How the World Baseball Classic Changed Baseball

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[@nickdawg1014]

The WBC literally had a Hollywood ending. If you were to ask any baseball fan before the tournament what they wanted to see, they would say Ohtani vs Trout in 9th inning with two outs. Absolutely incredible tournament

[@TheScrubExpress]

Seriously it was awesome. Bummed the US didn't win, but losing to Japan and OHTANI isn't shameful.

[@resmarted]

Hollywood would have had USA win

[@PHXNKVHXLIC]

Literally?

[@JediMentat]

It was so good. Would've loved for team USA to have won, but Japan deserved it. They have crazy good players.

[@douguwu1938]

The WBC fixes the problems with the mlb

[@de132]

The American players who participated have my respect. Telling coaching staffs to ignore restrictions, rallying amongst each other. It was very cool to see as an American fan who wants to see baseball grow

[@SimonSays62]

I like this comment but the part where you said “I wanna see baseball grow” is so funny to me

[@de132]

@@SimonSays62 Why 😭 I think baseball can be as big as cricket or basketball are internationally.

[@ApatLang]

@@de132 bro imagine if you could convert some cricket fans to baseball fans - that alone would make it rival soccer at the world stage. That would be so cool for the sport.

[@joebungus3447]

@@de132 cricket isn’t globally popular, India just has a big ass population.

[@jcas]

Absolutely dude. Seeing that not only the teams, but also the public didnt give a damn about WBC, watching the players ignoring all the BS Is priceless.

[@adrianriddell454]

The Mexico Vs Japan semi final I thought was one of the best complete games of baseball I've ever seen, what a tournament, well done everyone.

[@paulerxx]

Definitely top 5 for most people. Most people's top 5s list probably have 2-3 games from WBC 23'.

[@Santiago_RS]

I agree, and also the one between Venezuela and DR was my favorite, the energy inside the stadium was spectacular. I'm biased because I’m Venezuelan 😂

[@kooperuranus1503]

That game was crazy good

[@whathell6t]

It’s like watching an excellent duel between Chapuline Colorado vs Kamen Rider. And they’re both grasshopper cyborgs.

[@graduke1]

​@@Santiago_RS it was crazy loud...you should be proud of your team and supporters 😊

[@SirBumRush]

"This tournament means nothing" These types of tournaments creates legendary moments and inspires the next upcoming players from around the world. This tournament means everything, to every baseball fan.

[@54321jcc]

Legit, MLB isn’t the only thing that exists and it shouldn’t be. Stuff like this creates a culture around the game that brings people in and grows baseball long term.

[@BS-jw7nf]

The MLB is basically how the superbowl winner calls themselves world champions without any foreigners being able to compete or how NBA teams refuse to seriously play European basketball teams. They're jjust afraid that people might find out that people outside of america could be good at their games.

[@JackTray]

​@@BS-jw7nfNBA teams play foreign teams every year and crush them you just mad baseball is down

[@downsjmmyjones101]

Considering how many international players are in the MLB(27%), I can't imagine how someone could say this. Baseball is an international sport and the MLB needs to realize that.

[@francis2429m]

These tournament made me lile baseball and change my "boring" prespective about it

[@UTNatlChamps]

As an American, I got more invested in the WBC than in any baseball game this past year, save the AL playoffs. It’s the best example of baseball on the international stage. Japanese baseball is the most pure form of the game, and their high school tournaments are a sight to behold, something I hope to be able to experience. It’s a shame that the players are discouraged by their MLB teams from participating. This is how you grow the game

[@imhotepnixon]

Agreed

[@RecardoGuillermo]

Good take

[@josemontenegro5679]

Fully agree, MLB = Show; Baseball= far east

[@heliodango43]

this is the best way to advertise the sport internationally.

[@jasonanno3881]

Exactly. Like, the World Cup had to grow to become where it is today.

[@jadd6810]

When this went to single elimination, things turned up. Win or go home. It made every game feel like game 7 of the World Series. Some of the loudest baseball crowds I've heard on TV.

[@rileyesmay]

I was honestly deeply disappointed the lack of crowd in the Columbia vs USA game that was basically elimination because of record and runs allowed etc. Guess people just didn't realize it was loser goes home😂

[@elisalsa24]

@@rileyesmay I think its because they played in the middle of nowhere

[@fryncyaryorvjink2140]

Has it not always been single elimination?

[@rileyesmay]

@Elias Salcedo What do you mean middle of nowhere? The Mexico vs USA game I was not able to go to but heard it had record attendance and PHX is the desert but it is a pretty big metro area

[@rileyesmay]

@@fryncyaryorvjink2140 No. Pool play for the first 40 games of the tournament. Only the last 7 were elimination😂

[@ArJayDM]

People saying this tournament means nothing is why baseball is dying in America. This tournament gave me so much pride in my country and baseball.

[@connerroth3416]

Exactly! It’s like saying the World Cup isn’t significant.

[@fallendeus]

It's hilarious. Compare the crowds cheering for losing teams with packed stadiums.. to just about any regular season MLB game where you have people falling fucking ASLEEP or just looking at their phones all game. Meanwhile MLB pitchers are also crying and throwing fits because they can't put industrial adhesive on their hands to cheat anymore and throw temper tantrums when the umps check. MLB is a joke, it's a soap opera with all the drama queens. There is a reason it's called "The Show"... because it can barely be considered a sport at this point.

[@ImSNB]

International sports are the best

[@dj_menyo839]

​@@connerroth3416agreed. That's why contracts for soccer have specific stipulations for players to be able to play for their national team if they get called up. No question asked. They players and teams know what that means to the players.

[@wondon2992]

It’s bc america is being taught to hate America

[@ajurado800]

Ohtani vs. Trout for that final at bat is absolutely legendary, and will go down as one of the all-time greatest at bats in baseball history.

[@gabrielvazquez1691]

This was the best world baseball classic to this point. Something special clicked with this one. It has set the tone for the next WBC tournaments to come. Baseball is back to having incredible prestige, influence worldwide like never before. The rest of the storybook is to be written and I can't wait to see what is in store. I love baseball and I'm already excited for 2026.

[@shadow12k]

USA got their passion back & lost. Hear dude say it was the most fun he had put a smile on my face.

[@wwpjd28]

@@shadow12k Trout has already committed to play in 2026 (he'll just be 34 years old still). I think he will spend the entire year in the lead up to it next time getting guys to sign on. And this won't be prime Trout at this point recruiting. This will be veteran Trout as he transitions to 40-50 homer power annually Trout with over 100 career WAR recruiting the guys that chose baseball over sports in part because they watched him growing up. This team was incredible, but the next Team USA could be the greatest roster ever assembled. I would be shocked if we don't get at least 3 ace pitchers and at least 3 of the top 10 relievers in the sport to sign up. Along with a lineup of guys like Adley, Gunnar, Witt, Corbin, etc. alongside the veteran superstars. Hopefully we get Judge next time to backup Trout and hopefully, Harper, who wanted to play this time, will be healthy. If we actually send all our stars in pitching along with hitting, this tournament may get closer to the level I think it will ultimately reach - right on par with the WC and Olympics as the pinnacle of international competition.

[@lmk10000]

@@shadow12k Trout said Ohtani won round 1. IDK but baseball and sports in general always gives you revenge.

[@ooogyman]

You're right: the WBC did feel special this year. I can think of three factors: 1) It's the first world-wide tournament post-pandemic that actually meant something to Americans. The World Cup might have been that event for most of the world, but none of the games were in the US, and most American soccer players aren't well known. The WBC both played games in the US and had household names playing: Trout, Ohtani, Turner, Schwarber, etc. Add the large Latino population in the US, and you're going to have some PASSIONATE fans at the game. 2) Take all those reasons from #1, multiply their magnitude by 3, and apply it to Japan. Japan had kept its pandemic restrictions for longer (remember they had limited crowds for the Tokyo Olympics, so what was supposed to be a huge event for them was severely muted), so I think Japan REALLY needed a reason to come together and cheer. What better way than to cheer the greatest Japanese baseball team ever assembled. 3) This might be me getting too political, but I've personally become cynical of pro sports. I'm from Oakland, so I grew up a Warriors, 49ers, & A's fan (the Raiders were in LA when I was growing up, and when they returned the Raiders were insanely dysfunctional), and after seeing both the Warriors & Raiders leave, with the A's on the verge of leaving, I don't feel like my local teams are "mine." Even though I still love watching the Warriors, at the end of the day I know that my fandom is ultimately about making some billionaire owner richer. But the WBC isn't about billionaires: it's about grown adults with the heart of kids playing for their country. We get to see world-class athletes put everything on the line for pride. It's rare, and it's cool. My cynical side says that it won't be long before the WBC gets corrupted by money and politics like FIFA and the World Cup are (and knowing Rob Manfred, it's likely to be sooner than later) but for now the WBC is still novel enough to retain its innocence and just be about baseball and country. I'll enjoy that while I can.

[@TheBlackWaltz]

I think it was Ohtani and Trout. It feels like the final was destiny. The final ending with Trout and Ohtani on a 3-2 pitch? Just seems like it was ordained by God.

