Re: World Baseball Classic '09 - Discussion Thread
This is all theoretical. Caring doesn't equal victory. Not saying it doesn't matter, just that it takes a bit more than "wanting it more." Continuity is just as important. All the teams go through this to a degree. There's a reason All-Star teams are rarely successful (at least on that basis alone). There were strong coutries that left early due at least in part to that fact (continuity), particularly with injuries and no-shows this time around (not an excuse, just talking variables here).
In the end, the point is we don't know all the "why" behind the US team not winning it it all. The level of dedication by the players is all speculation and perception. It takes numerous factors to win...it's never black and white. It could be that Japan and Korea are simply the better constructed teams overall. Nothing wrong with that.
Also, I disagree that it should be bigger than the World Series for these guys. The country gains little from the US winning the WBC. Some may not like that, but it's true to this point. There's no history, no tradition. Winning the World Seies, on the other hand, is not only rich with pride and tradition (much of it very "American" in nature
), but is a culmination of months of hard work and dedication.
Plus, the point Youkilis made that can't really be denied (whether you agree with his other points and overall sentiment or not) is that it's much easier to feel that sense of energy if the people watching are behind you. Yes, I know it works both ways, but the point is patriotism is largely a group effect. Even the most diehard patriot can lose steam if his rallying cries fall on deaf ears. That doesn't mean he's less of a patriot...only one in need of a bit of a lift. National pride is at least partially predicated on national recognition and cooperation.
Until the WBC is put in a position to be relevant to the masses, it will not be more important than the World Series. Maybe there's nothing wrong with that. Being part of one of the longest standing national sports traditions ends up being it's own act of patriotism. If you care more about your personal or professional traditions it doen't mean you don't care about creating new ones.
Still, MLB would do everyone (players, fans, themselves) a favor by reformatting the way the WBC is structured and when it takes place. Right now, it's a conflict for the US more than any other because it directly interferes with a longstanding tradition for all involved. This is the time of year where fans of all MLB teams have renewed hope. The Royals aren't losers, and the Cubs curse is breakable. It's hard for plenty of fans (and players) to switch long time focuses so readily.
Not saying it's right, or has to be agreed upon. Also not saying it's true for everyone. Without getting overly political, I'm just pointing out that there is more to national pride than mere involvement.
This is all theoretical. Caring doesn't equal victory. Not saying it doesn't matter, just that it takes a bit more than "wanting it more." Continuity is just as important. All the teams go through this to a degree. There's a reason All-Star teams are rarely successful (at least on that basis alone). There were strong coutries that left early due at least in part to that fact (continuity), particularly with injuries and no-shows this time around (not an excuse, just talking variables here).
In the end, the point is we don't know all the "why" behind the US team not winning it it all. The level of dedication by the players is all speculation and perception. It takes numerous factors to win...it's never black and white. It could be that Japan and Korea are simply the better constructed teams overall. Nothing wrong with that.
Also, I disagree that it should be bigger than the World Series for these guys. The country gains little from the US winning the WBC. Some may not like that, but it's true to this point. There's no history, no tradition. Winning the World Seies, on the other hand, is not only rich with pride and tradition (much of it very "American" in nature
), but is a culmination of months of hard work and dedication. Plus, the point Youkilis made that can't really be denied (whether you agree with his other points and overall sentiment or not) is that it's much easier to feel that sense of energy if the people watching are behind you. Yes, I know it works both ways, but the point is patriotism is largely a group effect. Even the most diehard patriot can lose steam if his rallying cries fall on deaf ears. That doesn't mean he's less of a patriot...only one in need of a bit of a lift. National pride is at least partially predicated on national recognition and cooperation.
Until the WBC is put in a position to be relevant to the masses, it will not be more important than the World Series. Maybe there's nothing wrong with that. Being part of one of the longest standing national sports traditions ends up being it's own act of patriotism. If you care more about your personal or professional traditions it doen't mean you don't care about creating new ones.
Still, MLB would do everyone (players, fans, themselves) a favor by reformatting the way the WBC is structured and when it takes place. Right now, it's a conflict for the US more than any other because it directly interferes with a longstanding tradition for all involved. This is the time of year where fans of all MLB teams have renewed hope. The Royals aren't losers, and the Cubs curse is breakable. It's hard for plenty of fans (and players) to switch long time focuses so readily.
Not saying it's right, or has to be agreed upon. Also not saying it's true for everyone. Without getting overly political, I'm just pointing out that there is more to national pride than mere involvement.
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