Give Randy Arozarena a TV show. Heck, put him in charge of a movie studio and an entire streaming service. The Rays outfielder and Team Mexico superstar has a knack for shining when the lights are brightest. He certainly did that again when he robbed Kazuma Okamoto of a home run during Monday’s semifinal World Baseball Classic contest against Japan.
When Okamoto — who drove in five runs in Samurai Japan’s quarterfinal victory against Italy — hit a dome-scraping 378-foot shot, Arozarena tracked it to the wall and waited under it for what seemed like an endless minute, before making a leaping stab for the ball. When he finally returned to earth, he had not changed his expression at all. It was only when Okamoto began his celebratory home run trot that Arozarena revealed he actually had the ball.
Perhaps the best part was simply how nonchalant he was, like the adoring adulation from thousands of Mexico fans in attendance was as routine as picking up your bags at the grocery store or making a trip to the post office.
Playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic, David Fletcher got to face his Angels teammate Shohei Ohtani — and he’s not about to stop talking about it.
Trea Turner has been clutch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. The Phillies hope for the same over the next 11 years — and his speed should help even as he ages.
βWe played with a lot of excitement and we played for our island,β Javier BΓ‘ez said when reflecting on Puerto Rico’s run in the tournament. βIt was great, the support, how many people flew out to Miami and supported us. It was incredible.β
Emersyn Drollinger, a 14-year-old with cystic fibrosis, had many years to think about what wish she wanted from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She ultimately decided to give a wish to the community that had impacted her, instead of receiving one.