Why is the World Baseball Classic suddenly popular in 2023?

[@Luiiciano]

It’s always been popular in the rest of the world. The US just catching up

[@koiturnbull5700]

WHOLE sentence is the TRUTH!!!

[@A4Romo]

Well said! agree 100%

[@Waffle_stomp]

In a hand full of countries not the whole world

[@ericlego321]

And the us going all in elevates the whole field to a whole nother level

[@kayvee6444]

​@@Waffle_stomp I think they meant in the rest of the baseball loving world

[@richardanzlovar5372]

Shohei Ohtani pitching to Mike Trout in the ninth inning to decide the championship was one of the greatest baseball moments of all time. Unreal awesomeness of epic proportions!

[@jprivera406]

This tournament is amazing. I’m from Guatemala which is not a baseball country and my friends who don’t watch MLB have been excited about this. They even follow players that they loved. It’s an amazing tournament and very good to grow the sport.

[@davidday2373]

In Guatemala, what sports are popular right now? CONCACAF Champions League is happening right now. My team Los Angeles FC/MLS just played in Costa Rica against LD Alajuelense... Montagua/Honduras is in the Quarter-Finals... What sport are people in Guatemala watching?

[@jprivera406]

@@davidday2373 the most popular is always football/soccer. Specially La Liga since a lot of people are Barcelona or Real Madrid fans. Not even our own league es watched by the most Guatemalans

[@199311walter]

It's worth noting that baseball is gaining ground in Guatemala due to the huge influence of Mexican sports media

[@jprivera406]

@@199311walter you could say that but not really. Guatemala won a william sport international tournament around 2010 if I’m not wrong, and not a single soul cared besides who already liked baseball. I’ll say I’ve seen more people invested in this tournament than ever before. And I guess is because how a world tournament featuring the world’s best is so attractive. Last night my friends kept asking me about Japan and their players and Trout. This tournament is baseball best asset right now and they have to sell it as best as they can.

[@andredrums8737]

Primero Dios un día podamos tener nuestra propia selección jugando en el clásico 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@amaurylast614]

I'm from the Dominican Republic, and I never ever saw something like that in my 30 years of living in New York. I went to a Dominican Bar in Washington Heights to watch the game against Venezuela and It was crazy. There were people that had to wait more than two hours making line to enter the Bar. It was full of people with the Dominican flag, T-shirts, and caps yelling for our team. Sadly, we lost to the Venezuelan team, but the atmosphere and the place were electrifying. You could feel the emotion of the people watching their team play for their country. I have never seen anything like this for a baseball world cup, especially in New York (Washington Heights). Everyone is talking about that world in barbershops, restaurants, Latin television, and even taxi drivers.

[@JGARCIA2012FULL]

Estos Americanos no saben ni como se vende este juego, y fueron los que lo inventaron; de verdad que estan en una cueva mental, espero que salgan pronto, los dueños dejen de llorar tanto y dejen a los jugadores jugar!!

[@benmanutd2]

I am living in the Netherlands and I'm surprised my local friends were talking about WBC here. They never watched a game of baseball and they don't know what's going on but they are just happy to see their country playing in a world stage

[@royc888]

just watched the Jpn vs Mex game, what an amazing game!

[@tjmckenzie4048]

For me, it's the passion shown by the players outside of the US and Canada. The Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Japan all play as hard as they can for their country. I never missed a game this entire tournament. It was awesome!!!

[@RafaAkd]

I'm Venezuelan, I know that for our players it means the world. Also, having Venezuela play in Miami, you guarantee sold out stadiums for the most part. Soccer players also get injured during the WC, it's just part of sports. And MLB teams will be fine, all those contracts are insured

[@brodiebrazil]

Good point about insurance. Still not optimal to lose a player, but… not an entire loss.

[@purpletacos4609]

@@brodiebrazil I wonder if their rates go up when teams allow their players to participate?

[@pahwraith]

@@brodiebrazil neymar had his back broken in the 2014 world cup.

[@rng8119]

​@@brodiebrazil this is why the world cup is held every 4 years, teams can't afford to have their players get injured every year, plus it adds to how special the world cup is

[@israelcazessus2416]

Amen

[@xX13LoneWolf13Xx]

Puerto Rican fan here, it’s about national pride and identity for us! The love of the sport and something to unify and cheer for! We love our team and thank them for great moments every time they’re assembled! They also inspire a lot to our youth, I’m sure it’s the same in other international countries!

[@MightyMattTM]

Not trying to be rude, but isn't Puerto Rico a territory of the U.S.? Your governor answers to the POTUS, you benefit from our social programs, immediate U.S. relief from natural disasters, etc. Wouldn't it be territorial pride? If we voted to make you all a state before the next WBC, you would be in the 51st U.S State of Puerto Rico. Your nation is the U.S.A.

[@LopezBoricua]

We love our beautiful Island 🇵🇷 we are very different culturally speaking. I’m proud to be an American citizen and I’m great full for that but my love for my people in the Island is very special. I don’t know how to explain it….

[@emanueldelacruz1101]

​@@MightyMattTM Puerto Ricans national pride make no sense but they are really proud of their island for some reason. They carry their flag everywhere. I'm like "How does that work?"

[@arkblazer1]

@@emanueldelacruz1101 similar to texan national pride and southerners who carry the confederate flag.

[@arkblazer1]

@@MightyMattTM Most of us would like aswell but sadly we aren't accepted by the senate, who have the final say. As to why we can compete as our own separate team, tell that to SCOTUS and their decisions on the insular cases. which basically made us into second class citizens if we live in the island. The only upside is that we can have our own sport teams and play in the olympics, miss universe, etc. Trust me, most of us in PR would love to be the 51st with all the same benefits, responsibilities and privileges.

[@bay005]

I’m from the country of Shohei Ohtani. Our Japanese fans have been crazy from 2006. The players of team Japan this year had watched 2006’s WBC and grew up to be a baseball player to represent the country. WBC is meaningful to get the skills of our baseball players higher.

[@edgarponce746]

Dude we almost had you! -Mexico Fan 🤘🏽😄

[@YK9002]

@@edgarponce746 It was a great game. To me, Mexico vs Japan was the best game in this WBC. Yes, your team almost eliminated my team despite our confidence in our pitchers. What a fighting spirit Team Mexico has. Great spirit! What a great baseball!🇲🇽🤝🇯🇵

[@theamazinghippopotomonstro9942]

I would love for baseball to spread across the world so I'm happy to see this tournament doing well

[@matthewmaning4859]

It already has.

