In Miami, the opening game of the World Baseball Classic was a celebration for Venezuelan fans

Venezuelan Baseball Fans Unite in Celebration, Politics Takes Backseat at World Baseball Classic

Ronald Acuña Jr. scored from third base in the first inning, sparking an early celebration as his Venezuelan teammates leapt over the dugout railing in jubilation. The scene captured the essence of what this World Baseball Classic means to thousands of Venezuelan fans who packed Miami’s ballpark on Friday.

“For our people, baseball is joy,” said Jessalyn Suarez, an office manager from Miami who arrived at the stadium draped in Venezuela’s colors. “Today is joy. Today is not about anything else.”

The atmosphere was electric despite the complex political backdrop. Just two months after U.S. forces conducted a military operation in Venezuela to capture deposed leader Nicolás Maduro on drug trafficking charges, Venezuelan nationals gathered on American soil to support their beloved baseball team.

“Nobody is thinking about him today,” said Jesus Otero, a retired heavy machine operator from nearby Hialeah, as he watched batting practice. “He’s not here.”

The stadium was approximately one-third full for the Venezuela-Netherlands matchup, with the overwhelming majority cheering for “La Vinotinto,” as the Venezuelan team is known. Most fans proudly displayed their allegiance, wearing team jerseys and with the yellow-blue-red national colors painted on their faces.

Hours before the first pitch, the celebration had already begun. By 10:30 a.m., fans gathered outside the ballpark as Latin music from artists like Elsen Pro, Bacilos, and Carlos Vives blasted through speakers. The scene resembled a festival more than a sporting event. At a gas station across from a parking garage, an enterprising vendor sold Venezuela jerseys, caps, and flags from duffel bags.

Inside the stadium, the energy was palpable. While the upper deck remained largely empty, the lower sections—particularly near Venezuela’s third-base dugout—were bustling with enthusiastic supporters. Many fans recorded the team introductions on their phones, capturing the moment their national heroes took the field in what felt like a momentary escape from political tensions.

“Venezuelan baseball fans are very motivated and involved with everything that happens with the team,” explained Nelson Zurita, a Venezuelan living in Chile who flew to Miami specifically for the tournament. “They are aware of every transaction in the anticipation to the Classic. The country will always be focused on sports but especially baseball.”

The game proceeded without any signs of political protests. Although police officers and sheriff’s deputies were present, their deployment appeared to be primarily for standard security and traffic control. Fans underwent the usual ticket checks and bag searches—the same procedures in place for regular Miami Marlins games and other events at the venue.

Venezuela went on to defeat the Netherlands 6-2 in the opener, sending their supporters home happy. While a few Netherlands fans were scattered throughout the crowd, the atmosphere was overwhelmingly Latin American.

Tournament officials reported that the night game—Nicaragua versus the Dominican Republic—was completely sold out with more than 35,000 attendees. The Venezuela-Netherlands game drew a respectable 19,542 fans, especially impressive for a weekday afternoon contest.

For many Venezuelans, the World Baseball Classic represents more than just sport—it offers a rare opportunity for unity during challenging times. The tournament provides a welcome distraction from the political turmoil that has dominated headlines about their homeland.

“The presence of this team provides some relief from the everyday political stress,” Zurita noted. “The emphasis instead is on the Classic. Baseball breathes new life.”

As the tournament continues, Venezuelan fans will follow their team’s journey with passion and pride, setting aside political differences to celebrate their shared love for the national pastime that brings them together across borders and ideologies.