Francisco Rodriguez to manage Venezuela U-15 Baseball National Team

In February, the legendary K-Rod (pictured above at the World Baseball Classic 2009-MLB/Getty Images) will lead his country at the WBSC Americas U-15 Baseball World Cup Qualifier.

The Venezuela Baseball Federation named former Major League Baseball (MLB) star closer Francisco Rodriguez as U-15 Baseball National Team manager.

Born in 1982, Francisco Rodriguez earned his K-Rod nickname as he established himself as MLB's premium closer while playing for the Los Angeles Angels. A six-time All-Star, Rodriguez was the American League saves leader in 2005, 2006 and 2008. In 2008, he established the single-season saves record with 62. To date, he remains the only pitcher to surpass the 60-save mark.

As a player, Rodriguez represented Venezuela at the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

The U-15 Baseball National Team appointment represents his first assignment as a National Team coach.

Venezuela will participate in the WBSC Americas U-15 Baseball World Cup qualifying tournament, scheduled from 23 February to 2 March in the Dominican Republic.

The tournament will qualify five teams for the VI U-15 Baseball World Cup, scheduled for later this year. The host venue and the actual dates will be announced soon.

Five of the 12 participants have already qualified.

Africa (1)
Americas (5) qualifying tournament February 2024-Dominican Republic
Asia (2) No. 5 Chinese Taipei, No. 1 Japan
Europe (2) No. 7 Netherlands, No. 14 Italy
Oceania (1) No. 34 Guam
Wild Card (1)

There has been 19 editions of the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup or similar age bracket with USA (seven) and Cuba (six) boasting the most number of titles.