America's Pastime

It's 7:54. In 6 minutes, Team USA will start a game against Puerto Rico in an elimination game in the World Baseball Classic. While you all will probably be reading this post an hour or so after the game has started, just know that if Team USA wins this game, I honestly believe that the 'Mericans will win the WBC and regain the title of "Baseball Kings." After all, it is America's sport and we should be the ones owning that title. 

It is now 7:58. And the game has already announced it's players and they are ready to take the field. Nationals starting pitcher, Gio Gonzalez is set to be the starter for the team and I don't think there is a starting pitcher better than he on the team. USA, after losing to Mexico in the opening round, are coming off a great comeback win against Team Canada a few days ago, thanks in part to Baltimore Orioles center fielder, Adam Jones and Cincinnati Reds second baseman, Brandon Phillips. 

I, personally, stated that Team USA isn't ready to play in this kind of tournament because of it's set up and ruling with pitchers having a pitch limit. The regulars playing for the other teams play year round ball, and are accustomed to this style of play, whereas the players for Team USA and other MLB players are fresh off an almost 6 month off season where they could pretty much do whatever they wanted. But after the win against Team Canada I fel as if something has changed in them. They have the confidence and the swagger to win the competition because of great pitching and the absolutely STACKED lineup of All Stars and a bullpen filled with lethal pitchers, like Braves closer, Craig Kimbrel.

Team USA needs to win this game against Puerto Rico to not only shut the critic like me up, but to also reclaim what is rightfully our. Baseball has been called "America's Pastime" for decades before American football too over, but with a competition like this, one for all the marbles for 4 years, Team USA should have the fire power and the self belief to win it all. Baseball was founded in this country and while it is a great, great thing that it has spread to so many different countries in the world, the foundation should stay in the country it was founded in because of it's origin and meaning to this country. It was the first family game, one of the first sources of entertainment in the 20th century. Winning the WBC would not only give the crown back to the country that founded the game that billions of people around the world enjoy, but it would give this country something to cheer for again. Something to get non believers in believers again. It will get the stadiums filled again, and have baseball be "America's Pastime" once again. 

It is now 8:35 and the second inning of the game is abut to start. USA-1, Puerto Rico-0
You can watch the game on MLB Network or follow the game online at MLB.com

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