Baseball’s Rise in Colombia Beyond Soccer’s Shadow
Colombian baseball star Reynaldo Rodríguez, first baseman for the Charros de Jalisco, emphasizes that Colombia is not just a soccer nation. The sport of baseball has grown thanks to international achievements and the country’s baseball history.
Reynaldo Rodríguez’s Journey
Reynaldo Rodríguez’s story is one of passion and dedication, not to soccer—the sport most people associate with Colombia—but baseball. Growing up in Cartagena, a city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast where baseball is popular, Rodríguez was drawn to the sport from a young age. His love for the game was deeply influenced by his grandfather, Inocencio “Yuya” Rodríguez, a legendary figure in Colombian baseball.
Though Rodríguez initially dabbled in soccer, a near injury to a teammate during a recreational game at age 12 made him reconsider his path. He left soccer behind and followed in his grandfather’s footsteps, focusing entirely on baseball. His passion for the game and his natural talent led him to pursue a professional baseball career, with his ultimate goal being a spot in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Rodríguez’s skill soon caught the attention of MLB scouts, and the New York Yankees signed him as a prospect. Despite spending nine seasons in the minor leagues, including stints with the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins organizations, he never entirely made it to the majors. Yet, his career has been defined by success in international leagues, including his role as the Most Valuable Player in the 2022 Caribbean Series, where he helped Colombia secure its first title in the tournament’s history.
At 38 years old, Rodríguez now plays for the Charros de Jalisco in Mexico’s Liga Mexicana del Pacífico, where he continues to be a formidable presence. As he looks forward to his sixth season in the league, Rodríguez remains committed to elevating the Charros to the championship and earning a place in the 2026 World Baseball Classic qualifiers, where he hopes to represent Colombia once again.
The Rise of Colombian Baseball on the International Stage
Colombia’s rise as a competitive baseball nation has been a relatively recent phenomenon, but the country’s impact on the sport is growing. The 2017 World Baseball Classic (WBC) was a turning point, as Colombia’s participation put the country on the international baseball map. Although the team did not advance far, their performance caught the attention of scouts and fans alike, helping to solidify Colombia’s status as more than just a soccer-centric nation.
Rodríguez has advocated for the sport’s growth, noting that Colombia’s participation in the WBC opened doors for younger players. “Playing in the 2017 Classic made other countries notice us,” Rodríguez said. “Now, we have several young players signed to MLB organizations.”
The most significant moment for Colombian baseball came in 2022 when the national team won the Caribbean Series, the annual tournament that brings together the best teams from Latin American winter leagues. Colombia’s victory over teams from baseball powerhouses like the Dominican Republic and Venezuela was historic, marking the country’s first title in the tournament’s 74-year history. For Rodríguez, who was named MVP, this win was a testament to Colombia’s potential as a baseball nation.
Since then, more Colombian players have made their mark in international leagues, particularly in MLB. Stars like José Quintana, Giovanny Urshela, and Harold Ramírez have paved the way for a new generation of talent. Rodríguez believes that with more investment and support, baseball can continue to grow and become a major sport in Colombia alongside soccer.
Colombia’s Baseball History
While soccer dominates the sporting landscape in Colombia, baseball has deep roots in certain regions, particularly along the Caribbean coast. Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta have long been baseball hubs thanks to their proximity to baseball-loving nations like Venezuela and Cuba. The sport’s history in Colombia dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when American sailors and workers introduced the game to the coastal cities.
The Colombian Professional Baseball League (LCBP), established in 1948, has been the primary avenue for nurturing local talent. While the league has faced challenges over the years, it remains a crucial part of Colombia’s baseball infrastructure. Teams like the Caimanes de Barranquilla and the Tigres de Cartagena have produced talented players who have gone on to represent Colombia on the international stage.
Historically, Colombia has also sent players to international competitions, but it wasn’t until the 21st century that the country began to see a more significant presence in MLB. Édgar Rentería is perhaps the most famous Colombian baseball player. He is best known for his heroics in the 1997 World Series, where he delivered the game-winning hit for the Florida Marlins. Rentería’s success inspired a new generation of players, showing that Colombians could succeed on baseball’s biggest stage.
In recent years, Colombia’s participation in international events like the World Baseball Classic and the Caribbean Series has helped raise the sport’s profile domestically. While soccer remains king, baseball is carving out a niche, particularly among young athletes in the Caribbean region. For Rodríguez, this is a promising sign of things to come. “Colombia is more than just soccer,” he says. “We have baseball, and we’re getting better every year.”
Challenges and Opportunities for the Future of Baseball in Colombia
Despite the growing interest in baseball, Colombia still faces significant challenges in developing the sport. Rodríguez is quick to point out the lack of infrastructure and institutional support as substantial barriers to the growth of baseball. “To expand baseball in the country, we need more support from the federation and the Ministry of Sports,” Rodríguez says. “There are people who help, but never 100 percent. We need more fields, and our coaches need to become professionals to give the kids better instruction. That will make it easier for them to sign with MLB teams.”
Other players and coaches echo the call for better infrastructure, believing that with more investment, Colombia could become a consistent baseball powerhouse. Constructing more baseball fields, improved coaching, and access to better equipment would give young players the tools to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.
Additionally, while talented players are emerging from Colombia, many of them face difficulties getting noticed by international scouts. The country’s baseball development programs are not as well-funded as those in other Latin American nations, such as the Dominican Republic or Venezuela, which have long-standing pipelines to MLB. Rodríguez’s story of narrowly missing out on an MLB debut highlights the difficulty many Colombian players face in breaking through to the major leagues.
Nevertheless, the future looks bright for Colombian baseball. With rising stars like Rodríguez leading the way and more young players signing contracts with MLB organizations, there is hope that the sport will continue to grow in popularity and success. Rodríguez, now 38, is thinking about the next generation. He envisions a future where he transitions into coaching to help guide young players and contribute to the sport’s growth in Colombia.
“I want to play for many more years,” Rodríguez says. “But when I retire, I’d like to rest and maybe become a coach. I want to stay in baseball and help it grow in Colombia.”
As Colombia continues to build its reputation as a baseball nation, Rodríguez and other pioneers like him prove that the sport has a place alongside soccer. With the proper support, Colombia could soon become a baseball powerhouse, producing even more talent for the international stage