[@KingJerbear]

I am not a big baseball fan, but I don't understand how I can hear these sports media pundits claiming this tournament means nothing... it's like they have no idea of the pride you get for representing your country. Getting to see these great athletes compete and all the great fanbases come together to watch is a gift. Reminds me of the feeling of the World Cup. Incredibly well made video and thanks for sharing

[@GFkilla17]

You nailed it. Nothing like the best on best from every country and it works for every sport.

[@AaronBurnsVoT]

They are in denial. Nothing is more important than their team winning

[@Seergun]

Feels like they're falling hard into the mindset of "It doesn't matter to _me,_ (aka USA) therefore irrelevant."

[@MezzoForte4]

Exactly. I'm surprised the US, the biggest patriotic circle jerk of all the countries, wouldn't want to show off their supposed prowess on the world stage. They really are scared. 🤣

[@Ushisim]

Baseball culture in the US is so closed off and broken in so many ways

[@Atlas_DXUlt]

I was watching a Mexican broadcast of the championship, and one of the guys talking said “I was asked by people If I knew about baseball, and how much they loved it. They never experienced anything baseball related before this.” The fact that people who have never seen or cared about baseball turned their head because of this league is truly wonderful.

[@eddrodriguez9645]

Yeah absolutely. With this performance of México, baseball can get more popularity than in other years in my country México controlled only by soccer, even people who never watched baseball before , they enjoyed the game with Japan.

[@JediMentat]

​@@eddrodriguez9645 Mexico played great. The whole tournament was a blast to watch.

[@stophackingmygoogleaccount3886]

Im half japanese half canadian, always thought baseball was super boring to watch, but I decided to watch the Japan vs Mexico and Japan vs US games and I had some of the most fun watching sports in my life

[@briangulley6027]

@@stophackingmygoogleaccount3886 A game between 2 last place teams in late August is boring, but like most sports' playoff games are always for exciting to watch.

[@hectorgameropescador4497]

Mexico vs Japan and Japan vs USA got me into baseball, right now I’m playing the show 22 and reading a lot about baseball statistics and found this cool book called “watching baseball smarter” pretty fun and informative, still deciding with team to follow in the mlb, may be halos because Ohtani

[@is5983]

I'm a Taiwanese student attending college in the US. When my American friends found out I was so into baseball, such an "American sport," they were surprised. It blew their mind when I told them baseball is the single biggest sport in Taiwan and the fan base for the national team especially is insane. During every international tournaments or exhibition games the entire island rallies behind the team, and even non-baseball fans get super into it. It's the same way for a lot of these countries in the WBC and I really wish more american fans can gain an understanding of that. This is how we elevate the sport and make the market way way way bigger

[@crazydrummer181]

A lot of us do understand how big it is. Americans who are big fans of baseball likely wouldn’t be that surprised that it’s big in Taiwan. It’s widely known that it’s very popular in a lot of Asian and South American countries. I can’t wait for the next tournament!

[@colekinder517]

Americans are taught to believe their sports are not popular outside of America. It is unfortunate because many do not watch their favorite sports overseas or the national team competitions.

[@matthias8161]

@@colekinder517 everything but football is popular overseas

[@SPIIIVA]

This year was the first time I actually paid attention to it and honestly it was the most exciting and enjoyable baseball ive ever watched. As an American i was rooting for Japan to go all the way since game 1 and im happy the way it turned out

[@diamonddetails9445]

The world needs more baseball. FACT 💯👀😎👍

[@williamdavis9562]

@Marcus Spiva, I've been a lifelong baseball fan and I've never seen a championship game so exciting and electric. I don't know why but I too was rooting for Japan. Maybe it's because of how important the game is for them and the passion they show.

[@nachonachoman]

It's such a good format. It's like March madness with pro players and countries instead of colleges. And the risk of getting hurt is way less than the nfl or NBA so it's actually competitive unlike pro bowl and all star games. The pitching handicap from the USA makes it even more competitive. Just super fun

[@TwenOalley]

@@williamdavis9562 Their style is just so cool imo. All the leg kicking and wild pitcher windups, it's just interesting to watch a different flavor of baseball. I also really like their contact approach to hitting a lot more than the swing as hard as you can 3 true outcomes style that's popular in the usa rn.

[@akllls617]

Traitor

[@halfasian_]

The ignorance of some networks and casters, particularly in America to write off the WBC just feels so insane. This WBC has brought so many fans to the game and reignited the excitement in so many ex-fans. Ohtani is the only reason I keep up to date with the mlb anymore and to see so many people reflect this is exciting. The WBC bridges the international audience with the MLB and this most recent tourney is a prime example of that. I hope that sentiment of the tournament continues to change for the better and that more american fans see the value in it.

[@mikeomalley2460]

Anyone criticizing the WBC is just scared of it not being “America’s sport” anymore. But it already isn’t. And it makes it wayyyy more fun to watch. And ironically, more of the US will watch baseball now!

[@tyrionstrongjaw7729]

I think it was also pretty telling the backlash a lot of those people were getting. I wish the video would've touched on that a bit more, but players/former players and fans came down pretty hard on those hating on the WBC.

[@georgesiblesz]

@@mikeomalley2460 I think it has more to do with these baseball "experts," and pundits not identifying with the World Cup element of sports. For them, it's all about the Show. If it's not a World Series, it doesn't matter. For the casual fan, I think we can see the excitement and get behind the idea that this is HUGE. It's insanely fun to have each country going for "gold," every few years. The viewership refelcts as much.

[@jumpingship3001]

Money talks. Goose that lays the golden egg here. People are afraid of change.

[@argenisjrg]

I couldn't agree with you more. I'm not a baseball fan, but I loved this WBC edition. I look forward to the next editions.

[@sammerkel2816]

My girlfriend and I were fortunate enough to attend USA vs. Venezuela, USA vs. Cuba, Japan vs. Mexico, and USA vs. Japan and I've gotta say, it was one of the most incredible events that I've ever been a part of. The energy in Miami was electric, the crowds were incredible, the games were insane and it had a storybook ender that would have been called unrealistic if it had been submitted as a Hollywood script. I can't even put into words what these past few days meant and I sincerely hope that every baseball fan gets to experience this type of spectacle in their lifetime.

[@Chapman1886]

What a string of games back-to-back. This was a special tournament and you were there for most of it. I'm very very jealous.

[@chalillofviso8980]

Just curious....how much did you spend to see all these games?...

[@CMbReCk]

I'm still heartbroken from the Venezuela vs USA game

[@fuzzbawls6698]

Oh man. get yourself over to Taiwan for a WBC one of these days...that crowd energy is second to none!!! Dancing cheerleaders, music, live chants over the PA system, and not a single person sitting down...so loud that you could barely year the TV commentators. it puts every American MLB team's crowd action to utter shame...and this is coming from someone that reveled in the awesomeness that was having Steve Perry himself grace multiple post season games with "sing-alongs".

[@asdfasdf969]

Lol that sounds horrible...I hate when people stand up, i can't see anything

[@matthall7670]

The Japan-Mexico game was one of the best ballgames I’ve ever seen in my life. Watched it from a bar in Shinjuku with a bunch of Japanese nationals and we were all glued to the screen. It was electric and magical from beginning to end.

[@KP-xf3vi]

bro i watched this game in canada! and i thought the same thing! it was one of the most insane sports games that ive ever seen! it was insane! respect!

[@matthewmcrobie6703]

Watching the WBC in a bar in Japan sounds incredible. I bet the energy in there was electric!

[@tonyyourboii2835]

as a mexican it really was. i was so upset when we lost bit it was one of the best games ive seen and i was so proud of my team to make it that far.

[@resmarted]

The argument that "it doesn't mean anything" is funny. It's sports, bro. None of it means anything. If anything these games have more meaning because there are entire countries to the fanbase with real world reasons to have rivalries. Sidenote, loved watching the Taiwan games. The passion from the crowd was unbelievable. Almost made it feel like these silly ball games have meaning!

[@JediMentat]

I agree. It's the same thing with dumb NBA players wanting nothing to do with the Olympics for so long. Like, what means more than that in sports?

[@shiftygypsy89migh41]

I agree if anything these mean more. its not just country pride, its facing the best in the world.

[@mydude9701]

To you it’s entertainment but to the owners it’s a waste of money toward that player that just got hurt and ruins your chance to win the WS…The WBC is very cool but I see where the owners are coming from because at the end of the day playing a sport like baseball is a job and those players are expected to do that job. Don’t cancel the WBC but at the same time take into consideration what the owners say because how would you feel if someone you are paying gets hurt doing the same job they are supposed to do for you.

[@briangulley6027]

Professional sports means money. As I'm sure you know money makes the world go round.

[@lunardestruction]

facts, its all just as meaningless to humans in the grand scheme. Buts also facts that from an owners/business perspective they do have better interests here. This creates a dilemma, as an NHL fan who has frequently seen the league block players from playing in the olympics, this can be very frustrating.

[@lazyrebel5019]

It's pretty sad that America downplays the WBC. Just look at all the other countries. You can just see the passion and what the WBC means to them. The crowds gave me the chills. I loved it.

[@MageKirby]

But I bet those same people watched the FIFA World Cup but isn't watching any of the European leagues.

[@tchlin]

The ironic thing is it was created by the mlb to gain more worldwide popularity.

