‘Like a dream’: Santander returns to Orioles camp after Classic
SARASOTA, Fla. — In his first World Baseball Classic at-bat on March 11, Anthony Santander jacked a solo homer into the second deck in proper discipline at loanDepot park. He celebrated together with his Venezuelan teammates when he made it to dwelling plate, and once more later that evening after they closed out a assertion victory over the Dominican Republic.
It was the beginning of a memorable eight days in Miami for Santander, who returned to Orioles camp Tuesday morning with excessive reward for his time on the Classic.
“Like a dream. Unbelievable experience,” Santander mentioned. “Very grateful and happy for the opportunity. That’s something that I’ll never forget. Being there, playing like a kid but in big situations — oh my gosh, it’s amazing. It’s something really, really good.”
On a Venezuelan workforce loaded with stars akin to Ronald Acuña Jr., Jose Altuve, Miguel Cabrera, Salvador Perez and others, Santander might not have been the largest title on the roster getting into the World Baseball Classic, particularly to followers outdoors of Baltimore or his hometown of Margarita Island. But the 28-year-old outfielder earned himself loads of consideration on the nationwide stage.
Over the 4 video games of Pool D play, Santander went 6-for-13 with one double, one triple, two homers, 4 RBIs and 4 runs scored. The Venezuelans went 4-0 — notching victories over the Dominican Republic, Israel, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico — to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.
“So proud of him,” Orioles supervisor Brandon Hyde mentioned. “Super happy for him and his family, to do what he did on a big stage like that, get national exposure. He’s earned it.”
Venezuela’s Classic run ended as quickly because the single-elimination portion of the occasion started. On Saturday evening, Santander went 0-for-4 with a stroll because the Venezuelans misplaced 9-7 to the United States, which has fellow Baltimore outfielder Cedric Mullins on its roster.
Even although Venezuela didn’t seize its first World Baseball Classic championship, Santander loved spending the time together with his countrymen and coming along with them to play in an electrical environment.
“I feel really proud to be able to wear that jersey, representing the whole country, family, my hometown,” Santander mentioned. “That’s something that as a player you never forget that big moment. The most important thing is that we brought some happiness to our people back there.”
During the fifth inning of Saturday’s quarterfinal, Santander was standing within the on-deck circle when Altuve obtained hit by a pitch on the fitting hand, fracturing his thumb. The Astros’ second baseman is scheduled to endure surgical procedure and is anticipated to overlook an prolonged time frame to open the 2023 season.
Santander doesn’t suppose the danger of accidents ought to forestall gamers from taking part in future World Baseball Classic occasions, noting the identical kind of issues happen in Spring Training video games.
“I think the World Baseball Classic is good for baseball, and it’s something that you always want to be proud to represent and give everything you’ve got for your country,” Santander mentioned. “So I think that you should continue doing that stuff, because like I said, anything can happen anywhere.”
Now, it’s time for Santander to refocus on making ready for his seventh season with the Orioles. He’s coming off a 2022 marketing campaign during which he set profession highs in homers (33), RBIs (89), hits (138), on-base share (.318) and video games performed (152), and he’s aiming to construct on that success in ‘23.
Santander instantly returned to Baltimore’s lineup because the designated hitter on Tuesday, batting third and going 0-for-3 in a 6-2 Grapefruit League win over Boston at Ed Smith Stadium. Hyde additionally mentioned Santander is scheduled to get a couple of extra spring innings at first base, the place he performed in his ultimate recreation earlier than departing for the Classic on March 6.
The World Baseball Classic was a enjoyable time. But Santander was excited to reunite together with his O’s teammates and desperate to get again to work.
“These are my brothers. I’m going to spend 162 games with those guys,” Santander mentioned. “Happy to be back and get back into Spring Training games, back-field ABs and get ready for the season.”
