My edit of Brittany’s WBC article

Aaron Groff’s edit of Brittany Waserstein’s World Baseball Classic Article

 

Similar to the World Cup of Soccer, the World Baseball Classic brings together the world best athletes in their respected sport to represent their countries. The games bring about a sense of national pride that unlike the World Cup and the Summer Olympics, occurs every two years. As the 2009 WBC came to a close, the country of Japan celebrated as they won their second WBC title in just the tournaments second showing.

Fans from American and Latin American countries, such as the United States, Venezuela, Cuba, and Panama, have feelings of disappointment as the Championship game was an all Asian match-up between Japan and Korea. Japan defeated Korea in a classic match up, 5-3, in extra innings.

To get to the finals, Japan defeated the deeply talented United States team 9-4 in the semifinals. The Semifinals were held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The stadium was rocking with the popular roar of “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” as the largely American crowd did the best they could to liven up their national heroes.

Baseball is known as America’s pastime, but if the games have shown us anything, it is that the sport spreads its reach all over the globe. “As a follower of the sport, I am very disappointed,” said Junior Eric Jaffe. “I can’t believe we are letting the Asian countries dominate our country’s sport.” While the U.S. did end up short in its championship quest, they did however put on a strong showing, making it to the final four teams, unlike two years ago in which the were out in the first round.

In Korea’s trip to the finals, they had to get through the Venezuelan team. “Being from Venezuela and a big fan of baseball, I am very upset,” said Junior Stephanie Santana. “We made it so far and still lost.” However, Santana believes in her team and hopes they will win the championship next year. She claims she is somewhat pleased with her team’s performance.”I didn’t expect them to do so well and make it as far as they did.”

Many of the players participating in the World Baseball Classic are Major League Baseball players who have cut short their training with their professional teams to show their sense of nationality. The Japanese team was carried to the championship on the shoulders of their two MLB superstars, Ichiro Suzuki and Daisuke Matsuzaka. Suzuki, an outfielder for the Seattle Mariners delivered Japan’s WBC winning hit in the tenth inning. Matsuzaka, a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, was flawless in his starts, and was named the tournament’s MVP.