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Unforgettable – the only word that can appropriately describe the 2023 edition of the World Baseball Classic. From one thrilling game to the next, it’s been impossible to take a moment of rest. The last of the semi-finals just concluded, and for a while there, Mexico looked like they would win the round. But Japan reared its horns in the end and managed to clinch a win. Nevertheless, the North American team gave a stunning performance that nobody’s getting over anytime soon. And one special player that managed to give fans an exciting time was Randy Arozarena.

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The Tampa Bay Rays player has kept everyone amused with his pointy ranchero boots and sombreros, and even lucha libre masks, during practice. But he’s not just here for the entertainment value – he’s been delivering on the field equally well. And this moment during Japan Vs. Mexico had everyone at loanDepot Park absolutely screaming his name.

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Randy Arozarena pulls off another grand move at the World Baseball Classic

It’s worth mentioning that for the first few innings, Mexico truly stood a good chance to win. Japan pulled itself up in the seventh inning, but before that came Arozarena’s incredible catch against Kazuma Okamoto. The first baseman hit a long ball that was almost certainly going to be a homer. Except, Arozarena sprinted to center field and executed a perfect jump catch. The cherry on top? He did with his trademark stoicism and kept a straight face throughout everything.

And fans lost it.

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One Yankees fan wants Arozarena to play for the Bronx Bombers.

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After Trea Turner’s amazing clutch performance in the semis, one fan wondered who would win the WBC’s MVP title.

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But most people were ecstatic.

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Even if a person was rooting for Japan, the Rays’ player’s performance deserved much respect.

Arozarena didn’t take a moment to rest during the game and instead…

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…He signed balls for fans. People in the stands were so delighted by him that they wanted to keep him close. And the outfielder delivered. Arozarena signed balls during breaks between innings for the Mexican fans. Actually, who knows, maybe a Japanese fan felt impressed enough to ask for an autograph too.

READ MORE – From $4 a Month to Mexican Hero: How Randy Arozarena Turned His Life Around to Become One of 2023 World Baseball Classic’s Biggest Stars

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The loanDepot Park in Miami has seen some crazy games in the past, but it’s doubtful there was one more exciting than this. Now the finals will see Japan Vs. USA in what is sure to be a fantastic game.

WATCH THIS STORY – Ranking Every Winner of the Prestigious World Baseball Classic

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Written by

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Arunima Bhanot

1,536 Articles

My tryst with sports was accidental, but what followed was nothing short of a pursuit of excellence. Having penned over 1,500 articles, I've written about and edited pieces on the key figures ES regularly features across sports like MLB, Tennis, and WNBA. Some of my favorite athletes include Shohei Ohtani, Derek Jeter, Roger Federer, Coco Gauff, A'ja Wilson, and Caitlin Clark.

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Simar Singh Wadhwa

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