The Night Luis Arraez Blew Up Baseball

[Ted Schwerzler]

Already in Ft. Myers, Ted headed across Alligator Alley to Miami to watch the USA play Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Despite the controversy surrounding its existence, there was no more significant evidence of its importance than Saturday night.

Image courtesy of Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

After advancing out of pool play, the United States was set to square off against Venezuela, with the latter representing the home team with an undefeated record in this WBC. Shuttles were offered from downtown garages, with nearly 40,000 people heading into a congested area outside South Beach. Street vendors lined the sidewalks, and an ambiance far different than your typical baseball game was apparent.

Make no mistake; this was not some meaningless game in March.

Having been to LoanDepot Park once before, coincidentally for the second game it had ever hosted, my expectations weren’t high. I wasn’t impressed with the ballpark but also took it in, lacking almost any semblance of a crowd. That was for a meaningless spring training game as the Jose Reyes, and Mark Buehrle led Marlins played host to a collegiate foe in Florida Atlantic University. Last night couldn’t have been more different.

Gates opened three hours before first pitch. The Venezuelan squad took batting practice first, and the outfield bleachers already began to fill in. When Team USA took over, the likes of Kyle Freeland, Miles Mikolas, and bullpen catcher Carlos Munoz consistently drew fans' favor by flipping balls into the seats.

Having purchased a get-in ticket, I knew I planned to wander around. I didn’t make it very far after asking the Recess Sports Lounge attendant if I needed special access to enter the area. Recess offers seating and food options at the field level in a club-like scene beyond the left field fence. A pool in the space used to be similar to the Arizona Diamondbacks Chase Field, but that has since been replaced with a DJ booth.

It was game time after the unveiling of flags, introductions (of which Venezuelan supporters were substantially more vocal), and national anthems.

The pitching matchup was one of intrigue for Twins fans. Lance Lynn was on the bump for the United States, while Martin Perez took the ball for Venezuela. Unfortunately for the current Texas Rangers hurler, he gave up three runs on five hits and only recorded one out. Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Kyle Tucker were all over his stuff.

This tournament has produced plenty of exciting tilts. Just a night prior, fans saw the Puerto Rican team ahead 4-0, only to give up five runs without an answer and fall to an unlikely Mexican squad. 3-0 was not safe for the Americans, and they knew adding on was a must.

Unlike any other baseball game you have ever seen, there was pandemonium after each base hit, out, or routine play. Cheers from supporters were deafening, and the reality was an outcome unlike anything seen outside of a soccer or football stadium. When former Twins batting champ Luis Arraez stepped in, it was as though the world stopped.

Not known for his power, Arraez turned on a Lynn pitch and sent it over the fence in right field. He sped around the bases in a quick home run trot but celebrated at third base in front of his dugout. The Venezuelan fans in the crowd were going absolutely crazy. The team on the field had spilled out of the dugout and waited to celebrate at the plate. This wasn’t just baseball; it was the World Baseball Classic.

Producing moments that we otherwise won’t see during a regular situation, Tucker stepped in against his teammate Luis Garcia. While the baby rocking is since gone, given Major League Baseball’s new rules, Garcia remains among the better pitchers in the game. Tucker hit a double in their first matchup of the night, and rather than being able to exact revenge, it was again Tucker winning the battle as he took Garcia out of the yard for a 365-foot solo blast.

As the Venezuelans were silenced momentarily, their time came in the 5th inning. Daniel Bard was on and wild. He hit Jose Altuve, who unfortunately suffered a broken thumb on the play. Continuing to be wild, runs came in, and Arraez again delivered, drawing the deficit to one. Scoring on a Ronald Acuna Jr. sacrifice fly, the lead changed hands again.

With the pace of the action, no lead seemed safe in this one. Expecting this level of excitement or energy over the consistency of a 162-game season would be an unimaginable trip. Playoff atmosphere rivals the intensity, but each lineup was looking to deliver knockout punches, and the fans were ready for the roller coaster of a ride.

