Bring on the WBC

the World Baseball Classic.

With the Super Bowl in the rearview mirror—outside of some discussion regarding the James Bradbury penalty or Rhianna’s halftime show—it’s now time for sports fans to turn their attentions to the rest of the world beyond football and the many things we have to look forward to in the next few months.

From the NHL and NBA playoffs to MLB Opening Day and the Masters, there’s no shortage of events on the horizon to keep us invested for the next few weeks— and that’s not even bringing another exciting season of USFL action into the discussion. But while there’s certainly enough going on to satiate the most rabid sports fan, I’m looking forward to something that flies under the radar for the majority in this country—I’m looking forward to

The 2023 WBC will take place from March 7 to March 21—featuring a host of international teams and stars. And while the majority of American sports fans might not be clamoring for a pre-season baseball tournament, I have to say that this is always a spectacle I look forward to.

I mean, I get it; at the end of the day, it’s nothing more than glorified Spring Training for most of our MLB stars. Guys will be on pitch limits, hitters will be anything but in mid-season form.

But for me, it doesn’t matter; it’s baseball.

I’ve loved everything about the WBC from the very first iteration of the tournament in 2006. I remember being down in the San Pedro de Macoris at the time and watching Dominican Republic play Cuba in the semifinals. You couldn’t help but get swept up in the excitement.

Beyond that, I love the same things that intrigue me about every International tournament; namely watching some scrappy, underdog team—your Australias, your Isaraels—manage to string together a win or two against more established powers.

It’s all the excitement of the Olympics but without the unnec - essary pomp, circumstance, or cross-country skiing events.

So bring on the World Baseball Classic!

I know the American masses won’t care, and—looking at the USA’s pitching staff—I don’t know if they should. But for me, and a few other die-hards, it’s the perfect breath of fresh air right before spring. And that’s something worth looking forward to.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports