When Manny Machado embraced Dominican Roots by representing his home country at WBC 

In March 2019, San Diego Padres All-Star Manny Machado penned a lovely writeup for The Players' Tribune, where he opened up about embracing his Dominican roots by representing his home country at WBC.

Although from Florida, Machado chose to represent the Dominican Republic because of his rich family history, which includes his grandfather who was raised in La Vega.

"My grandfather loved baseball so much. He wanted me to play Major League Baseball because it had always been my dream, and also because it would allow me to help my family live a better life. But he also wanted me to play in the Dominican if I ever got the chance — he wanted me to play winter ball for his favorite team, the Licey Tigers, or to represent the Dominican in some way," wrote Manny in the The Players' Tribune news piece.

He added:

"So when it came down to it, the decision was easy. There was no way I could pass on representing the Dominican Republic in the WBC. It’s in my blood. I’m doing it for my mother. I’m doing it for my uncle. I’m doing it for everybody who has supported me in my career. And most of all, I’m doing it for my grandfather."

"Manny Machado is unreal!" - MLB Network

Machado further mentioned that he wished his grandfather was still around to watch him represent the Dominican Republic.

Manny Machado represented his home country for the first time in the 2017 World Baseball Classic

Dominican Republic Workout Day: FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 07: Manny Machado #13 of the Dominican Republic works out during the Dominican Republic National Baseball Team workout day at Lee County Sports Complex on March 07, 2023 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Padres' Manny Machado first played for the Dominican Republic in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Due to his defensive prowess, he earned the moniker "El Ministro de la Defensa" in the fourth iteration of the international tournament. Additionally, in Pool C of the opening round, he was recognized as the most valuable player.

"Manny is as smooth as butter. This is a clip from back in 2017." - Baseball

In the 2023 WBC, Manny is once again playing for his home country and donning the DR jersey with pride.