In Puerto Rico, a remarkable moment unfolded as 192 men had their hair dyed blond within an eight-hour window during a big event aimed at supporting the island’s national baseball team. The effort set a Guinness World Record, surpassing a prior mark of 160 recorded in Argentina. Certified stylists from NUC University’s School of Beauty led the operation, finishing at an impressive average of 20 men per hour, a pace that drew cheers from the crowd and attention from onlookers across the region.
The event was a collaboration between the universal group insurance company and NUC University, designed to celebrate the island’s athletes just before the Team Rubio takes the field at the World Baseball Classic in Miami. The Universal Group’s leadership emphasized the unifying power of sports and community in a statement, noting that this bold act was a way to honor both the players and the fans who rallied to support them. The president and CEO of Universal Group, Josely Vega Maldonado, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed, including the NUC University team and the many volunteers who helped bring the plan to life.
Jennifer Caraballo, Vice President of Marketing at NUC University, shared pride in the participation of students, faculty, and professional stylists. Her comments highlighted the school’s role in representing the island through this distinctive public celebration and extended best wishes to the Team Rubio players as they prepared for competition on the world stage.
Jean Carlos Cruz Ortiz, known in the styling community as Jeankee, was among the key stylists present at the event. The Team Rubio initiative, which began in 2017, has featured players dyeing their hair in the same blond shade during recent World Baseball Classic campaigns, reinforcing a consistent visual identity for the team as it travels to international tournaments.
The official referee, Natalia Ramírez, welcomed everyone into what organizers described as a growing family dedicated to records and to celebrating Puerto Rican pride. The event underscored the atmosphere of passion and commitment that defined the day, with participants expressing a shared sense of belonging and achievement.
Looking ahead, Puerto Rico was set to face Nicaragua in the opening game of Group D. This group also included Venezuela, Israel, and the Dominican Republic, making the upcoming match a focal point for fans across the region who follow the World Baseball Classic with intense interest. The record-setting dye-a-thon stood as a testament to the island’s spirit and the supportive network backing its national team, reflecting broader themes of community, athletic pride, and cross-border sports enthusiasm that resonate far beyond the island itself.