[@kiroolioneaver8532]

To be fair, I don't think the game is growing past the areas it already has a base in (East Asia, the Caribbean, Australia) which this tournament will no doubt help. Having teams represent Italy and Great Britian with American players kind of devalues the tournament

[@spencergraham-thille9896]

I'm hoping for it to survive lol.

[@csmith6583]

@@kiroolioneaver8532check out the World Cup (soccer) teams. So many African teams had English and French players. No one said that devalued those teams tho

[@westhoodqualzini7884]

@@kiroolioneaver8532 baseball is not popular in Australia. Taiwan, Japan, Caribbean and Central America plus Venezuela

[@LinktheSamoyed]

Being Australian and into baseball, I noticed that as our team did well and started getting on the news, other people were suddenly now watching the rest of the games and many those people had never watched a baseball game in their life and didn't actually know Australia had a baseball team AT ALL before then. So who knows, this might have a knock on effect some of those will go on to watch MLB, buy merch, and indirectly build and grow the sport to people who never even thought about the game before the WBC.

[@rajivmurkejee7498]

Baseball is a long established but always small sport in Australia. The way to get a wider audience is via a national team competition like the WBC (with real national teams not the No MLB player Olympics) Not many Australians really follow soccer, but everyone seems to follow Australia at the World Cup (Qualification rules for national teams are a joke however -see Israel and Italy)

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Look it up budy. Once there was a friendly exhibition game between the USA & your country in 1956 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Over 100,000 people showed up.

[@LinktheSamoyed]

@Mr. Pete Channel has reached the big time! yep, though nearly after 70 years I am sure it had lost its momentum

[@eegh]

As a baseball fan in Taiwan, I'm always curious about the popularity of baseball in Australia. There used to be some very famous players, like David Nilsson and Jeff Williams, who played quite well in MLB and Japan. And as I know, some players from Japan, Korea and Taiwan also choose to play in Australian league for improving their skills. But judging from the size of stadium, it seems baseball doesn't have a huge fanbase there.

[@rajivmurkejee7498]

@@eegh In Australia baseball is a small but well-established sport -if that makes sense The oldest Baseball clubs probably date from the 1870s. The WBC received zero coverage in most media . The Australian fans at the grounds would have been family members or club friends of players Most players come from baseball families (like in most minor sports )

[@RyanJamilArioja]

As a Filipino baseball fan, I'd love to see the Philippines come back and be interested in baseball again, hopefully enough to participate in the WBC. We have a big baseball stadium here in Manila and used to be a baseball powerhouse in the 50s-70s alongside Japan and Korea. Nowadays, the only baseball tournament we have is in collegiate level, and I don't think anyone is watching the games live, let alone even considered to be televised. Weirdly enough, Tim Tebow is part of our national baseball team that participated in this WBC qualifiers.

[@Ekim1740]

Filipinos dont like baseball. But it is a sport that you dont have to be that tall to be a good team.

[@botbenz]

Filipinos have had a professional basketball league for nearly 50 years. Yet, they still could not advance in a FIBA tournament. Meanwhile, Japan has been in the WBC Finals thrice in WBC's short (

[@Tonyconstanza]

Filipinos are too into basketball and they would be much better suited for baseball

[@OshiZlebaseball]

Is baseball still trying to find its place in the Philippines just like how it is with Great Britain. They did make it to the LLWS before.

[@markcaserta1367]

Philippines used to be into baseball. I am not sure why that changed.

[@josecamacho9781]

Yesss, I'm not a baseball fan but when I see this tournament I'm 100 % into it that makes me think about spending time going to see professional baseball in my area. So it's positive

[@foxbat473]

I am a Zimbabwean working in south Africa and this is for the first time in my 36 hrs of living to hear people discussing about baseball at work

[@davidday2373]

I love it. I never heard of **Randy Arozarena** before this... come to realize that he's an MVP, a World Series all-time record-setter. Dude is fun to watch.

[@danr154]

His backstory is crazy too if you read about that also and why he plays for team Mexico.

[@MattGS22]

I’ve tried to get my manager into baseball for the past 2 years, he never budged. Now he won’t stop talking about the Mexico team and their games. I’ve never talked about baseball at work (grocery store) and the customers adding on to how enjoyable the games are

[@nelsongalan1417]

MLB is boring, that’s why.

[@MattGS22]

@@nelsongalan1417 it’s the fact that 162 games have no stakes till the end of the season when we actually know how valuable each match up is. I think instead of the pitch clock they should’ve shrunk the season to 140-150 games

[@RobotShlomo]

@@MattGS22 There's no way on earth the owners would ever go for that. "Hey, you know how you have home games to make money? Yeah, we're going to take away about 10 of those because we want to sacrifice them to have your players whom you pay millions for, to play in an exhibition tournament". Baseball is supposed to be an every day event played at a leisurely pace, but there are things you can do to speed the game up. First, call strikes as outlined in the rule book. Second, start enforcing rules 5.01 and 8.04 where the batters can't leave the batter's box, and the pitcher has to deliver the ball in a timely manner. The pitch clock hopefully solves the latter.

[@MattGS22]

@@RobotShlomo the season used to be shorter. Also a shorter season could mean healthier players and more promotions throughout the season. A shorter season has its benefits and its drawbacks

[@njyankeesfan]

The US winning in 2017 was such a huge boon, getting more and more American stars like Trout and Betts getting involved. The two US-DR games and the semis between the Netherlands and Puerto and the US and Japan were as good as any classic World Series game. The atmosphere in Tokyo and Miami have been so good.

[@Bones12x2]

Yep, Adam Jones catch in 2017 was the most important thing to happen for the WBC classic. That play basically ensured that the US would finally give the tournament the respect it deserved and that the other countries had already been giving it. It may sound selfish but the WBC would never truly take off until the US took it seriously.

[@KusMoGX]

Yes! I think this is it. Consider this: Mike Trout himself declined an invite to the 2017 WBC and echoed the general US fan's consensus about it being an exhibition game. BUT immediately after it ended, he did a 180 and said he loved what he saw and wanted to be in the next WBC. And look at him now! True to his word, unlike LeBron who said something similar about the Slam Dunk Contest and feeling inspired to participate in the next one, but never did.

