How the World Baseball Classic Changed Baseball

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  • Опубліковано 21 бер 2023
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 4,7 тис.

  • @nickdawg1014
    @nickdawg1014 Рік тому +12528

    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
      @TheScrubExpress Рік тому +806

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

    • @resmarted
      @resmarted Рік тому

      Hollywood would have had USA win

    • @PHXNKVHXLIC
      @PHXNKVHXLIC Рік тому +51

      Literally?

    • @JediMentat
      @JediMentat Рік тому +296

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

    • @douguwu1938
      @douguwu1938 Рік тому +167

      The WBC fixes the problems with the mlb

  • @de132
    @de132 Рік тому +3297

    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
      @SimonSays62 Рік тому +8

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

    • @de132
      @de132 Рік тому +198

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

    • @GeorgeInHerJungle
      @GeorgeInHerJungle Рік тому +146

      @@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
      @joebungus3447 Рік тому +98

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

    • @jcas
      @jcas Рік тому +39

      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.

  • @ArJayDM
    @ArJayDM Рік тому +1979

    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
      @connerroth3416 11 місяців тому +135

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

    • @fallendeus5641
      @fallendeus5641 10 місяців тому

      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
      @ImSNB 9 місяців тому +101

      International sports are the best

    • @dj_menyo839
      @dj_menyo839 9 місяців тому +93

      ​@@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
      @wondon2992 9 місяців тому

      It’s bc america is being taught to hate America

  • @hewkiiCZ
    @hewkiiCZ 8 місяців тому +467

    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
      @brianflynn5355 5 місяців тому +23

      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
      @yo3939 4 місяці тому +10

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

    • @hexagon2178
      @hexagon2178 4 місяці тому +6

      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

    • @hexagon2178
      @hexagon2178 4 місяці тому

      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
      @hewkiiCZ 4 місяці тому +1

      @@hexagon2178 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

  • @UTNatlChamps
    @UTNatlChamps Рік тому +1512

    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

  • @adrianriddell454
    @adrianriddell454 Рік тому +1026

    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
      @paulerxx Рік тому +25

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

    • @Santiago_RS
      @Santiago_RS Рік тому +14

      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
      @kooperuranus1503 Рік тому +21

      That game was crazy good

    • @whathell6t
      @whathell6t Рік тому +12

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

    • @graduke1
      @graduke1 Рік тому +5

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

  • @SirBumRush
    @SirBumRush Рік тому +554

    "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
      @54321jcc 4 місяці тому +22

      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.

    • @matiasd.c9949
      @matiasd.c9949 3 місяці тому +5

      The thing is this WBC tournament is becoming more popular than MLB

    • @BS-jw7nf
      @BS-jw7nf 28 днів тому +3

      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
      @JackTray 12 днів тому

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

  • @xiricada7121
    @xiricada7121 Рік тому +2401

    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
      @brodiemorris2081 Рік тому +216

      we’re so selfish dude it’s nuts

    • @russanothewise440
      @russanothewise440 Рік тому +88

      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
      @TheFamousMockingbird Рік тому +21

      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
      @TheFamousMockingbird Рік тому +23

      @@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
      @jtb5867 11 місяців тому

      *every other country

  • @jadd6810
    @jadd6810 Рік тому +870

    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
      @rileyesmay Рік тому +23

      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
      @elisalsa24 Рік тому +1

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

    • @fryncyaryorvjink2140
      @fryncyaryorvjink2140 Рік тому +1

      Has it not always been single elimination?

    • @rileyesmay
      @rileyesmay Рік тому +1

      @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
      @rileyesmay Рік тому +1

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

  • @lazyrebel5019
    @lazyrebel5019 Рік тому +763

    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
      @MageKirby Рік тому +50

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

    • @tchlin
      @tchlin Рік тому +70

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

    • @Bsnsobscuregames
      @Bsnsobscuregames Рік тому +51

      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_
      @_Dawson_ Рік тому +12

      @@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
      @smokeemifyagotem8851 Рік тому

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

  • @ajurado800
    @ajurado800 Рік тому +496

    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.

