The U-23 WBSC Baseball World Cup showcased some of the top talent of their generation playing for 12 countries during 10 days. Brandon Valenzuela was one of them, the prospect of the San Diego Padres organization was the regular catcher for Mexico in the tournament.
“Pride”, is his answer when we asked what he feels about playing for Mexico, and added, “since I was little and my love for baseball started I was thinking of playing for my country”.
How important is for him in his development as a baseball player, playing in a tournament like this one. “Everything about baseball makes you gain experience. It doesn’t matter if I never saw asian pitchers with a different mechanic, I’m sure I will face them in the future and everything I gain in this tournament is experience”, said Valezuela.
“Not much difference” answered the native from Hermosillo about the difference between the minors and this tournament. “In the United States they are waiting for the big play, the home run, here there's much more strategy and the passion that you play when you are representing your country”.
“I’m really proud to play a tournament at home, especially with such a good organization like this one”, explained who posted a .240 batting average but especially showed his skills in his duties as a catcher playing without errors and making 6 assists during the tournament.
For Valenzuela, there’s no doubt about playing for his country again. “Of course I want to play again for Mexico. All my life I will give the same answer”.
Expecting an arrival to majors in the 2024 season Valenzuela is on the path to engross the huge list of players who go on to the majors after participating in WBSC international play.
