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Venezuela advanced to its first World Baseball Classic championship game Monday.
The Venezuelans, who face Team USA for the title at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday on Fox, have a habit of late-game rallies.
To illustrate, they scored three runs in the sixth inning to take the lead against defending champion Japan and won 8-5 in the quarterfinals. Then, in the semifinals, Venezuela put together a three-run seventh inning to overcome Italy 4-2.
MORE: Latest Mason Miller update could force Team USA to choose new WBC closer
But it may be what happens before the game that keeps Venezuela’s players pulling together during crucial moments.
Michael Clair, a writer for MLB.com, shared a video of a dance Venezuela does in the dugout before every game.
The dance is tambores, a traditional Afro-Venezuelan style of music and dance, according to Clair. Pitcher Eduard Bazardo provides the beat on a drum called “el tambor.” Players take turns entering a dance circle to show off their moves.
In the video Clair shared before Monday’s game, star players Ronald Acuna Jr., Luis Arraez and Wilyer Abreu are the first to jump into the circle.
In Venezuela, tambores is called the “hora loca,” or “crazy hour,” dance because it often starts at midnight during parties and weddings.
“What you see right there, that’s us,” Venezuela manager Omar López said. “That’s our country. … That’s how we enjoy our baseball.”
Venezuela pitcher José Buttó (70) and teammates celebrate after defeating Italy in a semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s best WBC finish is third place in 2009. Led by Felix Hernandez, Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez, Venezuela knocked off Team USA in the quarterfinals on the way to the semifinals.
On the other side, Team USA is chasing its second WBC championship after finishing second to Japan in 2023. The Americans won the crown in 2017.
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The post What’s up with the dance Venezuela does before every World Baseball Classic game? appeared first on The Big Lead.
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The Venezuelans, who face Team USA for the title at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday on Fox, have a habit of late-game rallies.
To illustrate, they scored three runs in the sixth inning to take the lead against defending champion Japan and won 8-5 in the quarterfinals. Then, in the semifinals, Venezuela put together a three-run seventh inning to overcome Italy 4-2.
MORE: Latest Mason Miller update could force Team USA to choose new WBC closer
But it may be what happens before the game that keeps Venezuela’s players pulling together during crucial moments.
Michael Clair, a writer for MLB.com, shared a video of a dance Venezuela does in the dugout before every game.
The dance is tambores, a traditional Afro-Venezuelan style of music and dance, according to Clair. Pitcher Eduard Bazardo provides the beat on a drum called “el tambor.” Players take turns entering a dance circle to show off their moves.
In the video Clair shared before Monday’s game, star players Ronald Acuna Jr., Luis Arraez and Wilyer Abreu are the first to jump into the circle.
In Venezuela, tambores is called the “hora loca,” or “crazy hour,” dance because it often starts at midnight during parties and weddings.
“What you see right there, that’s us,” Venezuela manager Omar López said. “That’s our country. … That’s how we enjoy our baseball.”
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Venezuela pitcher José Buttó (70) and teammates celebrate after defeating Italy in a semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s best WBC finish is third place in 2009. Led by Felix Hernandez, Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez, Venezuela knocked off Team USA in the quarterfinals on the way to the semifinals.
On the other side, Team USA is chasing its second WBC championship after finishing second to Japan in 2023. The Americans won the crown in 2017.
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MARCH MADNESS: 6 March Madness Cinderellas, bracket-busters poised to destroy the field
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: Latest Mason Miller update could force Team USA to choose new WBC closer
BRACKETOLOGY: Kalshi reveals $1 billion prize for March Madness perfect bracket
NFL: Tom Brady’s Fanatics Flag Football Classic taps popular FOX broadcast duo
NBA: Board of Governors holding vote to explore adding two expansion teams
ENTERTAINMENT: Look inside the Oscars $350,000 gift bags for 2026 Academy Awards
The post What’s up with the dance Venezuela does before every World Baseball Classic game? appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
