Suiting up for Venezuela a dream for the Contreras brothers and a first for the country

Four years ago, Willson and William Contreras thought they had reached the professional pinnacle of brotherhood, representing the National League as teammates at the All-Star Game.

It turns out that was just a prelude to what will take place starting this week, when they join forces for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.

Making it even more meaningful is that it will mark the first time a pair of brothers has suited up for baseball-crazed Venezuela in the WBC.

And that’s why older brother Willson, who is entering his first season as the first baseman for the Red Sox, couldn’t say no to the opportunity after declining previous opportunities to play in the international showcase, for various reasons. Missing the chance to play with William, the highly respected catcher for the Brewers, was simply not an option.

It means too much. Not just for the brothers, but for their parents and, really, the entire family.

“It's gonna be amazing,” said Willson. “I think it's going to be a dream come true to represent Venezuela, especially having Mom and Dad in the stands, and our family there. It means a lot to us. It means a lot to me, because I’ve always been a voice for Venezuela, and wearing ‘Venezuela’ on my chest means a lot to me, so I want to play hard. I want to play proud. And I just can't wait to share the moment with my brother.”

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Because Willson (33 years old) is five years older than William, they were never teammates during their childhood. William was 11 when Willson started his professional career with the Cubs.

In fact, for most of his 28 years, until he started making All-Star teams and winning his own Silver Slugger Awards, William was better known as Willson’s little brother. He actually has two older brothers; Willson and Willmer played with baseballs made from wadded paper and tape while growing up in Puerto Cabello, where they learned the value of hard work from strict parents.

Olga was a janitor at a local school, and William Sr. was in business with his brother. They both worked long hours, giving the boys ample opportunity to sneak away from their studies to play baseball. Those were “beautiful moments,” William once said. But they were fleeting.

Finally, they had the chance to play together in that ‘22 All-Star Game, when William earned a National League roster spot in place of an injured Bryce Harper and drew a start as the designated hitter. Finally, it was a chance to bat in the same lineup as his big brother. Since then they have talked about how fun it would be to wear the same uniform for more than a day. Now they’ll get that chance.

Venezuela, which is in Pool D, begins the tournament on Friday in Miami against the Netherlands.

And even though William has made two All-Star teams and established himself as one of the NL’s best catchers, he’s still the little brother.

“I’m still the young guy, yeah?” William said while beginning preparations for his fourth season with the Brewers. “I’m always the young guy in the family, and I like to hear what my family says. For me, the No. 1 for me in [terms of] advice is my brother.”

What’s the biggest thing he’s learned from his brother?

“If you work hard, you’re going to be good,” William said. “That’s my plan, my goals. When I come here for Spring Training or I go to the Classic, I’m doing my best. When they say, ‘Play ball!’ I’m going to play.”

Willson -- also a catcher until last season -- beams with pride when reminiscing about his days of passing tricks of the trade to William.

“I got signed in 2009, and he always followed me to training sessions, and we never missed a day together of working out,” Willson said. “I think he grew up watching me, how disciplined and dedicated I was to my routine, and how dedicated I was to my career. And that helped him a lot. I just had to teach him a way to do the right things for him to follow, and I’m glad that I did that. But now he's one of the best catchers in the big leagues, which makes me proud.”

William Contreras and Royals star Salvador Perez will share catching duties for Venezuela. Willson, a solid right-handed hitter, figures to be in the lineup for every game, be it at first base or DH.

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Even though this is the first time the brothers are teammates for an extended stretch, it is not the first time they have bonded over baseball. In William’s early professional years, he would join his brother in Chicago after the end of each Minor League season. William was along for the ride in 2016, when Willson and the Cubs beat Cleveland in a thriller of a World Series Game 7 to snap Chicago’s championship drought.

Now that William has established himself, Willson tries to keep the in-season text messages to a minimum.

“I like to give him his space to do his stuff. But let's say I'm watching one of his at-bats and I don't like something that I see, that’s when I step up and call him or text him about it,” said Willson. “We’re still in contact, not as much as in the offseason, but we have contact.”

It works both ways. Willson is in no way offended when his younger bro has some advice for him. In essence, they are now peers.

“We always had a really good relationship and showed respect to each other, and that’s what our relationship is like,” Willson said. “If he sees something, he’ll let me know. If I see something, I’m going to let him know. And that's how we are.”

Texts or calls won’t be necessary for this next stretch of time.

“He’s going to watch my routine, and I’ll watch his,” Willson said. “I just can’t wait to spend time in the clubhouse with my brother.”

Could there be a time when they are teammates for much longer than a tournament? Say, for example, a 162-game season?

“He told me last year he would like to finish his career with me in two or three or four years, or whenever he retires,” William said. “Everything I know is from him.”