[@otaviofrnazario]

I still remember that catch of Adam Jones, it's when I really saw what the Classic was all about and could be

[@jazedre3437]

Seeing all these big names representing their country and realizing that every pitch, every play in offense, in defense is top notch worth your whole attention. I am loving it and the fact that's every 4 years is making it more exciting. I am Mexican and the wifey is Japanese so we got our jerseys and we are preparing our snacks :)

[@jellybellyboothang]

it's every 3 years but cheers!

[@GeminiFate]

Stoo lying nerd. No self-respecting Asian would ever settle for a Hispanic. Lol

[@GeminiFate]

You're just another one of those cringe weebs🤣🤣🤣

[@danr154]

you okay dude? that was a tough one. Your team fought incredibly hard, much respect.

[@Bones12x2]

Wow, I bet y'all had a fun time last night! My friend is from Mexico but we have been to Japan together twice on vacation with a group of bros so we love Japan. So we got a group of guys together and watched last night. It was a blast. My buddy was cheering for both teams basically.

[@carlosmanuelsaint-felixgar4068]

Yes I 100% agree that the WBC is finally establishing itself as one of the greatest events in world’s sports. Also the growth of some leagues around the world is contributing to the growing of the game. In Colombia and Panama the popularity of the game is increasing, and it’s a huge passion in Japan and South Korea. I think after the success of this WBC, MLB and the World Baseball and Softball Confederation should invest more money, try to get more sponsors so the metallic prizes are higher and the incentives for players to go are gonna be higher as well.

[@kylo180]

we need some growth in europe. and thats hard cause they are obsessed with soccer and are getting into basketball and thats about it .

[@waltermegson3778]

Baseball is the most popular sport In Panama

[@Odioelfútbol]

​@@waltermegson3778Pues si pero creo que se refiere que a más gente le está gustando no por qué sea el deporte más popular de esos países significa que todos los juegen puede ser que a otros le guste el fútbol, basketball etc más gente que no ve béisbol están empezando a seguir el béisbol

[@Exiledspectre]

I think the host is dramatically underestimating how important this tournament is for the Latin American Countries and the teams in Asia. If you go back and look at the crowds and the viewership outside the US the numbers and popularity have always been huge. In Cuba, the DR Japan South Korea, this their Superbowl. The WBC was hosted in Canada in 2009 and I was fortunate enough to goto a few games and it was unreal.

[@juan1189]

This should follow the FIFA soccer world cup or the FIBA basketball format. Have it every four years or 3 and have those 20 countries or 24 countries to make it good. Maybe have Japan host. then rotate to Mexico, USA or Panama. The national pride is awesome. I am not even a baseball fan but this got me more interested then a world series game. I think all players should participate and represent their country. I still think this is awesome. That Puerto Rico Dominican game was dope.

[@clarkesmith.]

The entire WBC format is based on FIFA World Cup.

[@melzer1377]

FIFA does a good job making the World Cup the biggest sporting tournament in the world. Not even the Olympics has such big numbers in viewership. There's a lot baseball can learn from them to make this sport more worldwide. Even in the US, you can see a big increase in soccer fans the last few years. Look at how European clubs take advantage of that increased interest and do promotional tours and exhibition matches in America to popularise the sport there.

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

FIFA has considered & many want the FIFA WC every 2 years.

[@RobotShlomo]

Most of those players who "represent their country" aren't even from those countries, and I doubt they could even find them on a map.

[@juan1189]

@@RobotShlomo for some countries but can't say that about Japan or Diminican Republic

[@clintonsmith9178]

As an Australian baseball lover, I've been waiting a very long time to see the green and gold back in international competition. And I love it! We're a proud sporting nation with World Champions in many sports, and seeing us against the best teams in the world is a beautiful thing. Representing your country should be the pinnacle of any sport and it's about time MLB realised that.

[@Odioelfútbol]

Sera que si el béisbol crece mucho a nivel mundial pueda ser popular el béisbol en Australia? Me encantaría que en un futuro australia sea potencia en béisbol

[@APlsUCK]

@@Odioelfútbol Would be hard because of cricket, but given baseball and cricket happen in opposite seasons it could work. Australians are very wary of adopting American customs though, and typically a bit of a superiority complex about our sports (as an Australian, although sometimes I think it's justified haha).

[@itstruckmonth6464]

Regarding the attendance figures, more fans attended the games during the Pools phase of the WBC (1.010 M) than during the Athletics and Marlins entire season last year (788k and 907k respectively). Also, did some math for the fun of it. If I'm correct, given the crowd numbers of the knockout stage games so far, and estimates of the next two games given they're also sold out (total of 1.267M attendees), its likely this 2 week tournament will also surpass the Rays and Pirates cumulative seasonal attendance last year (1.128 M and 1.257 M respectively). It's phenomenal how much this tournament has grown in popularity and given how good this year was, I can't wait for 2026.

[@ericayala7387]

this only because in miami the countries that played their were well represented locally. they had mexico play in the pool that played in arizona and they let taiwan play in taiwan and had japan play korea and china in the middle of tokoyo. So all of those games were going to sell out

[@RobotShlomo]

Those attendance numbers are misleading. The A's are essentially a lame duck team. They're going to be moving to Las Vegas in the very near future. The Marlins ownership has been struggling to put a winner on the field.

[@esteban1973]

Something you missed mentioning is the winter leagues in the Caribbean. The timing IS perfect. Caribbean leagues just finished days before the WBC began. Some of the mlb players were there and already in shape before spring training.

[@stephanruiz-zink8120]

It is so crazy that it took American fans this long to realize that their own creation, the wbc, is the coolest thing in baseball. Welcome!

[@danr154]

So much fun! Wish there was more rounds, more countries....do it every 2 years lets gooooo! Also it would be sweet if the Finals was a 3 or 5 game series! Maybe quarters onwards are all best of 3 with the finals being best of 5? I love the intensity of single elimination but......a big part of baseball is team depth and proving you werent just hot or cold for a day or a victim or benefactor of fluke pitching good or bad. I dunno, above my paygrade to figure out but its pretty great!

[@stephanruiz-zink8120]

@@danr154 I actually agree with a best of 5 series format for the finals. Doesnt seem feasible now considering all the buzz around injuries but maybe one day, this event doesn't seem to be going anywhere any time soon.

