Man, when I was 21-years-old, I was just trying to pass my marketing class and figure out where I could get a sixer for less than six bucks.
But for Duque Hebbert?
The kid is out here striking out three MLB players. And not only MLB players, but MLB STARS.
The 21-year-old pitcher became an overnight sensation while playing for Team Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic against the Dominican Republic.
Hebbert struck out MLB studs Juan Soto (San Diego Padres), Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners), and Rafael Devers (Boston Red Sox), who were some of the best hitters in the MLB in 2022.
According to MLB.com, Hebbert came in to pitch in the ninth, and his incredible performance led Team Nicaragua to a 6-1 victory, but perhaps the most impressive part was the youngin’s cool, calm, and collected demeanor, especially considering how he’s never pitched in a professional baseball game before.
Manager Sandor Guido weighed in on Hebbert’s performance after the game:
“Duque’s performance yesterday was great. It’s a fairytale, as you have said… I called on him for the ninth inning. Duque came out, and you saw his performance– Soto, Rodriguez. I thought (Manny) Machado would be the last… but no, he was spared. Then Devers.
The guy was impressive. Now everyone is speaking about Duque in the world, and in the Classic, he is more famous than myself.”
In fact, he looked so impressive, that Detroit Tigers scout Luis Molina offered the pitcher a contract with the team, and it was announced to all of his teammates on the team bus.
Guido continued:
“Let’s see what will happen. I wish him the best of luck, and we as a team with not many stars, thank God that the organizations scouted our players.
I want our players to play in Venezuela, Mexico, China and Japan, because this is going to be great for the Nicaraguan baseball.”
Hebbert’s performance consisted of 19 pitches, 14 strikes, three strikeouts against All-Star hitters, and an MLB contract.
Relive his legendary inning here:
