The World Baseball Classic, or the WBC, is an international tournament where the best players from all over the world have the opportunity to represent their countries on the major league field. The tournament first began in 2006 and has been held every other year since then. It consists of 16 teams, divided into four pools of four teams each, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the next round. Ultimately, the tournament culminates in a championship series between the two nations that are left standing.
The 2021 edition of the tournament is set to begin on March 9th, but before that, let’s take a look back at some of the unforgettable moments throughout history of the WBC.
The Dominance of Japan in the 2006 WBC
The inaugural 2006 WBC tournament was one of the most memorable in history, and the main reason for this was the performance of Japan. The team led by manager Sadaharu Oh was incredibly dominant throughout the tournament, taking out the likes of China, South Korea, Mexico, and Cuba in the process. As if their pitching staff wasn’t enough, their offensive production was nothing to sneeze at either. Lead by Ichiro Suzuki and Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Japanese team took home their first WBC title with an overall record of 11-2. This victory would be the first of three consecutive titles for Japan, establishing them as one of the most successful teams in WBC history.
The Semifinals of the 2009 WBC: USA vs. Japan
In the 2009 WBC semifinal game, the United States and Japan did battle for a chance to play in the championship series. Both teams had already shown that they were strong contenders in the tournament, but this was a true test of who was the best. Ultimately, Japan would come out on top, winning the game 4–2. The moments leading up to the final out were some of the most intense and exciting, as it went down to the wire. Furthermore, this was the first time Japan had defeated the US the WBC history and was a symbol of their dominance over the next several years.
David Wright Powering USA to the Finals in 2013
The 2013 WBC tournament was an all-time classic, and one of its biggest stars was Mets third baseman David Wright. Despite the fact that Team USA had only managed to reach the semifinals that year, Wright in particular was on an absolute tear – hitting .481 in the tournament and driving in nine runs. His performance in the semifinals was crucial, as he hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning that lifted the US to a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands. Ultimately, his heroics would ensure the US made the championship series for the first time since 2009, and his impressive run may very well still be one of the most memorable in WBC history.
The 2014 Semifinals Between Sweden and Netherlands
The 2014 WBC semifinal game between Sweden and the Netherlands is one that may not be remembered by many, but it was one of the most unique and thrilling games in the tournament’s history. The game went into extra innings, and despite the Netherlands leading by one in the 11th inning, the Swedes managed to steal the victory in the bottom of the frame. Roger Bernadina drove in the winning run with an RBI double, which was capped off with a remarkable throw from left field by Sweden’s utility player, Jesper Saltoft. This inspired play made for an exciting moment that no fan who witnessed it will soon forget.
The 2016 Semifinals: Japan vs. The Kingdom of Netherlands
The 2016 WBC tournament provided one of the most exciting semifinal matchups in history, with Japan taking on the Kingdom of Netherlands in a highly-anticipated showdown. Although many predicted that the Japanese team was the favorite heading into the game, the Netherlands had other ideas and put up a valiant fight from start to finish. The game went into extra innings and ultimately ended after 12 innings with a 2-1 victory for Japan. The excitement of this thrilling game sent shockwaves around the world, as fans cheered and celebrated one of the most exciting games in WBC history.
The 2017 Championship Game Between South Korea and USA
The 2017 WBC tournament was by far the most memorable in recent history, with two powerful contenders, the United States and South Korea, battling it out for the crown. This matchup was especially exciting, as it was the first time since the inaugural 2006 WBC tournament that two teams from the same continent went head-to-head to determine the champion. With South Korea trailing the US by one run in the 7th inning, the Koreans managed to rally with an incredible show of offense and ultimately secured their first-ever WBC title in electrifying fashion.
The 2019 Semifinals Battle Between Japan and United States
The 2019 WBC semifinal between Japan and the United States was a showdown for the ages. In what was the fourth time the two teams were playing against each other in the tournament, the matchup was as good as ever. Both teams had shown throughout the tournament that they were worthy contenders, and this game was no different. Ultimately, Japan would come away with the victory in extra innings, taking the game 4-3. This set the stage for an amazing championship series between Japan and South Korea, and marked yet another amazing moment in WBC history.
The 2021 WBC tournament is sure to be another exciting affair, and fans should look forward to the many unforgettable moments that are sure to come. Before that though, let’s remember some of the best moments from the World Baseball Classic throughout history.
The World Baseball Classic has been bringing the world together on the major league field since 2006, and its many unforgettable moments throughout history have been the highlight of many baseball fans. From the dominance of Japan in the inaugural 2006 WBC tournament to the amazing semifinal matchup between Japan and USA in 2019, there is no shortage of remarkable and memorable moments to look back on. With the 2021 tournament just around the corner, fans are eagerly awaiting the next great moments that the WBC will bring.
