The 2023 Curacao Little League World Series began on August 17, 2023. In the opening match, Curacao secured a narrow victory over Australia with a 2-1 win.
This marks the fifth occasion Curacao participated in the LLWS, having won the championship once in 2004.
In the previous season, Curacao Little League finished as runners-up, losing to Honolulu Little League 13-3 in the finals.
However, they managed to reach the finals again in the ongoing 2023 series and are set to face California for the championship on August 27.
Reaching the finals this season was challenging as well. Curacao lost to the Taipei Little League team in game 29 and had to defeat Mexico in the loser’s bracket to rematch Taipei in the international finals.
They managed a solid 2-0 win against Chinese Taipei, giving them another shot at the title they missed out on last year.
The Caribbean team for the Little League World Series is well-prepared with key players like Jay-Dlynn and Wiel Nasir El-Ossais.
Joshua Acosta Fernandez, the center fielder, has already showcased his skills with multiple acrobatic catches during the tournament.
Additionally, five players from the 2022 LLWS campaign are part of the team, creating a mix of seasoned and fresh talent.
Curacao Little League World Series Roster 2023
The Curacao Little League World Series team lists Jayvery Felicia, Sean Serverie, and Nathan Nahr among its players, with Alexander Roach serving as the first baseman.
The 2023 roster comprises 12 young athletes, five of whom competed in the 2022 World Series in South Williamsport. The remaining seven are making their debut in the Little League World Series.
The players from the LLWS 2022 campaign include:
- Alexander Provacia Roach
- Joshua Acosta Fernandez
- D’Shawn Winklaar
- Jay-Dlynn Wiel
- Shemar Sophia Jacobus
These individuals played a crucial role in guiding Curacao to the 2022 Little League World Series finals as international champions, although they were defeated by Hawaii in the final match.
Zaino Everett, the manager of Curacao’s team, expressed his satisfaction in having five seasoned players on the squad.
He noted that their experience has been instrumental in maintaining the composure of the team, describing their presence as a significant advantage.
Here is the list of the roster for the Curacao Little League World Series that has been released:
| Players Name (Roster) | Playing position/ Attributes/ Height |
| Joshua Acosta Fernandez | CF/P / Bats: S Throws: R / 5’5″ |
| D’Shawn Winklaar | OF / Bats: R Throws: R / 5’6″ |
| Shemar Sophia Jacobus | Utility / Bats: R Throws: R / 5’6″ |
| Sean Serverie | 1B/3B/P / Bats: R Throws: R / 5’7″ |
| Helmir Helmijr | P / Bats: L Throws: l / 5’10” |
| Juan Cleto Ferreras | P / Bats: R Throws: R / 5’9″ |
| Yaedon Lourens Martie | 1B/C / Bats: R Throws: R / 5’4″ |
| Jayvery Felicia | OF/P / Bats: R Throws: R / 5’0″ |
| Alexander Provacia Roach | 2B/P / Bats: R Throws: R / 5’3″ |
| Jay- Dlynn Wiel | SS/P / Bats: R Throws: R / 5’3″ |
| Nathan Nahr | C / Bats: R Throws: R / 5’7″ |
| Nasir El-Ossais | LF/3B/P / Bats: R Throws: R / 5’7″ |
Caribbean Little League World Series Schedule 2023
The 2023 Caribbean Little League World Series (LLWS) kicked off with Curacao securing a win over the Australian Little League team.
In the subsequent match, Curacao managed to defeat Venezuela, progressing in the winners’ bracket. However, a significant 9-1 defeat to Chinese Taipei pushed them into the losers’ bracket.
There, they emerged victorious against Mexico, which ensured their participation in the International Bracket finals against Taipei.
Curacao’s journey was marked by ups and downs, culminating in a rematch with Chinese Taipei in the International finals. In a surprising turn of events, Curacao managed to triumph over the formidable Taipei team with a 2-0 victory.
This win secured their spot in the Little League World Series finals against California.
Journey of Curacao to the 2023 Little League World Series Finals:
Before making it to the finals of the Little League World Series, Curacao Little League participated in five matches, winning four and losing one.
They are set to compete against California in the finals on August 27, having already secured the title of International bracket champions.
The campaign began with Curacao achieving successive wins against Australia and Venezuela, both with a 2-1 scoreline. Unfortunately, they were relegated to the losers bracket after their third match.
On August 24, 2023, game 33 of the tournament took place between Mexico and the Caribbean Little League. Curacao emerged victorious with a 4-2 win, eliminating Mexico from the tournament.
The Asia Pacific and Caribbean Little League teams faced each other twice during the series. Taipei won the first encounter with a 9-1 score, forcing Curacao into the losers bracket.
However, Curacao bounced back by defeating Mexico and earning a spot in the international champions’ finals.
This is the schedule for the Caribbean Little League World Series 2023:
August 17, 2023
Game 5: Caribbean Vs Australia, with a score of 2-1. The match started at 13:00 at Volunteer Stadium.
August 21, 2023
Game 21: Caribbean Vs Venezuela, with a score of 2-1. The match started at 13:00 at Volunteer Stadium.
August 23, 2023
Game 29: Asia Pacific Vs Caribbean, with a score of 9-1. The match started at 13:00 at Volunteer Stadium.
August 24, 2023
Game 33: Caribbean Vs Mexico, with a score of 4-2. The match started at 15:00 at Volunteer Stadium.
August 26, 2023
Game 35: Caribbean Vs Asia Pacific, with a score of 2-0. The match started at 12:30 at Volunteer Stadium.
Following this win, Curaçao emerged as the International Champions.
August 27, 2023 (LLWS Final)
Game 38: West Vs Caribbean teams. The match started at 15:00 at Lamade Stadium.
The victorious team of this match will be crowned as the Little League World Series Champions 2023 . The exciting final will be broadcast on ESPN.
Where Is Little League Curacao Team From?
The team from the Caribbean in the Little League World Series hails from Willemstad, Curacao, represented by the Pabao Little League.
This league has consistently represented the Caribbean region, including in the 2022 series.
Curacao is one of the minor islands, alongside Aruba and Bonaire, situated in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea.
Following a decisive 6-0 win against the Dominican Republic in the championship match, Pabao Little League is making its 11th trip to Williamsport for the 2023 Little League World Series.
Currently, they have progressed to the final stage of the competition.