World Baseball Classic: Venezuela's Pride in Miami

0:00In Durham, it's March 5th, here's what is happening. The World Baseball Classic kicks off pool play this Friday in several spots, including Miami, where Venezuela's team is set to be a huge draw. The tournament started earlier in Tokyo, and now with games at Lone Depot Park, fans are snapping up tickets fast for Venezuela's four matchups through. Next Wednesday, this comes just two months after the United States ran a military operation in Venezuela to capture former leader Nicolas Maduro, who's now facing. Drug trafficking charges in New York. Venezuela's manager, Omar Lopez, sports a cap with both Venezuelan and American flags, highlighting the mix of pride and politics. Players like Marlon's Utile Man, Javier Sanosia, are thrilled to play in Miami, calling at the closest thing to home and expecting packed stands full of. Fellow Venezuelans, tensions run high globally, with recent United States and Israel strikes on Iran sparking a new conflict in the Middle East, just days before the tournament.

1:03The United States plays in Houston, Israel, in Miami, and Cuba could advance here too. All amid tighter immigration rules that have some rethinking, trips to America. No protests popped up outside the ballpark during Thursday workouts, and it's unclear if any will happen during the games. Fellow manager Brad Osmos, called these interesting times, but hopes baseball brings unifying joy for players sharing their heritage. Venezuela's players and captain Salvador Perez keep it simple. They're here to win games, leaving politics aside. Fans buying tickets just want exciting baseball, win or lose, and the focus stays on what players can control on the field. The Daily News Now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode. Some people meditate, I just lay down and press play, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-P-L-O dot com.