Memorial Day weekend 2023 witnessed the birth of an extraordinary baseball event that captivated fans and players alike — the inaugural Boston World Baseball Classic (WBC) tournament, presented by Clutch Hittin'.

The event was created to celebrate Boston's rich cultural diversity and provide a format for the best ballplayers in the region to compete against one another while representing their home countries.

With teams representing the United States, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico in two age divisions, 18+ and 28+, the stage was set for a thrilling showcase of skill, passion, and fierce competition between the white lines.

The opening ceremony was held on Friday night at Mount Vernon Park in Lawrence in front of over one hundred fans who were in attendance to watch Team Dominican Republic take on Team Puerto Rico in the 18+ Division opener.

Boston's Latin Artist of the Year, Yelena Rodriguez, graced the event with her stirring rendition of the National Anthem in a beautiful testament to unity and sportsmanship that touched every heart present.

Medio Pollo, the renowned host, presided over the event with unmatched vivacity, perfectly echoing the spirit of the day. Providing riveting commentary on the Facebook Live broadcast, he truly brought the tournament to life, bridging the gap between spectators, players, and the diamond.

Providing a high-energy soundtrack to the day was DJ Candelier, whose live music filled the air with infectious rhythms, creating a dynamic backdrop to the excitement on the field. The vibrant music coupled with over a hundred spirited spectators created an atmosphere that was nothing short of spectacular.

The event went a step further, creating personalized experiences for the players with the playing of their chosen walk-up music. Everything from bachata to reggaeton to dembo sounded across the field, amplifying the excitement and adding a touch of personal flair to each player's moment.

The players were not alone in showcasing their talents. The fans played a significant role in fueling the energy of the event. With guiras and drums in hand, they played along to the rhythm of the game, their passionate beats serving as powerful motivation for their teams.

On the culinary front, a delightful array of food choices satisfied every palate. From delicious pastelitos and piping hot pizzas to classic chicken wings and chips, the selection was as diverse as it was delicious.

All in all, the vibrant combination of sport, music, food, and camaraderie made the day an unforgettable cultural fiesta that truly encapsulated the spirit of the Boston World Baseball Classic.

However, once the festivities concluded, the focus shifted entirely to the much-anticipated baseball tournament, where Team USA Red reigned supreme, claiming the coveted titles in both divisions and solidifying their place as the inaugural Boston WBC champions.

18+ Division: Team USA Red's Flawless Run

The first annual Boston WBC tournament wrapped up Sunday night with the 18+ Division championship game, where Team USA Red defeated their counterparts, Team USA Blue, behind a masterful outing from starting pitcher Jay Gamboa.

Gamboa's (7 IP, 0 H, BB, 6 K) pitching brilliance was on full display, tossing a no-hitter and near-perfect game en route to a resounding 13-0 championship victory for Team USA Red. The 2022 Yawkey League Pitcher of the Year earned the complete-game win with 7 stellar innings of no-hit ball while allowing just one walk to go along with six strikeouts.

This exceptional feat marked the second no-hitter in a row for the Team USA Red pitching staff, following Zach Kirby's astounding performance in the semifinals versus Team Puerto Rico. The tall right-hander from the Commonwealth Amateur Baseball League's Merrimack Valley Expos pitched six innings, gave up no hits, issued just one walk, and struck out an impressive ten batters in a 10-0 mercy-rule win.

The success of Team USA Red extended far beyond their no-hit heroics. Throughout the tournament, the inaugural 18+ WBC champs displayed an unrivaled level of skill, teamwork, and sheer determination. In their four games, they not only emerged victorious, but also showcased their offensive prowess, outscoring opponents by a combined margin of 37-3.

Ryan Cloutier of the Intercity Baseball League's Sabertooth Expos was named the 18+ tournament MVP, going 7-for-11 (.637) in the playoff round with a double, triple, and four RBIs.

28+ Division: Team USA Red's Path to Glory

The 28+ Division featured a highly anticipated championship clash between two teams with perfect 3-0 records, as Team USA Red faced off against a formidable Dominican Republic squad. In the end, it was Team USA Red who emerged victorious, sealing the 28+ championship title with a hard-fought 9-6 victory.

Team USA Red got on the board early, plating five of their nine runs in the 1st, backed by a two-RBI double off the bat of Matt Ryan from the BMBL Douglas Tigers and an RBI-single from Brian Ferrucci of the BMBL MetroWest Orioles.

Bryan Curran of the BMBL South Shore Spartans got the starting nod for USA Red, limiting the Dominican Republic offense to just two runs through five innings. Trailing 8-2 in the 6th, the Dominican Republic team began to mount a comeback. The first four batters of the inning reached safely and eventually scored following a walk and three straight singles.

Team Dominican Republic would cut the lead down to two, but ultimately fall short of pulling off the late-game comeback. Curran was able to settle down, striking out the next two batters before inducing a ground out to end the inning. He would go on to earn the title-clinching win after Brian Lindsey of the BMBL MetroWest Orioles closed out the game in the 7th to record the save.

The journey to the 28+ championship was not without its challenges for Team USA Red. In the semifinals, they faced Team USA Blue, in a nerve-wracking matchup. The game unfolded in dramatic fashion, with Team USA Red ultimately clinching a 5-4 victory in walk-off fashion.

Overall in the tournament, Team USA Red's Rob Santilli of the BMBL MetroWest Orioles, reached base in eight out of his thirteen plate appearances from the leadoff spot, including four walks and two hit-by-pitches. He scored six times and added five stolen bases while also playing flawless defense at shortstop, earning himself tournament MVP honors in the 28+ Division.

Congratulations to USA Team Red on winning the first-ever Boston World Baseball Classic in both the 18+ and 28+ divisions!

Looking Ahead

Overall, the first installment of the Boston World Baseball Classic was a resounding success, filled with incredible performances, remarkable pitching feats, and unforgettable moments, leaving a lasting impression on players and fans alike. The anticipation already grows for future editions of what should hopefully become an annual event.

The first-of-its-kind tournament not only demonstrated the caliber of talent in the region, but also celebrated the true spirit of the game. Players from diverse backgrounds came together to compete, forging new friendships and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

A special thanks to Omar Ortiz and Clutch Hittin' for organizing this fantastic event, and of course to all of the players who came out to represent their country and put on a show for the fans.

We hope to see you all next year!