Rodriguez Prioritizes WBC Over World Series
MIAMI — Is it really surprising that Julio Rodriguez prefers winning the World Baseball Classic (WBC) over the World Series?
I mean, if we’re being honest, it might raise eyebrows if he didn’t.
Last season, the Dominican Republic outfielder made it to the American League Championship Series with the Mariners. He understands how an exhilarating October can enthrall a city. He’s witnessed how a postseason run can create a bond among fans who usually share little more than a passion for their home team.
But this situation feels different for him. He’s not just donning a uniform; he carries the weight of representation.
“Winning the World Baseball Classic would mean everything to me,” Rodriguez told “Fair Territory” recently. “This is for my country. This is for my city. It’s for my people, my neighborhood, everyone from the Dominican Republic.”
Baseball players are shaped by where they come from. Their style naturally reflects their upbringing. When international players hit the field, they often feel as though they embody their culture. The WBC allows them to showcase this connection more directly, whether it’s through jerseys that boast their country’s name or by sharing space with teammates who have similar backgrounds.
For American players, the experience can be just as eye-opening. Being immersed in a different cultural context highlights the unique aspects of their upbringing, especially since most have only been exposed to the culture of Major League Baseball (MLB). Everything from training approaches to how they handle setbacks is influenced by an American perspective.
Foreign players face the challenge of balancing their unique attributes while integrating into this realm. The WBC, in a way, provides a relief from this pressure.
The Dominican Republic’s dynamics have contributed to their impressive performance in the tournament. Now set to face Team USA in the semifinals, the Dominican team has amassed an impressive 51 runs over five games.
During the quarterfinals, they jumped ahead 10-0 in the seventh inning against South Korea, ultimately winning with ease. After witnessing such a commanding performance, South Korean manager Ryu Ji-hyun remarked that the Dominican Republic is “the best in the world.”
At one point, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was celebrating his run by kicking the air, and later, Fernando Tatis Jr. playfully animated an imaginary sugar cane after a hit.
“It starts with who we are,” Tatis stated. “It’s rooted in our culture—what we grew up with, what we’ve seen, how we feel, and how we dance. It’s all thanks to the Dominican Republic and our identity.”
Six Dominican hitters, including Guerrero, Tatis, Juan Soto, Junior Caminero, O’Neal Cruz, and Austin Wells, have already hit multiple home runs. The team’s batting average is a standout .314, with an OPS of 1.090—the top stats in the tournament. Without any player constrained by traditional expectations, the team seems to be thriving.
“I think it’s about being outside and enjoying ourselves,” Soto mentioned. “Of course, we respect the game, but having fun is key. That’s when you really perform well.”
Paul Skeens is slated to take on the Dominican excitement in the semifinals as the starter for Team USA. He will contend not only with a robust lineup but also with an energetic, pro-Dominican crowd at Lawndepot Park.
Drums and whistles set the lively scene during Dominican games, with the audience erupting every time a player sends the ball soaring into the outfield.
In a traditional player-fan relationship, fans often connect with players on some level. Here, it feels even more reciprocal, as the players see themselves reflected back in the stands.
“When we wear this uniform, it’s not just for ourselves but for our entire country,” Manny Machado expressed in Spanish. “They’re supporting us like never before. When we’re on that field, it empowers us. We all sense that. It’s not just about me; it’s about the whole team playing for them.”