[@Bsnsobscuregames]

The Us has had a “get paid” culture in pro sports. They’ve been downplaying All-Star games since the 1970’s. It is natural to want to play your best in these games. The MLB teams themselves promote this culture because they view themselves as footing the bill for these players. They’ve tried to downplay this tournament as an All-Star tournament (which it is), but the problem is that the foreign born players don’t share that mindset. I think there’s going to be a further attempt to denigrate and micromanage this tournament even more by the mlb management in the next running. I think that eventually the American players will buy in further and play as passionately as everyone else.

[@_Dawson_]

@@MageKirby The FIFA World Cup (and the sport in general) isn't as big of a deal in the US as it is elsewhere, so I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't watch the World Cup or any of the European leagues.

[@smokeemifyagotem8851]

Cause not all of the best players play so who gives a fuck

[@tophighlitez6176]

Best WBC so far. And the last 2 finals games, Mexico vs Japan and Japan vs USA were just so fun to watch

[@TheScrubExpress]

definitely some peak baseball porn in those two games.

[@maciedixon3983]

Venezuela USA was also fun

[@turkeychicken69]

It was so good. I like that it's one and done. It makes it nerve racking

[@andrerodriguez966]

I’m Still hurt over the Mexico game we were 3 outs away. Japan is something else they are very tactical

[@soldyD]

Include USA-Venezuela and you have a show for the weekend

[@hewkiiCZ]

I am Czech and it was a great honor to watch our team do some cool stuff. People should know, that there is a total of 22 teams in the entire country (There are 239 ice hockey teams and 486 soccer teams) and this sport is very, VERY minor. It has basically no funding from the state at all, if you don't count building the playfield. It survived through the soviet era only thanks to Cuba. Since the sport was viewed as "highly imperial" they banned it for a while. But one of the coaches at that that time saw a title in newspaper that Cuba played some world cup or whatever. So He personaly went to the f*cking soviet politburo and showed it to them, that our friendly socialist coutry is playing the sport too. So they made it legal again.

[@brianflynn5355]

That is so interesting. Thanks for sharing the cool info. Btw, i'm Japanese (half Irish) & I gotta tell you that Japan loves the Czech baseball team. The Czech team doesn't play for money. They play because they love baseball ❤

[@yo3939]

I'm Japanese and live in Paris, so I'd like to go see Czech baseball someday.

[@McAizen_McSosuke]

Much support from the US I hope to see your team do well I’m always rooting for the underdog I wish our country and teams would take this more seriously the people talking bad about it are clowns

[@McAizen_McSosuke]

I mean even the players want to take the wbc seriously it’s just stinky old club managers and fans with bats up their asses

[@hewkiiCZ]

@@McAizen_McSosuke Thank you for your kind words. I forgot to mention that our players had to get a paid leave from their works to play on that tournament :D May seem laughable for the US people, but it is what it is

[@xiricada7121]

One thing that most American Sports Fans will never understand is that the national team is ALWAYS more important than your preferred club. I’d give ANY resource from my club to support the National Team. No matter which sport, no matter the situation. The National Team puts your country in the map. This may not be important to the USA, but it’s for almost any other country.

[@brodiemorris2081]

we’re so selfish dude it’s nuts

[@russanothewise440]

And that’s because up till now, no one else has really played our sports 😅 It’s hard to put everything we have into Olympic basketball, for instance, when we win it every year, no contest

[@TheFamousMockingbird]

well with baseball its weird bec it doesnt have a strong national team history, this tournement isnt even 20 years old. and also the huge majority of talent in that tournament is playing in in the domestic league in the US so that is the only league that it is really taking away from for the most part, even all the players on like italy and teams like that are just americans with some italian heritage

[@TheFamousMockingbird]

@@brodiemorris2081 its also because the players on the teams arent from the nations they play for, for the most part at least. fucking mike piazza was the manager for the italian team had 25 players who were from the USA and like 5 from Italy, 1 from san Marino, a venezuelan, brazilian and domenican.and for israel every single player but one is from the US and doesnt even have Israeli citizenship, unless you are inclined to believe that people like Danny Valencia, CJ Stubbs, Alex Dickerson and Ty Kelly have a storied Jewish lineage. Mexico had 12 players from USA guys like Alek Thomas who idk how he is mexican or Austin Barnes.

[@jtb5867]

*every other country

[@youngblood204]

As a Mexico fan I'm so proud of how the lads did. I've been waiting so long for us to have both decent pitching and hitting. They played their hearts out. The futbol team can learn a thing or two on how to perform on the world stage. This WBC is definitely going to influence the younger generation. Overall the tournament was insane. I love baseball and I'm so happy it gained more international eyes. Can't wait for the MLB season to start!

[@alexg1586]

Mexican football has horrible management

[@nauticalnonsense1900]

Sandoval is gonna have a great season

[@Student0Toucher]

What kind of Mexican says lad

[@Chiquita18852]

As a puerto Rican who was rooting for us to smoke you out of the tournament 😂 Can I say what a great game it was and much respect for your team! Honestly the whole season was wonderful to watch with so many great players. Showing the pride and love for their flag ❤️

[@seccionseis2322]

La selección de fútbol y la FMF tienen que aprender todo de nuevo.

[@drillsergeantromeo1033]

I definitely do not want the WBC cancelled, I LOVE watching all the countries compete.

[@durban55]

Same

[@speranzayaya]

It's literally written into the CBA that it will happen again in 2026

[@chuyozuna2398]

It’s happening again in 2026

[@luxace2576]

It gets more views than the actual MLB thenselfs and has a better atmosphere than the playoffs do, keep the WBC!!

[@brianmeen2158]

I really enjoy the WBC and I really don’t watch much mlb. The fire and dedication the foreign teams had was awesome to see. I just wish americas best players will play next time

[@gekkouga2828]

I'm an Indian and a fan of cricket. I know little about baseball. But man, calling a tournament related to world countries as "nothing" and "useless" is just disgusting behavior and disrespectful to the sport. National teams should ALWAYS be more important than club teams, whether it's cricket, baseball or football. The national matches gives out the highest degree of passion and spirit of a sport! This is how a sport will grow!

[@rileygarcia1]

Okay then let’s use your sport for example. What makes Cricket even more important to India is the culture significance each team has on the people. In America people bleed sports and nothing is more important to them then there state or city team. This is no different then cricket. It also lowers the significance when a lot of US players end up playing for other countries. Obviously it is disgusting to call it useless. But MLB is the biggest baseball league in the world. So for people from the United States if my Chicago Cubs can win a World Series that would mean 10x more to me than the US winning. I don’t think people outside the US grasp that part of it. Of course it’s all perspective

[@amai-w8f]

@@rileygarcia1 You are the one that is not grasping it, Brazil and Europe have both leagues in their own countries that are the pinnacle of their sport where fans put their lives into it and would cheer for the city just as much as you describing your Chicago Cubs. Yet even then everyone still collectively agrees that the World Cup is FAR more important than the league their players participate. It's actually pretty pathetic of americans "saving" their players for their little national leagues while the biggest tournament of the planet in their sport is going on where it's country vs country.

[@forzer456]

@@rileygarcia1you just showed how selfish you are and your thinking is so backwards. If you cared about the sports not only the team success you would want it to reach as many people as possible and nothing reaches more people than national competition. USA basketball team had a disappointing result in the fiba world tournament recently and had the same mindset. Yes USA has a lot of talent but if you keep sticking your head in the ground you will not realise the rest of the world is catching up. From the number of international talent coming into every sport, Americans are going to wonder where they all came from.

[@SASOS-]

@@forzer456cope harder

[@moffattron9000]

And this is why the decline of West Indies due to the IPL makes me sad.

[@jedistreaming4006]

The greatest catcher in the game, Yadier Molina said, "I'll rather win a WBC title than a World Series title" that statement speaks for itself.

[@Lovistarful]

of course, none of the mlb franchise represent your country....

[@xxbpxpeanutxxx162]

😂

[@biggdogg33]

Most people don't understand what he meant. An small island winning the wbc would be an huge upset. It was like Manu g. won the gold medal at the Olympics in basketball. Think how big that is.

[@TherealGhostyy12]

Bro really said molina was the greatest catcher in the game SMH😆

[@jedistreaming4006]

@@TherealGhostyy12 Bench was but Molina took over bro and you know it if you're a true fan of the game with knowledge.

[@marcomartinelli1113]

As an Italian, a country in which baseball is just a niche sport, the WBC was for me the occasion to get to know what the game is about. It was really cool not only to see our national team journey, but also to understand the emotions that this sport can bring during the final and the games before. From now on, will surely follow more. Baseball got a new fan

[@williamdavis9562]

It's a beautiful game and this is a great way to showcase the game worldwide.

[@diamonddetails9445]

Ancient Rivalry in WCS? Yes! MLB/WBC intensity & passion?? ABSOLUTELY!!

[@adolfobeteta4565]

Welcome to the fascinating and unpredictable world of baseball!

[@johndor8772]

Piazza

[@jasonanno3881]

Nice. Do many Italians know the rules of baseball? Is there any kind of league?

