US baseball heroics help Classic live up to its name

Baseball-playing nations around the world became excited about the World Baseball Classic from the moment it was announced and relished the chance to play the best in the 2006 inaugural event.

But after an inspired ninth-inning comeback by the United States to reach this year's Classic semi-finals following a second-round ouster in 2006, an American audience is awakening to the benefits of facing global challengers.

US Major League Baseball stars will face defending champion Japan in a Sunday semi-final at Dodger Stadium while reigning Olympic champion South Korea and major-leaguer-leaden Venezuela meet Saturday for a spot in Monday's final.

"We were excited and the world was excited for the first Classic," Korean manager Kim In-Sik said. "We felt great the first time without knowing what to expect.

"Three years later, as we go game by game meeting the world's best players, we're very excited about it. We're excited to go against world-class players."

A disappointing effort last season and the Classic's scheduling, during US clubs' pre-season training and opposite the popular US national college basketball tournament, dimmed interest in the Classic among American fans.

But all that changed when the US rallied from a two-run deficit in the ninth inning to defeat Puerto Rico's major-league all-stars and book a place in the semi-finals.

"The American people are a little slow to get it but the victory we had over Puerto Rico went a long way in creating fan interest," US manager Davey Johnson said.

David Wright, whose single scored the winning run, was mobbed by teammates and expects the dramatic triumph to boost fan support for the US title bid.

"That's a memory that for me will last a lifetime," Wright said. "We expect more fan support this round because the general fan is seeing the intensity and desire we have to win. Hopefully that catches on."

It's that desire that was questioned when some top US stars skipped the Classic and others were kept out by US clubs not wanting to lose them for pre-season workouts or incur extra injury risks.

"The first time I don't think anyone knew what to expect," New York Yankees star Derek Jeter said. "Once you had the opportunity to wear the uniform, represent the country and be around the guys you realized what an honor it was.

"That's the reason I'm here this time. Guys obviously have reasons for not being able to participate but I think more players wanted to play than not."

Five US players have been injured but similar troubles could have befallen each of them in pre-season games with their regular clubs as well, Johnson said, claiming he sees no future reluctance from clubs due to the setbacks.

"I don't think so. The injuries we have aren't serious, most of them. Four or five days off and they will be fine," Johnson said. "It's part of baseball. You're just looking at it closer here."

Jeter, like many players, is looking at getting ready for the start of the Major League Baseball season in two weeks.

"As long as you do what it takes to prepare yourself it's fine. I don't think people have a problem getting ready," he said. "When this is over we have a week to 10 days when we get home."







Curry