Again, not a power hitter, Arraez stepped in during the 7th inning and took David Bednar deep. He turned on another pitch and doinked it off the foul pole. Late in this one, Miami’s newest hero sent his country’s fans into insanity.

Then, it happened.

The Philadelphia Phillies $300 million man took the box against Silvino Bracho. With the bases chucked and a deficit of two, Turner crushed a 407-foot blast right over my head to create a homer he called the best of his life. A man that has won a World Series, played in All-Star games, and earned a Silver Slugger, called that home run the biggest hit of his career.

Fans agreed. As beers were thrown, whistles rang out, the music went crazy, and the atmosphere was something out of a storybook, Turner became Captain America, if only for an instant. Another former Twin, Ryan Pressly, got the opportunity to slam the door in the 9th inning and picked up his second save of the tournament.

Once again, insanity ensued.

The results didn't go the way of Arraez's Venezuelan squad, and Turner stole the show late, but it was the show he started that kicked off what would be the craziest night of baseball I have ever experienced.

It’s unrealistic to think that every game throughout a 162-game regular season slate could hold this level of importance or excitement. It is evident, however, to note that the World Baseball Classic’s importance goes well beyond anything else played in March, and to experience it in person may be a bucket list venture.

There was no discussion of a lacking pitch clock, and allowing shifts didn’t stifle offense. Two juggernauts went back and forth like heavyweights and gave passionate fans everything they hoped for. We may find ourselves with a pair of favorites in the championship as both Japan and USA remain, but no matter how it plays out, you can bet LoanDepot Park will be the spot for the biggest party of any sport this month.

I didn’t know what to expect when heading into the stadium. Now I’m wondering how soon I can experience that again.

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[blindeke]

Great report! Too bad about Altuve...

[Twinsrtheworst]

Wow!  Thankyou for sharing the experience.  

[Riverbrian]

That WBC atmosphere should be the goal of MLB. 

I've always thought that Arraez was capable of power if he chose to hit for more power. He such a good hitter without that power that I'm not sure he should but I think he could. 

Either way... other than a healthy Byron Buxton... He was my favorite Twin to watch. I always felt like he was going to come through at the plate.

Arraez was an expensive price to pay so I'm hoping that Lopez gets it done on the mound.

I'm pretty sure that Arraez will get it done in Miami. 

[Bodie]

The WBC just might be on my list of things to do before I die.  The atmosphere alone makes it just about irresistible,  and that it centers around high quality baseball pretty much cinches it.

From a distance it reminds me when I was in Amsterdam and had friends (various Europeans) who drug me to a Netherlands vs. France game.  Crazier atmosphere than Minneapolis before game 7 of the 1997 WS, and on par with AFTER the game.  The WBC games look like the same sort excitement for the people in attendance. 

Count me a believer!!!

GO 'MERICA!!!

[GNess]

WBC is a lot of fun. Arraez can hit - nothing new on that front.

[Bodie]

5 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

That WBC atmosphere should be the goal of MLB. 

I've always thought that Arraez was capable of power if he chose to hit for more power. He such a good hitter without that power that I'm not sure he should but I think he could. 

Either way... other than a healthy Byron Buxton... He was my favorite Twin to watch. I always felt like he was going to come through at the plate.

Arraez was an expensive price to pay so I'm hoping that Lopez gets it done on the mound.

I'm pretty sure that Arraez will get it done in Miami. 

It's hard not to enjoy Arraez.  The joy he plays with every day is literally infectious to both his teammates and to the fans. 

Plus, he is a pretty  good bat... going to miss him!

[Ryan_K]

Went to the DR Venezuela game last Saturday and thought it was the best game I've ever watched. Then went last night and it was a WOW experience.New best game. The passion the fans have, the focus on the game vs the typical MLB fan on their phone. It was tremendous. I wasn't at the Metrodome during the world series days but have to imagine the volume was similar 

[ToddlerHarmon]

Too bad for politics (and time zones). It would be amazing to see MLB teams in Santo Domingo, Caracas, San Juan, Mexico City, Seoul, Taipei, or Tokyo. I don't think those teams would have any attendance or marketing issues. Talk about ensuring the future of the sport!

