The World Baseball Classic has quickly become the premier international baseball tournament, drawing top talent from Major League Baseball and around the globe. While the tournament is known for showcasing offensive firepower and dramatic moments, it too provides a stage for pitchers to shine. One name stands alone when it comes to closing out games on the WBC stage: Fernando Rodney. The Dominican Republic native remains the only pitcher in the history of the tournament to record seven saves.
Rodney’s dominant performance came during the Dominican Republic’s historic run to the championship in 2013. The team became the first to win the WBC undefeated, posting an 8-0 record. Fueled by stars like Robinson Canó, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, along with Nelson Cruz and Edwin Encarnación, the Dominican offense was a force to be reckoned with. However, it was the bullpen, anchored by Rodney, that consistently shut down opponents in high-pressure situations.
Born in Santo Domingo, Rodney earned the nickname “La Flecha” (The Arrow) for his quick delivery and pinpoint accuracy. His 2013 WBC performance was nothing short of spectacular. In 7.1 innings pitched across eight appearances, he didn’t allow a single run, finishing with an immaculate 0.00 ERA. But it wasn’t just about keeping runs off the board; Rodney consistently came through in the most crucial moments, securing seven saves throughout the tournament – a record that still stands today.
The defining moment of Rodney’s WBC performance came in the final against Puerto Rico at AT&T Park in San Francisco on March 19, 2013. With the score 3-0 in favor of the Dominican Republic, Rodney was called upon to close out the game. He delivered, striking out Wicho Figueroa to seal the victory and ignite a massive celebration, crowning the Dominican Republic as the first Latin American nation to win the World Baseball Classic.
Rodney’s success wasn’t limited to his WBC performance. He enjoyed a long and successful career in Major League Baseball, earning three All-Star selections and winning a World Series ring. Over his career, he accumulated 327 saves pitching for teams including the Detroit Tigers, Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins, and Washington Nationals.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic, scheduled to capture place from March 5-17 in Miami, Houston, San Juan, and Tokyo, will offer a new generation of players the opportunity to etch their names into the tournament’s history. Japan enters as the defending champion, having defeated the United States in the 2023 final, and boasts a roster featuring a record nine Major League players.
The tournament format will see the top two teams from the Americas qualify for the 2028 Olympic baseball tournament in Los Angeles. Sixteen teams have already qualified for the 2026 WBC, with four more earning their spots through qualifying tournaments held in Taipei and Tucson, Arizona. Colombia, Nicaragua, Brazil, and Chinese Taipei emerged victorious from those qualifying rounds.
While new stars will undoubtedly emerge in the 2026 tournament, Fernando Rodney’s record of seven saves in a single World Baseball Classic remains a testament to his dominance and clutch performance. It’s a mark that will be difficult to surpass, and a reminder of the Dominican Republic’s unforgettable run to the championship in 2013.
The upcoming tournament promises exciting baseball and fierce competition. Fans can find the full schedule and more information on the official World Baseball Classic website.
What are your predictions for the 2026 World Baseball Classic? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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