Eugenio Suárez, a 33-year-old third baseman from Venezuela currently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Major League Baseball, has represented Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, including the 2023 edition where the team reached the quarterfinals.[1][2]

Suárez is known for openly expressing his Christian faith after significant achievements. On June 15, 2019, after hitting three home runs against the Chicago Cubs while with the Cincinnati Reds, he told Fox Sports Ohio: "I want to thank the Lord for this opportunity. Without him I am nothing."[3][4]

Suárez often points to the sky after home runs and other key hits, a gesture symbolizing his gratitude to God.[2][5]

In the 2023 World Baseball Classic quarterfinal on March 15 at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, Venezuela fell to the United States 9-7. Suárez went 2-for-5 with two RBI in the game.[6][7]

Venezuela finished third overall in the 2009 and 2017 WBC tournaments but has yet to win the title.[2][8]

The next World Baseball Classic is scheduled for March 5-21, 2026, with the championship final set for March 21 at loanDepot park in Miami.[9][10]

Sources

1. MLB.com
   Publisher: MLB.com
   Eugenio Suárez Stats, Fantasy & News
   Accessed: October 2024
   https://www.mlb.com/player/eugenio-suarez-608032
2. Wikipedia
   Publisher: Wikipedia
   Eugenio Suárez
   Accessed: October 2024
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenio_Su%C3%A1rez
3. Cincinnati Enquirer
   Publisher: Cincinnati.com
   Eugenio Suárez's career night lifts Reds past Cubs
   Publication date: June 16, 2019
   https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/mlb/reds/2019/06/16/reds-eugenio-suarez-three-home-runs-vs-cubs/1474849001/
4. Fox Sports
   Publisher: FOX Sports
   (Referenced in post-game coverage via Fox Sports Ohio broadcast)
   June 15, 2019
   https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/eugenio-suarez-player
5. Arizona Republic
   Publisher: azcentral.com
   Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suárez on his sky-pointing ritual
   Publication date: August 24, 2024 (contextual coverage)
   https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2024/08/23/diamondbacks-eugenio-suarez-walk-off-hr-mets/74951213007/
6. WBSC.org
   Publisher: World Baseball Softball Confederation
   USA beats Venezuela, advances to WBC semifinals
   Publication date: March 15, 2023
   https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/usa-beats-venezuela-advances-to-wbc-semifinals
7. ESPN
   Publisher: ESPN
   USA 9, Venezuela 7 Final Score
   Publication date: March 15, 2023
   https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401546942/usa-venezuela
8. WBSC.org
   Publisher: World Baseball Softball Confederation
   World Baseball Classic History
   Accessed: October 2024
   https://www.wbsc.org/en/world-baseball-classic
9. WBSC.org
   Publisher: World Baseball Softball Confederation
   World Baseball Classic 2026 dates announced
   Publication date: March 12, 2024
   https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/world-baseball-classic-2026-dates-announced
10. WBSC.org
    Publisher: World Baseball Softball Confederation
    World Baseball Classic 2026
    Accessed: October 2024
    https://www.wbsc.org/en/event/world-baseball-classic-2026