Team USA sent a stacked lineup to the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, Kyle Tucker, JT Realmuto, Tim Anderson, Kyle Schwarber, and several top hitters attended the event and performed admirably.
USA reached the finals, but couldn’t beat a talented Japanese team and fell 3-2.
Schwarber, one of the most important players in the USA and Philadelphia Phillies lineup, offered his take about the experience of being able to play at the biggest stage and defending his country’s uniform.
“What an incredible honor to represent the United States. It was one of the best experiences I’ve been apart of. Thank you to the fellas, coaches, and the fans – the energy was incredible every night! #ALLIN,” the slugger tweeted.
What an incredible honor to represent the United States. It was one of the best experiences I’ve been apart of. Thank you to the fellas, coaches, and the fans – the energy was incredible every night! 🇺🇸 #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/nXZyUI3W9E
—Kyle Schwarber (@kschwarb12) March 23, 2023
While some players are unequivocally against the World Baseball Classic being played in March, others answered the call and represented their countries.
Not one of them has had anything but positive comments about the experience.
It’s a playoff-like atmosphere, but better: stadiums are full, people are electric in the stadium, there are several cultures and traditions on display, and everybody is watching or commenting on social media and the TV.
Besides, nothing beats playing just for the pride of being American, Japanese, Venezuela, Puerto Rican, Dominican, or any other country that took part in the tournament.
Schwarber, who has played in multiple World Series, got to experience all this and called his time in the WBC among the best and funniest he has been a part of.
The tournament is taking off, and everybody is hoping 2026 gets here quickly.
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