Panama’s José ‘Chema’ Caballero Receives a Panamanian Ovation and Responds with a Decisive Home Run in Toronto

Just two days before Panama’s highly anticipated debut in the World Cup, the World Cup atmosphere has already begun to be felt strongly in Toronto.  This Sunday, a large number of Panamanian fans swapped soccer for baseball for a few hours and went to the Rogers Centre to watch the third and final game of the series between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays.  All eyes were on José “Chema” Caballero, the infielder from Los Santos who appeared in the Yankees lineup as the sixth batter and second baseman.  Long before the match began, there were signs that it would be a special day for the Panamanian.

The stadium gates opened at 11:30 a.m., and numerous fans, many of them newly arrived in Canada to support the national team, positioned themselves near the field with Panamanian flags, balls, jerseys, and phones ready to capture the moment.  One of the fans was even wearing a Los Santos jersey, a detail that did not go unnoticed among those waiting for the player’s exit.  The wait ended at exactly 12:06 pm, when Caballero appeared on the pitch accompanied by his signature Adidas Trionda ball. As he usually does every matchday, he began to demonstrate his skill by controlling the ball on the artificial turf of the Rogers Centre, while sharing the moment with his teammate Amed Rosario. 

The reaction was immediate.  Applause, shouts of support, and numerous calls of “Chema!” rained down from the stands and the areas near the field. The Panamanian responded with waves and smiles to a fanbase that, although thousands of miles from home, found in him a direct connection to Panama.  Before the game, Caballero spoke with news media and highlighted the importance of the commitment for the Yankees, who were looking to close out a key series within one of the most competitive divisions in baseball.  “It’s a game within the division, which is quite competitive, and the rivalry between us and the Blue Jays goes beyond a miniseries.

Today’s game is very important to close out the series,” he commented.  The player also spoke about the versatile role he has played during the season under manager Aaron Boone, alternating positions in the infield and outfield.  “I try to help the team. That’s what I focus on. I’m willing to help the team in any way I can, and that’s how they’ve used me throughout my time here with the Yankees,” he said.  Caballero also referred to the energy and joy that have made him a popular figure within the New York clubhouse scene.  “There’s a great atmosphere within the team, and I’m grateful for the opportunity they give me to be myself.

I come in every day with a smile on my face because they let me be myself, and I really enjoy it,” he said.  However, beyond baseball, the conversation inevitably turned to the World Cup and Panama’s presence in Canada.  Although the Major League Baseball schedule will prevent him from attending the national team’s debut, Caballero assured that he will follow every step of the team led by Thomas Christiansen.  “Unfortunately, I’ll miss the boys’ matches, but I’ll be supporting them wholeheartedly because I love football. I’ve followed it since I was little, and obviously even more so now that they’re here at the World Cup,” he said. 

The man from Los Santos also recalled a recent experience with the Panamanian national team when he attended the match against Suriname at the Rommel Fernández stadium.  “The Panamanian fans always make their presence felt. It was a very important match and I really enjoyed it. Like you said, I had to leave my car a couple of kilometers away, but I’m very happy that I was able to be there and enjoy that game,” he recalled with a laugh. 

The massive presence of Panamanians in Toronto did not go unnoticed by the player either.  “They have come and shown their support here at the Rogers Centre and I am truly grateful for all the support from the Panamanian fans who always make their presence felt,” he said.  That support was evident once the warm-up session concluded.  Far from heading straight to the clubhouse, Caballero spent several minutes interacting with his fellow Panamanians. He signed baseballs, jerseys, caps, and game programs.

He posed for photos with children and adults, answered autograph requests, and smiled at those who took the opportunity to meet one of Panama’s most prominent baseball players.  When asked about the affection he receives in every city where he plays, and especially now as a member of the Yankees, Caballero acknowledged that the bond with Panamanian fans has a special meaning.  “It’s special. You know that in Panama most of us are Yankees fans from birth, and it’s really noticeable that they support the team a lot and support the Panamanians who are here. I’m truly grateful.” 

Hours after receiving that support from the stands, Caballero gave them an additional reason to celebrate. In the top of the ninth inning, the native of Los Santos hit a three-run home run that sealed the game and silenced the home crowd in Toronto.  The home run capped a memorable day for the Panamanian, who went from being the center of attention during batting practice to becoming one of the stars of the game when the Yankees needed him most.  Thanks to that hit, New York secured an 8-3 victory over the Blue Jays and took the series two games to one.