BOGOTÁ, Colombia— According to a social media announcement from the Colombian Olympic Committee Thursday afternoon, Jaider Morelos of the Montreat College baseball team will represent his country on the diamond later this month during the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
 
"God's timing is perfect—that's all I can think about when I envision myself playing alongside Dilson Herrera, Carlos Martinez and the rest of the Colombian national team roster," Morelos shared.
 
A native of Cartagena, Colombia, Morelos earned a spot on the initial 24-man roster and will aid Colombia in its attempts to advance beyond the opening round. Colombia's best baseball finish at the Pan American Games came in 1971 when the squad claimed its only medal by topping Canada in the bronze medal contest. Most recently, Colombia's baseball team finished fourth at the 2019 edition of the Pan American Games.
 
"I found out I made the team after a live batting practice session, and all I could think of was how great God's love and mercy is," Morelos remarked. "After being away from my country studying and playing here in the United States, my dream has always been to represent Colombia in these big events where I can learn from and make memories with guys who have played pro ball for a while."
 
During the 2023 season, his first in a Montreat uniform, Morelos showed off his bat skills by walking nearly as often as he struck out (16 walks to 18 strikeouts). Across 192 plate appearances, the underclassman delivered an impressive .293/.365/.467 slash line while registering seven home runs, eight doubles and 33 RBIs.
 
"I thank God, my family, coaches, professors, mentors, student-life staff and everyone else who has been with me along this journey," Morelos added. "I cannot wait to be back at Montreat playing with my brothers."
 
Competing in Group B with Cuba, Brazil and Venezuela, Morelos and Colombia begin their round robin slate on Friday, Oct. 20.