  • @is5983
    @is5983 10 місяців тому +185

    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
      @crazydrummer181 3 місяці тому +7

      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
      @colekinder517 Місяць тому

      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
      @matthias8161 4 дні тому +1

      @@colekinder517 everything but football is popular overseas

  • @resmarted
    @resmarted Рік тому +2087

    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
      @JediMentat Рік тому +186

      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
      @shiftygypsy89migh41 Рік тому +86

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

    • @mydude9701
      @mydude9701 Рік тому +21

      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
      @briangulley6027 Рік тому +8

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

    • @lunardestruction
      @lunardestruction Рік тому +23

      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.

  • @Atlas_DXUlt
    @Atlas_DXUlt Рік тому +1654

    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
      @eddrodriguez9645 Рік тому +98

      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
      @JediMentat Рік тому +74

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

    • @stophackingmygoogleaccount3886
      @stophackingmygoogleaccount3886 Рік тому +74

      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
      @briangulley6027 Рік тому

      @@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
      @hectorgameropescador4497 Рік тому +57

      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

  • @matthall7670
    @matthall7670 4 місяці тому +174

    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.

    • @matiasd.c9949
      @matiasd.c9949 3 місяці тому +5

      WBC might save baseball at least in america where has fallen behind basketball and football

    • @KP-xf3vi
      @KP-xf3vi 2 місяці тому +3

      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!

  • @gekkouga2828
    @gekkouga2828 5 місяців тому +336

    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
      @rileygarcia1 4 місяці тому

      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

    • @amaimon8031
      @amaimon8031 4 місяці тому +51

      @@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
      @forzer456 4 місяці тому +29

      @@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-
      @SASOS- 3 місяці тому

      @@forzer456cope harder

    • @matiasd.c9949
      @matiasd.c9949 3 місяці тому +8

      @@rileygarcia1 ....WBC might actually save baseball in america where it has fallen behind basketball and football in popularity

  • @halfasian_
    @halfasian_ Рік тому +649

    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
      @mikeomalley2460 Рік тому +70

      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
      @tyrionstrongjaw7729 Рік тому +12

      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
      @georgesiblesz Рік тому +23

      @@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
      @jumpingship3001 Рік тому +1

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

    • @argenisjrg
      @argenisjrg Рік тому +3

      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.

  • @SPIIIVA
    @SPIIIVA Рік тому +942

    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
      @diamonddetails9445 Рік тому +18

      The world needs more baseball. FACT 💯👀😎👍

    • @williamdavis9562
      @williamdavis9562 Рік тому +30

      @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
      @nachonachoman Рік тому +12

      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
      @TwenOalley Рік тому +6

      @@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
      @akllls617 Рік тому

      Traitor

  • @misslovedog8177
    @misslovedog8177 Рік тому +258

    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
      @brianflynn5355 5 місяців тому +9

      This year's WBC was special. Just phenomenal ❤

  • @desperado1736
    @desperado1736 5 місяців тому +59

    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

  • @gabrielvazquez1691
    @gabrielvazquez1691 Рік тому +782

    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
      @shadow12k Рік тому +13

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

    • @cjcable6995
      @cjcable6995 Рік тому +12

      @@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
      @lmk10000 Рік тому +3

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

    • @ooogyman
      @ooogyman Рік тому +7

      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
      @TheBlackWaltz Рік тому +2

      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.

  • @tophighlitez6176
    @tophighlitez6176 Рік тому +533

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

    • @TheScrubExpress
      @TheScrubExpress Рік тому +29

      definitely some peak baseball porn in those two games.

    • @maciedixon3983
      @maciedixon3983 Рік тому +41

      Venezuela USA was also fun

    • @turkeychicken69
      @turkeychicken69 Рік тому +4

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

    • @andrerodriguez966
      @andrerodriguez966 Рік тому +30

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

    • @soldyD
      @soldyD Рік тому +3

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

  • @dubzillaaaa
    @dubzillaaaa Рік тому +36

    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.

