MIAMI, FL — As we report on the games throughout this 2026 World Baseball Classic, we also take pride in sharing the stories that unfold beyond the foul poles—those behind-the-scenes moments that are just as meaningful, and often just as exciting, as the action on the field.
One such story begins after the final out, when the media quickly makes its way down to the postgame press conferences. Unlike regular season coverage—where credentialed media typically has clubhouse access both before and after games—this tournament presents a different rhythm. Gaining access to players requires patience. It often means waiting… and waiting some more.
Players remain in the clubhouse as they shower, eat, receive massages, and/or undergo treatment for the physical toll of the game.
That was our reality following Sunday’s WBC semifinal matchup between Team USA and the Dominican Republic. My goal that evening was simple, yet meaningful—to connect with several Dominican players who are on the 36th Annual LatinoMVP Awards ballot, one of the most prestigious honors recognizing Latino excellence in baseball.
The official ballot for the 36th Annual LatinoMVP Awards, honoring each of the player’s performance and impact from the 2025 Major League Baseball regular season – Image Credit: Latino Sports
Among them were Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Julio Rodríguez, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.—five of the 12 Dominican players appearing on this year’s American and National League LatinoMVP ballot. All are past winners, and all have a relationship with us and an understanding of what the award represents. However, with the ballot only recently released, many players are still unaware that they have been nominated—an honor often compared to being selected for the Latin Grammy of baseball.
Each candidate receives a specially designed commemorative t-shirt, created exclusively for those on the ballot. So the mission was clear: find them, congratulate them, and personally deliver their shirts.
After nearly two hours of waiting in the hallway where players exit, the moment finally came. Machado spotted me first. As he walked by, surrounded by security, I approached him, he smiled, and embraced me. Manny has always remained grounded, and he remembered our time together during his 2022 NL LatinoMVP award ceremony at his home stadium at Petco Park and several of the interesting interviews we have had. Knowing time was limited, I quickly congratulated him on being named to the ballot once again. He smiled, accepted the shirt, said, thanks and continued on his way.
Manny Machado receives his 2022 National League LatinoMVP award at Petco Park – Image Credit: San Diego Padres/MLB
As I turned to leave, I felt someone grab me from behind. It was Julio Rodríguez—my Tocayo (two Latinos with share the same name) Like Manny, J-Rod is one of those players who always makes time and always acknowledges you. As security ushered him along, I congratulated him on being on the ballot and handed him his shirt.
He laughed and said, “Again?”—a nod to his previous honors as the 2022 AL Rookie of the Year and 2023 AL LatinoMVP.
Julio Rodríguez presented his 2022 AL LatinoMVP Rookie Awards by Latino Sports founder Julio Pabón, along with our exclusive LatinoMVP artists Maz Adams and James Fiorentino – Image Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
I smiled and said, “Yes,” and even managed to mention his incredible home run robbery against Aaron Judge.
He grinned as he headed out.
Although I didn’t get a chance to see Tatis Jr., I did reconnect with someone just as meaningful—his father, Fernando Tatis Sr.—a longtime friend from his days with the New York Mets as our paths hadn’t crossed in years. When he saw me, he stopped immediately, called out my name, and we embraced warmly.
It was one of those genuine moments that remind you how deep the roots of this game—and its relationships—truly go.
Fernando Tatis Jr. presented his 2020 National League LatinoMVP Award at Petco Park – Image Credit: San Diego Padres/MLB
We exchanged numbers and promised to reconnect soon. When I asked if he had received my previous messages through his son, he said no—we both laughed.
Later, well past midnight, despite missing out on Guerrero Jr. and Soto though we surely will cross paths as Opening Day rolls around, I ran into another longtime friend, Omar Minaya. Our relationship goes back to his early days when he was the Assistant General Manager of the Mets, and over the years, we’ve shared many open and thoughtful conversations about the game.
Seeing him again was another reminder of the enduring connections built through baseball.
Nelson Cruz chatting with Latino Sports president Julio Pabón, Omar Minaya, and Ray Negron during batting practice at Yankee Stadium back in 2023 – Image Credit: Maz Adams/Latino Sports
The final sighting of the night was Aaron Judge, surrounded by a tight circle of security as he made his way out. As he passed, I called out to him—not “Judge,” as many do, but “Aaron,” the way I always have from our shared years in the Bronx. He turned, recognized my voice, and acknowledged me with a wave of his hand look that reflected familiarity and respect.
It was well past 1:30AM eastern time when the Latino Sports crew finally left the stadium. Exhausted, yes—but also fulfilled.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful stories aren’t just found in the box score, but in the hallways, the handshakes, the embraces, and the moments that remind us why we do this work in the first place.
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