Former Dodgers legend and current broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela will throw the ceremonial first pitch prior to Thursday’s 7:30 p.m. World Baseball Classic (WBC) qualifier to be held at Estadio B-Air in Mexicali in which host Team Mexico will take on the Czech Republic. The Dodgers’ five-time All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez will join Team Mexico and headlines the list of participants for the WBC qualifiers announced Friday by World Baseball Classic, Inc. (WBCI). Dodger broadcaster Pepe Yñiguez will also join Valenzuela in Mexicali.

Fernando looked like he could still go nine during a recent Dodgers Old-Timers Game.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

The WBC qualifiers will be played Thursday through March 20 in Mexico and Panama. The Czech Republic, Germany, Mexico and Nicaragua will play at the Estadio B-Air in Mexicali. The winner of each qualifier will advance to the World Baseball Classic scheduled for March 2017. Gonzalez will begin participation in what will be his fourth consecutive WBC playing for Team Mexico and will be managed by his brother and former Major League infielder Edgar. Mexico’s 28-man roster includes 16 players affiliated with Major League clubs. Valenzuela served as a pitching coach for Team Mexico in the 2006, 2009 and 2013 World Baseball Classic tournaments.

More information on the World Baseball Classic can be found by visiting www.worldbaseballclassic.com.

(Article courtesy of Dodgers PR Department)