Mayer: World Baseball Classic Displays Unique Baseball Cultures

Courtesy worldbaseballclassic.com

I think there will come a time when the World Baseball Classic grows significantly and baseball fans across this country come to look forward to the event. There are true baseball junkies that have already enjoyed the tournament which is approaching the championship round in San Francisco. (Japan and the Netherlands punched their tickets already with the Dominican Republic joining them after a win yesterday. USA and Puerto Rico will battle for the last spot tonight.)

There are a ton of reasons to love the World Baseball Classic and as we have seen, there are definitely flaws to the tournament. Let's remember that the WBC is still in its infancy, this is only the third time it has been played. Most complaints revolve around the best American players staying with their teams in Spring Training, but that's not what I want to talk about.

While the mere fact that highly competitive baseball is being played in March is enough to get me excited, one of the best aspects of the WBC is seeing the different cultures of baseball. We view baseball solely through the MLB prism, but as the sport grows in other countries it has taken on different forms.

Courtesy: Getty Images

Many complained about the high energy Dominicans who jump out of the dugout after every big hit and show no fear in gazing at home runs or gesticulating on the mound. In the MLB all of this would be perceived as a slight towards the opposition. The DR has no intention of showing anyone up, they are just having fun. The DR fans are the same way; standing for extended periods, constantly chanting, and blowing horns and a vast array of other instruments. They are a group of free swingers and hard throwers. Homers, stolen bases, and strikeouts oh my!

Puerto Rico may not be as demonstrative as the Dominican Republic, but they are on the field having fun. The passion from Latino fans is undisputed and brings the feel of a big soccer match to baseball. The Netherlands is one of the most interesting countries. Baseball has really gained traction for the Dutch. They play an American style and have a similar demeanor. With word of a multi-million dollar baseball facility being built, the Netherlands could become a surprising hotbed for international talent.

Take a look at the Italians who kiss each other on the cheek as part of celebrations after scoring runs. I mean, how is that not cool. The Godfather has finally made its way into baseball. It seems like this group is a full roster of Nick Puntos and Marco Scutaros. They aren't the most talented or athletic, but they might very well play the hardest willing to sacrifice their bodies and make the extra hustle plays to win.

Courtesy: Bleacher Report

On the other hand, the Asian countries including Japan, Korea, and Chinese Taipei attack the competition with a fierce competitiveness not often seen. They are all business and play the game all small ball all the time. Pitchers are more about breaking pitches then attempting to blow hitters away. Obviously their style works well, Japan has won both WBCs (beating Korea last year in the finals) and are in the championship round again this year.

Then there are the Americans, who play and are run exactly as you would expect. USA is stacked with talent and has a great deal of national pride, but are understated in their play. They essentially play and operate as a top MLB squad would. More then any other team, the Americans put emphasis on getting all players work and protecting them from injury to ensure that no MLB team has any qualms. Capitalism and politics at its finest.

I'll be honest, concerning the culture of baseball, I'm pretty old school. I don't think that celebrating every run with near dog piles, noise makers, showboating, cheek kissing, illegal undercover scouting (looking at you Chinese Taipei) have any place in the MLB. I love the dignity and respect that must be shown in major league baseball, it's one of the reasons the league is so great. Tradition. If you messed with a Dodger or showed someone up, Don Drysdale was putting one in the next hitters' ribs. Cole Hamels will do the same today.

Courtesy: Fox Sports

But this is not the MLB, this is the World Baseball Classic. It's not about the American way, which is the original way. The WBC is about sharing and embracing all baseball cultures and all styles of play. Once Americans and baseball junkies all over the World accept this and embrace the tournament it will only become more successful and meaningful.