Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz and Dominican baseball legends want the Dominican Republic to bring home the World Baseball Classic trophy in 2026. The Dominican Republic won the title in 2013 applying “platano power.”
The World Baseball Classic is scheduled to be held 5 March 2026 through 17 March 2026. The pool play rounds will be played in Miami, Florida; Houston, Texas; San Juan, Puerto Rico and Tokyo, Japan. The quarterfinals will be split between Miami and Houston, and the final round will be played in Miami.
Baseball greats including the three Cooperstown Hall of Famers Pedro Martinez, Vladimir Guerrero and David Ortiz, were part of the formal presentation of the Dominican Republic’s operations team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Martínez and his fellow legends expressed their commitment to fostering a strong team culture and seeking the best talent available.
Martínez delivered a passionate speech that left everyone in awe. “I’m not here to waste my time,” Martínez declared, his voice filled with determination. “I’m going to give it my all.”
“I’ve always felt a great honor in representing my country, my family, and doing so with dignity,” Martínez said.
The group, assembled by appointed team organizer and general manager Nelson Cruz, aims to ensure that the Dominican team is the best it can be for the 2026 tournament.
“We need to do this right,” Cruz said. “We need to start early and make sure we have the resources we need. We’re asking Major League teams to cooperate with us so that our Dominican players can represent their country.”
Slated to have a major role in the choice of who is on the Dominican team, Dominican Republic’s legendary Albert Pujols echoed Cruz’s sentiments, stating that the 2026 Classic will be different. “We’re going to work hard to put together the best team possible,” he said.
Albert Pujols at present is living in the Dominican Republic where he is the team manager for the Escogido Lions in the 2024-25 Dominican Winter Professional League.
The assembled baseball icons expressed their excitement about working together to bring glory to the Dominican Republic. “When we win, we all win. When we lose, we all lose,” said Juan Núñez, president of the Dominican Baseball Federation.
The Dominican government has pledged its full support for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with Minister Kelvin Cruz praising the team’s commitment.
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Listin Diario
3 December 2024