SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — Even without a bat in his hands or a glove on the field, Kiké Hernández has found a way to impact Team Puerto Rico during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Recovering from offseason elbow surgery that forced him to miss the tournament, the veteran utility man has instead taken on the role of emotional leader bringing energy, humor, and pride to a clubhouse that feeds off his personality.
Hernández, a longtime fan favorite for Puerto Rico in past WBC runs, made it clear during his pre-tournament media session that missing the chance to play on home soil was painful.
“These are our Olympics,” Hernández said. “This is the World Cup of baseball. Everybody from Puerto Rico wants to be a part of this.”
Kiké Hernánez taking the time to speak to Latino Sports during batting practice for Puerto Rico vs. Colombia on Friday at Hiram Bithorn Stadium – Image Credit: Joel Rodriguez/Latino Sports
For Hernández, the disappointment runs even deeper given that the tournament returned to San Juan’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium—something he had dreamed about experiencing as a player.
“For us to finally get that seed back to host and for me not to play, it was devastating. Being able to put that uniform on means the absolute world to us.”
Still, the Dodgers veteran has embraced a new responsibility. Instead of impacting the game with his versatility on the field, Hernández has become the emotional heartbeat of the dugout. His constant cheering, jokes, and presence have helped keep the clubhouse loose for a roster that blends veterans and younger players stepping onto the international stage.
His influence was visible even before the games began. Hernández revived the iconic “Team Rubio” tradition encouraging players to bleach their hair blond, a ritual that became symbolic of Puerto Rico’s unity during its run to the WBC final in 2017.
Despite not being on Puerto Rico’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Kiké Hernánez still remains making an impact for his island and teammates – Image Credit: World Baseball Classic/Major League Baseball
And when Puerto Rico opened its tournament with a 5-0 win over Colombia on Friday night, Hernández once again found a way to be part of the celebration. After the final out, players gathered on the field and Hernández shared the moment by Facetiming star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who was unable to participate in the tournament.
The call, filled with cheers and laughter, symbolized the spirit surrounding Team Puerto Rico one that extends far beyond the players on the field.
That spirit is exactly what Hernández represents.
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