Curacao, an island off the coast of Venezuela, has a population of 150,000 in an area of 170 square miles. It has produced Twins shortstop Andrelton Simmons and 16 other major leaguers, including:
Andruw Jones: The unquestioned superstar of the island, Jones played 17 major league seasons, hit 434 home runs, was a five-time All-Star and won 10 Gold Gloves as a center fielder.
Jonathan Schoop: The Tigers second baseman led Curacao to the 2004 Little League World Series championship. He hit 23 home runs for the Twins in 2019.
Kenley Jansen: The Dodgers closer is a three-time All-Star who switched positions after he was the starting catcher for the Netherlands at the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
Ozzie Albies: The Atlanta second baseman is an All-Star who won a Silver Slugger in 2019 when he hit .295 with 24 home runs.
Jurickson Profar: The San Diego infielder was a star on the 2004 Little League champs and helped Curacao to the title game again in 2005.
Hensley Meulens: "Bam Bam" was the first native of Curacao to play in the major leagues, in 1989.
Didi Gregorius: Born in the Netherlands, Gregorius moved to Curacao at age 5 and has been in the majors since 2012; he's now with the Phillies.