[@catspeakrightmeow2643]

After a long break from baseball, I started watching it again in 2021. It was tough to get back into it as I really hadn't kept up with any news in almost 10 years, but I was hyped for every game I watched still. It felt brand new, fresh, and exciting again. I mean it when I say this: This WBC was THE BEST BASEBALL I have ever seen in my life. I was 100x more hyped for this entire tournament than I was when I started watching MLB again. The crowds, the drama, the sweet victories and the crushing defeats; it all felt special and important and necessary. Seeing countries compete and win that no one thought stood a chance was exciting and original. Taiwan had the most amazing crowd in the tourney, the energy and noise they brought was beyond next-level, it's a high benchmark that will be tough to top. Team USA and Justin Turner pulling out a last minute, do or die grand slam to send them on. And Ohtani in a purely poetic, beautiful moment of absolutely perfectly distilled baseball, striking out his teammate to win the WBC... HOW CAN YOU NOT BE ROMANTIC ABOUT BASEBALL? This WBC was the best baseball I have ever watched in my life.

[@PNW30568]

119 likes and not comment I'll change it

[@Mr.Tito_Pool]

Almost everything you just said defines my experience with Baseball as well. I started watching baseball again in 2021-2022 thanks to T-Mobile free regular season on MLB. I hadn’t watched baseball since I was a little boy. It all was coming back but with a little more respect for Americas past time. Being American and of Cuban decent it’s hard sometimes to relate with many people from your own country unless you are in Miami. But seeing Latin players meshing with America, American ball players and the whole melting pot that is Baseball I automatically clicked and felt at home. This WBC was by far the best baseball I have ever seen EVER!!!! I was rooting for USA but damn was I proud of how Miami showed up and showed loud with lots of energy in almost every game for all countries participating.

[@parka9945]

💯

[@barnold23]

Well put.

[@STR33TJESSUS]

How easy a scripted game can harvest your emotions

[@misslovedog8177]

It was honestly so amazing watching both the Japan-Mexico semis and Japan-USA finals. I didn't know until this year that this tournament even existed (thx mom for hording it to yourself lmao). That semi final between mexico and japan honestly felt like it had come out of a sports manga it was so amazing. I was watching the finals right before I had to leave for my flight to Japan for vacation. As a Mexican-American who loves Japanese culture, I have to say, the WBC was much more fun to watch than any MLB game I've caught on TV :D

[@brianflynn5355]

This year's WBC was special. Just phenomenal ❤

[@SUBMACHINEGOTH]

As a brazilian baseball fan, the WBC was THE most fun i had watching baseball in a looooong time. All the stories that this tournament had, all the fun and exciting games, all the massive, massive talent pool on all teams made this so incredible that is asinine (at least to me) that someone says that this is "an exhibition tournament". Whole countries get moved by it and so many other countries get interested in baseball. Just the fact that my friends, who NEVER watched baseball, asked me about "Whos that Ohtani guy?" is incredible.

[@brianmoore6724]

Brazil will get back to the tournament soon. I believe it!

[@omaramador4669]

I remember in the 90’s some Pan-American Games that Brazil baseball team was loaded by Brazilian-Japanese for me was 😮😮😮😮😮😮 because I never though that could happen so let’s do this for the baseball let’s keep alive

[@wilkesmcdermid7906]

@@omaramador4669 There been a few Brazilians in the MLB before I remember a guy for the Royals 2015 WS team who hit a walk off homer run.

[@DrVonNostrand]

Muito bem

[@codyives5409]

I hope the sport grows in Argentina and Brazil, since they already dominate in soccer/football.

[@armo-bb-]

I may not be a big sports guy but seeing a large group of people being enthusiastic and happy for their teams is honestly heartwarming and contagious I begin to cheer for them lol I love it

[@jimbojimbo6873]

Gay

[@BjornHungry]

@@jimbojimbo6873 homophobia is a homosexual tendency.

[@RobotShlomo]

Are you now willing to watch games on a regular basis, or is a handful of games every four years your limit?

[@armo-bb-]

@@RobotShlomo I can see myself tuning in more often now. Before it was just the main big games lol like the world cup and super bowl.

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

@@jimbojimbo6873 happy?

[@LEV1ATHYN]

I live in Japan and regularly see Angels caps (Ohtani), and M's (Ichiro) & Yankees (Matsui). Asia is nuts about baseball. The idea that the WBC "doesn't matter" is beyond foolish. MLB is in a distant 3rd in North American sports, it needs this tournament to grow.

[@nanaholic01]

Asia is not nuts about baseball - Japan is nuts about it and to lesser degrees South Korea and Taiwan but that's about it. China for example is all about soccer and basketball, India and Pakistan is all about cricket, and there's almost no meaningful baseball culture in South East Asia (Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines etc). Japan's baseball culture is already so big it even doesn't have much more room to grow anymore, though you can make an argue there's potential in the other areas of Asia outside of Japan for the sports to grow but as it is right now baseball in Asia is extremely niche.

[@burymeinjhenny918]

That’s awesome

[@nomar2004]

However, Asian countries which have strong influence from Britain (yea, the British Empire) do no like baseball. they like football(soccer) and cricket.

[@brianmeen2158]

Congrats Japan! We’re sll the players on Japan team mlb players or are they from the Asian leagues? Obviously I know Ohtani and Darvish are mlb players

[@jeriji6592]

@@brianmeen2158 many NPB players

[@desperado1736]

I’m a casual baseball fan , but honestly watching that WBC, it showed me the passion of baseball and it showed why this tournament should keep playing more , not even a World Series would’ve ever made such an impact as this one

[@rixrobin]

Mexico vs Japan is one of the best baseball games I have ever watched and USA vs Japan wasn’t far behind. I don’t really watch regular season baseball but I was hooked for the wbc.

[@wilkesmcdermid7906]

I only have the Japan-US game above Japan-Mexico because of the final out at bat being Ohtani vs Trout considered the best players representing their countries and arguably top 3 players in the world.

[@RickSanchez167]

You guys are both wrong, it was USA vs Venezuela 😂

[@josuegarcia2377]

Some ppl say the "final" was on Monday...

[@peakogo]

Same here 👍🏻

[@luiss.3866]

Tbh USA had the easier route which is why they made the finals but other than that nothing tells me USA was better than Mexico as a US fan.

[@jtodd0221]

I was absolutely glued to the entire WBC. Seeing players who are actually passionate about the game they’re in is incredible. The energy was crazy.

[@blizzard4wrestler]

I stopped watching baseball 10 years back. Shohei brought me back 2 years ago, and it was fantastic watching baseball have this kind of energy and excitement.

[@mrodriguez16ks]

you and me both dude. Ohtani is just must see once in a lifetime talent

[@joshuawilliams5435]

lol if a player like Ohtani is needed to get you watching again... what you gonna do once he's gone? fans like you are the worst lmao takes a dude like Ohtani to get you to watch.

[@Merawoo3]

Why you stopped watching the greatest sport?

[@W4TH3JE5U5]

@@Merawoo3 It's that kind of thinking that sat and watched baseball viewership stagnate year after year while other sports changed professional league broadcasting and rules to adapt to new audiences

[@willn8664]

What a coincidence. Wasn't around 10 years ago when Hideki Matsui retired?

[@dubzillaaaa]

I’ve never been a baseball fan and In 2017 I was in the Marines, stationed in San Diego and one my friends who’s really into baseball wanted us to go with him to watch the US vs Dominican Republic game so we went. I had never heard of the WBC so had no clue what to really expect. I’m not exaggerating when I say that game was one of the best live sporting events I’ve ever experienced. The crowd was so live, people were doing the wave, chanting, just having fun all around and then when Adam Jones made that catch on Manny Machado I remember the entire stadium just erupting with excitement and celebrating. It was hands down one of the best memories I have. I never realized how fun baseball could be to watch until that day.

[@octaviomarquez1361]

This World Baseball Classic was so much fun for the fans because the players played with so much pride representing their countries and their people. I bet you, Ichiro is still smiling.

[@zephyr2002]

Congratulations, Japan. I'm American, but lucky to live in Kyoto. Proud to root for both teams. Brings me back to my childhood in Seattle watching the Mariners of the 90's and 2000's.

[@追分356]

Wow Ichiro ＆Sasaki ！

[@paulnewell7722]

I lived in Tokyo/Yokosuka 5 years and was blessed to watch the Swallows and Giants play lots of games at Jingu. Such great memories!

[@FigureFarter]

Growing up in Texas, I was raised on the Astros but would also secondary the SoftBank Hawks thanks to my brother who loved Japanese things

[@m09527]

​@@追分356 and Griffey and a rod and Randy Johnson and a ton more. I grew up watching that team and going to games in the king dome. Good times as a baseball fan.

[@dukejpn]

15:43 Kazuhiro Sasaki, one of the legendary pitcher at the Mariners, provided live commentary on TV, screamed crazy and lost his word when Murakami hits a walk-off...

[@cowboyd5673]

It’s a shame that many US fans and Media didn’t care about this tournament. This tournament shows that baseball is growing.

[@csy897]

IKR. It's like EPL is important but fifa world cup makes EPL watched world wide. Same for WBC. If WBC were like the World Cup, MLB would be so much more enriched. Americans are short-sighted

[@mmacwebb7306]

Under Biden criminal family own America…liberals never care sports spirit thing. Americans become fools.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

well, if anything things are improving. ESPN showed the first edition in 2006 as an afterthought, from 2009-2017 MLB Network showed. This edition was broadcasted by the channels of Fox. The same Fox that broadcasts the World Series. The final was on FS1. In 3 years, I think the final will be on Fox

[@AntoSimoes]

Baseball is huge in Venezuela. Most played sport. Everyone was watching the WBC.

