I don't know what it's like in Europe, but it seems that in the US, the general sentiment toward any sort of international sport competition is that of total apathy. For example, it came as a total surprise to me that the Winter Olympics are about to start a few weeks from now. I mentioned this to some people at work, and their response was "oh really? is that where they luge?"
In Europe, we tend to get very excited about international tournaments, which is particularly ironic for us Brits in the audience as we never actually win anything (with the exception of Torvill & Dean's moving Bolero on ice circa 1984). Interesting comment Irina, and one worthy of further discussion (to get beyond simple observation to the actual reasons why). As for the tournament, with you all the way Iain. As mentioned in the past, I think it will do world baseball, a-hem, the world of good. Think I'll be supporting Australia though as they appear to have the coolest caps.
This will be one of those sports stories that, in a month and a half, will receive huge amounts of coverage, the biggest reason being the contrast of bland spring training games and games Olympic style, where one plays for his country, and in DORA's case(that's AROD bass ackwards), countries. They can have him.
How funny i'm not surprised not findinf any cuban jersey on the MLB.com shop ???
how funny it would be for the US to be beaten by people just the color of the people they let starve in their country. for sure there is african-american players in the US team.
Iain, how is France's team looking? Great Britain's?
Tom - I hear that both teams declined the initial invitation to the tournament so that their superior baseball skills wouldn't embarrass the big boys.
Ah, international (team)sport tournaments!
Although I love baseball as a mother would love her offspring, I must admit my heart skips a beat every time a football World Cup approaches. For me, the appeal consist of some these factors:
-Only the best players in the world
-Summertime, so chance of drinking beer while watching the games outside is exponentially greater. Those who have been to a freezing division 1 game in January can see the appeal in that.
-Only every 4 years, so small risk of it becoming ordinary and dull
Funnily enough, most of these factors could be attributed to the World Baseball Classic too, if only the first point truly came true. Imagine watching a series of All-Star games, with the difference that these games actually ment something? (I know Bud keeps on insisting the A-S game does, but please, give it up!)
Personally, I can't wait to see the Dominican murderers' row.
On another note - Tom - I don't know much about the french national side, but the GB side, albeit its recent improvement, is still far away from being a force even in Europe. The UK essentially has 1 (yes, you read correct, ONE), baseball diamond that holds up to international standards. Although there now 3 divisions with more than 40 teams in the UK, the infrastructure is well below what is available on the continent. Many GB prospects now ply their trade in various US educational institutions, so hopefully they can bring something back and improve the game here too.
BTW, very nice blog Iain.
I'd love to see the winner of the World Series play the winner of the Japanese World Series. The WBC likely won't involve a level of play comparable to American baseball.
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