culmination of years of consistent excellence.
Four Active Hoofdklasse Players on the Dutch WBC Roster
Selassa is not alone in representing the Hoofdklasse at the World Baseball Classic. The Dutch roster features three additional active domestic league players, each bringing a different type of experience and pedigree.
Lars Huijer: Established Ace with WBC Experience
Lars Huijer returns to the WBC for the third time in his career. After a short professional stint in the Seattle Mariners organization, Huijer rejoined the Hoofdklasse, initially with Hoofddorp Pioniers before transferring to HCAW in 2021.
Since then, Huijer has established himself as arguably the best pitcher in the Hoofdklasse, playing a key role in HCAW’s national and European championship campaigns. Like Selassa, Huijer will also make a move to Amsterdam in 2026, further strengthening the Pirates’ future rotation.
Shairon Martis: WBC Legend Still Dominating the Hoofdklasse
Few names in Dutch baseball carry as much international recognition as Shairon Martis. Now pitching for Rotterdam Neptunus, Martis brings unmatched World Baseball Classic experience to the squad.
Martis pitched three seasons in Major League Baseball with the Washington Nationals and began his professional career back in 2005. More than two decades later, he remains one of the top performers in the Hoofdklasse.
He holds a permanent place in baseball history as the pitcher of the first-ever no-hitter in World Baseball Classic history, making his presence invaluable for the Netherlands both on and off the field.
Juan Carlos Sulburan: Veteran Arm with Global Experience
Completing the Hoofdklasse contingent is Juan Carlos Sulburan, another familiar name at the international level. Sulburan reached as high as Triple-A during his professional career and has pitched across multiple leagues worldwide, including Mexico and various independent leagues.
Throughout his career, Sulburan has regularly returned to the Hoofdklasse, most recently with Rotterdam Neptunus. He is no stranger to the World Baseball Classic, having represented the Netherlands multiple times, and adds further depth and experience to the pitching staff.
Hoofdklasse Talent on the World Stage
The inclusion of four active Hoofdklasse players, with Delano Selassa making his long-awaited WBC debut, highlights the continued importance of the Dutch domestic league as a foundation for international success.
For Selassa, this selection is not just a personal achievement but also a powerful statement: elite World Baseball Classic talent can be developed and refined within the Hoofdklasse itself. As the Kingdom of the Netherlands prepares for another WBC campaign, the domestic league will once again play a key role in shaping its identity on baseball’s biggest international stage.