News

Some of the best baseball players in the world have been spotted in Punta Pacifica this week, with Panama City hosting the qualifier tournament for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. The Trump Ocean Club has been one of the centers of activity, with teams in town from Colombia, France and Spain.

Baseball is a very important part of Panama culture and the WBC is a chance for the country’s athletes to sign on an international stage. Panama beat France at Rod Carew Stadium to advance to the finals. But, alas, Panama lost out on a chance to play in the 2017 tournament when New York Mets prospect Dilson Herrera dramatically hit a home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to give Colombia a 2-1 win.

It was the second time in a row Panama has lost in the final game to miss out on the opportunity to participate in the WBC finals. Panama’s squad included star catcher Carlos Ruiz of the Philadelphia Phillies and was managed by former MLB great Carlos Lee.

The Classic is another example of the close ties between the U.S. and Panama. Baseball is a common denominator, with many Panamanians playing in the States. The long list of familiar names includes Rod Carew, Roberto Kelley, Carlos Maldonado and Manny Sanguillén. The greatest of them all, legendary Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera is as beloved on the streets of Panama City as he is in the Bronx.

Panama has always had a special relationship with the U.S., which is one of the reasons investing and living in Panama is so easy. The U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere, a large chunk of the population speaks English… and everyone loves baseball.

The World Baseball Classic has been a frustrating experience for Panama, despite the country’s MLB stars. Panama has qualified to play in the tournament three times, but has never finished higher than 14th.

Eddie Montes is the head of Property Management for Punta Pacifica Realty, a Panama real estate agency focused on Punta Pacifica, the exclusive neighborhood of 18 towers perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.