Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia live out childhood dreams in WBC

Growing up in the same household for periods of their lives, Ronald Acuña Jr. and his cousin Maikel Garcia played baseball and fought often as children in Venezuela. No Venezuelan family has produced more big leaguers than the extended Acuñas, Garcias and Escobars of La Guaira and La Sabana.

So it was fitting, perhaps, that All-Star cousins Ronald Acuña Jr. and Maikel Garcia drove in runs during the three-run rally that helped Venezuela come from behind to beat Italy 4-2 and reach the World Baseball Classic Final for the first time.

“We have a lot of memories,”  Acuña said. “We grew up together. Every time we played together because we live in the same house when my dad played in the United States, so I’m close to my brother. So every time when he lost or I lost, we’re fighting. So, dreams come true today.”

Aaron Judge, Team USA await

With the victory over Italy in the semifinals at Miami’s loanDepot Park, Venezuela clinched a spot against Aaron Judge and Team USA in the WBC Final on Tuesday night.

Acuña, 28, was only 8 years old during the inaugural 2006 WBC, and Garcia, 26, was only 6. Ever since then, every generation of Venezuelan stars has wanted to beat baseball’s world powers in the WBC.

Ronald Jr.’s dad Ronald Acuña Sr. longed to be a big leaguer. His career ended at Class AA after eight years in the minors. He admittedly didn’t have the discipline and dedication to make it in the majors. 

Ronald Sr.’s superstar son and an All-Star nephew, however, are now lifting the hopes of their beloved Venezuela.

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“When we were young, we were growing up together,” Garcia said. “And we came to the United States together because his dad played in the United States, but we (would) fight every time. But when we play together in WBC, it is a great feeling for us and for our family. 

“We enjoy every time we’re playing together in winter ball and in the WBC. That’s amazing, and I think that’s a goal for the family too.”

Down 2-1, Gleyber Torres drew a leadoff walk in the seventh inning. Two outs later, Jackson Chourio singled to center. Acuña followed with an RBI single to short to tie the score at 2.

Garcia then broke the tie with an RBI single to left. 

Late rally

“Maikel is a great player,” Venezuela manager Omar Lopez said. “He reminds me of Yordan Alvarez, the Cuban, when he was in Class A when he was 20 or 21. He was a huge player. He’s placed by God. …

“The best thing about him is he is cold blooded. There could be 70,000 fans, and his brain doesn’t stop working. He’s at bat, but he’s paying attention to his teammates. He helps his teammates. I have seen that. That’s a gift given by God to the human being, especially in this sport. He’s a great player because that’s a tool you’re born with, you know? And when you’re on the field, the tool gets better and better and better. That’s why he’s going to be bigger and bigger.”

Perennial batting champ Luis Arraez followed with an RBI single to center. 

Ronald Jr. and Garcia are joined by Luisangel Acuña in the majors at this time. They’ve followed the footsteps of uncle Jose Escobar and cousins Jose Campos, All-Star Alcides Escobar and Kelvim Escobar.

Ronald Acuña Jr. has been the most decorated of the Acuña, Garcia, Escobar clan. Despite losing parts of three seasons after suffering multiple knee injuries, he is a five-time All-Star and former National League MVP and NL Rookie of the Year. He also earned a World Series championship ring with the 2021 Atlanta Braves although he didn’t play while recovering from a torn ACL.

Considering all those achievements, it says something about the WBC that Acuña and three-time American League MVP Aaron Judge have said that the atmosphere at the WBC is better than at the World Series. 

The WBC carries a greater weight for Acuña and Garcia.

“I would put this as number one in my career,” Acuña said. “ I love the Atlanta Braves, but before playing for the Braves, I was born in Venezuela. Back in Venezuela, Ronald Acuna Jr. — I would put this as number one in my career. I am very happy to represent my country.”

Garcia feels the same way.

“Yes, same for me,” Garcia says. “Number one, representing your country feels differently.”