Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics

Baseball Commit Hornedo Selected to Puerto Rico’s U-18 National Team Ahead of WBSC World Cup

7/28/2025 12:43:00 PM | By: Kyrin Mayfield | @k_mayfield97

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - A future Eagle will have the opportunity to shine on the international stage as Embry-Riddle Baseball commit Diego Hornedo was selected to compete for Puerto Rico's U-18 national team at the 2025 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup. This experience is nothing new to the star outfielder as it's his second time competing for the Puerto Rico national team.

"I know making the national team meant a lot to him," said ERAU Baseball Head Coach Dave Therneau. "This is a huge opportunity, and I am very proud of him. I think it will represent our program in a positive manner by showing that we are able to bring in quality players like him. Any time you are selected to represent your country, that is a small fraternity in a big deal. This is a great opportunity for Diego and his family, and I am excited to see what he does in Japan."

One of just 20 players named to the roster, Hornedo is from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Most recently, he competed at the Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy and posted a .341 batting average and 1.198 OPS with 20 RBI during the 2025 season. His performance caught the eye of Therneau, who extended an offer to Hornedo to join the program. Hornedo accepted the offer earlier this year, which was a big relief for the Eagles' skipper.

"I feel pretty fortunate to be able to get Diego. I saw him at a team event in town at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. He stood out, in my opinion, as the best player there, so I thought we might struggle to get him. When he visited the school, he fell in love with it, and he comes from an absolutely fantastic family, so we really connected. I really think his ceiling is high, and I am excited to see his development in our program."

The World Cup is scheduled to begin on Sept. 5 in Okinawa, Japan with World No. 7 Puerto Rico facing off against No. 4 Korea. The group also contains No. 1 Japan, No. 12 Cuba, No. 14 Italy and No. 26 South Africa. The top three teams in the group will advance to the Super Round while the rest fall to the Placement Round.

All games can be streamed on GameTime.sport.

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