[@dontmisunderstand6041]

American media companies own most of the MLB clubs. I'll let you connect the dots from there.

[@Lonewolfwinters]

Sohei Ohtani and WBC are the two reason I got into baseball. I grew up playing basketball but, baseball is just different! Wow I'm proud of these countries who represented. Baseball is an amazing sport ! I am now a fan for life.

[@travisproo87]

US citizen living in Japan. The championship match was the stuff of legends. I knew the sentiment of the fans back home, but it was great to see the US give it their all. Hopefully the MLB teams and other critics of the tournament will see this and learn to appreciate the worldwide appeal that it brings to the sport.

[@whenisdinner2137]

If you think that the people complaining is the General sentiment of all Americans then you're delusional. The people complaining are in the vast vast minority.

[@dwayne2871]

Well said!

[@Meltpop]

Trout and Ohtani had a literal Anime showdown and ending ever

[@ManBearPigLOL]

i know there are story boards already drawn up for a show based on it

[@ninjaluc79]

Goro Shigeno vs Joe Gibson Jr in real life

[@SuperGalaxy]

@@ninjaluc79 and unlike in MAJOR, SHOHEI FLIPPED THE SCRIPT!

[@exia0616]

​@@ninjaluc79 too bad the ending wasn't quite the same, Goro threw his signature down the middle fastball to finish Gibson. Wish Shohei just straight out threw another 102mph down the middle to clear out trout.

[@SuperGalaxy]

@@exia0616 True but there is also an art to fooling a hitter like shohei did.

[@EclipseMints08]

"I don't know why the young generation aren't becoming fans of baseball" - Baseball tradionalist as they talk bad about something (WBC) that regular audience actually got interested in.

[@extrabladeworks_]

I don't watch baseball, but the wbc got me hooked

[@victorherreraguzman5014]

Baseball isn't a popular broadcasted game in Mexico. But that night against Japan, it went live, on public TV and everyone was watching the game

[@EPacker100]

As a Canadian I am very proud of how our country performed and are also very happy for Japans Win (I was rooting for you guys)

[@TigahStyleOG]

Checks out

[@stuartwayne4978]

Japan has produced some outstanding baseball talent.

[@CZsWorld]

I'm so glad we don't have to wait 4 years until the next one!

[@DiogoGDF]

When’s the next one?

[@miscellaneousproductions]

@@DiogoGDF It's every 3 years now, so 2026.

[@DiogoGDF]

@@miscellaneousproductions Thx

[@jessecruz7902]

​@Miscellaneous Productions actually guys, it's every 4 years. However due to the pandemic they had to adjust a bit. So we had one in 2017...pandemic...2023,2026,2029...2033 and then from there every 4 years.

[@chadkirk150]

@@jessecruz7902 But really they should just make it every 3 years permanently. This isn't the Olympics.

[@eltoroloco1936]

I've never seen anything like this in baseball. This has the World Cup feel to it. The passion is intense. Don't let up. This is short enough to capture the attention of the younger generation. My high schooler said they were talking about it in school and he cares nothing about baseball. They know countries though

[@Odioelfútbol]

Pues eso es bueno para el béisbol tal vez todavía no le interesa el béisbol pero en un futuro le puede interesar pero para eso ojalá el clásico mundial de béisbol cada vez tenga más éxitos

[@sandhogssundays]

WBC is the real world series! It has the potential for the whole world to love the game. It can one day become popular worldwide as soccer.

[@gridlore]

I have to admit, the storylines of this WBC drew me in, and it was some really fun baseball.

[@gridlore]

@てりすやきとりすりろりんじゅーしー The dynamics of the rivalry between the ROK and Japan are rooted in decades of oppression and slavery imposed by Imperial Japan on the Korean people. Planting the flag was a declaration of independence.

[@hobokyle7504]

I LOVED the WBC and this summary of it. I have one major complaint about the video... it was only 17 minutes long, I seriously could have watched your coverage of the WBC for hours. So many amazing plays, so many intriguing back stories, I can't remember the last time I've seen baseball this good.

[@Redsoxman9991]

I went to DR - Ven, Mex - JPN semi, and the championship game. Never seen baseball and crowds before like it and that includes a WS game. Will never forget it.

[@MistaGrim]

You were in baseball heaven there....amazing!

[@lmk10000]

Peak cinema my friend. It should've been awesome to be there.

[@zarzaparrilla67]

Spaniard here. At first I thought baseball was a boring sport to watch and I didn't understand the point of it, last year I started to be more interested in the sport watching lot of videos about it and some games, and now I can say I love baseball. Unfortunately in Spain baseball is virtually non-existent, and the few baseball that is played here, is only played by Venezuelan, Cuban or Dominican folks, very few Spanish people play it. I wish Spain gets more interested in the game so we can play the WBC some time, because it's really a fun game to watch. I just watched the Venezuela vs USA game and it was fantastic, though I was cheering for Venezuela. Now after watching this video I'm gonna watch the USA vs Japan final, I'm really excited because most people say it's one of the most epic games ever.

[@HoshizakiYoshimasa]

Give it time. Spins nearly qualified for the tournament but lost to Great Britain. Latin Spanish speaking world may influence Spain back in Europe

[@jkoolaii4523]

Espero que hayas visto también el de Ven - Dom y Méx - Jap Saludos desde 🇺🇸

[@Kalinka589]

No keep Europeans out of our sport you’ll ruin it!

[@cloudypie9466]

I grew up in a baseball (specifically Angels) household. My sister and I both played softball and our dad coached baseball at the highschool where he taught. My grandfather also played in the majors decades upon decades ago. I kind of fell off the baseball bandwagon a few years back as I just wasn’t having fun watching it. But while watching the final confrontation of Trout and Ohtani with my dad, I felt a rush that I hadn’t felt watching baseball in years. Learning about all that I missed out on is honestly really fun! I have a feeling that I’ll be watching the next MLB season very closely. I can’t wait for the next WBC!

[@exyerbamate]

WBC is amazing. As an American, I love seeing countries have the opportunity to represent their country and give themselves a name. I hope they never get rid of this, gives so many people opportunities and some amazing celebrations.

[@nehemiasvalentin]

Lmao you mean seeing people ?

[@MarioGonzalez-bd6uv]

This is a real world series the Best of the best❤

[@SarcasticChimp]

I'm a college student doing a semester abroad in Tokyo. Unfortunately I never got to go to a game, but we went to what's basically a sports bar, and holy crap. They passed out noisemakers to everyone who came in, people were ordering rounds for everyone, it was insane. This was in the group stage. I couldn't get into a bar during the finals because we couldn't find one that had even standing room left. We watched from the street.

[@nivyan]

There's something poetic about Americans not understanding a baseball tournament where people play for patriotic pride.

[@HoshizakiYoshimasa]

Maybe why some Americans don't like it is that it makes them feel self conscious about their pro league not being top level of Baseball. People were against the FIFA world cup when that first started up too

[@jacobq.2204]

ROFL that's totally wrong. All our best players don't even play. America attracts the best players in the world. I think most people don't care because our pros don't play. Let them play and watch this become huge.

[@Maxwell-ty3bf]

There’s something ironic about a stranger judging an entire country of 330 million people based on some loud people.

[@Maxwell-ty3bf]

@@HoshizakiYoshimasawhat a weird fucking assumption to make about 330 million strangers

[@nivyan]

@@Maxwell-ty3bf To be fair, you're all loud.

[@levishirley5311]

If I’m being honest, I’ve never had as much fun watching an MLB games as I had watching the WBC. Cant wait for 2026!!! 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@Cyber-BuIIy]

I’m new to this but I’m so addicted… do you know how often they have the WBC championship?

[@M1GR1]

@@Cyber-BuIIy After a Wikipedia search it was going to be every 4 years after 2009. There was one in 2013 and 2017. The one this year would've been 2021 if covid didn't exist. The next one will be 2026. According to the Wikipedia article (so grain of salt here) that they will decide "the scheduling frequency of future Classic editions being subject to the terms and conditions agreed at the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA)."

[@Cyber-BuIIy]

@@M1GR1 thanks for that info bro!

[@reb349]

Murakami's walk off will be the stuff of legends. Guy was scuffling at the plate all game but he hit it when it mattered the most. That was unreal

[@chrisdunfield513]

More than that game--he was in a slump (for him) the whole tournament. Manager had faith, and his faith was rewarded.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

I'm brazilian, and there is a soccer play by play man here that says "the team that has a great player never gets stood up". He might be on a slump, but all he needs is a good moment. Case in point, Murakami

[@robwalker2934]

i was a WBC hater for years... i started to to watch this year because i was bored and wanted to watch some baseball.... I now know the error of my ways... By far, one of the most fun i had watching baseball in YEARS! i cant wait for the next WBC... just 3 more years.

[@Scottiehatesh]

I really enjoyed the WBC. Baseball is a minor sport in Australia, and although some of our guys were playing in the minors in the states and Japan I feel like the showing Australia put in deserved a mention in this video. We beat the Czech Republic who was noted to be Japan's biggest competition? In short, great video but don't forget about the mammoth effort from the Aussies!

