Posted on 03/18/2026 2:05:22 AM PDT by Miami Rebel
After logging his biggest hit of the tournament, pulling a changeup into the gap in left-center field, Eugenio Suarez glided into second base and raised his arms high in the air as his Venezuela teammates emptied from the dugout to celebrate at home plate. Not too long after, Venezuela was officially on the top of the baseball world. Suarez’s go-ahead double in the ninth inning lifted Venezuela to a 3-2 win over the United States in the World Baseball Classic final on Tuesday at Miami’s loanDepot park in front of an announced crowd of 36,190 that was primarily Venezuelan supporters. It’s Venezuela’s first World Baseball Classic title in six iterations of the tournament. Japan has won three times (2006, 2009, 2023), while the Dominican Republic (2013) and United States (2017) have won once each. “We were feeling at home,” said third baseman Maikel Garcia, was named tournament MVP. “There were more Venezuelan fans than American fans. We were used to this at stages, but not the American players. And that was clear during the game.”
Emotions quickly hit the team after Daniel Palencia struck out Roman Anthony to end the game. Palacio threw his glove in the air and fell to his knees in front of the mound. A dogpile proceeded to form there as the dugout and bullpen cleared. Multiple players had Venezuelan flags draped around their necks. And yes, the tears flowed. “Our country deserved this game,” star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. said. They played for more than themselves. They played for their families, for their country, for their people back home dealing with the political upheaval and uncertain future."
(Excerpt) Read more at miamiherald.com ...
I went Monday night. Venezuela v Italy. What a great experience!!! Very happy for Venezuela. They earned their victory.
Lots of maracas in Caracas last night. I was sorry we lost, and glad they won, if that makes any sense.
“Soon may will be playing in the Big Leagues.”
I’m assuming you mean “many” will be playing. Well, you’re a little late. Of the possible roster available for the team 28 are already pros in MLB at some level many already with the big clubs.
https://www.foxsports.com/world-baseball-classic/venezuela-team-roster
So after affording the training at baseball school training sponsored by MLB teams in Venezuela, nearly every player on their roster went into further training with the actual clubs themselves at some level.
AI:
Based on the 2026 World Baseball Classic roster, a significant majority of the 30-man Venezuelan team—often nearly the entire roster—received their foundational training at baseball academies and schools within Venezuela before signing as international free agents.
They’ve got the best team the US can buy.
wy69
“Beisbol been berry berry good to me!” Chico.
Ok boomer.... Now sod off.
Japan needs to hire a better manager.
Why? The mafia invented bats for bustin' heads before America used them for hitting little balls:)
Our bats just went dead, and Whitlock just didn’t have it in the ninth inning.
This is twice in a row they’ve come within one out of winning.
Mot o Team Italy was Italian-Americans, like the Royals’ Vinny Pasquantino, whom I believe was their team captain.
Most of them. 4 players in the US minor leagues, one each currently playing in the Mexican League and in Nippon Professional Baseball. So 23 of the 30 players were major league players.
Team USA, by contrast, had 29 out of 30, and the one who isn’t playing in MLB was Clayton Kershaw, who just retired.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_World_Baseball_Classic_rosters
I'm a baseball fan but I didn't watch a minute of the WBC.
Too mercenary for my liking.
During the Italy v Puerto Rico game, a ball was hit towards the stands. A 'fan' reached over into the playing area and grabbed the ball. It was correctly ruled interference. Robbed Italy of 2 runs.
Waited for security to remove the 'fan' from the stands with a lifetime ban from the stadium.
Nothing! Camera focused on the idiot proudly showing off his trophy.
I have not watched baseball for several years. Since when has such behavior been tolerated?
You may be right.
We used to have Montreal and Toronto franchises, and still have
a super-competitive Blue Jays team.
I’m sure someone could finance an MLB stadium in Caracas.
QED
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.