  • @Lonewolfwinters
    @Lonewolfwinters Рік тому +71

    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.

  • @rixrobin
    @rixrobin Рік тому +375

    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
      @wilkesmcdermid7906 Рік тому +19

      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
      @RickSanchez167 Рік тому +4

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

    • @josuegarcia2377
      @josuegarcia2377 Рік тому +2

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

    • @peakogo
      @peakogo Рік тому +1

      Same here 👍🏻

    • @luiss.3866
      @luiss.3866 Рік тому +5

      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.

  • @sammerkel2816
    @sammerkel2816 Рік тому +593

    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
      @Chapman1886 Рік тому +27

      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
      @chalillofviso8980 Рік тому +6

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

    • @CMbReCk
      @CMbReCk Рік тому +7

      I'm still heartbroken from the Venezuela vs USA game

    • @fuzzbawls6698
      @fuzzbawls6698 Рік тому +9

      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
      @asdfasdf969 Рік тому

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

  • @zarzaparrilla67
    @zarzaparrilla67 Рік тому +46

    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
      @HoshizakiYoshimasa Рік тому +4

      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
      @jkoolaii4523 4 місяці тому +1

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

  • @nivyan
    @nivyan Рік тому +256

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

    • @HoshizakiYoshimasa
      @HoshizakiYoshimasa Рік тому +34

      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
      @jacobq.2204 11 місяців тому +9

      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
      @Maxwell-ty3bf 6 місяців тому +2

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

    • @Maxwell-ty3bf
      @Maxwell-ty3bf 6 місяців тому

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

    • @nivyan
      @nivyan 6 місяців тому +24

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

  • @drillsergeantromeo1033
    @drillsergeantromeo1033 Рік тому +398

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

    • @durban55
      @durban55 Рік тому +7

      Same

    • @speranzayaya
      @speranzayaya Рік тому +8

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

    • @chuyozuna2398
      @chuyozuna2398 Рік тому +4

      It’s happening again in 2026

    • @luxace2576
      @luxace2576 Рік тому +12

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

    • @brianmeen2158
      @brianmeen2158 Рік тому +3

      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

  • @KingJerbear
    @KingJerbear Рік тому +1392

    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

    • @Luke-uw6dp
      @Luke-uw6dp Рік тому

      Because it literally means nothing. It's a waste of time and money and winning the WBC is even less than getting a free meal from McDonald's. Which is why none of the good American players ever want to play in it
      It's the same reason baseball is no longer in the Olympics. Nobody cares and nobody cares about the wbc

    • @GFkilla17
      @GFkilla17 Рік тому +90

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

    • @AaronBurnsVoT
      @AaronBurnsVoT Рік тому +84

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

    • @Seergun
      @Seergun Рік тому

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

    • @MezzoForte4
      @MezzoForte4 Рік тому

      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. 🤣

  • @sandhogssundays
    @sandhogssundays Рік тому +41

    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.

  • @Scottiehatesh
    @Scottiehatesh Рік тому +57

    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
      @HoshizakiYoshimasa Рік тому +2

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

    • @zenokada2278
      @zenokada2278 5 місяців тому

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

  • @SUBMACHINEGOTH
    @SUBMACHINEGOTH Рік тому +367

    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
      @brianmoore6724 Рік тому +11

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

    • @omaramador4669
      @omaramador4669 Рік тому +2

      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
      @wilkesmcdermid7906 Рік тому +1

      @@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
      @DrVonNostrand Рік тому +2

      Muito bem

    • @codyives5409
      @codyives5409 Рік тому +4

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

  • @jedistreaming4006
    @jedistreaming4006 Рік тому +1045

    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
      @Lovistarful Рік тому +32

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

    • @xxbpxpeanutxxx162
      @xxbpxpeanutxxx162 Рік тому +1

      😂

    • @biggdogg33
      @biggdogg33 Рік тому +38

      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.

    • @Luke-uw6dp
      @Luke-uw6dp Рік тому

      Probably because he's an idiot? Nobody takes the WBC seriously. It's like pre spring training for these guys lmao

    • @TherealGhostyy12
      @TherealGhostyy12 Рік тому +7

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

  • @zipp4910
    @zipp4910 Рік тому +16

    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!

