Bam Bam the Flying Dutchman

Other than the head coach, the other coaches on the baseball team tend to be overlooked and fall under the radar. This is especially the case for coaches who don't even leave the dugout during the game. Flannery and Kelly are out on the corners everyday but you don't see Bam Bam's face too much besides dugout shots from the cameras. Recently, a MLB.com columnist interviewed the Giants hitting coach and it turned out to be one of the more interesting interviews that I've read about a member of the Giants staff.

Hensley Meulens acquired the Bam Bam nickname growing up, where his friends thought he had the power of the Flintstones character. Side thought: I don't think I've ever had Fruity Pebbles. The guy speaks 5 languages and comes from the tiny country of Curacao. And that's the boring stuff - he's going to outer space. (no not the Astros) Literally, he's leaving the Earth's atmosphere.

The program is called SXC, check out the website - Space Expedition Curacao.

As of January 1, 2014 the long held dream of mankind to enter space and thereby observe our beautiful earth from high above will become reality for the larger public at the beautiful Caribbean Island of Curacao. The Dutch people have always been bold entrepreneurs. They were among the first to conquer the world seas in the 16th and 17th Century in search for trade. Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) was one of the first commercial airlines founded in 1919, and the one of the very few that still exists. Space Expedition Curacao (SXC) will add a historic dimension to the legacy of the Flying Dutchman by facilitating galactic travel and transport and thereby helping to open space for new benefits for mankind. - SXC website

These trips to space will not be fully subsidized by the government of Curacao and by the price of tickets it doesn't seem like they are paying for much. Maybe some free astronaut ice cream. I guess we know where Bam Bam's World Series bonus is going. Tickets are $95,000 per person with a $50,000 deposit. The program will not begin until 2014 so you have time now to get an extra job or to work overtime so you can be an extraterrestrial.

If you are interested and filthy loaded here is the link - Space Expedition Curacao

Bam Bam will be joined by Armin van Buuren who apparently was voted the Best DJ in the world for the fourth time. Never heard of him. I went to his website and he will actually be in SF in 10 days if you are interested in tearing it up on the dance floor. Martin Schroder is another member of the astronaut team and he was the founder of Martinair. He doesn't believe in shameless self-promotion. And of course the team is rounded out with a Dutch supermodel, Doutzen Kroes. Understated and very professional, she is the expedition's secret weapon. (as you can see below)



In case you were curious what kind of spacecraft will take our favorite hitting coach to outer space, look no further. (or scroll back up if you are too distracted) I did a little research after reading the article and went to the website where they have a flight simulation video. They also plan on building a spaceport in Curacao, yes an airport for space flights only. Congrats Bam Bam, when you go in 2014 please come back we have some earthlings who need help with their hitting.