Kiké Hernández reflects on emotional World Baseball Classic experience in Puerto Rico

The Dodgers utilityman was unable to play due to injury but still cherished being part of the tournament in his homeland.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:05pm

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Kiké Hernández, a three-time World Series champion with the Dodgers, was unable to participate in this year's World Baseball Classic due to offseason left elbow surgery. However, he still traveled to Puerto Rico to support Team Puerto Rico and witnessed two historic walk-off home runs in the same day. Hernández said the atmosphere and experience of representing his country in the WBC felt "bigger than baseball" compared to playing in the World Series.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic provides a unique opportunity for players to represent their home countries, which can hold deep personal and cultural significance. For Hernández, being in Puerto Rico for the tournament was a meaningful experience that transcended the game itself, highlighting the tournament's ability to connect players to their roots and communities.

The details

Unable to play, Hernández served in more of a coaching and fan role for Team Puerto Rico. He said he got "a lot more nervous" when not playing, as he had no control over the outcomes. Hernández was particularly excited to witness the first two walk-off home runs in WBC history on the same day, with Ozzie Albies of the Braves and Darell Hernáiz of the Athletics providing the heroics.

  • On March 7, Ozzie Albies and Darell Hernáiz hit the first walk-off home runs in World Baseball Classic history.
  • Kiké Hernández is expected to return to the Dodgers in late May, when his 60-day IL stint expires.

The players

Kiké Hernández

A three-time World Series champion and utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers who was unable to participate in this year's World Baseball Classic due to offseason left elbow surgery.

Ozzie Albies

Atlanta Braves second baseman who hit the first walk-off home run in World Baseball Classic history.

Darell Hernáiz

Oakland Athletics prospect who hit a game-winning walk-off home run for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“There had never been a walk-off homer in the history of the WBC, and we [got] to see two in the same day, which was pretty cool.”

— Kiké Hernández (Los Angeles Times)

“I said it feels bigger. I didn't say it's bigger. Atmosphere, crowd, you're representing your country. You're not representing a city. You don't always choose who you play for. Sometimes that's out of your control and you know, when you're representing your country, you're playing along with your homies. Sometimes you're playing along with people that you grew up with. Your people back home are rooting for you, at times.”

— Kiké Hernández (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

Kiké Hernández will travel to Houston to support Team Puerto Rico in their quarterfinal game against Italy on Saturday. He is unsure if he will go to Miami if Puerto Rico reaches the semifinals.

The takeaway

Kiké Hernández's experience at the World Baseball Classic in Puerto Rico underscores the tournament's ability to transcend the sport and connect players to their national and cultural identities in a way that the World Series cannot. Even when unable to play, Hernández cherished being part of the electric atmosphere and supporting his home country.