  • @Xgfith
    @Xgfith 9 місяців тому +13

    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.

  • @LEV1ATHYN
    @LEV1ATHYN Рік тому +520

    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
      @nanaholic01 Рік тому +40

      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
      @burymeinjhenny918 Рік тому +1

      That’s awesome

    • @nomar2004
      @nomar2004 Рік тому +9

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

    • @brianmeen2158
      @brianmeen2158 Рік тому +2

      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
      @jeriji6592 Рік тому +3

      @@brianmeen2158 many NPB players

  • @youngblood204
    @youngblood204 Рік тому +620

    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
      @alexg1586 Рік тому

      Mexican football has horrible management

    • @nauticalnonsense1900
      @nauticalnonsense1900 Рік тому +7

      Sandoval is gonna have a great season

    • @Student0Toucher
      @Student0Toucher Рік тому

      What kind of Mexican says lad

    • @Chiquita18852
      @Chiquita18852 Рік тому +5

      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
      @seccionseis2322 Рік тому +4

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

  • @Komo47
    @Komo47 6 місяців тому +17

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

  • @GuruFromEHRPG
    @GuruFromEHRPG Рік тому +33

    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

  • @blizzard4wrestler
    @blizzard4wrestler Рік тому +341

    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
      @mrodriguez16ks Рік тому +18

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

    • @joshuawilliams5435
      @joshuawilliams5435 Рік тому

      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
      @Merawoo3 Рік тому

      Why you stopped watching the greatest sport?

    • @W4TH3JE5U5
      @W4TH3JE5U5 Рік тому +2

      @@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
      @willn8664 Рік тому

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

  • @Meltpop69
    @Meltpop69 Рік тому +334

    Trout and Ohtani had a literal Anime showdown and ending ever

    • @ManBearPigLOL
      @ManBearPigLOL Рік тому +24

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

    • @ninjaluc79
      @ninjaluc79 Рік тому +29

      Goro Shigeno vs Joe Gibson Jr in real life

    • @SuperGalaxy
      @SuperGalaxy Рік тому +14

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

    • @exia0616
      @exia0616 Рік тому +1

      ​@@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
      @SuperGalaxy Рік тому +6

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

  • @pabloserrano3634
    @pabloserrano3634 Рік тому +11

    I'm from PR and watched the PRvsDR game in Mayagüez, a municipality in the west of the island. I had watched it in the middle of the main town just off campus. It was the most electrifying atmosphere ever where streets had to be closed just to watch the games on the TV's the bars had. Some of the players in the PR team aren't in the MLB and play for the winter season in the island. These games mean a lot to the people of the island who literally dye their hair blonde in support of the team. Having it called an exhibition game is bullshit after the fact that I'd rather wait 4 more years to watch another WBC than to watch paint dry in the MLB. These boys played with their hearts on their sleeves and I'll be damned that someone tries to underplay the feeling of playing, and winning, for your country and to get put on the map on this big a stage.

  • @CrowtheBOOLET
    @CrowtheBOOLET 10 місяців тому +21

    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.

  • @marcomartinelli1113
    @marcomartinelli1113 Рік тому +760

    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
      @williamdavis9562 Рік тому +15

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

    • @diamonddetails9445
      @diamonddetails9445 Рік тому +3

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

    • @adolfobeteta4565
      @adolfobeteta4565 Рік тому +10

      Welcome to the fascinating and unpredictable world of baseball!

    • @johndor8772
      @johndor8772 Рік тому +3

      Piazza

    • @jasonanno3881
      @jasonanno3881 Рік тому +3

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

  • @EclipseMints08
    @EclipseMints08 Рік тому +99

    "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_
      @extrabladeworks_ Рік тому +9

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

  • @babayaga239
    @babayaga239 5 місяців тому +18

    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
      @ryomagaaracielfai Місяць тому

      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.

