Jair Jurrjens (35) is a well-known name in the baseball industry. He has an extended and interesting curriculum as a professional pitcher, the first Dutch Caribbean pitcher in the major leagues. Jurrjens who was born in Curaçao, played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies, among other things. He became one of the baseball role models for the Curaçao youth and he definitely made a statement in this tough industry. Island Sportlight had an interesting interview with Jurrjens who is currently living in Atlanta. He talked about the start of his career, the most memorable baseball moments and how he is experiencing baseball at this moment. Life is full of surprises and serendipity. Being open to unexpected turns in the road is an important part of success.
“Even though I built up a name in baseball, I must say that I need to get used with the modern baseball, it is not the same anymore. Over the last couple of years, my life took an interesting twist. I faced different injury concerns and at this moment I am still recovering from Covid-19, so I need to use this time to get back in shape and reflect on my future plans” Jurrjens says at the beginning of the interview.
As a kid, Jurrjens played baseball in the neighborhood of Marchena in Curaçao. At the age of 17, he was invited to participate at several tryouts in Lakeland, Florida. At this time, he was an infielder but he could also pitch. The scouts were surprised by his pitching techniques and because of his positive results, Jurrjens immediately got signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Tigers. “Since the beginning I already knew I wanted to start playing baseball in the United States, instead of being sent to play baseball in the Dominican Republic or Venezuela. Many young talents when they get scouted out in Curaçao, are being send to play baseball in these countries to gain some more experience before starting a baseball career in the United States. It can be a meaningful lesson, but it can also make the process more difficult and stressful. When I joined the Minor League team, I realized I was very lucky that I could stay at the campus where I got to know other players and roommates who guided me in this new and excited journey. Other baseball mates, who were playing for other teams, had to spend hours by taking the bus to get to the baseball field. I was dedicated and I gave my all to be the best I could be” he explains.
After playing for three and a half seasons in the Minors, at the age of 21, Jair got the call and made his debut in the majors for the Detroit Tigers in 2007. Jurrjens became the first pitcher from Curaçao to make it to the Major Leagues. At the end of the 2007 season, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves and before the 2008 season, he was listed as the 3rd best prospect in this team. He had excellent results and as a 22-year-old rookie, Jurrjens appeared destined for greatness. In 2009, he had his best season where he finished third in the National League with a 2.60 ERA. After struggling with injuries in 2010, he came back with a strong season in 2011. Besides this, his health problems persisted. A strained groin left Jurrjens ineffective to start the 2012 season and the Braves sent him to the minors to work through his issues. Although he did return to the Majors, Jurrjens struggled and the Braves decided not to offer him a contract. In 2013 Jurrjens signed with the Baltimore Orioles on a one-year contract, hoping to renew with success. However, he made only two big league appearances that season. After Detroit he played in the Reds, Dodgers, and Rockies but injuries and health problems were not on his side. Later he decided to play in China, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and he also represented the Netherlands in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. However, Jurrjens has not pitched in the Major Leagues since 2014.
“Besides these challenging experiences, I can definitely look back to some memorable baseball moments. I still remember my very first game, my father could not make it to the States because his passport needed to be renewed. I will never forget the moment he surprised me at the hotel, thanks to the help of Emily de Jongh-Elhage who was Prime Minister of Curaçao in that moment. My father is definitely one the most important persons in my life. He taught me to work hard and to stay humble. I learned so much from him, his perspective on life and all his behavior lessons” Jurrjens says.
He also mentions another experience that still gives him mixed feelings. Because of his surgery, he had to rehab, and had to get back to throwing, so he decided to come to Curaçao and play for Wildcats in the AA league. “At first, I was happy being back home with my family. On the other hand, sadly enough, I experienced fewer positive moments. I did not come to the island to pretend to be the best player, but it was a pity that a large group of baseball fanatics criticized the fact that I was playing in my home country. Fans all over the world can insult you, but it hurts extra if they are from your own island. I wanted to give back to my community, but sadly enough things did not go as planned” he mentions.
Jurrjens is receiving different offers to play winter ball this year in Venezuela, Mexico and Dominican Republic. He is still recovering from Covid and the fact that he has to leave his family behind in Atlanta, it is not an option for him at this moment. Jurrjens is a father of a young kid and his family needs him. “I use this time to recover from Covid-19 and to be in shape. On the other hand, the entrepreneurial journey has definitely surprised me with interesting chapters” Jurrjens says smiling.
At this moment, together with Curt Smith and Randolph Oduber, Jurrjens became part of ‘Dream Glove’, a company that creates high quality baseball gloves, batting gloves, and shin/elbow guards. Before starting this entrepreneurial journey, Jurrjens started using these gloves and was amazed by the quality. He asked his friend Curt if they could partner up and this is how he started to focus on a brand new life chapter. “It may sound cliché, but I do believe in the power of new beginnings. These new opportunities fulfill me, I love what I do and I embrace this new chapter of my life. New beginnings facilitate the most creative period of my time” he concludes.