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International Baseball - the World Baseball Classic Comes This March
The World Baseball Classic is an international baseball tournament that is sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation and showcases the best players in the world representing their home countries and territories. It started in March of 2006 when 486 players with 235 of them coming from teams in Major League Baseball representing 16 teams from across the globe entered the event. Fans from 48 states and 15 countries attended the stadiums to watch the games while millions more watched on TV ensuring that the tournament was a success.
The Japanese team which was bannered by the likes of Japanese stars and now MLB stars Suzuki Ichiro of the Seattle Mariners and Daisuke Matzusaka of the Boston Red Sox was crowned the first ever World Baseball Classic champions as they beat Cuba 10-6 during the inaugural staging of the event in 2006. This year, the tournament starts on the 5th of March up to the 23rd and again shall feature 16 baseball playing nations across the globe. The tournament shall be held every four years afterwards with plans to expand the number of participating teams in 2013. Four different cities shall host the pool play which are Tokyo, Mexico City, San Juan and Toronto.
Teams participating in the event are the same teams which were entered in the inaugural season. These are Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Puerto Rico, South Africa, United States and Venezuela. Team Japan are out to defend their title and win the crown once again. And the team's roster got a boost when its star outfielder Ichiro agreed to return to the side. He could have easily refused to go back as he was included in the championship winning team but he wanted to return and win the classic all over again. With one of its stars having such a mindset, Team Japan is upbeat that the other stars shall follow.
The tournament was also a launching pad for one of the Japanese pitchers. Matzusaka was still an unknown name in the baseball world outside his native country. But when he put up a performance worthy of a Most Valuable Player Award as he pitched to defeat Cuba, he was immediately noticed by scouts. Nine months later, he signed a six year contract with the Boston Red Sox after fierce competition among the top MLB teams for his services. He has since posted a record of 33-15 in the two seasons he has played for the Red Sox. He can be a factor once again in Team Japan's bid for back to back titles.
No roster spots have been filled officially, although several players have expressed their desire to join the team. Matzusaka for one, has not made a formal commitment yet but has confirmed to Japanese reporters numerous times that he wants to participate again. A notable absentee in Team Japan's line up is Hideki Matsui who is still undergoing rehabilitation for his knee injuries.
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About the Author
Peri Witny is an author of Sports articles.
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