Julio Rodriguez was one of the most exciting players to watch during the last two WBSC Olympic baseball qualifiers, both on the offensive and defensive sides of the game. But also for his energy playing the game. The 20-year-old outfielder recently spoke with host Adriana Flores on the The Global Game - A WBSC Podcast.
“It was the biggest emotion to see my uniform with ‘Dominicana’ on the chest, it was so special for me. To represent my country, playing baseball, has been my dream since I was a child. And now that it came true, it’s unique,” stated the right fielder, who hit .458 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI in the WBSC Americas Olympic qualifier in Florida.
Rodriguez signed with the Seattle Mariners organisation in 2017 as a free agent and has become the top-ranked prospect in the organisation. He was recently promoted to AA.
“These are the two biggest moments in my career: to sign my professional contract because you can help your family, and playing my country.”
Asked about the difference between professional and international baseball, the native from Loma de Cabrera has no doubts: “The emotion. What you feel when you put on the Dominican Republic jersey. You know the entire country is united watching you and supporting you. It’s something different, and that’s something I felt the first time I played for the Dominican Republic. The emotion is different.”
The Dominican right fielder confessed he never thought about becoming an Olympian, even when he watched the Olympics with his parents as a kid growing in the Dominican Republic. “And now, being able to participate in the Olympic Games playing baseball, and having a chance to win a Gold Medal -- because I believe in the team we have -- is something special.”
To end the interview, Rodriguez made it clear what his short-term goals are in the coming weeks. “This team is giving everything to win each and every game. And we’ll keep doing it to win a medal in Tokyo and put our flag in the biggest place. This is our goal.”
