The Panama national baseball team is the baseball team that represents Panama at an international level. Along with Nicaragua, they are considered to be the best baseball team in Central America, and one of the best in Latin America. Panama has medalled at multiple international tournaments at both junior and senior levels throughout the sport's history, including one silver medal and two bronze medals at the Baseball World Cup. They are currently the 13th ranked baseball team in the world.[1]
Panama once again was sent to Puerto Rico for the 2009 World Baseball Classic, this time as part of the double-elimination Pool D. They opened their campaign with a 7-0 defeat to Puerto Rico, setting up an elimination game against the Dominican Republic, which they lost 9-0. Having failed to score a single run, Panama finished in 15th place overall, just ahead of South Africa.
After finishing last in their pool for the 2009 Classic, Panama was forced to qualify for the 2013 edition. They were selected as the host for Qualifier 3 and were favored to qualify.[2] However, they were upset by Brazil, 3-2, in their opener. After defeating Nicaragua and Colombia in elimination matches, they faced off with Brazil again. Despite having multiple Major League Baseball players to Brazil's one, Panama fell again, 1-0, and missed the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
Panama was again forced to qualify for the 2017 edition. They were selected as the host for Qualifier 3. After defeating France in their opener they fell to Colombia. After defeating France again, they set up a rematch with Colombia but lost the elimination game after Colombia's Dilson Herrera hit a late homer.[3]
Panama
(11 August 2021)[1]