[rwilfong86]

Arraez becoming a power threat will add a whole different dimension to his game. Don't be surprised if he gets close to 20 homeruns in 2023 in that park in Miami. 

[rwilfong86]

2 minutes ago, ToddlerHarmon said:

Too bad for politics (and time zones). It would be amazing to see MLB teams in Santo Domingo, Caracas, San Juan, Mexico City, Seoul, Taipei, or Tokyo. I don't think those teams would have any attendance or marketing issues. Talk about ensuring the future of the sport!

I would love to see PR get a team, since they're American it would be the only one of those options that could even remotely be realistic. 

[Nine of twelve]

18 minutes ago, ToddlerHarmon said:

Too bad for politics (and time zones). It would be amazing to see MLB teams in Santo Domingo, Caracas, San Juan, Mexico City, Seoul, Taipei, or Tokyo. I don't think those teams would have any attendance or marketing issues. Talk about ensuring the future of the sport!

There's not enough money in PR or the DR to support a major league team. As you said, Asia is out of the question due to travel logistics, as is Europe. Even if the political/sociological issues in Venezuela were to be sufficiently resolved it would be a stretch to consider that option. Mexico City is the largest city in the western hemisphere so I expect an MLB franchise could be supported financially, but I would think any potential ownership group and MLB itself are pretty skittish about committing to expansion there.

[gunnarthor]

I liked the idea of the WBC but it has been so much better than I could have hoped for. It's great for baseball. I love it.

[chinmusic]

Pretty amazing!

Maybe the Arraez/Lopez trade will turn out to be one that benefits both sides.

Too bad about the devastating injuries incurred in the WBC, though...

 

[Ted Schwerzler]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

That WBC atmosphere should be the goal of MLB. 

I've always thought that Arraez was capable of power if he chose to hit for more power. He such a good hitter without that power that I'm not sure he should but I think he could. 

Either way... other than a healthy Byron Buxton... He was my favorite Twin to watch. I always felt like he was going to come through at the plate.

Arraez was an expensive price to pay so I'm hoping that Lopez gets it done on the mound.

I'm pretty sure that Arraez will get it done in Miami. 

I’m not sure that the environment is able to be replicated on a nightly basis during the regular season, but it was insane.

I think Arraez could tap into more power, but both blasts last night were him just coming around strong on contact. Such a pure hitter

[Ted Schwerzler]

1 hour ago, rwilfong86 said:

Arraez becoming a power threat will add a whole different dimension to his game. Don't be surprised if he gets close to 20 homeruns in 2023 in that park in Miami. 

I’d be shocked if that happens. Don’t think that becomes a part of his game.

[Ted Schwerzler]

13 minutes ago, chinmusic said:

Pretty amazing!

Maybe the Arraez/Lopez trade will turn out to be one that benefits both sides.

Too bad about the devastating injuries incurred in the WBC, though...

 

Better there than sliding into a base during a game with a bunch of NRI’s

[Kummel]

Delighted to see Arraez do well -- I loved seeing him as a Twin so thoroughly enjoying being up to bat.  

[Rod Carews Birthday]

Awesome night for Arraez!  I am rooting for him to win another batting title and Lopez to win an ERA title!  That's how trades are supposed to work out.  It makes it easier and more productive for both teams to do business the next time!

[puckstopper1]

The game was fabulous to watch on TV, so I can only imagine what the atmosphere was like in the stadium itself.  It is awesome to attend games where there are a significant amount of fans for both teams.

Ex Twins certainly impacted the game - positively and negatively.  

Hopefully Team U.S.A. can keep it going - especially after such a hard-fought, emotional victory.

[wabene]

The US could learn much from Latin players and fans about our sport. 

[Riverbrian]

1 hour ago, Ted Schwerzler said:

I’m not sure that the environment is able to be replicated on a nightly basis during the regular season, but it was insane.

 

WIth out question hard to sustain over a 162 game schedule. It does show us that MLB has a long ways to go.

