Twenty years later, the 44-year-old veteran Ramirez leads the Cuban team to compete in the Classic.

Two decades ago, Cuba triumphed over Puerto Rico at San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium, securing a spot in the championship round of the first World Baseball Classic held in San Diego. Following a semifinal victory against the Dominican Republic, they were defeated by Japan in the final. This achievement stands as Cuba's finest in the Classic.

Alexei Ramirez, who was 24 years old at the time, belonged to that team. Today, before Cuba's 0-4 exhibition loss to the Royals, he recalled that he still "remembers everything."

Now 44, Ramirez, a decade after his Major League career ended, continues to play and strives to help the Cuban team return to that position this year.

"We are very happy, very excited to participate. We are all united," Ramirez said today in Spanish. "We are enjoying baseball. I try to give encouragement to my teammates, to let them enjoy the game."

Ramirez did not play in today's exhibition game, as manager Germán Mesa is finalizing the optimal starting lineup in preparation for Saturday's group stage opener against Panama in Puerto Rico. If the 44-year-old Ramirez takes the field, he will become the oldest player to appear in the Classic, surpassing Roger Clemens, who was 43 years and 224 days old in 2006.

Ramirez spent nine seasons in the Major Leagues, primarily with the Chicago White Sox, and also played for the Padres and Rays. In 2009, he was involved in the final defensive play of Mark Buehrle's perfect game.

Over his 1,371-game MLB career, Ramirez posted a .270/.307/.392 slash line with 115 home runs. Unsatisfied after his Major League career ended, he continued playing, first in Mexico and most recently for the Vegueros of Pinar del Río in Cuba's National Series.

Given his age, Major League experience, and extensive background in Cuban baseball, Ramirez serves as a source of wisdom and an advisor for the younger players on the Cuban team. He embraces this role and notes that the young players do seek his advice.

"Alexei is a very important pillar for the team," Mesa said in Spanish. "He brings us toughness, experience, and desire. He possesses an accumulated youthful energy that can greatly benefit the team. Not only as a player, his experience can guide us. Within the team, even if he is not a starter, he will be a pillar, a driving force on the roster."

The Cuban roster is a mix of seasoned veterans and young talent. The only active Major League players on the team are Yoán Moncada—who has played ten seasons with the Red Sox, White Sox, and Angels—and right-hander Yariel Rodríguez, who pitched for the Blue Jays the past two years.

Other players currently in the MLB system include right-hander Emmanuel Chapman (Pirates Double-A), shortstop Yiddi Cappe (Marlins Double-A), infielder Alexander Vargas (Reds High-A), and catcher Omar Hernandez (Royals Triple-A).

Left-hander Livan Moinelo, currently with Japan's Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, is one of the Pacific League's top pitchers. The roster also features outfielder Alfredo Despaigne, who has played in five Classics for Cuba and was named Group A MVP in 2013. He hit 184 home runs over ten seasons in Japan (2014-23).

"This is a huge motivation, similar to the first Classic in 2006," Mesa said. "The difference is that now it's a blend of old and new. Like the story of the musketeers: all for one, one for all. That is the attitude these players have now, and what I try to instill in them. Right now, our most important player's name is Cuba."

Clearly, memories of 2006 are a shared sentiment for the entire team as they enter group play this week. For Ramirez, the recollection of that experience has never faded. It is also part of the reason he continues to play.

"I love baseball," Ramirez said. "...Baseball is still baseball: four bases, one umpire, one catcher. But I know the young players have improved a lot; most of them are professionals. Whether in the minors or Triple-A, they have excellent careers. I hope they enjoy the game as I do."