The World Baseball Classic ( WBC) has been extra “spicy” this year. I can’t remember a year where there’s been this much excitement surrounding this world wide baseball tournament. I also can’t remember a year with this much talent signed up to play in this tournament and this much determination to bring this baseball trophy home. Wherever home may be.
Social media has been full of great content of fans from both Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Fans both here and abroad going berserk over their team and this great sport. Traditional songs, instruments and dances have made it into ballparks every where. There were a few preliminary games in this tournament played in the capital on the relatively small island. Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, basically shut down everything for these games. The entire city and small towns around it all came out to see the hometown boys play on home turf. Mind you, their hometown boys are now some of the best players in the major leagues in the United States. Top draft picks, constantly being selected to All Star teams and a handful the winners of the annual home run derby.
The unmatched excitement displayed in front of our faces on camera. Has raised some questions regarding these countries and the sport of baseball. Even from some of the most devout and passionate American fans.
Why the extreme excitement and passionate display of emotions over the sport of baseball? Why are so many superstars being cultivated in places that aren’t as abundant in resources? Why does it seem like baseball is a way of life and engraved into the very culture?
Cristiano Ronaldo, the world known and famous soccer player from Portugal. Was interviewed not long ago regarding his son and his possible future as a “futbol” player. His son seems to be a rising soccer star, at least within his sphere of talent. So naturally, the interviewer asked Ronaldo, “Will your son play professional soccer and will he be as good as you?
Ronaldo’s reply, I believe, answers many of the questions asked above regarding Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and baseball. He said in summary.
” I grew up dirt poor in a neighborhood that was dangerous and without much opportunity to leave. Once a soccer ball was placed next to my feet I knew this was probably my only way out and to some level of success. I lived soccer, it became apart of my being from sun up to sun down. My son is talented but, because of my success, he doesn’t need a way out. The talent and hard work isn’t being driven by desperation.”
