Rafaela's main reason for playing in Classic? Xander Bogaerts

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Ceddanne Rafaela (Curacao) was raised just an island away from Xander Bogaerts (Aruba).

And for five years, they played in the same Red Sox organization, only Bogaerts was a star shortstop in Boston and Rafaela was working his way up through the Minor League system.

They missed being teammates by one season, as Rafaela made his debut in 2023, which was the year Bogaerts ended his decade-plus association with the Red Sox to become a San Diego Padre.

But for Rafaela, the dream of playing with someone he has always looked up to will come true in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, when they suit up together for the Netherlands.

Rafaela is all but counting down the days until they share a dugout.

“Yeah, I think that's something special,” Rafaela said. “It’s something I've looked forward to since I didn't play in [the WBC] in ’23, because I wanted to play with Xander. I’d say that’s the main reason I'm going to be there is because I was looking [forward] up to playing with him when he was [with the Red Sox], but things didn't go that way “

• Rafaela ready to rep Dutch legacy with custom glove for the Classic

Though Rafaela was invited by the Netherlands to play three years ago, he was consumed at that time by punching his ticket to Boston.

That should only make this experience more special as the 25-year-old is coming off winning his first (of likely many) Gold Glove Awards.

Bogaerts, a long-time leader throughout the organization during his years with the Red Sox because of not only his consistent play but the way he cared for people, trickled down to Rafaela.

“Growing up, he was one of my role models,” Rafaela said. “He was the person I always looked up to when I was in the Minor Leagues because he was always in the same organization I was. He’s a role model for every kid back in Curacao and Aruba. So, yeah, it's nice to be on the field with him.”

When Rafaela was in the farm system, Bogaerts kept tabs on the talented kid from Curacao.

“Every time he would see me do something in the Minor Leagues, he would be shooting me a text,” Rafaela said. “I shoot him a text sometimes, too. But I didn’t want to bother him, I knew he was in the middle of the season and he had to be focused on his thing, too. Once in a while, he gave me some advice that I've used in my career. Yeah, he’s a great friend and great person.”

Though Bogaerts is a National Leaguer who plays 3,000 miles from his former baseball home, he still follows the highlights.

The one sure way Rafaela generally knows that a catch he made was truly special?

“Every time, [Bogaerts] will send me an emoji, things like that,” Rafaela said.

For however long the Netherlands' run in the WBC lasts, Rafaela will be able to show his appreciation for his mentor in person.

“He's looked out for me,” Rafaela said. “He’s a great person.”