Japan's lead-off batter Ichiro Suzuki, who plays for the Seattle Mariners, swings in the bottom of the first inning of its opening game against Team China in the World Baseball Classic in Tokyo, Japan, March 5, 2009. (Photo: Kyodo News/AP Images)
Baseball on a Global Stage
The 2009 World Baseball Classic kicks off in Tokyo
At this time of year, baseball players are usually working through spring training. They're getting in game shape, practicing fundamentals, and bonding with their teammates.
But for 18 days this month, many of those players will be taking time out of spring training to play for different teams and compete against their teammates.
These players will participate in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, which began on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan. And instead of playing for their pro teams they'll play for their countries.
The World Baseball Classic was established by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association as a way to create international interest in baseball. The first competition was in 2006 and was won by Japan.
The 2009 Classic features 16 national teams: Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, Puerto Rico, South Africa, the United States, and Venezuela.
In the Classic, Major League Baseball players compete for their home countries in an international tournament. First-round games are held in Tokyo; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Toronto, Canada; and Mexico City. Second-round games are played in San Diego, California, and Miami, Florida. The 2009 championship will be held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
In the first games of the 2009 Classic in Tokyo. Japan defeated China, 4-0, and Korea defeated Taipei, 9-0. Team USA begins its schedule on Saturday in Toronto with a game against Canada.
Every team has its share of baseball superstars—Carlos Delgado playing for Puerto Rico, Jason Bay playing for Canada, Ichiro Suzuki playing for Japan—so every game should be fun to watch.
But baseball is America's pastime, and it's no surprise that Team USA is loaded with talent. Some of the bigger names on the team are Derek Jeter, Jimmy Rollins, David Wright, Dustin Pedroia, Jake Peavy, and Chipper Jones.
With so many big names on Team USA, manager Davey Johnson must find ways to get all his players time on the field. At shortstop, for example, Jeter and Rollins are two of the best in baseball. In the World Baseball Classic, they'll have to share playing time.
But neither player is worried about how much time on the field or how many at bats they get. They know they're competing for something more important than rings or trophies: national pride.
"Derek and I told [Johnson], we understand the program," Rollins, shortstop for the Phillies, told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Derek will play and I'll play and that's what it's about. It's not about Derek and Jimmy, it's about U, S, and A."
For complete 2009 World Baseball Classic schedule and roster information, visit the official World Baseball Classic Web site.
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