For those who think the World Classic isn’t important, consider this: Trea Turner, who played in the playoffs often and won the World Series, considers that yesterday he hit the most important home run of his career.
He wouldn’t have made it to the Phillies camp, let’s say.
There are only three games left in this classic. Tonight, the United States and Cuba will face off. Tomorrow it will be a duel between Mexico and Japan.
And Tuesday will be the final.
Clearly, the duel between the United States and Cuba is important to many people. Mark DeRosa, the manager of the Americans, wants to get it right… to the point where he went to bed at four o’clock yesterday morning.
Add to that Nolan Arenado, whose father’s family comes from Cuba. He wants to beat the Cubans, but he’s very stressed.
Add to that Randy Arozarena, a Cuban who plays with the Mexicans. He wants to beat Japan and he wants to see the States win… to beat his home country himself.
Wow.
Surely they are not the only ones who want to win. Think of Mike Trout, who must want to win something in his life and who will do everything to make it happen at the World Classic. Let’s think of all those who give of themselves to reach the top.
It’s going to brew tonight at 7 p.m. I can’t wait to see this. Roenis Elias and Adam Wainwright will be on the mound for the occasion.
