MLB World Series winner Anibal Sanchez to play for Venezuela in WBSC Olympic qualifier

MLB World Series winner Anibal Sanchez to play for Venezuela in WBSC Olympic qualifier
10/05/2021
"There are not many baseball players who have earned a World Series ring and an Olympic medal," said the right-handed pitcher. "I have the chance to become one of them."

The Venezuelan Baseball Federation (FEVEBEISBOL) announced that former Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series winner Anibal Sanchez has accepted to represent his country at the WBSC Baseball Americas Qualifier.

Sanchez had already played for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic 2013.

"I'm very happy for the opportunity," told Sanchez to the FEVEBEISBOL official website. "There's been a lot of talk about myself playing for the National Team. I was getting ready for another opportunity at the MLB level. There's also a time you want to stay with your family. During this time, I received the offer from FEVEBEISBOL, and I accepted.

Sanchez added: "There are not many baseball players who have earned a World Series ring and an Olympic medal. I have the chance to become one of them."

The 37-year old right-hander has pitched in 350 MLB games, 327 as a starter, for the Miami Marlins, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. He pitched a no-hitter in his rookie season.

Sanchez reportedly turned down multiple MLB offers before the 2021 season.

World No. 9 Venezuela will play in Group B of the WBSC Baseball Americas Olympic Qualifier, against No. 8 Cuba, No. 13 Canada and No. 14 Colombia.

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The WBSC Baseball Americas Qualifier to the Games of the XXXII Olympiad Tokyo 2020 is scheduled in The Palm Beaches & St. Lucie County, Florida, from 31 May to 5 June.

Baseball Americas Qualifier