[@theverstappening4389]

@@danr154I respectfully disagree with this take. World championships in regards to teams should be kept in a 4 year rotation. Thats what makes the FIFA World Cup exciting. And even more the knockout rounds should be one game only. The WBC made a great choice adding quarter finals this year, it made for more exciting action. I would only maybe add a 24 team expansion, with 8 teams qualifying for the tournament based on zone allocation (i.e. Europe and Asia / South America and the Caribbean)

[@RobotShlomo]

This fan still doesn't think it's "the coolest thing in baseball", and it doesn't fix the problems with the game.

[@ultimatepotato192]

I don't even care for baseball but yet i watched mostly every game of the wbc 2023

[@101scorpions]

As a Filipino-American, I salute all the countries that participated in the WBC. The teams (countries) were great. The championship game of Japan vs USA was fantastic. Ohtani vs Trout was better than any storybook ending. Baseball wins.

[@markcaserta1367]

The Philippines need to get back to playing baseball. They would be one of the top teams. They have the talent. It's just not being developed.

[@elonmusket1820]

Super excited for the future of the WBC. The atmosphere for these games is just different it feels like do or die baseball. Especially the PR vs DR game was electric ⚡️

[@kikis2686]

Personally speaking its been always popular for those who follow Baseball. This year made it even more special and accessible for me because they played in Miami. I was born in Nicaragua and although I have lived here for the entirety of my life. I went to show support to the Nicaraguan team who made its debut. and even though we've had good players in the MLB Nicaragua has never made it. It is just special to see your home country's team on an international stage and have a positive impact on the youth of your country and every other country represented and not represented.

[@kylo180]

that one young guy on the nicaraguan team who got a major league contract out of his impressive performance was cool.

[@T.C.Clarien]

Nicaragua 🇳🇮 🇳🇮 🇳🇮

[@rafa521NOLA]

The most recent Olympics in Tokyo did in fact have a baseball tournament. Japan won the Gold. USA got the silver

[@blairseaman461]

Never heard of this tournament, but you're absolutely right. This thing should blow up in popularity after this year. Here in the states, this IS the perfect time for this tournament. The players are having fun, but not like All Star weekend. These guys are playing hard. Love it

[@Bones12x2]

Yep, plus...all the guys on the team now are star players with their role nailed down in the MLB teams. They don't need a full spring training anyway, they aren't young up and coming guys who have to stake their claim. I'd much rather have a Betts and Trout play in this than pointless spring training games.

[@flame-sky7148]

I just went to a WBC game in Phoenix and I haven't seen or been a part of that type of atmosphere EVER at a regular season game. It's something that's unreal. Eventually it might even be more poplar than the world series in a couple of decades if the trend continues. It's sort of like the World Cup soccer, which is the biggest tournament of them all. Then the players go back to the Premier, La Liga, Primera, league. If the USA had Judge, Harper and some of our best pitchers it wouldn't be close. The issue is the pseudo playoff for pitchers regiment during spring training time. But this thing was big.

[@Luiiciano]

It’s already more popular than the World Series. World Series 2022 - Average of 12 Million viewers World Baseball Classic 2023 - Japan games alone averaging about 60 Million viewers lol

[@flame-sky7148]

@@Luiiciano yea, I saw those stats a couple days ago.

[@diegomayfield4751]

I never heard about it before . I asked my dad last night while he was watching WBC "Do you ever remember watching the WBC?"......he said "No"..........And hes 70 years old and hes been watching baseball forever . For me it came out of nowhere . A British guy I know always laughed about the name "World Series" because its only played in North America . Now this should be called the true world series .

[@Ted_Sheckler]

This is only the 5th tournament. Your dad being 70 and not knowing about it means nothing,

[@idgaf9333]

it started back in 06 this is just the 5 wbc ever,it's basically our version of the world cup in soccer,plus the fact that we have ti wait 3-6 years for it makes it even more memorable.

[@omariparker3769]

How can it be the “World Series” if it’s not even a series?

[@kylo180]

i mean tehcnically the best plyaers in the world are playing the us except for some in the npb and they eventually make their way over like shohei etc. it is a dumb name but its been around since the 1800s. mlb is an old institution.

[@ElJerryMX10]

I was never really into baseball even though my grandfather loved the sport, and managed the local team back in mexico, but seeing mexico play, really made me wanna start watching some MLB seeing how hype this sport can be.

[@aldogalicia9330]

Me too bro, The Mexican team inspired the country with his game. Greetings from Mexico City.

[@RobotShlomo]

Now would you be willing to watch regular season baseball, or are a handful of games once every four years your limit?

[@kylo180]

you can follow randy. in tampa. verdugo in boston. alek thomas in arizona. meneses in washington dc.

[@Odioelfútbol]

​@@aldogalicia9330en serio? Ahora te gusta? A mí desde siempre

[@whimsofmim]

I haven't really followed baseball since the early 2000's. I don't really know today's players beyond a few of the biggest stars (like Trout and Ohtani). However, I have enjoyed watching some WBC games and highlights. Playoff atmosphere and buzz for sure. You can really tell the players have their hearts in it too. Some thrilling games, come from behind victories, surprising upset and high caliber play across the board. The injuries are unfortunate and I certainly understand teams not wanting their best players pitching (or even playing), but it is competitive baseball at the highest level. It has been a thrill to watch and I really hope it becomes a true "world cup" for baseball.

[@johnottr]

I have always enjoyed the WBC since 2006. I could never understand why it wasn't popular. I am glad to see how it has finally gotten popular.

[@damegto]

Ill give you one of the main reasons. Mexico is doing well this tournament 🇲🇽. Pulling big crowds and TV 📺 viewership way up here 🇺🇸 and in Mexico

[@omarzepedaaguilar]

Exactly what i said as well. I don't really watch baseball but when I saw my country doing well I tuned in.

[@Kaanaan]

@@omarzepedaaguilar fr! Mexico vs Puerto Rico was my first baseball match ever! And it's acually very intertaining, it even got me nervous in the last rounds!😅

[@aurumsolgemini9]

I've never seen a WBC game until I heard that Mexico beat the US and saw Mexico's lineup. I only watched out of curiosity and now I'm getting ready to watch Mexico vs Japan.

[@ericayala7387]

@@Kaanaan last innings* and u got lucky

[@kylo180]

@@omarzepedaaguilar did you enjoy watching it. mexico was playing so well against some powerhouse teams with way less star power.

