Dominican Republic defines its strategy to qualify for the U-18 Baseball World Cup
The Dominican Republic national team is preparing to face the U-18 World Cup qualifier with a clear objective: to secure one of the four tickets available for the 2027 World Cup in China. Under the leadership of the experienced Mendy López Jr., the tricolor team combines young talent with an elite coaching staff, made up of figures who left their mark in Major League Baseball.
A coaching staff with Major League DNA
“Team RD” has bet on experience to guide its prospects. Mendy López Jr., who has an outstanding career in professional baseball, leads this project with the firm conviction that the country expects great results. Along with him, the coaching staff is designed to strengthen every facet of the game:
- Wellington Castillo: Bench coach, who brings his catcher’s perspective after a 10-year MLB career.
- Wilton Guerrero: Hitting coach, in charge of boosting the offense with his vast experience as a utility player.
- Samuel Deduno: Pitching coach, remembered for his stellar performance in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
- Amaury Telemaco: Pitching advisor, with a career spanning nine seasons in the majors.
We have a team that can defend, create offense, and has a lot of speed on the bases. Our expectation is to get on base and generate runs to support the work of our pitching staff.
–>Mendy López Jr., Team Manager.
Heading to China 2027: The competition format
The competition is divided into three groups. The Dominican Republic has been placed in Group A, where it will face the representatives of the United States, Brazil, and Curaçao. The tournament structure establishes that the top two teams from each group will advance to the super round, the final stage where the four qualifiers for the 2027 Baseball World Cup, scheduled to be played between September 17 and 26, will be determined.
Broadcast details
Dominican fans will be able to follow every step of the World Cup journey through a wide broadcasting platform. The matches will be broadcast on VTV Channel 32, in addition to the radio signals of Panorama FM 96.9, Expreso 89.1 FM, Baní FM 97.5, as well as on Luna TV, Channel 25, and Channel América 1014 for the tri-state area of the United States. You can also enjoy the content via streaming on Panorama.com.do and the VTV Channel 32 YouTube channel.
With a management team led by Jesús Lantigua and a top-tier coaching staff, the Dominican Republic remains optimistic and focused on achieving international glory in this important sporting event.
