DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Under the relentless South Florida rain, Venezuela’s 4-2 victory over Italy on Monday night (16 March 2026) didn’t just propel them to their first-ever World Baseball Classic final, it highlighted a deep-rooted connection to the Dominican Republic that has fueled this historic run. The grit and “winter ball” style of play that manager Omar López credited for the comeback is a hallmark of the training they received in Dominican professional environments.

While the fans at loanDepot park celebrated a purely Venezuelan triumph, the “Dominican angle” is woven into the very fabric of their 2026 coaching staff and player development.

Dominican influence on the benchThe Venezuelan staff features two prominent figures with direct ties to the Dominican Republic:Miguel Cabrera: The legendary slugger serves as the team’s hitting coach. Cabrera, while a Venezuelan icon...