[@RedStarGOSJ]

Great video Brodie, but I say the WBC has indeed been popular all over the baseball world prior to this tourney. It's that the public in the US has FINALLY caught on, a little late, but they FINALLY get it! WBC > Spring Training

[@danr154]

oh my ten times over yes. Honestly I partly didnt care before because yes I was afraid key players on my Chicago Cubs squad might get hurt (like Seiya Suzuki *sigh*) but also I knew we werent bringing our best team in the past so I didnt bring my attention span if that makes sense. And even we know most of our best players come from Latin countries that will probably kick our ass anyway honestly. Its a little painful to watch everyone be so gleeful to beat America when its like......what the hell man we're the ones making you all millionaires, a lot of them were born and trained here but they sure do love to "stick it to America"........but beyond that when I dig even deeper my favorite players are scattered all over the world its really hard to pick who to root for I just want to see people do well. Was pulling hard for Matt Mervis to show out for Israel. It was very odd to me to cheer for Paul Goldschmidt hitting a home run off of Elias Diaz. Because Goldy is a damn Cardinal and Diaz is battling to try and make the Cubs roster........its just all sorts of weird conflicting interests anywhere theres a Chicago Cub I want to cheer for them. And then really watching that game against Venezuela I realized I actually did care. Me and my roommates were getting genuinely upset watchig Daniel Bard melt down and our manager act with all the urgency of a company softball game........like no man, this shit is about to make us look bad! How could you eff this up! Why the hell is our bullpen chock full of dudes with control problems! And then Trea Turner dropped his nutsack all over everyone and we celebrated as hard as if it was a playoff game in any sport. So yes, Id say some of us actually care now.

[@petekaiser8856]

Also, the other 39% of televisions in PR were only off because those people were watching at their friends and families houses. 100% of the PR eyes were on that game.

[@rawbeef]

Because they haven’t promoted it enough in the US. I’m a huge baseball fan I didn’t even hear about the wbc until this year. How is that possible??

[@noman1010]

Taiwanese fan here. Too bad we didnt make it pass the first round. But those 4 games....my oh my...so exciting! Enjoyed the rest of the tournament. Baseball couldnt get better than that!

[@T.C.Clarien]

🇹🇼 🇹🇼 🇹🇼

[@CNep99]

The first round attendance doubled, but there were also 62.5% more games. BUT average attendance went up 25%, which is huge!

[@boukm3n]

I think the positive aspect of it is that it also bonds players from different clubs in a healthy way. It matters if they win and the morale boost they get from it as well. I’m so jealous of baseball in Asia, they make the games really loud and fun. They have cheerleaders!!

[@wichordzmty]

In Mexico, PR, Venezuela etc there are cheerleaders too and the crowd is loud too. The american fans in MLB are so serious and quiet in comparison.

[@brianmeen2158]

As a guy that doesn’t watch much mlb baseball I’m shocked at how much I am enjoying the world baseball classic this year. The fans are very enthusiastic and the teams are really die hard. It’s really fun to watch. That said, I hope they figure out a system that will have it to where all of the best players play for their country

[@Il_Exile_lI]

The Tokyo Olympics did have baseball, but it was intended more as a one off since Japan is big on baseball. Even if the Olympics had baseball permanently, the fact the best players in the world do not participate due to it being in the middle of the MLB season will always prevent the Olympics from being the premier international baseball tournament.

[@Buddha507]

I've never watched the WBC before this year. Its SO good. I mean everything except that GBR - CAN game. That game almost killed my love for baseball but everything else has been magnificent.

[@ericayala7387]

their both trash

[@dodge33cymru]

British baseball fan here - I watch some MLB games through the year, but the general feeling is that the individual games mean very little. When there's 160 in a season, the vast majority just contribute to some player stats and an average score at the end of the season. You get more dramatic ones late in the season, but the individual games for the most part are devoid of that meaning. It often seems more people care about average numbers and player salaries than memorable moments that define points in a season - So-And-So got his Xth strikeout, Such-N-Such got his third straight season with 30 HRs, Someone Else got a huge contract offer to move... As a European, there's a complete lack of jeopardy and movement in the sport - it's the same 30 clubs every year and if you're out of it by June then frankly the rest of the season is a waste of time. No relegation, no new teams, no new locations, few hometown players, a divisional structure that has no meaning in 2023. I love the sport, but MLB itself is sorely lacking and dated in organisation. You've got cities with multiple teams who hardly play each other. You play 'rivals' some 20 times a season so who cares about a single win/loss? Here in WBC... it's different - it's benefitting from far fewer games with far greater impact and meaning to each. The passion is because the moments themselves are memorable. Some of the games, like the Mexico v Japan one and USA v Venezuela, will stick with me more than 99% of MLB games will. You lose one game now, you're done. You win, you're heroes.

[@RobotShlomo]

The whole idea behind the baseball season being a grind is just that, it's a grind to determine which teams are the best and not just a flash in the pan. The season also is long to give the teams that are hampered by injuries a chance to recover, and make a run down the stretch. The long seasons have actually at times created more drama. In 1978 the NY Yankees were counted out it in July, and they surged back to end the season in a tie with Boston Red Sox, forcing the historic one game playoff at Fenway Park where Bucky Dent hit a home run to bring the Yankees back to win it. In 1951 the NY Giants were trailing the Brooklyn Dodgers by 15 games at the mid point of the season, and came back to force a playoff game against Brooklyn which culminated with Bobby Thompson's "Shot Heard Round The World". As far as the divisional structure, the divisions are built on geographic rivalries. NY vs. Boston. NY vs Philadelphia. LA vs. SF. etc. The schedule is "unbalanced" so that you play your divisional rival the most times, and it gives teams the opportunity to catch up to them during the season in head to head match ups. Interleague play was supposed to solve the problem of teams in the same city not playing each other, however it's diminished the need for you to watch a team that's not in your city. I know as a European you're used to seeing a relegation system where teams are promoted and demoted, however in baseball that simply will not work, and all those reasons stem from one thing; money. The fans won't go for it because if you sell them tickets for an A schedule and they get a B schedule, they're going to want refunds. The advertisers and the TV networks won't go for it for the same reason. The players won't go for it because they will refuse to be traded to a team that's been relegated or in danger of being relegated, and no free agent will sign with a relegated team. And the owners won't go for it because of all of the above. I know that as a Brit the structure of baseball might look archaic, but there's a reason why it works. It's supposed to be an every day thing that's part of the fabric of summer, and not just this thing you pay attention to every four years for a handful games.

[@lc9245]

Also since Detroit just signed a young pitcher after seeing him played in the WBC, it’s also good ground for recruitment. Big stage, huge pressure, everything on the line, it’s a good test for players.

