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Miami Herald
Miami Herald
Sport
Jordan McPherson

DARK SECRETS: Puerto rico dominates nicaragua to open world baseball classic pool play in miami | Rare Historical Photos

MJ Melendez Puerto Rico Miami Baseball Christian Vazquez Nicaragua World Baseball Classic MLB Francisco Lindor Marcus Stroman

MIAMI — At this time six years ago, MJ Melendez was a senior catcher at Westminster Christian in the Miami area, working his way toward being a top pick in the MLB draft and starting his career as a professional baseball player.

Also at this time six years ago, Puerto Rico made a furious run to the championship game of the 2017 World Baseball Classic only to lose to the United States in the championship game — its second consecutive runner-up finish in the international tournament.

Fast forward to present day, and the 24-year-old Melendez made his MLB debut, is establishing himself as a full-time player and is on a star-studded Puerto Rico roster that is trying to break through for a title in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

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