WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL A - COLOMBIA VS PANAMA

March 9, 2026

Julio Teheran

Hiram Bithorn Stadium

Team Colombia

Postgame Press Conference

Colombia 4, Panama 3

JULIO TEHERAN: Well, I want to take advantage here to officially announce that it's my retirement from the game. It has been a decision that I've been thinking about for many years, but this is, I believe, the right moment.

Obviously I'm thankful to my family, thankful to my country, my fellow ballplayers for all that support. Representing Colombia in the best baseball in the world has been an honor for me.

It's been difficult, I'm not going to deny it, it was a very difficult decision, but I do know the signals that God sent out are the right ones, and I am a full believer in that.

That's the announcement I want to make, and I thank you all for your support.

THE MODERATOR: Before we take questions, I would like to recognize Julio's family that is here. Congratulations on your career.

Q. Julio, you place Colombia's name up high in the world of baseball. What did it mean to you for this team to play with such excitement against Panama for the team to finally show up in this game? If today is your retirement, a version we expected throughout the whole tournament?

JULIO TEHERAN: Yes, we expected more of this throughout the game, but we're happy we had a victory. We all know the great team that we have, the talent we have, and things weren't happening for us.

Personally, it's unfortunate that I wasn't able to give my grain of salt, but as I said, these are things I can't control and that makes it part of the game. Happy we were able to get a victory and we have a qualification for the next Classic.

Q. Julio, I want to thank you as a Colombian. You contributed a lot of happiness. You contributed a lot of experience to the ballplayers that are rising up. I would like the people here to give you a round of applause.

(Applause.)

For those who don't know, I'm going to try to synthesize what Julio Teheran means to Colombia. From a popular neighborhood in Colombia, Olaya Herrera, Cartagena, to Big Leagues, from wooden spoon to six-time Opening Day starter for the Atlanta Braves. To you only gratitude on behalf of Colombia, on behalf of the press. Cartagena would stop when Julio Teheran was going to play with the Atlanta Braves and other teams.

(Applause)

Julio, to you, what was the best moment of your career?

JULIO TEHERAN: The best moment, there were many. Having the ball in all of the Opening Days was very special. It was my biggest challenge year after year. It's what kept me with that hunger year after year. I want to be the No. 1 representative, especially of the organization of the Atlanta Braves.

I think every time I've gotten the ball in my hands, it was a special moment, and I would line up to have a good season because I would have a mindset for that.

THE MODERATOR: Julio, thank you very much. Congratulations on a great career and the way you represented your country. Thank you.