  • @michaelharrison8120
    @michaelharrison8120 Рік тому +57

    bottom line is it's not an exhibition tournament. it's the world cup of baseball and should mean a lot to players and fans.

  • @cowboyd5673
    @cowboyd5673 Рік тому +619

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

    • @csy897
      @csy897 Рік тому +34

      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
      @mmacwebb7306 11 місяців тому

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

    • @otaviofrn_adv
      @otaviofrn_adv 11 місяців тому +6

      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
      @AntoSimoes 10 місяців тому +4

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

    • @dontmisunderstand6041
      @dontmisunderstand6041 10 місяців тому +4

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

  • @CZsWorld
    @CZsWorld Рік тому +1058

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

    • @diogogf9754
      @diogogf9754 Рік тому +17

      When’s the next one?

    • @miscellaneousproductions
      @miscellaneousproductions Рік тому +183

      @@diogogf9754 It's every 3 years now, so 2026.

    • @diogogf9754
      @diogogf9754 Рік тому +15

      @@miscellaneousproductions Thx

    • @jessecruz7902
      @jessecruz7902 Рік тому +68

      ​@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
      @chadkirk150 Рік тому +50

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

  • @sharksanchez2800
    @sharksanchez2800 Рік тому +114

    México 🇲🇽 cayó en la raya 🤙🏻Felicidades a Japón 🇯🇵 🏆

  • @piotrkol91
    @piotrkol91 6 місяців тому +11

    This is the actual World Series of Baseball

  • @catspeakrightmeow2643
    @catspeakrightmeow2643 Рік тому +333

    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
      @PNW30568 Рік тому +3

      119 likes and not comment I'll change it

    • @Mr.Tito_Pool
      @Mr.Tito_Pool Рік тому +7

      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
      @parka9945 Рік тому +1

      💯

    • @barnold23
      @barnold23 Рік тому +1

      Well put.

    • @STREETJE
      @STREETJE Рік тому

      How easy a scripted game can harvest your emotions

  • @Redsoxman9991
    @Redsoxman9991 Рік тому +42

    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
      @MistaGrim Рік тому +7

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

    • @lmk10000
      @lmk10000 Рік тому +5

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

  • @curlybrace314
    @curlybrace314 9 місяців тому +5

    As an American fan of baseball, the WBC was exciting to watch! Some whiny MLB fans need to accept the fact baseball may have started in America, it belongs to the world.

  • @ywamdan408
    @ywamdan408 3 місяці тому +5

    bro you are one of the greatest storytellers on UA-cam, 2 years ago I had no interest in baseball, my interest is piqued now

  • @Nick_Simpson007
    @Nick_Simpson007 Рік тому +632

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

    • @cidiose
      @cidiose Рік тому +26

      Pretty well put.

    • @Nick_Simpson007
      @Nick_Simpson007 Рік тому +28

      @@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
      @cidiose Рік тому +13

      @@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
      @Abbaschand Рік тому +53

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

    • @zk2939
      @zk2939 Рік тому +2

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

  • @gridlore
    @gridlore Рік тому +105

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

    • @gridlore
      @gridlore Рік тому

      @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.

  • @spencerkimura
    @spencerkimura 3 місяці тому +3

    When I went to the Tokyo dome in 2013 it really changed my perspective on American baseball. This validates it even more

  • @obviouslyanonymous
    @obviouslyanonymous 11 місяців тому +2

    Always incredible to see more love come to world cup tournaments! With how loud and individual the personalities in baseball are, I could totally see it becoming one of the most fun world sporting events. Legendary rivalries and stories are just waiting to happen

  • @zephyr2002
    @zephyr2002 Рік тому +844

    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.

    • @user-pt9qi7gw7w
      @user-pt9qi7gw7w Рік тому +16

      Wow Ichiro &Sasaki !

    • @paulnewell7722
      @paulnewell7722 Рік тому +13

      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
      @FigureFarter Рік тому +8

      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
      @m09527 Рік тому +4

      ​@@user-pt9qi7gw7w 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
      @dukejpn Рік тому +4

      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...