[@dudeonthasopha]

It's important to really feel the size of baseball. Without the games in Taiwan and japan you wouldn't see the energy they bring and what should happen with revitalizing baseball in the US. The MLB regular season should not be the be all and end all of baseball.

[@petekaiser8856]

One thought I had on the global ratings segment was this, Baseball in Japan is HUGE! Going to just about any game there is like going to College Game Day in Alabama during the Iron Bowl, and since the Olympics didn't feature any baseball whatsoever, it makes sense that no event in the Olympics came close to the WBC game. I say all of this NOT to say I disagree with your assessment, but rather just to put a new perspective on that one segment. Great video!

[@jennyvega8]

This is my first WBC! I love it!! I think is so much fun!

[@ashvanes484]

I guess I am fitting the American profile, I used to be a lot more into baseball but not as much recently. Somehow caught the buzz on the WBC and the matches and energy has been unreal. It's amazing to see the heart the players put into it also, and such a different format from the long grind of an MLB season. I hope they keep building this because the potential is enormous.

[@damasorosales6686]

I'm happy that someone made a video about everything that comes with the WBC. I personally love baseball and honestly I enjoy this event more than the World Series. I went to a couple of games in Miami and the environment in the stands..the passion, every fan was into every pitch. I've never experienced something like this b4. I hope the WBC stays forever.

[@KGLOOK565]

I am from Japan. It’s like all our dream come true.

[@tabbyapplecat]

As a US fan living in the UK, the Classic has been a way of proving to my British friends that baseball is not just an American sport! Plus it's been great seeing fans from around the world turn out to support their teams. Honestly, no matter who was playing, I had a hard time deciding who to cheer for! I really hope it leads to wider international coverage or other leagues.

[@kylo180]

the uk team was mostly brits of people born in the bahamas technically able to play for great britain. lol.

[@nflmlbclassics]

I disagree that this isn’t topical. I loved this take on the WBC that now is relevant. Thank you Brodie!!

[@realmenstandup8944]

I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been watching baseball since 1984, and never watched the WBC but this year I watched the first game between US vs Great Britain and found myself watching watching every game of the tournament, thinking damn I’m impressed, the Aussie are good, Italy was tough, Mexico and randy stole the show, DR with manny and Soto, just felt like playoff baseball in the spring and I loved it, sad the USA lost but proud of there efforts, they really should consider this every spring because it got my juices going for the regular season now

[@EvanEscher]

I got really into Taiwanese baseball during the pandemic. That experience really opened my eyes up to International Baseball. I remember watching the 2009 WBC. I remember the 2013 edition, but don't remember watching much. I have no recollection of the 2017 edition.

[@ericayala7387]

watching taiwan play in 2023 made me a fan lol

[@akkjfdthfdgfdgvghj]

I am Taiwanese , and I very happy you love our baseball. It’s very good league

[@kylo180]

@@akkjfdthfdgfdgvghj Yu chang was awesome. I am a diamondbacks fan and one of our best players is eligible to play for taiwan , but i dont think he did cause hes trying to earn his way onto the team in spring training. hopefully next world baseball classic, he will play for you if you want. His mother was born in Taiwan and his grandaprents and extended family all live there. his name is corbin carroll. He is likely going to win Rookie of the year this year if he's someone you want to keep an eye on.

[@akkjfdthfdgfdgvghj]

@@kylo180 ​ ​ Yes , I know Corbin Carroll ！we ever try to invite he join to team Taiwan this WBC game. But he say no this time ,because he must to keep his job on major. Whatever ,Taiwan fans expect his major league career And also hope he join next time WBC for Taiwan,if USA not invite him And II'm looking forward to the performance of the D-backs this season. Defeat the Dodgers and t Padres to enter the playoffs ！！

[@mrdrfez]

I'm a Cubs fan and I normally don't start watching games (whether on TV or in person) until the weather truly warms up in May/June (in April, I would just periodically check the scores and standings). But after watching the World Baseball Classic, I now indeed do plan on watching on Opening Day. The 2023 WBC definitely kickstarted my enthusiasm for baseball early!

[@jimjohnson724]

One word: talent The best players are actually signing up for this tournament (except for most US star pitchers)

[@EstebanOrtiz_bajissimo]

This tournament is awesome! I am from Costa Rica (not a baseball country) but my family is a baseball family... I have traveled for many MLB games and they are great, but this year we flew from Costa Rica to Miami, just to watch the first round of the WBC and I can tell you that I have never been in an environment like that. It was amazing... It's good for baseball worldwide!

[@otaviofrnazario]

putting up the latin american teams in the Miami group was a genius idea... this group had a World Cup atmosphere

[@davidfox9947]

Rugby and Cricket have had successful world cups for years, good to see this for Baseball for whatever reasons US fans just would not embrace the WBC like other countries did. Great to see more US fans get on board to what is truly a great international event .

[@ericayala7387]

man doesn't know that japan has the 2nd best baseball league in the world and is already a pipeline for talent to the mlb and has been playing baseball since the 1800s

[@alex5308]

The games were so good this year, our family is a casual baseball fan family, we don’t watch a whole lot during the season but we watched this tournament!

[@uh-dd9qb]

I’m a Japanese baseball fan and I am very delighted that the world is getting excited about this tournament! In Japan, the whole country has been excited since the first tournament thanks to the appearance of Ichiro Suzuki, but other countries have not been so excited. Baseball is often considered a minor sport, but I hope that baseball will be enjoyed all over the world.

[@MarcG7424]

I hope it gets to be viewed on more outlets next time I'm a American but once I saw Isreal and Great Britain playing it peaked my interest now I'm hooked

[@roverdover4449]

I think having the round robin games over 4 different sites helped a lot. I mean, say, South Korea - Australia. If that game were in Miami, nobody would go. But they held it in Japan, and it was well watched.

[@ItsAVolcano]

A crazy tournament that will *finally* see the US vs Japan for the finals.😊

[@kwizzeh]

This WBC genuinely was the most fun and excitement I've had watching baseball in nearly 20 years. Baseball broke my heart when the Expos were forced to relocate and the only time I was happy for baseball post-Expos was when I saw two of my favorite players growing up get league titles; Vald Guerrero with the MVP and Pedro Martinez winning with Red Sox, the only time I'll ever admit, albeit begrudgingly, of liking a Boston sports team. Baseball needed this best-on-best tournament and now it's finally reached the point where it's the event everyone will get excited for. My only grip's there's no 3rd place/bronze medal game, it would be insane if finals day hosted both medal games as double header.

