On Monday, Marvin Benard was announced as the new manager of Spain’s national team. His first tournament will be this year’s Premier12 qualifier in Barcelona.
Spain will host Colombia, Italy and Germany in a three-day round-robin tournament from Oct. 9-11 at Camp Municipal de Béisbol Carlos Pérez de Rozas and will look to secure one of two spots to advance to the 2027 WBSC Premier12. The Premier12 also serves as an Olympic qualifier, with the top finisher among European teams or Australia earning a berth.
With significant stakes this year, Spain turned to Benard, a former MLB outfielder and former Nicaragua national team manager and general manager. He led Nicaragua during the qualifiers for the 2017 World Baseball Classic and is also expected to guide Spain in a potential qualifier for the next World Baseball Classic.
Given Benard’s long-standing role in Nicaraguan baseball — including his position as general manager for Nicaragua during the 2026 World Baseball Classic — his hiring by Spain comes as a notable surprise.
Benard is Nicaragua’s all-time leader in MLB games played. He also holds the country’s career records for home runs (54) and RBIs (260), and ranks highest among position players in wins above replacement.
He replaces Nelson Prada, who stepped down following the European Championship this past fall. Prada led Spain to its first European title in 68 years, capturing gold in 2023 in Czechia.
With high expectations, Benard will aim to elevate Spain further, seeking to secure the nation’s first Premier12 berth and potentially its first Olympic appearance since 1992.
Photo courtesy of Royal Spanish Baseball and Softball Federation