  • @armo-bb-
    @armo-bb- Рік тому +289

    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
      @jimbojimbo6873 Рік тому +1

      Gay

    • @derekboudreau4576
      @derekboudreau4576 Рік тому +13

      @@jimbojimbo6873 homophobia is a homosexual tendency.

    • @RobotShlomo
      @RobotShlomo Рік тому

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

    • @armo-bb-
      @armo-bb- Рік тому +2

      @@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
      @TheMrPeteChannel Рік тому

      @@jimbojimbo6873 happy?

  • @HimJones213
    @HimJones213 10 місяців тому +10

    I just got into baseball 2 years ago but I know exactly how special that last out was in the bottom of the 9th I don’t think you could ask for much more in todays game Ohtani vs Trout icons/teammates competing for their country

  • @jimkyfication
    @jimkyfication Рік тому +5

    This year's WBC with Ohtani, Trout and Taiwan got me into watching more baseball videos. I'm following up on the MLB this year for the first time and trying to learn all the stats abbrev. And language and all, but I can see that baseball is quite a charming sport.

  • @octaviomarquez1361
    @octaviomarquez1361 Рік тому +132

    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.

  • @levishirley5311
    @levishirley5311 Рік тому +370

    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
      @Cyber-BuIIy Рік тому +7

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

    • @M1GR1
      @M1GR1 Рік тому +13

      @@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
      @Cyber-BuIIy Рік тому +5

      @@M1GR1 thanks for that info bro!

  • @nnoxx1935
    @nnoxx1935 3 місяці тому +2

    cant imagine the conversations in the angels locker room after this tournament

  • @thefirepanda5503
    @thefirepanda5503 9 місяців тому +5

    The American sports fans who say the WBC doesnt matter are not real baseball fans. Its one of the most electrifying tournaments and funnest tournaments to watch because you see true passion from players who you may have never heard of because theyre not in MLB, yet. This WBC tournament was one of the craziest ive ever seen and i cant wait for the next one!

  • @reb349
    @reb349 Рік тому +49

    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
      @chrisdunfield513 Рік тому +8

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

    • @otaviofrn_adv
      @otaviofrn_adv 11 місяців тому

      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
    @robwalker2934 Рік тому +31

    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.

  • @pault7135
    @pault7135 Рік тому

    Big ups! Great synopsis! You captured the emotional part that only baseball can give. Gave me goosebumps. Thanks for the video!

  • @euanmacleod3738
    @euanmacleod3738 8 місяців тому +3

    This sounds amazing! I'm so sad I came to baseball so late - it's such an amazing sport. That finale is pure sporting theatre, and I love it.

  • @travisproo87
    @travisproo87 Рік тому +159

    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
      @whenisdinner2137 Рік тому

      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
      @dwayne2871 Рік тому +1

      Well said!

  • @hobokyle7504
    @hobokyle7504 Рік тому +83

    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.

  • @Snazzeo
    @Snazzeo 7 місяців тому +4

    As a Mets fan knowing how the season went, I’m glad Diaz got to go up to the WBC. Playing for your country is a huge honor and I was so happy for him that he got to deliver how he did.

  • @noot6230
    @noot6230 5 місяців тому +8

    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.

  • @jtodd0221
    @jtodd0221 Рік тому +181

    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.

  • @ZeuZLoD
    @ZeuZLoD Рік тому +207

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

    • @Quoise_
      @Quoise_ Рік тому +8

      TRUE

    • @co_pa_
      @co_pa_ Рік тому +6

      in my mind, too!

  • @winstonkostrzewa1585
    @winstonkostrzewa1585 9 місяців тому +5

    This tournament to me is one of the best things baseball could do. Yeah they could get injured, but this is more than just a game for some of these guys.

  • @chrisa3289
    @chrisa3289 7 місяців тому +1

    That tournament got me more into baseball than ever, never watched a full game before that now its by far my favorite sport, football season came and I barely recognized too busy watching a better sport and league

  • @eddrodriguez9645
    @eddrodriguez9645 Рік тому +67

    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!

