Here is all you need to know about who is Wladimir Balentien, his age, career, salary, contract, net worth, team and more
The 20-team World Baseball Classic got underway after a six-year break with the Netherlands upsetting Cuba 4-2 with Didi Gregorius driving in the game-tying and winning runs, and Panama defeating Taiwan 12-5 for their first triumph in tournament history.
As the WBC got started last night, Balentien played in the first match between Cuba and the Netherlands, more amusingly, Wladimir Balentien.
Japan will likely play the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.
Wladimir Balentien salary, Japan contract, net in worth 2023, career earnings, age, wife, stats
The great NPB hitter from the Netherlands, Wladimir Balentien, would be in the batter’s box if it happened, and the Samurai would recognise him immediately.
Balentien, who played in the MLB for the Mariners and Reds, eventually made a name for himself in Minor League Baseball before joining the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
He gained popularity there and eventually became the first player to hit 60 home runs in a single season, shattering the NPB single-season home run record.
The previous record of 55 home runs, which was held by Sadaharu Oh, the all-time leader in home runs, Tuffy Rhodes, and Alex Cabrera, was broken by Balentien.
Who is Wladimir Balentien?
Born on July 2, 1984, Wladimir Baletien is 38 years old. The Dutch professional player is currently a free agent.
Wladimir Balentien career
Although the Mariners signed Balentien in 2000, he never truly found his footing in the big leagues. After making his MLB debut in 2007, he began spring training with the Mariners in 2008. Balentien was transferred to the Reds in 2009.
Balentien did smash a towering blast that was believed to be the longest of the 2009 campaign while the Reds were playing the Pirates. However, Cincinnati released him in 2010.
Yet, Balentien’s Nippon Professional Baseball career was considerably more notable. He was hired by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows after the Reds released him.
Balentien’s might was immediately felt because it was unusual to see such strength in NPB. He hit 31 home runs in his first season in Japan.
Two years later, Balentien had a real home run tear. Throughout the 143 games of the NPB season in 2013, Balentien hit 60 home runs, with his 56th coming on September 15.
Although Balentien hit 30 or more home runs five more times in his career, he never again achieved that level. After leaving the Swallows, he finished his career with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, and he will retire in January 2022.
Today I wanna announce to all my fans in Japan that Im retiring from japanis baseball wanna thank the swallows for the opportunity to play in Japan an make that opportunity a great baseball career an one of the greatest home run hitter in the japanis baseball hr king forever
— Wladimir coco balentien (@cocobalentien) January 22, 2022
His 301 career home runs in Japan put him in a tie for 43rd place all-time.
Wladimir Balentien wife and children
Wladimir Balentien is married to Karla Balentien and the couple is parents to Jenilee Balentien.
Wladimir Balentien net worth
Wladimir Balentien’s estimated net worth is reported to be around 2.4 million Euro. Wladimir Balentien was making between $4.05M to $3.9M in Japan.
Playing for Tokyo’s Yakult Swallows, Balentien made a name for himself as one of the premier power hitters in Japan during his 11 seasons.
Born: 2 July 1984 (age 38 years), Willemstad, Curaçao
Nationality: Dutch
Height: 1.85 m
Spouse: Karla Balentien
Parents: Astrid Balentien
Children: Jenilee Balentien