The Puerto Rico Baseball Federation announced this Thursday the veteran catcher of the St. Louis Cardinals, Yadier Molina, as the manager of the team that will represent that country in the 2023 World Classic.
“Captain! Leader! Our Leader!” That’s how I read the message with which the Federation gave the information.
This will not be Yadi’s first experience as a foreman, since in early April of this year the Navegantes del Magallanes announced that the Puerto Rican will lead them in the 2022-2023 season of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP), which ends earlier. of the Classic.
Withdrawal
Molina is currently in his 19th season in the Major Leagues, all defending the colors of the Cardinals, who It will be the last one he will play as a player.
And it is that Yadi himself announced that this campaign will mark the end of his career, after signing a one-year contract, valued at 10 million dollars, in 2021.
“It is very difficult to stay active in this sport at a high level. It costs you when you are 39 years old. I try to do my best. I am sure that I will be able to close next year strong and bring the trophy to San Luis this year and next year”, he said that day.
Changes
Molina’s signing as manager came weeks after former baseball player and analyst Eduardo Pérez resigned as general manager of the Puerto Rican team for the World Classic.
Pérez affirmed that during that period differences arose with the president of the Puerto Rico Baseball Federation, José Quiles, “on very important matters in relation to the team’s construction.”
Yadier Molina has been named manager of Team Puerto Rico for the 2023 World Baseball Classic ?????? pic.twitter.com/IKoMgeBmVm
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 29, 2022
