Chavez Fernander, a former standout pitcher for Polk State Baseball, is set to showcase his talent on an international stage as he returns to the World Baseball Classic (WBC) for the second consecutive time, representing Great Britain. The tournament kicks off on March 5, with Great Britain facing Mexico at Daikin Park in Houston.
Fernander expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I’m so thankful to Great Britain for allowing me to play against the best in the world. To get to do this for a second time is amazing.” This prestigious competition features athletes from various countries, including numerous Major League Baseball players.
Though born in the Bahamas, Fernander is eligible to play for Great Britain due to the nation’s historical ties to the island. Reflecting on his upbringing, he noted the evolution of baseball in the Bahamas, sharing, “When I was growing up… baseball wasn’t huge… it’s grown a lot since then.”
The Great Britain roster includes notable players such as New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., who, like Fernander, hails from the Bahamas. Fernander is driven by a collective ambition to win, saying, “We want to represent Great Britain as best we can and bring back a championship.”
In the previous WBC, Fernander contributed to Great Britain’s success by pitching a scoreless inning in their memorable 7-5 victory over Colombia, which secured their place in this year’s tournament. The experience of playing alongside his idols has left a lasting impression on him, as he recounted, “Being on the same fields with some of your idols you grew up watching was surreal at first.”
Fernander competed for Polk State in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, where he was integral to the team’s success, including winning a Suncoast Conference title under Coach Al Corbeil. In his time at the college, he recorded impressive statistics, including a 1.80 ERA in 2017 and an 8-4 record with a 3.09 ERA in 2018, earning second-team All-Suncoast Conference honors.
Coach Corbeil recalls Fernander’s progression as a pitcher, noting the raw talent he displayed when he initially joined the program. His hard work paid off, as he later reached speeds of 93 to 95 miles per hour after refining his technique. Following his collegiate success, Fernander was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 35th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, where he spent six seasons and advanced to Triple-A.
After spending the recent year in the Puerto Rican Winter League, Fernander aims to leverage the WBC as a platform to attract interest from other Major League teams, stating, “I hope to be able to show what I can do on a big stage. This could be a chance for me to get my foot back in the door.”
The WBC will continue until March 17, with Great Britain facing formidable opponents including the U.S., Italy, and Brazil in pool play. Coach Corbeil expressed pride in Fernander’s journey, affirming, “This is a well-deserved honor for him to play in the WBC. I and his former teammates will be cheering him on.” Fernander’s story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of sports to open doors, offering inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.