Despite having the option to spend this spring on the beaches of his hometown in Puerto Rico, Molina chose to be at JetBlue Park on Wednesday night to manage Team Puerto Rico in an exhibition game against the Red Sox.
This game was part of their preparation for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Molina's team is set to play their first game in the tournament on Saturday at noon ET in Miami against Nicaragua.
Yadier Molina Managing Team Puerto Rico
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| Yadier Molina Managing Team Puerto Rico |
Molina's commitment to the World Baseball Classic was apparent as he had previously played in the first four WBCs. This time, he couldn't resist the opportunity to lead his team as a non-player.
In fact, Molina was so serious about the chance to manage for the first time that he cut short his first offseason as a retired player to manage Navegantes del Magallanes, a professional winter ball team in Venezuela.
Molina quickly made the decision to transition from player to manager and stated that it was the right one as he gained a lot of experience managing Navegantes del Magallanes in Venezuela.
Molina's intensity as a manager during those winter ball games was evident as Red Sox manager Alex Cora humorously pointed out that he had a three-game streak of getting thrown out, which is quite unusual. Cora, who himself can understand the significance of Molina's stature in Puerto Rico, can appreciate Molina's passion for the game.
Molina Has High Hopes For Team Puerto Rico
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| Molina Has High Hopes For Team Puerto Rico |
Molina knows the expectations are high for Team Puerto Rico, and he is ready to lead his team to success in the WBC.
"The passion for baseball in Puerto Rico is something special," Molina said. "We always play with our hearts and give everything we have on the field. We have a great group of players, and we are ready to compete and represent our country with pride."
The exhibition game against the Red Sox was a great opportunity for Molina and his team to prepare for the tournament, and the enthusiastic support from the Puerto Rican fans only added to the excitement.
"We are grateful for the support of our fans," Molina said. "It means a lot to us, and we will do our best to make them proud."
Molina is not only focused on winning but also on creating a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved, including his players and opponents.
He recognizes the unique energy and excitement that the World Baseball Classic brings, even for veteran players who might not show that level of emotion during the regular season. Molina has played in all four previous tournaments and has cherished each one, and he hopes to bring that same joy to his team and fans this year.
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