Does anyone care about the World Baseball Classic? In the USA, we didn't care....until last night. In a game that was only being broadcast on ESPN Deportes, Team USA scored a huge comeback victory to beat Puerto Rico 6-5 in an elimination game. The players went crazy and the US moved on to the semifinals for the first time in the event's history.
Now the story is all over the news, but I ask....what if the US had lost, or even won without the stunning comeback? Would it be talked about? I'm willing to say the answer is NO, which is a shame.
This competition embodies great spirit, and it is hugely popular in other countries. But Americans are not so accepting of contests involving "outsiders". It is thought that since it is not the ultimate level of competition that Major League Baseball is, that the WBC should be taken lightly. The players are world class, and do take it seriously, despite a more relaxed environment.
Personally, I love being able to turn on the tube and watch a few innings of baseball after a long winter. But, I understand why it is not hugely popular in the US. There is no sense of pride that comes from defeating Venezuela or the Netherlands in baseball, which is considered to be "America's pastime". Besides, it's March - and the focus of the sports world is on college basketball - and rightly so.
Please feel free to comment if you have any questions or suggestions.
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