  • @EPacker100
    @EPacker100 Рік тому +184

    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)

  • @justinholtman
    @justinholtman Рік тому +4

    I’m a cards fan and was excited for Lars nootbar he was playing good for us and this just helps his confidence and game.

  • @Boss_Geralt
    @Boss_Geralt 5 місяців тому +3

    I'm gonna have to check out one of these games outside the states, ASAP. That crowd looks electric AND while the team is losing, that's next lvl epic. I must experience this with the local crowd(s), I assure you- looks like a good time. Bucket Listed, ✅. I still enjoy MLB games in the USA primarily, but I grew up playing baseball so I can appreciate watching it anywhere. Great Video!

  • @de132
    @de132 Рік тому +79

    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
      @gheebuttersnaps13 Рік тому +1

      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
      @Tu_Padre31 Рік тому +1

      ​@@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)

  • @eltoroloco1936
    @eltoroloco1936 Рік тому +120

    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

  • @CuriousJet
    @CuriousJet 5 місяців тому +3

    That was absolutely the best baseball series I’ve seen as a baseball fan!

  • @beckmanchilds756
    @beckmanchilds756 4 місяці тому +3

    Respect to the team from the Czech Republic. Insane overreach to go toe to toe with the winning team. Also, I hope Randy forgives Will and joins our team via trade

  • @rickbarrerah
    @rickbarrerah Рік тому +42

    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

  • @exyerbamate
    @exyerbamate Рік тому +237

    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.

  • @davidday2373
    @davidday2373 3 місяці тому +3

    The World Baseball Classic was fun AF! I'm just a casual MLB fan, but this past WBC was a highlight of 2023 across all sports.

  • @k.p9810
    @k.p9810 2 дні тому +1

    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.

  • @alanhsieh2351
    @alanhsieh2351 Рік тому +432

    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
      @jasonanno3881 Рік тому +5

      Nice 👍👍

    • @djplexiglass
      @djplexiglass Рік тому +4

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

    • @lucasperez7149
      @lucasperez7149 Рік тому +3

      加油!

    • @kuroneko7022
      @kuroneko7022 5 місяців тому +1

      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? ❤

  • @Yesnog05
    @Yesnog05 Рік тому +288

    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
      @whenisdinner2137 Рік тому +2

      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
      @Yesnog05 Рік тому +11

      @@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
      @oscarzhang4734 Рік тому +1

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

    • @Yesnog05
      @Yesnog05 Рік тому +6

      @@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
      @panner11 Рік тому +2

      @@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.

  • @smfhsergio1728
    @smfhsergio1728 Рік тому +5

    i’ve never watched the WBC before. wouldn’t consider myself a baseball watcher. but man this tournament was something absolutely special. It felt like so much was at stake which made this tourney so much better. 🇲🇽

  • @kobezoldyck7177
    @kobezoldyck7177 Рік тому +8

    I used to play baseball until I was 16 (I´m 22 now). Ever since I stopped playing baseball, I stopped watching too. The WBC made me fall in love with Baseball again.

  • @PakiRaja
    @PakiRaja Рік тому +327

    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
      @gtaquizmaster Рік тому +21

      Pakistan has a good baseball team too

    • @Mikhail-Stark
      @Mikhail-Stark Рік тому +24

      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
      @ramuelcruzada3207 Рік тому +12

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

    • @insertnamehere5809
      @insertnamehere5809 Рік тому +6

      Australia made it to the top 8.

    • @itsjohnnyr8560
      @itsjohnnyr8560 Рік тому +4

      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.

  • @cloudypie9466
    @cloudypie9466 Рік тому +113

    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!

  • @pauloneufneufneuf
    @pauloneufneufneuf Рік тому +2

    This compilation and narrative is a more compelling promotion of Baseball than anything I've ever seen from other media, including MLB.
    Can't wait for the next classic.

  • @danieldanielson2324
    @danieldanielson2324 11 місяців тому +5

    Can’t help but smile when you see trout and ohtani squaring off at the plate for the biggest at bat in world history. What an amazing epic moment in baseball history.