Puerto Rico announces Baseball 5 rosters for Pan American championship in Venezuela
By THE STAR STAFF
The Puerto Rico Baseball Federation on Thursday announced its senior and youth national team rosters for the Pan American Baseball5 Championship, scheduled for October 14-17 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. The youth team will compete for a berth in the 2027 Baseball5 World Cup.
“We have two teams with plenty of talent, commitment, discipline and, above all, the desire to represent Puerto Rico with pride,” head coach Pedro Agosto said in a written statement.
The senior team will use the tournament to prepare for the Baseball5 World Cup, which Puerto Rico will host in December.
The senior roster includes Aneyshka Aponte, Kamila Díaz, Claudia Ortiz, Gretchen Negrón, Edgar Santiago, Michael González, Raphy Sánchez and Ediel Quiñones.
The youth squad features Alejandra Pérez, Ana Oquendo, Taisha Álamo, Germary Santos, Alex Díaz, Deniel Álvarez, Johan Rodríguez and Ketziel Caraballo.
Agosto will lead both teams, assisted by coach Ángel Fernández and strength and conditioning coach Pedro Álamo.
Preparations began in May and included training in fundamentals, offense, defense, communication and game strategies.
“We have worked to build an atmosphere of unity, confidence and camaraderie. Beyond individual talent, we need to function as a true team,” Agosto said. “We are approaching the tournament with humility, but also with the confidence and mindset to compete against any national team.”
Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela will compete in the senior division, while Argentina and Peru will join the field in the youth category.
The delegations are scheduled to arrive in Venezuela on October 13. Preliminary-round games will take place October 14-16, followed by the semifinals and finals on October 17.
“We will not promise medals or results, because those must be earned on the field. What we can guarantee is dedication, discipline, commitment and immense pride in representing Puerto Rico,” Agosto said.
Baseball5 is a fast-paced version of baseball played with five players per team, without bats or gloves. Players use their hands to hit a rubber ball, and games can be played indoors or outdoors.
