World Baseball Classic Comes to Life for American Fans!
By W. M. Lawson
With the United States team reaching the finals of the World Baseball Classic, U.S. fans have finally embraced this tournament.
The World Baseball Classic, or WBC, is the type of even that would garner attention and praise, one would think. But here in the United States of America, not so much. That may change after this year.
Since its inception in 2005, and inaugural tournament in 2006, the WBC has languished between apathy and blasé bromide. Most of America’s best baseball players don’t play in it, and consequently, the U.S. team has never won.
That may change after tonight, as the good Ol’ U.S. of A. plays a very stout Puerto Rico team in the WBC final (9 PM EDT). It is the first time the Yankee team has even made the final. If they were to win, perception of the tournament, by fans and players, might alter.
This writer must admit that I, too, have been one of those who have ignored and dismissed this “exhibition” as nothing more than a chance to gloss over the past failings of the MLB. Why should true fans care whether Venezuela can field a team and beat 1st and 2nd year MLB players from my country?
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While that question is valid, something happened on the way to the park. Jim Leyland became Manager. He is one of the best ever. And with his fingerprints all over this team, the games, and this American team is exciting and fun to watch.
Are there the Kershaws or Bumgarners? No. But they have Millers and Strowmans who have represented their country well. The lineup hasn’t exactly torn the cover off the ball, but names like Paul Goldschmidt, Adam Jones, Andrew McCutchen, and Christian Yelich have had timely and game changing hits. Eric Hosmer has absolutely killed it, and Georgia boy Buster Posey is doing his thing.
As a Braves fan, one can be forgiven for not wanting to pay attention until you have to. But the Braves should be better this year, and maybe, like the U.S.A. team in the WBC, it’s time to pay attention again. Heck, it might even be time to get excited again.
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America will try to win its first ever WBC title tonight. There will be chants of “USA USA USA”, and an electric atmosphere. Maybe it’s time we, the people, embrace it.