Make it a little bit better and see if it grows incrementially. Maybe 20 decades from now... we got something. 😄

Baseball has to start pushing the ball up the hill before it will roll down the hill in the right direction.

The WBC atmosphere is the goal. The world is trying to show us something. 

 

[Doctor Gast]

Thanks Ted, wished I was there, it must 've been a tremendous experience. Latinos & Orientals love our great American sport. Too bad it's dying here. Hope Minnesotans could catch the fever when we enter the post season.

Very happy that Arraez had a great night. And wish him well in MIA because he seems to like the stadium.

[rwilfong86]

1 hour ago, Ted Schwerzler said:

I’d be shocked if that happens. Don’t think that becomes a part of his game.

He's been working out with Nelson Cruz during the offseasons, I can see him easily hitting double digit home runs this year. 

[rwilfong86]

2 hours ago, Nine of twelve said:

There's not enough money in PR or the DR to support a major league team. As you said, Asia is out of the question due to travel logistics, as is Europe. Even if the political/sociological issues in Venezuela were to be sufficiently resolved it would be a stretch to consider that option. Mexico City is the largest city in the western hemisphere so I expect an MLB franchise could be supported financially, but I would think any potential ownership group and MLB itself are pretty skittish about committing to expansion there.

None would want to live there due to all the drugs and crime. MLB wouldn't expand to a place that is on the US State Department Travel Warning list. 

[wabene]

46 minutes ago, rwilfong86 said:

None would want to live there due to all the drugs and crime. MLB wouldn't expand to a place that is on the US State Department Travel Warning list. 

Sorry this is overblown. There are many places to travel safely in Mexico. I've traveled there dozens of times and the people have always been welcoming. The food is amazing, my favorite. Just like anywhere else when traveling use some common sense and you'll be fine. 

 

[rwilfong86]

56 minutes ago, wabene said:

Sorry this is overblown. There are many places to travel safely in Mexico. I've traveled there dozens of times and the people have always been welcoming. The food is amazing, my favorite. Just like anywhere else when traveling use some common sense and you'll be fine. 

 

There are many places to travel safely in Mexico as long as a person doesn't make themselves a target and they stay in the relative safety of specific areas, but there is a better chance that my city of 11,000 people in Kansas gets a MLB team than Mexico. 

[Ted Schwerzler]

3 hours ago, puckstopper1 said:

Hopefully Team U.S.A. can keep it going - especially after such a hard-fought, emotional victory.

Don't love the back-to-back scheduling but they'll be favored against Cuba for sure.

[Ted Schwerzler]

2 hours ago, rwilfong86 said:

He's been working out with Nelson Cruz during the offseasons, I can see him easily hitting double digit home runs this year. 

It hasn't been about looking to turn him into a home run hitter. Nelson is a leader. That's the point.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

I thought the atmosphere at the Twins vs. Dominican Republic game last week at Hammond was also special. It was mainly due to the DR fans. They were wonderful in their support of their team. I enjoyed meeting a half dozen DR fans just to chat. The 4 Twins/Oakland  games in the dome in the summer of 1987 were intense, sold out, loud and victorious, but there were few Oakland fans there. The World Series Twins/Braves game I attended in Atlanta was more rowdy than I liked because I was wearing a Twins hat and shirt.  But the Braves won that game, so the rowdy taunts turned to non-threatening, victorious taunts.  All in all, you pay your money and you take your chances sometimes (like attending a Duke/ Carolina basketball game at Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium, while wearing a Carolina Blue shirt and Tarheel hat, which was actually fun and safe). Be true to your team, except when safety required the removal of my victorious Tarheel hat at NC State's home basketball court. My favorite story was at a Clemson football game where I was  decked out in my Tarheel regalia and I got to watch the Tigers spend a long afternoon teaching the lowly Tarheels all about how to play football. As I got up from my seat to leave, the vociferous Clemson fan who was seated behind me, loudly told me goodbye and in his southern drawl said: "Ya'll come back now, ya hear."