Courtesy Team USA Baseball
By: Matt Rothman
Marjory Stoneman Douglas baseball star Christian Rodriguez was officially selected as one of 20 players to compete for the United States in the 18U World Cup taking place in Sarasota and Bradenton.
After playing in the 2022 Prospect Development Program consisting of the top 100 players in the United States this summer, Rodriguez was chosen to compete for Team USA as part of the Olympic Development Program.
“It’s truly a dream come true, and it’s such an honor representing my country at such a high level with this great group of guys,” said Rodriguez. “I am looking to have a great experience with team USA playing against other countries and coming back with a gold medal.”
Rodriguez, who resides in Coral Springs, has played on the varsity baseball team for three seasons and won a pair of State Championships and the National High School Baseball Invitational featuring the top 16 teams in the country. The University of Florida commit went 7-1 this year with an era of 1.11. In his high school career, he has 17 wins and stuck out 193 hitters in 118 innings. Rodriguez will also have the chance to play the outfield for Team USA and is a lifetime .325 hitter with three home runs while also playing for the Florida Pokers under Coach Fitz-Gerald.
“I am honored to have been a part of his life since he was seven years old,” said Coach Fitz-Gerald. “Watching him develop over the years has been truly special. He is family, and it is well deserved.”
Team USA had the chance to play in their first of three scrimmages before the event and defeated Team Canada 19-2 on Sunday. Next, they will be recognized in the opening ceremony on Friday, September 9 at 6 p.m. before playing their first game against the Netherlands in Bradenton at LECOM Park. Team
USA will then have opening round games with Korea, South Africa, Canada, and Brazil from September 10-13.
Christian Rodriguez. {Sidney Berthiaume}
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