[@saxnable]

It has been relevant for years now! Greetings from europe

[@danielchacon1098]

I flew out to Miami to see some of these games. Was at the Quarterfinals PR v Mexico game and the atmosphere is just unreal

[@JorgesTravelJewels-gr1ek]

Definitively The World Baseball Classic is the Most IMPORTANT baseball tournament in the WORLD.

[@Mikhail-Stark]

I would argue that the 2017 edition was really big to the point that many players that denied playing decided to play the next edition. This 2023 edition is just even bigger and got the mainstream attention in USA, but in baseball loving countries this tournament has been huge since its beginning.

[@seccionseis2322]

It is definitely relevant. I'm Mexican, what can I say after how they surprised everyone? We, mexicans, got more excited as we used to when Fernando Valenzuela pitched. And even when only one TV Broadcasting corporation transmitted the games. ESPN in Mexico didn't transmit the games. You could only watch Sportscenter. Here I am a month and a week after WBC ended, still watching everything about it. I got excited in 2006 when it started , I attended the games in Mexico city in 2009 and, of course, followed the games in 2013 and 2017. Finally, as you said, seeing superstars representing their countries and playing postseason baseball is just what I'd been looking forward to. WBC is here to stay.

[@NealB123]

Never heard of it before this year but I've thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Great action and amazing fan support.

[@nofood1]

One reason I think WBC is gaining popularity is because of another sport completely... and thats the FIFA World Cup. We just had it and its infectious to the point that every major sport now wants to imitate it/something passionately similar.

[@otaviofrnazario]

That is true, but other sports need to try a bit harder IMO. I know this tournament is a deal between the World baseball and softball confederation and the MLB. But one thing to advance it could be a damage to the MLB: making the national team calls mandatory. You don't know how cool it is to see the lists and say "this player should be in" or "that player should be not". There were some advantages in the forging of association football that worked to the advantage of the World Cup. International games became systematized before the national leagues. In England, the first division (either under the EFL or as the Premier League) is 136 years old, but the first ever international friendly is 151 years old. On baseball, the process is the opposite. The idea of association also is a lot rubbed in, that is why there is an A in FIFA. You grow your association, it become stronger. Ownership is relatively new in association football, but has been in baseball since the beginning. The rule and ideal thing for us used to it would be the model of the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. That's why no club ever went against the World Cup. Also, FIFA made itself ready: made the national calls mandatory and imposed such harsh punishments for anyone that goes against this that it's really not worth it. And the players would not be on the club's side either. And there is one thing needed: time. Time is an ultimate fixer. The british nations never bought the idea of the World Cup from the get go. Did not accept the invitation for the first edition in 1930 and by their own choice never played in the qualifiers for 1934-38. They thought, especially England, that no one was better than they were since they created the thing. When England qualified for the 1950 World Cup, they got beaten by a United States squad composed of basically italian immigrants. There seems to be that the MLB can surrender to the pressure of the owners and talking heads someday. I hope they don't. Because when it was created in 2006 the owners voted for it, in majority (some ownership groups, like the Yankees, made an apology for their fans stating their position against it in case of players being called, injured or whatever).

[@vickomf1]

Your audio is spot on.

[@Flecha57]

Man, one of the best videos I have seen about the WBC! Puertorrican fan here, some random thoughts: Why MLB players should stop playing in the WBC??? How often a fan can watch all the "stars" from any country playing together? Some people have suggested that minor league players should play instead. It makes no sense. This is all about representing each country. The purpose of the tournament is to promote the game of baseball around the world, not to demonize it because of the possibilities of an injury. Can you imagine a FIFA World Cup without Pelé, Maradona, Messi, Ronaldo, Beckman, Mbappé, Neymar and so many others? Has everyone forgotten about the basketball "dream teams" in the Olympics? So, why baseball should be different? How many baseball players get injured during the regular season? Let's not forget Buster Posey's injury in a home plate collision in 2011. Should the season be cancelled because of that? Of course not. The "problem" is that for many USA fans, the WBC means nothing because the players are there all season long. For the rest of the world, each team means a lot. For example, take a look a Nicaragua's team. MLB should focus on other issues, like the attendance problem and the post season . It about time MLB considers to shorten the season. It's way too long. There is no reason for WBC to be cancelled. Besides Díaz and Altuve, Freddie Freeman also got injured playing for Canada. His injury is minor compared to Díaz, but it is still an injury. I haven't seen anyone asking to cancel the WBC because of Freeman's injury. Accidents and injuries are just that, accidents and injuries. There is no way to avoid them. Long live baseball! Cheers! ⚾⚾⚾

[@otaviofrnazario]

baseball is a parish sport it seems... If your team is not playing, you're not watching it or caring for it. But this is for the US alone. The World Series last year had an average of 12 million viewers per game. I don't know if it can reach Super Bowl numbers, but an audience of 50-60 million is plausible. Championship series have to be about the teams playing in it? True, but it has to be about your fandom for the game as well. Japan had an audience of 48 million for the game against Italy. While some idiots in the US call it meaningless. For real, they should get a life. And when players get out of their teams for more money, they complain that they're only looking for a bag

[@Lord_Vadr]

Your Set/Studio area looks sick. Very well thought out and balanced.

[@markbarnes]

There was a lot of energy which made you want to keep watching. Also nice to have post-season feel games while waiting for the season to start.

[@bobo0202]

I've been wtching the WBC since the first one. It's always been great

[@DerekDominoes]

I also like that having players away from Spring Training games for the WBC allows more Minor Leaguers to remain with their big league clubs further into Spring Training.

[@joebloggs5583]

I’m from Ireland and follow the Greensboro grasshoppers and have really enjoyed this event. Should be every other year.

[@albertwhittaker6385]

Watching from the Cayman Islands 🇰🇾

[@gekkokamen123]

Excellent tournament! I am flying to Japan in 2026 to the Tokyo dome to see the game there. Baseball won this week with some spectacular games

[@Smarod]

Every argument I've seen against it has been because of those injuries. But anyone that says that honestly lacks vision. Ask cristiano ronaldo if he'd trade all his champions league trophies for one world cup with Portugal. This will become baseballs world cup and I'm glad I'm here to see the beginning of it

[@antonioduverge3558]

If players like in the Dominican team, USA, Venezuela, PR keep participating, this event is going to be bigger than the world series, maybe some people are afraid of this happening that's why they called the WBC meaningless. In my house there are three women who never watch baseball but they watched Venezuela against DR, that is the opposite of meaningless.