[@HoshizakiYoshimasa]

He probably had to cut the video short. But Aussies played great too!

[@zenokada2278]

I thought baseball had some player base in Australia Like the Chappell brothers and a few other cricketers played growing up?

[@eddrodriguez9645]

This was the Best Edition of World Baseball Classic ever. And even my country México makes the best Performance ever in my all 26 years of life. I hope WBSC can get more organized with the fields, available players and the show!

[@PakiRaja]

as a cricket fan who didnt support any team in particular this tournament was far easier to get invested in than an entire MLB season. MLB knows that the future of the sport is global, and this tournament is the best way to reach out to casual fans globally. Would love to see it as a biennial fixture, and who knows, maybe even Pakistan could qualify one day.

[@gtaquizmaster]

Pakistan has a good baseball team too

[@Mikhail-Stark]

Pakistan was in the qualifier that was celebrated in Panama. Your team has a lot of talented young guys that maybe in the future could qualify. I personally believe that the WBC would benefit from adding more spots, because it would add more countries and style of play to see in this tournament.

[@ramuelcruzada3207]

Man, if Australia, a country that is more on cricket than baseball can be competitive, then you can too.

[@insertnamehere5809]

Australia made it to the top 8.

[@itsjohnnyr8560]

I would *love* to see Pakistan compete in the WBC. Oh my goodness that would be a fun team to watch. If India could field a team as well, boom, there’s the rivalry.

[@Yesnog05]

I'm Japanese-American and watching the WBC has become a religious sport gathering for my family, just like the FIFA World Cup, Winter and Summer Olympics, and NBA Finals. My family and relatives in Japan absolutely love baseball and the atmosphere between a WBC game and an MLB game is day and night comparison. If only the US could take the WBC more seriously like the other teams, they could've built a baseball Dream Team! But I'm so proud of my home country winning the WBC!

[@whenisdinner2137]

The finals was absolutely tragic for the US offense. They stranded every single player they had on base in the only time they scored was solo home runs and they only lost by 1. I'm never going to root for Japan because they have won the things 3 goddamn times now. 😂

[@Yesnog05]

@@whenisdinner2137 I would root for team USA, but its hard to root for a team where their best players aren't even in it. Its like watching the '04 US Olympic Basketball team.

[@oscarzhang4734]

What does nba final has to do with all this?That game is not even international let alone every once 4 years.

[@Yesnog05]

@@oscarzhang4734 The NBA Finals aren't international, but my family (being huge basketball fans) love watching it. Sometimes we'd even have mini family gatherings at each other's house watching the game. Thats why it has such an importance equivalent to the other sporting events listed.

[@panner11]

@@Yesnog05 That's a relatable lists of events, my family is similar in that my dad is always glued when the olympics are on as well the NBA finals and the family at large tunes into FIFA. Seeing Messi's magical run come to fruition is something else. They don't watch baseball though and I'm trying to get them into it, and using Ohtani as the selling point. That '04 team was pretty loaded though. It had Tim Duncan, Lebron and Allen Iverson still and all others were allstars. Imo, it was more stacked than the recent teams. Like the tokyo 2020 team only had Durant as a top top player. No Curry, Lebron or Kawhi Leonard. So I don't blame lack of top talent for the 04', they just underperformed.

[@lindseymccoy1633]

as a cardinals fan i love nootbar every time he comes to bat the whole crowd yells NOOT NOOT its is so special

[@victorriefkohl1630]

Bro how could one not love baseball. Recalling these moments as a puertorican and as a baseball fan this brought tears to my eyes. If it was amazing as a fan, I can't imagine the pride all these players felt representing their country and uniting them.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

latin american fandom is the best thing this world has to offer. Speaking as a latin american (Brazilian)

[@Nick_Simpson007]

Seeing Trout vs Ohtani was the baseball equivalent of Mbappe vs Messi last World Cup couldn’t have asked for a better tournament

[@cidiose]

Pretty well put.

[@Nick_Simpson007]

@@cidiose bummed as an American that they didn’t win but as an Ohtani and Angels fan couldn’t be more happy for him and Japan

[@cidiose]

@@Nick_Simpson007 it’s a shame that Team USA couldn’t have their aces. Even then, GREAT game and a pretty fun tournament to watch through and through.

[@Abbaschand]

Accurate, seeing how Angels and PSG are also both wasting the talent of the two great players they have.

[@zk2939]

Who are those guys? You mean prime MJ vs prime Lebron?

[@de132]

It's obvious that the WBC will be an integral part of the future of baseball. This year's tournament was huge. Think about the impact this tournament is going to have in Czechia, Mexico, Australia, Puerto Rico, etc. A lot of kids are probably inspired by it

[@gheebuttersnaps13]

I think a lot of the resentment from certain Americans comes from the fact that they’re a little scared America won’t be able to win even if all the top guys are playing with no restrictions

[@Tu_Padre31]

​@@gheebuttersnaps13 it's not that, some of them are really elitist, and can't fathom anything else mattering outside of what they think is important (the MLB season and their favorite team)

[@Odioelfútbol]

Realmente siento que el béisbol está creciendo mucho en varios países como por ejemplo república Checa ve el mundial de pequeñas ligas en williamsport este mundial de béisbol clasificaron 3 países que no sabía que se jugaban béisbol en niños 😮😮😮 cómo Italia australia y república Checa vas a ver qué estan jugando república Checa y esos países cuando ni siquiera es muy famoso el béisbol ahí 😮😮😮 significa que el clásico mundial de béisbol está haciendo muy buen trabajo y ha hecho que el béisbol este creciendo mucho 😮😮😮 entonces realmente pienso que si es verdad el béisbol está creciendo mundialmente en muchos países uno de ellos es república Checa tambien en México está creciendo mucho y el béisbol está abriéndose muchas puertas en muchos países como argentina,costa rica, chile, Brazil en argentina y Brazil domina el fútbol obviamente pero con este torneo está ayudando que el béisbol crezca mucho

[@jimmythoj47]

Little over a year later and the video still gives me the goosebumps!

[@sugalee09]

Many MLB fans don't understand that the honor of representing your country in a highly competitive setting is one of the most proud moment for any athletes. Playing for a club/team is primarily business, but playing for country is glory. Like Messi for Argentina, Cristiano for Portugal, or any Olympians.

[@benisboi46]

If you truly loved the game, you would appreciate the WBC. It’s comical how MLB fans can’t seem to understand what it means for an athlete to represent their own country. If you loved the players and the game, you would never try to restrict their dreams, just for what? Your club to win? A business to win?

[@nagasako7]

MLB fans need to realize soccer is worlds biggest sport not because of English Premier League/Bundesliga, but because of FIFA WC. Baseball frankly should just make WBC bigger than WS years ago.

[@iameverywhere8551]

@@nagasako7 baseball ain't even biggest bat-ball sport coz of lack of support to WBC

[@dwayne2871]

A lot of MLB fans are posers and driven by false patriotism but at the end of the day they are just scared of embarrassing themselves in the very sport they created 🤷🏻‍♂️ I double respect the players who took the risk and represented America tho!

[@WiffGiff]

@@iameverywhere8551 yea cricket is much bigger, despite not being that global of a sport, but still bigger

[@rickbarrerah]

What a championship What a tournament Here in México we were bummed because of that 9th inning but hey it was a price to pay for that awesome final match

[@alanhsieh2351]

WBC meant so much for us Taiwanese people, even though we didn't advance because of the rules, we were still happy with the result, and we know the potential of our young players. We're gonna fight back next time. LETS GO TEAM TAIWAN

[@jasonanno3881]

Nice 👍👍

[@djplexiglass]

Taiwan played really well! Just gave up too many runs against them, this time. We'll be back for sure!

[@lucasperez7149]

加油！

[@kuroneko7022]

It was amazing to see how your fans supported the team, too! To me, that’s what sports is all about. Without the fans, what is it? ❤

[@zipp4910]

The reason im even getting into baseball was partially thanks to the WBC. I thought it was really cool hearing about it, and I began a slow interest in the game. I went to my first baseball game in like a decade last week. It was super fun!

[@MrSayonara28]

I’m a Puerto Rican,baseball is something special in our culture . Everybody or almost everybody loves it. Me personally had not watched MLB or baseball in some time before the WBC started. I watched the classic in support of my homeland and I don’t regret it,it was some of the best baseball I personally have seen. Made me be aware of the sport again and I’m gonna be tuning in for some MLB games when I have the chance.

[@BlackHawkDownSD]

This has been the most entertaining baseball I’ve seen in a while, I loved every game. I actually can’t believe people wanna cancel it

[@qzo-faith]

Typical American behaviour. Why do you think they named their finals the World Series?

[@mrswizzlestickz2646]

Just entitled American Pro couch surfers. (I'm American). The WBC was fun and can't believe Mexico didn't win that game against Japan.

[@glitchinthematrix3559]

@@mrswizzlestickz2646im mexican and I can believe Japan won because they are samauri warriors elite hitters who fight until the last pitch and win they did it to Mexico and shotani delivered it to usa worthy champions Japan and im proud my Mexico got a historic 3rd place

[@steamsteamy]

Rich people want to cancel it. Not just people.

