Icons Juan Marichal, King Félix help kick off DR-Venezuela heavyweight matchup in style

MIAMI -- The Dominican Republic and Venezuela both brought out a legendary pitcher from their country to kick off their matchup at the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday.

First, Juan Marichal -- MLB's first Dominican-born Hall of Famer -- threw out the ceremonial first pitch at loanDepot park.

Then Venezuelan Cy Young Award winner Félix Hernández delivered the game ball to the mound before his countrymen took the field for the top of the first inning.

Wednesday's game between the D.R. and Venezuela, who have met many times at the World Baseball Classic over the years, will determine who wins Pool D of the 2026 Classic.

The 88-year-old Marichal still has his iconic windup, and the energy to match the young Dominican superstars on the 2026 WBC team. The Giants legend was recently captured dancing in the D.R. clubhouse after the team's win over Israel on Monday to clinch a spot in the WBC quarterfinals.

King Félix is one of the greatest Venezuelan pitchers in MLB history, along with current Team Venezuela pitching coach Johan Santana. Hernández has the most wins (169) and strikeouts (2,524) of any Venezuelan-born pitcher, along with his 2010 Cy Young Award with the Mariners and six All-Star selections.