For former Orioles utility man Terrin Vavra, the biggest focus in his career right now is not a spot on a major league roster. It is the chance to represent a country.
Vavra is currently playing for Czechia in the World Baseball Classic, a decision rooted in his family’s heritage. His Czech roots have always been part of his identity, but watching the national team compete in the 2023 WBC deepened his desire to get involved.
“My entire life, I’ve known my heritage comes from there,” Vavra said on Glenn Clark Radio March 3. “Really, watching them in the last World Baseball Classic inspired the desire for me to be a part of it.”
The idea became reality during spring training last year, when Czechia team officials approached him about joining the club. After his eligibility was approved, Vavra officially joined the national team.
The connection runs deeper than baseball. Czech pride has long been part of his family’s identity on his father’s side.
“My dad’s from a family of 10 kids. There’s a lot of pride that’s associated with certainly our last name but also our heritage,” Vavra said. “I have the opportunity that not a lot of people have to represent that heritage on an international stage.”
The experience also offers a different perspective from the routine of a long season in pro ball. Vavra said international tournaments give players a rare chance to compete for something larger than a single organization.
“I think this is pretty special to be a part of,” he said. “Not too many people get to take part in something like this.”
The aspect that has stood out most to Vavra is the passion of his teammates. Many players on the Czechia roster do not come from affiliated pro ball, but their pride in wearing the national uniform is unmistakable.
Vavra said the energy in the clubhouse has been inspiring, particularly from players who balance baseball with school or other careers but still approach the opportunity with remarkable dedication.
The experience has also given him a new appreciation for the growth of baseball in Europe.
“It’s exciting for Czech baseball to be represented here,” Vavra said. “I think it’s going to encourage the next generation of young Czech players to keep pursuing a baseball career.”
Vavra said hearing teammates talk about how much Czech baseball has grown throughout the years has helped him understand the significance of the moment. Being part of the team now, he added, means contributing to that progress and helping inspire the next generation of players.
Vavra has one of the deeper professional backgrounds on the roster and as such has also taken on a mentorship role.
“A lot of these guys are young players still and a couple guys that are in high school,” he said. “Just seeing them and all the baseball they have in front of them and their hunger, it’s been really exciting for me to just be a part of. I’m just trying to lend insight wherever I can.”
Vavra is currently a free agent and looking for his next opportunity.
The 28-year-old made his major league debut with the Orioles in 2022 and appeared with the club across parts of three seasons. Originally drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2018, he was later traded to Baltimore and spent a few years developing in the organization’s farm system before reaching the major leagues.
Throughout his career, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound utility man has been valued for his versatility, playing both the infield and outfield while providing a contact-oriented bat.
Despite the uncertainty that comes with free agency, he still speaks warmly about the organization that helped him reach the majors.
“I have nothing but respect for the organization,” Vavra said. “The Orioles gave me the opportunity to develop as a player and make a big league roster. I have a lot of friends over there still playing. … I would love to get back to Baltimore someday, but I understand the game keeps evolving.”
For now, Vavra’s focus remains on the international stage — representing his heritage, mentoring young teammates and competing for Czechia in a moment that connects family history with a baseball opportunity.
For more from Vavra, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: Colin Murphy/PressBox