[@ericburgos]

@@glitchinthematrix3559 ...which is exactly how your team played us (I'm Puerto Rican). Your game vs Japan was fantastic and if we had to lose to someone, Venezuela and Mexico were OK by me.

[@ZeuZLoD]

That Trout vs Ohtani at bat will live on forever as the best at bat ever (in my mind at least!!).

[@Quoise_]

TRUE

[@co_pa_]

in my mind, too!

[@Komo47]

*This is the way for baseball to grow.* Make Baseball a Global Sport.

[@drj9506]

I stopped watching baseball years ago and just started again this WBC, there was something that was just so magical about this tourney. It really reminded me the excitement I had as a kid when I would go see a game with my dad. Props to all the players and the czech team, everyone give it their all. One game, no series and everything on the line. Love it. Can't wait for 2026

[@Maqwell]

As someone who has never been interested in baseball, the moment I saw a clip of Yu Chang's HR against the Netherlands and the insanity that followed, I was INVESTED.

[@lucifersam7946]

Based Maqwell

[@JordanCox-n9l]

hi

[@seccionseis2322]

I don't know why I write to you after all of these messages but as a Mexican following Baseball for over 40 years I can say I love baseball more than ever. I'd seen your videos before and I appreciate how objective, precise and honest you are. I hope baseball and all of its culture continues to be known everywhere. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@babayaga239]

I really don’t understand why people don’t like the WBC. That was some of the most fun baseball I’ve ever seen.

[@ryomagaaracielfai]

Exactly!! I'm so grateful that MLB made the games available here in YT. At first, I'm skeptical if we could watch the entire 3 hr+ games; however, I was so wrong! We watched all the games of Japan and was never bored! It was so fun, and the players from all the countries who participated were awesome. I'm not even a fan of baseball, but WBC made want to watch the sport.

[@Singularityv616]

This was such an incredible tournament that drew me into being a fan, and your recap brought back those chills from watching it live just a couple of weeks ago. I can relate now why soccer games are so crazy… it’s about rooting for your entire country instead of just your local team.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

You're getting the hang of it. For us latin americans even more so. There is no lack of talent, but there is lack of money and excessive corruption inside our nations, that's why they go to Europe so early (in soccer). And it's also a chance to settle old fights in a more neutral ground than the UN or foreign relations. They came, stole much of the fortune... it's a way of taking happiness back too. They made us cry, let them cry now. Ex: you probably heard at some point about the rivalry between Britain and Argentina regarding the Malvinas (or Falklands) islands. They engaged in war in the early 80's due to it, 82 or 83 I think. Britain won on what was the final blow in the argentinean military dictatorship. Argentina still claim the island, but they will never get recognition in the international level. So, in 1986, Maradona scored against England a goal with his hand (every argentinean will say so) and the most beautiful goal in World Cup history. On the quarterfinals. In a span of 5 minutes. For the argentineans it's not about the goal being illegal, they know it is. It's about the war. Maradona said it better himself: they take our land and we take the World Cup from them. A fair trade. Japan vs South Korea in the WBC had the same energy. This edition was in Tokyo, if we got a next one in Seoul it will be even more loaded.

[@Definitely_not_Andrew_Yoshiaki]

One thing to note, as someone who lives in Tokyo, Japan, you can't underestimate the number of people who were actually tuned in. at 15:57, the video says the game was watched by 62.58 million. But I'd argue it was way more than that, Everywhere I went in the neighborhood, parks, all the radios were tuned in for the game, I saw bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants advertising they were showing games, some construction were haulted because of the game. Yesterday's final, I was on the train listening in on the radio, and so were everyone glued to their phone. I heard "banzais" and screaming, tears of joy as Ohtani got that last out against Trout, it was insane. Baseball is the greatest ahaha

[@Dutchovenderlinde]

I haven’t been big into baseball in a long time, but this (combined with the Mariners finally ending the drought) have piqued my interest again. The WBC was incredible and it was truly a storybook finish. I wasn’t even upset about the US losing; I was happy that we got that kind of ending.

[@Pvtims]

WBC is the greatest event for baseball WORLDWIDE. That's why the World Cup is so popular. I would love to see a future event like it. Ohtani vs Trout last AB to win the final game was a Top Ten highlight in 2022 and has the potential to be a worldwide phenomen.

[@kickthesky]

The WBC has been some of the best baseball I have ever watched in my life. I want more international competition in baseball.

[@Pcbdude82]

Lol then you haven't watched much baseball. 80% of these games were boring as hell

[@kiefdemon1979]

This tournament meant so much for me that even this recap is bringing back all the emotions I felt during this tournament. Since 2006 I've been wanting to go to a wbc to support my home country of DR. Just being there was good enough for me. Getting to buy my RD hat(I told myself I wouldn't buy one unless I was at the game) took me to the moon. Then I went inside Marlins Park(LoanDepot Park), and the party happening inside took me back home. All this before I got to seat, which was right next to the Dominican bullpen. It was electrifying to experience a wbc game. I went to the game against Nicaragua, in which we blew them out. The score was 6-1. Even tho we were up the whole time, every base hit, and Homer to extend the lead even more was a party. The WBC has always been great and it's now getting the respect it deserves. I also went to Japan vs Mexico semifinals. I was seated right in between a party of Japanese fans in the row behind me, and a party of Mexicans basically in the next 6 rows in front of me. I have never loved the Mexicans so much in my life, those guys really know how to party. The Mexican dude in front of me made sure the Japanese fans behind me partied with them as they celebrated everything that happened in the game even when Japan scored. My only regret is not going to see other countries play more.

[@israelsanchez2773]

Wow!

[@Ms.Mewitdabullshit]

Sounds like fun 🎉🎉🎉

[@Triqkshot]

An an American I hope they increase the importance of the tournament and congratulations to Japan you guys showed up in a massive way. Ohtani is that man and has a chance to be the best to ever do it.

[@GuruFromEHRPG]

So i was in Japan for the entire month of march. Was in Osaka and went to a British pub and the Japan V Australia game was on when i was in. I can't really do justice the explosion of noise when Ohtani hit that 3-run home run in the first. Just a surreal feeling I'd love to say Canada during hockey but even then, i think this tops it

[@miketrn16]

Went to both of the semifinals and the final with my brother. I've been to a lot of sporting events all over the world, but these were without a doubt the best games I've ever been to-each night, the atmosphere was electric. Being in the stands surrounded by folks from so many different backgrounds all there celebrating their teams and coming together with other countries' fans over a shared love of the game, and...just the product on the field, all of it was absolutely magical. Told my brother we'd tell our grandkids some day how we saw Ohtani strike out Trout. We've already agreed we're going to games next time but the Japan pool instead. But I'm not overstating it when I say they're the best games I've ever been to. I legitimately had goosebumps when Turner hit his home run and when Japan walked it off. Just absolutely loved every second of it.

[@weath3rch4rt31]

Agreed! I was at both semifinals and the final with a college friend. I have never experienced anything like the WBC in my life. The crowd, the play, the atmosphere, and the journey getting there was magical and gives me confidence that the game will keep getting better.

[@miketrn16]

@@weath3rch4rt31 had worried we (us, not the crowd) might not be able to get as into Japan vs. Mexico, but obviously that ended up being just an unreal game. Glad you enjoyed it! Hope we'll all be able to go next time and that it only keeps getting better.

[@Yuki.Hinode]

​@Journey197 Bro, I PROMISE that you will not be disappointed going to watch the games in the Japan pool. You will REALLY have fun there. One of my fondest memories was in the second WBC when Japan beat Korea with the mercy rule, but the whole stadium was still rocking after the game ended. Korean fans were obviously disappointed, but even they were still loud and very raucous for the entire game. It truly is amazing. The love that Japanese people have for baseball really shows during the tournament. Make sure to celebrate at a local bar if Japan wins. You'll have a great time. Won't even matter if you don't speak Japanese, lol.

[@miketrn16]

@@Yuki.Hinode I loved when I visited Japan just for regular tourism a handful of years ago-I'm sure baseball games there, especially meaningful ones, will be amazing. Keep getting great endorsements like this everywhere I comment, too. So jealous you got to see them play Korea as well! Hopefully we'll get to go to some matchups like that. And hope you'll be able to go to some WBC games next time around, too. Was lucky enough to have played baseball in Cuba with a US national amateur team a few years ago and know the fervor for the game in Japan might be even greater. If the atmosphere is anything like Cuba was or like these WBC games were...I'm already excited and it's three years away haha.

[@Yuki.Hinode]

@Journey197 I haven't been to wbc games since 09' tournament, so I'm definitely looking to go back. Even the regular baseball games in Japan are fun though. Japanese people really love baseball. Seeing a baseball game at the Tokyo Dome is the Japanese equivalent of going to Yankee Stadium in the US. It's definitely a must-see, especially if the Tokyo Giants are playing the Hanshin Tigers (basically Red Sox - Yankees). I really hope you get a chance to experience baseball in Japan. Even the high school games are amazing, even though I've only seen them on TV.

