Over 300,000 tickets were sold during the tournament. Author: MLB
“Classic” ended with an epic, tense and fantastical movie scene (all in one script) that will probably never happen again, where two of the best baseball players in the world meet: Shohei Otani and Mike Trout.
Japan won the deluxe national team tournament for the third time. He left the 2017 Monarch with silver, finishing in 27th place, never to be forgotten by underdog Otani and underdog Trout, in front of over 36,000 fans at Miami’s IoanDepot Park.
Thus ended the first Clasico, which brought together 20 teams for the first time and nevertheless shortened the path to the top to seven games. The group format only in the preliminary round, and then direct elimination guarantees entertainment. Public figures recorded according to reports published by ESPN confirm the box office success of the game of chance.
The payrolls presented were, for the most part, better than the previous ones. Even the major league players decided to wear the costume of the national teams. There was dedication, passion, and playing to the limit, which, unfortunately, was not established by the ability of the athletes, but by the rules issued by the MLB franchise offices to which they belong.
The next edition will take place in 2026, on the 20th anniversary of the first Clasico. The organizers are faced with the task of making the tournament better than this one, and, above all, that there are fewer obstacles for high-class players.
If the current employment agreement between MLB and the PBA provides for classics, it is discounted when athletes are subjected to double restrictions: championship restrictions and other additional, sometimes irrationally excessive, to their owners in the Big Top industry. .
There were even personal restrictions and “offers” before and in the middle of the competition, which did not have to be read between the lines, they were very clear: better than Classic, spring training. Who pays…
There were notable omissions not only due to lack of interest and actual injuries, but also at the “last minute” and even for controversial reasons not to publicly suggest that the permits were empty words.
As far as setting deadlines for all MLB to join their teams, it’s unfair that they are the same for those who will play in America and those who have to go to Asia. There are 12 hours between them, which requires a scientifically proven time to adapt, especially in the case of high-performing athletes.
Representativeness is also a controversial aspect. Some are in favor of the same athlete having three or four countries to choose which suit to wear, while others are in favor of registration rules setting more parameters in this regard. Let nothing limit the possibilities, but with order.
And the calendar should also not have options for adjustment in favor of the hosts, as happened with the order of the quarterfinal clashes in Japan and the United States. Each game must have a pre-set date.
The tension that some fans have raised over the Cuban team in Miami deserves an exhaustive review. Such offenses and attacks violate sportsmanship, baseball’s values, and call into question the effectiveness of the safety measures provided for the event.
Baseball is experiencing sublime moments with the World Classic. Collect stars, encourage passions and feelings of identity. He captures an audience of millions and once again nominates the sport for a return to the Olympics.
You’re welcome. And if each edition surpasses the previous one, even better.
all Stars
Most Valuable Player: Shohei Otani (Japan)
A: Salvador Perez (VEN)
1 B: Yu Chang (TCH)
2B: Javier Baez (PUR)
H.H: Treya Turner (USA)
3B: Yoan Moncada (CUB)
LF: Randy Arozarena (MEX)
CF: Mike Trout (USA)
RF: Masataka Yoshida (Japan)
Question: Miguel Romero (CUB)
Question: Shohei Otani (Japan)
Question: Patrick Sandoval (MEX)
Source: Juventud Rebelde