[@miguelangelsucrelares5009]

This video should have included a disclaimer at the beginning: "this only applies to US audiences". The WBC has been huge, a massive success since its very beginning in 2006, in every single baseball market, but the US.

[@ulissesmata928]

Social media definitely had a big play into it. People were becoming fans of players/teams.

[@b.nemily5416]

Japanese fan here! I believe it's the Ohtani effect!😁逆転勝利！日本、決勝に進出！Let's gooo!

[@OMVRRR]

It has to be because of the Latinos. Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. Mexico vs Puerto Rico was one of the most intense and exciting matches ever in baseball. Also the brotherly rivalry between us made it that much better.

[@mikes805]

There was indeed baseball in Tokyo 202One but you’re right it did not generate the hype with superstar players that the WBC did. I know some 202One Olympians and even then I struggled to get excited. But this WBC is truly riveting.

[@CNep99]

Because a large amount of the best players in the world don't have the availability to play during the Olympics

[@mikes805]

@@CNep99 exactly. That’s why the WBC is much more exciting!

[@Sora-ce1zx]

Many Japanese people hated those Olympic games because of all the corruption. The media is still covering illegal activities behind the games even now. On the other hand, many Japanese people did enjoy the WBC because it was more serious, exciting, and fun and less about money and politics.

[@bacardimgtow4505]

for me honestly it was advertised to me on tv and online. Ohtani definitely was a big part of it. before i didn't even knew this tournament existed

[@mattcraven8214]

Haven't watched the video yet, but I think it's because the USA brought in the big guns like Trout, Betts, Goldschmidt etc.. I think other countries have always valued this tournament. Some of the stuff Ichiro or Molina have said about it over the years show that. I for one would rather watch this than spring training any day.

[@otaviofrnazario]

on those latin american countries that love baseball, it's serious stuff. Carlos Ruiz (former catcher of the Phillies in the late 2000's) said he wouldn't play in the 2009 edition. He received a call from the PRESIDENT OF PANAMA. He played.

[@theverstappening4389]

As someone that comes strictly from a soccer/football background, this WBC made me a fan of baseball. People in Mexico tuned in after the match with Canada, especially after not qualifying for the Round of 16 in Qatar, it was a much needed tournament for the country. If countries like Argentina, Germany, France and Brazil qualify in 2026, it could be even bigger. Great tournament and I look forward to 2026!

[@davidday2373]

Mexico's President is a true Baseball fan, and he's been talking about this Tournament in his press conferences. TBH, President Lopez-Obrador brought me here

[@aureumursa1833]

I've watched the last three Classics and have enjoyed them all. We didn't have the channels the first two Classics were on and I was too young to figure out how to get them. It was still something I was aware of and knew Japan won't both. It makes me happy that more in this country are coming to realize how fun this is.

[@idgaf9333]

i love it!!! 🇺🇸 and 🇩🇴 for me,i was born in long island ny but my parents are Dominican and im proud of my heritage.USA bring that title home!!!

[@projectc.j.j3310]

Yup 🇺🇸

[@idgaf9333]

@@projectc.j.j3310 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 baby!!!! proud to have been born here!!!!

[@Sergito-yn2mg]

wbc has always been relevant outside the states, this year's edition is making the USA fan base to catch up

[@Anon-yy6wm]

I was born in the US but lived in the Dominican Republic during the '06, '09, and '13 WBCs and have lived in the US during the '17 and '23 WBCs. What I noticed is that other countries, especially poorer countries care more about the WBC than americans do. I remember the 06 WBC wasnt very big in the DR because it was relatively new and unknown but 09 and 13 WBCs were. When the DR lost to the Netherlands twice in 09 it was seen as a national embarrassment. Alot of these countries are not like the USA where they have the resources to play multiple sports and are good at it. ALot of these countries tend to migrate to one sport and are passionate about it. USA is different where americans tend to be a top team in many sports and even dominate these sports. So poorer countries want to beat the USA in whatever they can. It's like big brother little brother in a way. DR is a country that know they have the talent to beat USA so it draws interest from the citizens of DR. Same goes for PR, Japan, etc. That's why even when the US played MExico, there were more mexican fans in the stadium than US fans. DR and PR fans sold out Miami when they played. Americans are starting to show interest in the WBC because USA is actually doing good and it's stars are actually playing. I give alot of credit to the 2017 US team for this. For the WBC to succeed Team USA (and even Team Japan) needs to bring out their best players and have top 4 finishes in most editions (it doesnt have to be all but at least make it out of pool play). I love Team Mexico but I prefer if Japan wins tonight because I know the attention will be much greater if you have the 2 countries that have the best baseball leagues competing with each other. Americans want to feel like they dominate everything and when there is a sport they dont dominate they tend to graviate away from it, which is something I feel has hurt MLB in the US. Americans fans dont just want to win, they want to win by 10 runs every game. Winning by 1 run is not satisfying to US fans.

[@ericayala7387]

im puerto rican but live in the us and the us doesn't want to win. They don't care as much as we do. so i was happy usa beat pr to win it all but they didn't have to crush us lol. dr is the best at baseball in the world in my opinion. they jus under performed the last 2 times thank god

[@Anon-yy6wm]

@@ericayala7387 I disagree that the US doesnt want to win, I think americans dont care as much if they lose though. Im dominican so I think DR has some of the best talent, but Im hesitant to say they are the best in the world. I think alot of people underestimate Japan because alot of their stars stay in Japan to play but they have more talent than DR in my opinion. I will say DR is top 5 in best countries for baseball. Cuba and Venezuela are also very good but I think due to the political climate it's hard for MLB to make an effort to scout these countries the way they do in DR. I believe DR is the only non-US country that holds a camp for all 30 MLB teams.

[@jacksonsmith4935]

@@Anon-yy6wm mlb thinks that Latinos especially the darker ones are more talented and have more athleticism than Asians or whites and are more exciting. Obviously Japan is a first world country they don’t need mlb camps unlike the Dominican Republic which is poor and wouldn’t have the resources to pursue professional baseball without mlbs guidance. Other baseball countries like cuba and Venezuela are communist countries that hate United States politically which is why mlb have very little camps there

[@joeyo4163]

I'm Mexican and love this WBC. I didn't watch it last time but it's been real exciting this time around.....life long White Sox fan.