'The confidence is there': Colombia looking for vindication in Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz. – When Colombia won its first game at the 2023 World Baseball Classic in extra innings over Mexico at Phoenix’s Chase Field, it seemed to be a continuation of the nation's ascent in the sport.

In 2016, Colombia had qualified for its first Classic, which would be played the following year. And in that 2017 tournament, the country turned heads, taking powerhouse teams from the United States and the Dominican Republic to extra innings. But ultimately, Colombia would lose both contests and was eliminated in Group C play in Miami with a record of 1-3.

Six years later, Colombia’s win over Mexico -- a club that went on to reach the semifinals -- in the Group C opener seemed like a solid start.

However, manager Jolbert Cabrera’s team -- which was missing pitching stalwarts Jose Quintana and Julio Teheran -- would lose its next three games against Great Britain, Canada and the United States and be eliminated in group play. After that 1-3 performance, Colombia now faces the task of qualifying for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. That mission begins Sunday at Veterans Memorial Stadium at Kino Sports Complex against Brazil in the Tucson leg of the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers, which also includes China and Germany.

"Unfortunately, last time things didn't go as we wanted," veteran outfielder Dilson Herrera said. "But this time with the chance to qualify, I know we are going to start well and that we will be able to do a better job."

For this qualifying tournament, Teherán -- scheduled to start on Sunday against Brazil -- will lead Colombia’s pitching staff, which will also include former Major League hurlers Guillermo Moscoso and Reiver Sanmartín. On the offensive side, Gio Urshela, Harold Ramírez and Herrera will be names to watch.

"Yes, we want to keep showing that baseball is played in Colombia," said Urshela, a nine-year Major League veteran who signed with the A’s this year. "Our confidence is high, despite what happened [in 2023]. It’s been forgotten and we have a lot of confidence. We have an excellent team, a lot of talent, many experienced players and many young players who are going to help us this week.”

Indeed, on paper, Colombia -- 13th in the World Baseball and Softball Confederation rankings -- arrived in Tucson as a popular favorite to win the tournament and advance to the 2026 Classic.

"Games are won on the field, not on paper," Urshela said. "But the confidence is there. We have a responsibility to ourselves and to Colombia. We’re really motivated."