Heather O’Dell // Staff Writer
The Venezuelan National Baseball team will use the University’s baseball field to practice for the 2017 World Classic.
The team practiced on Wednesday, Feb. 2, and fans came to watch players such as Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers; Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners; and Martin Prado, Atlanta Braves play ball on FIU’s diamond.
Maurice Benatar, a freshman studying international business, said he was waiting outside the stadium, hoping to meet his longtime idol Omar Vizquel, the manager of the Venezuelan baseball team.
“I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. I just moved to the US six months ago to attend FIU,” said Benatar. “When I heard the Venezuelan National Baseball team was coming to FIU, it felt like a part of home was here. I’ve always looked up to Omar Vizquel. He was born in Caracas, too.”
The World Classic begins on March 7, but the first game held in Miami will be on March 9 at Marlins Park. Venezuela will play their first game on March 11 against Italy in Jalisco, Mexico.
Watch the team’s first practice here: