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| Photo cred. mlb.com |
Finally, after four long awaited years, baseball fans around the world will stop and watch as their country competes for the ultimate title - The World Baseball Classic is upon us once again. The atmosphere of baseball is remarkably different around the world.. If you’ve ever seen the movie Mr. Baseball, then you know what I’m talking about. Japan treats baseball games almost as if it’s a festival. There are cheerleaders, fans are given props at the ticket window to celebrate when a run is scored, and fans take turns cheering. The visiting team’s fans cheer when they are hitting while the home team’s fans sit quietly and vice versa. Baseball in the Caribbean is quite similar. Drums, horns, shakers, and clappers ring constantly throughout the stadium during the duration of a game. The passion these fans have for their teams is unmatched. It’s an amazing site to see. Yet, baseball in the U.S., as in most other countries, have a more relaxed setting.
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| Photo cred movies.film-cine.com |
The World Baseball Classic (WBC) provides evidence that baseball is continuing to grow around the world. Quality baseball is now being played in countries that you probably wouldn’t expect. The Netherlands, Italy, and even Israel are all part of the sixteen teams that qualified for the tournament. Other countries that competed in the qualifier rounds but didn’t quite make the WBC include Nicaragua, Pakistan, and the Philippines. As a baseball fan, it’s exciting to see so many different countries bringing America’s pastime into their own culture.
From a baseball fan’s perspective, seeing the world come together to play baseball is something spectacular. However, from a General Manager’s perspective, there’s nothing that raises your blood pressure like sending your best players off to risk injury a month before the season starts. The Cleveland Indians organization will have 11 players representing their countries in the World Baseball Classic, four of which are already on the major league roster. Cleveland Indians General Manager Mike Chernoff probably has some mixed feelings about the tournament because he’s seen both the positive and the negative side of the tournament being so close to the beginning of the season. “[Carlos] Santana came back really energized after playing for the Dominican team," Indians general manager Mike Chernoff said. "So, I think that can have a positive effect. Carlos, at that time of his career, got to be around some of the best players in the world, and I think that rubbed off on him".1 However, in 2013, Vinnie Pestano injured his elbow and in 2009, Grady Sizemore injured his groin during the tournament.
As tough as it is for the Indians, the Detroit Tigers (15) and the New York Mets (13) will have even more players participating in the 2017 tournament. However, being in the United States, this event might not be as exciting and watch-worthy as it is in other places. “While it is popular in some countries, it is more of a curiosity than a must-see event in the U.S. - especially when American stars such as Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw and David Price choose to sit it out”.2 In a generation that has become fans of individual players rather than a certain team, it may be more difficult to get excited for an event when your favorite player chooses not to participate.
I don’t know where the majority lies, but I am head over heels for this tournament. I love every bit of it. I count down the days for the Olympics and Opening Day and now the two come together every four years to give me two and a half weeks of childlike giddiness. The Netherlands put themselves on the baseball world map in the 2013 tournament. Could Israel do the same in their first World Baseball Classic appearance? Here are the Pools for the Opening round:
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| Photo cred. Thinglink.com |
- Korea
- Chinese Taipei
- Netherlands
- Israel
- Japan
- Cuba
- China
Photo cred. Cbssports.com Australia
- United States
- Dominican Republic
- Canada
- Columbia
- Mexico
- Puerto Rico
- Venezuela
- Italy
With the defending champs, Dominican Republic, and a very underrated Canadian team, the United States have a tough road to survive pool play. It doesn’t help that the United States doesn’t have the Cy Young or MVP winners from 2016 on their roster either. Israel and The Netherlands have already upset host city Korea and will advance to the next round. Japan is off to a hot start and looks as though they're on a mission to reclaim the WBC title. The U.S. will open up with Colombia on Friday, March 10th at 6:00 pm EST.
Games started Monday, March 6th and will be played through the championship round on March 22nd. All games will be aired live on MLB Network.
References:
1Bastian, J. (2017, February 08). Indians have 12 players on 2017 WBC rosters. Retrieved March 02, 2017, from http://m.indians.mlb.com/news/article/215483780/indians-have-12-players-on-2017-wbc-rosters/
2Press, T. A. (2017, February 13). World Baseball Classic increases player demands, not necessarily excitement | Reading Eagle - AP. Retrieved March 02, 2017, from http://www.readingeagle.com/ap/article/world-baseball-classic-increases-player-demands-not-necessarily-excitement
Great topic. I had never heard of the World Baseball Classic. It's a big world - guess I better get out there!
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I hope that you continue this blog site after the class is over. You have found your niche!