[@JuampiRotger]

USA vs Venezuela was the first baseball game I ever watched. Baseball is not really a thing in my native Argentina, but I knew it was big in the Caribbean and most Asian countries. So I wanted to see what all the hype was about. Even without knowing the first thing about the sport or the players, I immediately understood I was experiencing greatness. Then I got to watch Mexico vs. Japan, absolute classic. And then the final. Again, I had no idea who Shihei Ohtani or Mike Trout were, and still I could see that the game was heading towards that matchup. It did not disappoint. This tournament made me realize how electric a baseball game can be. Even a blowout like USA vs. Cuba was somewhat entertaining. Will make sure to check more of it in the future. You just got a new fan.

[@luismanuelreyesRD]

Te recomiendo el canal de beisbol momentum aquí en KZbin no te voy a defraudar el canal se trata de hacer Challengers , también el anime diamond no ace para que entiendas más en profundidad el béisbol y el matchup que existe entre bateador y pitcher, saludos de una de la potencias del béisbol República Dominicana éramos el favorito para este torneo por encima de Japón y Estados Unidos pero por cosas de la vida este clásico fuimos un fracaso total el peor de la historia del béisbol, es como argentina perder en primera ronda.

[@davon7100]

Ohtani to Japan is what Messi is to Argentina. Over 90% of Japanese saw Ohtani vs Trout duel that probably is the most iconic at-bat in the last 50-60 years. I will say MLB cannot match the excitement of WBC. One too many games and stupid old traditions that need to go. I think the WBC format is good cause each game matters so much more in WBC than in MLB. MLB rivalry and playoff games are still quite good though. I feel bad for Mike Trout cause hes not even that famous in the US and he is arguably the best American baseball player of the last 10 years. Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge are more famous than him despite not being as talented only because they play in NY.

[@BigRichfrank]

WBC reminded us how fun real old fashioned baseball ⚾ can be!!

[@Shamir725]

hell yeah

[@yankees2864]

new fashioned baseball you mean

[@BigRichfrank]

@@yankees2864 3 outcome quickball ?yeah. I mean American new style , commercial, lack of short term memory baseball. Yes that stuff!!

[@CrowtheBOOLET]

I only gotten in baseball recently because of my Japanese friends and funnily enough we actually bonded over the the WBC finals since our two teams were competing against each other. It was a pretty great experience and something I won't forget any time soon.

[@Odioelfútbol]

La verdad que si yo soy mexicano y de un lugar que se llama Mérida ya tengo ido a ver béisbol en vivo y es muy divertido la verdad estas ahí nervioso que pueda pasar cada rato y para mí el béisbol es muy divertido ver en vivo y un poco aburrido en la tele pero muy divertido jugarlo y verlo en vivo 😊😊

[@ff3815__]

Mexico vs Japan was the most entertaining game of baseball ive ever watched

[@Von199X]

Props to you man, you are very good at promoting it! I watched it because of my grandma she used to play softball and watched MLB she died 3 years ago, watching baseball reminded me of her

[@Tu_Padre31]

I feel for you Man ✊🏽✊🏽, keep your head up🤝 glad this brought you some joy

[@djtrankilo231]

I wish you could've mentioned how Team Mexico took almost the entire country of Mexico by storm. Baseball is popular in Mexico and it's safe to say that it's the #2 sport in the country. #1 is obviously soccer, but lately, Mexican soccer fans feel so disenfranchised by the Mexican soccer federation for subpar performances from the national team, the league being mediocre, complaceny, more Mexican matches in the US than in Mexico and overall corruption. Many gave baseball a chance and are now so proud of Team Mexico for making a deep run and consider Randy Arozarena a national icon for expressing his gratitude, love and respect for Mexico and its people.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

as a brazilian we feel the same way with our national team. A team that the mexicans witnessed first hand and fell in love when we assembled a wrecking crew for the 1970 World Cup. Some of our problems are common. a media conglomerate making the national team one of it's products is the most obvious example. corruption is another common thing. and so is a poorly organized league. But the thing that I really cannot get or even stand (nothing personal against the fans like you) about the mexican league is the two champions per year system. This was a screwed up idea born out of the mind of Julio Grondona in Argentina, which was built to make Boca Juniors come out of a 15 year title drought, but somehow spreaded all over south america (except for us) and Mexico too. I'm not against the final that the league has (the correct name is liguilla, right?), or an independent point table for each half of the games. But make one champion. Ex: the champion of apertura vs the champion of clausura in the final, winner is league champion. About baseball, Mexico, even before this year, has a good history in the MLB, since at least the days of Fernando Valenzuela

[@gervas4935]

In soccer you have over 200 countries competing for the world cup. In baseball you dont. When you have a country like the Czech republic that only has 8 teams in there leage competing in this tournament and many of there players are teachers, electricians, plumbers its just a joke. For Mexico to make almost every world cup in soccer and always be in the top 10 or 20 out of over 200 countries is impresive. What happens in 20 or 30 years if Mexico doesnt win this baseball tournament? The fans will probably be disapointed in them to just like in soccer.

[@Jewish.Hotdog]

Tbh baseball and basketball more popular in mexico. If u go to mex and chat with people, you'll find more people know their favorite MLB all star vs mexican national team player. I've started mote convos through my old baseball knowledge then through soccer. It's was odd at first but baseball the only cheap accessible sport. One taxi driver was telling me how all the occupations have their own leagues. Like taxi driver vs lawyers typa beef.

[@jesusxdv1]

​@@gervas4935Tampoco exageres, en el fútbol no hay 200 países compitiendo por la copa mundial. Solo son 32 los que juegan por el titulo. Y México está muy lejos de ser de los 10 en el ranking FIFA. Viste que los eliminaron en primera ronda en Qatar?. México no entra ni en un top 25, realmente las victorias contra islitas del Caribe y uno que otro centroamericano no muy posicionado le va muy bien, pero ya jugando contra Brasil, Argentina, es más ahora hasta con Estados Unidos no es nada, ese ranking es más falso que nada.

[@helloman3676]

Boxing is number 1 in Mexico and it’s not even close….

[@k.p9810]

I’m a Japanese. and yes I have watched all WBCs in the past. But WBC 2023 was by far the most electrifying, most exciting and most beautiful WBC ever!!! The word “beautiful” is best depict the game. I grew up watching baseball in Japan, but this one changed my perception towards baseball completely. I can’t forget the phrase that the Mexico’s manager said after they lost to Japan by walk off. He said “Japan advances, but the world of baseball won tonight.“ 😭 WBC 2023 made me fall in love with baseball. WBCs before that had not have that kind of effect on me.

[@nextimrose7188]

As a Met fan, it was sad to see what happened to Diaz and my mood was somewhat soured on the WBC however as time went on and the more insane stuff happened in the tournament, I realized that I shouldn’t blame the tournament and I love how this event brought the world together for baseball.

[@whenisdinner2137]

Dude got hurt in an absolute freak accident that had nothing to do with baseball. It's not like he blew out his arm on the final pitch. He got injured in his leg jumping up and down.😂

[@MrDeath5300]

​@@whenisdinner2137 true, and besides, it's their countries they're representing, I'm sure they'd happily get injured wearing their country's flag once every 3-4 years, instead of sitting and watching just to play another season with their team in the US, which after all it's just a job and a new contract offer can change it in the blink of an eye

[@whenisdinner2137]

@@MrDeath5300 if it were me I'd much rather get injured after clutching up for my country rather than get injured playing some meaningless spring training game

[@draneym2003]

And this is exactly the problem. If MLB really cares they'd stop the season for two weeks and play it. But they don't care enough for that, so you get guys ramping it up when they're still getting ready for the season, and boom injury.

[@h1t0k1r1]

Billionaires gonna billionaire and hate anything that affects “their” money. All the pundits that shout that the WBC is meaningless are just bootlickers

[@Ash0921]

I’m Mexican, and only watch fútbol. I’ve never cared about baseball. I didn’t even know the word baseball classic was going on until Mexico kept advancing and everybody kept talking about it. I was able to catch Mexico vs Japan and then watched Japan vs USA final. Had so much fun watching the games and it made me very interested in the sport. Can’t wait for the next one! I’ll try to watch it from beginning this time.

[@ccdman4909]

Welcome to the good guys

[@aureumursa1833]

It's going to be great seeing this tournament grow in the coming years, especially in Europe which is where baseball really needs to get popular next. These were some of the most fun games I've ever seen.

[@doppelplusungutmensch1141]

As a German I totally agree. Baseball has so much potential, but in Europe it's just under the radar. Unfortunately. I became a baseball fan after watching a movie, had nothing to do with baseball before that, as nobody in Germany does. I think one way to make baseball in Europe more important is to make baseball in the US more passionate. After all, the MLB is the biggest baseball league there is, but if you think about the games, they are slow (luckily that'll change due to rule changes) and maybe even more important the fans a quiet. Yes, Americans won't consider that quiet, but watch how Europeans sing and celebrate during football games. Baseball is quiet, baseball is an event, not a passion. Sports in Europe always was a passion. If MLB crowds would become as loud, as passionate, as crazy as WBC crowds, maybe baseball would catch on in Europe as well.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

@@doppelplusungutmensch1141 that is true

[@noot6230]

Yeah I don’t understand how people can say it doesn’t mean anything, we’re one of the biggest proponents of national pride. Playing the sport you love for your country is an honor. We should definitely keep the WBC going.