Not all legends are born — some of them reveal themselves in real time. And 17-year-old Joseph Contreras gave us one of those moments at the World Baseball Classic.
The Blessed Trinity Catholic High School pitcher from Georgia suited up for Team Brazil and went up against Team USA — which meant lining up on the mound against Aaron Judge, the reigning American League MVP. No pressure, right?
When Contreras entered in the second inning, the situation got complicated fast. He gave up a double to Brice Turang, then walked two batters to load the bases with one out — putting him in a bases-loaded, one-out jam against the best hitter in baseball. The kind of moment most grown men buckle under.
Contreras didn’t flinch. He competed. He got through the at-bat and held his ground in a situation that would rattle seasoned pros.
He’s the son of former MLB pitcher Jose Contreras — and if this World Baseball Classic showing is any preview, the next chapter of that family’s baseball legacy is just getting started. Remember the name.
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