I know what you’re thinking, “That’s a bad name for an opinion piece, I have no idea what he’s talking about.” Well, dear reader, that’s because I have opinions on a lot of things. Don’t fret, I’m still on the younger end. So you’re not going to be getting any Andy Rooney-esque “What’s the deal with stadium parking prices?” rants or anything…although, I mean, $40 just to put my car in an empty dirty lot from a failed construction project seems exces–sorry, I said I wouldn’t. Well, here is the beginning of a new series where I put a subject in my crosshairs and fire. This pieces target? The World Baseball Classic qualifirs

The World Baseball Classic Qualifiers

We are a year out from the World Baseball Classic (WBC) and I’m as stoked as you guys are. The sounds of the international crowds remind me of the postseason, and it’ll be coming from a Latin-American teams fanbase while their team is down 6 runs in the 9th. Remember how the last one ended? Ohtani striking out Trout to give Japan the win? The two team captains squaring off in a once-in-a-lifetime matchup? You couldn’t script it better. Well, the qualifiers are happening as we speak…or as I type and you later read.

16 of the 20 teams competing are already in, including defending champs Samurai Japan and runner-up USA. We also have Czechia and Great Britain who had an impressive run last time, considering Czechia European players are all part-time athletes and weekend ballers. Here’s to hoping they get better logos this time. The teams fighting to qualify are Germany, Chinese Taip…Taiwan (I will sacrifice my social credit in China to save me some typing time), Nicaragua, South Africa, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, and China (hey, I was just talking about you).

I don’t know about you, but I would love to see Germany make it in, just because, as I’ve mentioned, it would be a team made up of guys who are firefighters, school tears, electricians, just union workers who find themselves on the world stage. Granted, hard to see them make it past a team from the Dominican Republic, but the more teams we have like them in the running, the better chance we get of a Cinderella story coming true. I would also take South Africa, Brazil or Spain, bring them all.

Merchandise

These are national teams on the world stage. Have you guys ever heard the expression “Dress well, play well?” well, some of the teams last year had that part on point. The Australian team with their green and yellow uniform (yes, the same colors you saw “breakdancing” at the Olympics) with the “A” on the hat also reflecting the stars of their flag. The red sleeves and unmistakable “PR” of Puerto Rico. The red-and-gold of China and black-and-red of Samurai Japan, these are teams who look, to put it plainly, cool. Even Czechia had a great look. I will remind you that their DH is a financial analyst. But there are certain teams that need a bit of a reboot.

My friends, we need to talk about what Great Britain did last year. Ian Gibaut takes the mound for the Brits, but something was askew. You see, just like 1776, Great Britain lost the “T” and what was left was “Grea Britain” in the most boring font imaginable. Italy’s hat logo was an “I,” similar to a background character in a children’s cartoon that they really want you to remember is named “Ian.” I know Venezuela has some goofy colors all mashed onto their uniform, but they stand out at least out in the sea of international designs. Okay, one last opinion…

America…Get Into It!

In 1838, baseball was invented in the United states of America. It would begin a new hobby in this country, nay, a past time. In fact, one might even call AMERICA’S past time. So I ask us, as the innovators of this sport…why aren’t we louder. Have you seen how fiery the Korean fans are? Samurai Japan has a cheer squad. A Latin-American team will down by 8 runs in the ninth inning and their fans will make it sound like they just got a go-ahead home run when one of their players takes ball 4 for a walk. It’s incredible how much these international fans love their teams as a point of national pride. Heck, Randy Arozarena, who defected from Cuba, wanted Mexican citizenship, so he offered to play for team Mexico in the WBC if they would fast track the process. IT WORKED!

So I ask, dear reader…where is America’s energy? Teams are holding back players due to contractual obligations (booooooo legal stuff). Other players opt out because they see it as nothing more than an “exhibition game.” But there are others that wish to don the red, white and blue and show out for the US of A. Players like Lance Lynn, Adam Wainwright, Adam Jones, even Marcus Stroman. Did you guys see Mike Trout walking out with the American flag for the championship game? Majestic.

These are…different times we are in. We all have feelings on Old Glory, but it is in this writers opinion that there should still be some pride in the great athletes that call this land home. Next year we have an opportunity as a country to show the world that, if nothing else, we still have some pride in the sport that we brought to the world.