Quique Hernandez Reflects on WBC Experience
PHOENIX — Quique Hernandez has been part of 10 postseason games in MLB, played in 103 playoff games, and participated in five World Series. Yet, what he felt last week cheering for Team Puerto Rico from the dugout during the World Baseball Classic—held on his home island—might top everything else in his baseball journey.
“Winning the World Championship and having a stadium of 18,000 people singing a song important to our island is a moment I will never forget,” he shared. “I’m disappointed I couldn’t play, but I’m cheering for my guys. I really hope they win.”
Due to recovery from off-season elbow surgery, Hernandez isn’t playing in this year’s WBC and will miss the initial months of the season. Still, the Dodgers let him leave spring training last week to support Team Puerto Rico during the first two matches at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.
On Saturday, when Darrell Hernaiz hit a stunning walk-off home run, leading Puerto Rico to a comeback victory against Panama, Hernandez rushed to join the celebration. He was on the field with his teammates, including Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz, in what quickly became a memorable moment in WBC history.
“It’s not quite like a walk-off home run in the World Series,” Hernandez noted, “but it’s definitely a moment I’ll cherish.”
After the game, he made headlines with comments that circulated widely on social media. “I’ve been to the World Series five times, but in my heart, this felt more significant,” he said in Spanish.
Expanding on his thoughts, Hernandez explained on Thursday that the WBC embodies a sense of unity that MLB often lacks. “You don’t always have control over who you play for in the majors,” he remarked. “But representing your country and playing alongside people you grew up with—you feel the support back at home.”
He added, “Coming from a small island, what we accomplish during the tournament is much more than just baseball. It just doesn’t feel the same in the MLB.”
Hernandez plans to join Team Puerto Rico for their quarterfinal match against Italy in Houston this weekend. He even joked about reaching out to Dodgers president Andrew Friedman for permission right after last week’s exciting win. “He knows how much I value these games,” Hernandez explained, alluding to the emotional text exchange they had.
He smiled when asked if he would stay with the team if they made it to the semifinals in Miami. “I haven’t had that chat with Andrew yet,” he said. “For now, I’m just focused on Houston. Who knows? If they win again, I might get another text asking about my availability.”
Hernandez’s rehabilitation is progressing well, allowing him to swing from the tee and practice with his coach. He aims to be as involved as possible in Puerto Rico’s WBC journey, even if that means taking on a cheering and coaching role while missing out on actual play.
“I’ve come to terms with not being able to play,” he admitted. “But when you put on that uniform and stand for the national anthem, it hits differently. It was surreal, yet tough.”
“I have to keep my disappointment in check and support the younger players. I’m going to cheer hard in Houston and provide whatever they need,” he concluded. “I’m all in for my team.”
