Once every four years, respective sports hold a competition to find out who the best of the best is throughout the world. The first one that comes to mind, of course, would be the Summer and Winter Olympics respectively. To a lesser degree – depending on who you speak to – is the World Cup which pits the best of the best that soccer has to offer against each other over a month long tournament. While baseball is America’s oldest game, it’s also the newest to the four-year annual tournament.
Last month, 16 nations sent the best players they had to offer into a World Baseball Classic competition where only one country would come out victorious. After two failed attempts, the Dominican Republic was able to takes its star-studded team to the winner’s circle.
Seven players within the Pirates organization- headlined by Jason Grilli (Italy), Chris Leroux (Canada), Jameson Taillon (Canada) and Wandy Rodriguez (Dominican Republic) – were among those chosen to participate in the competition this year.
Interestingly enough, Italy and Canada found themselves within the same bracket as the United States and Mexico. One of the more memorable moments was the bench-clearing brawl in the game between Canada and Mexico. Unfortunately, the action didn’t stay between the respective teams on the field.
“There were some Mexican fans up there talking and saying some not so friendly words [to me]. I kind of took offense to what they were saying and started chirping back at them,” explained Leroux. “They threw a bottle in my direction and unfortunately, it hit my pitching coach right in the forehead causing a gash. That’s life when you’re dealing with international fans and the soccer-type atmosphere.”
Fight aside, it was a successful tournament for the Canucks in general as they were able to do something they hadn’t done four years ago.
“It was pretty cool. We won a game this year, which is always a plus,” said Leroux. “Four years ago, we didn’t win a game. The fight brought the team together.”
While team Canada was happy to win a game, team Italy put on a surprising performance as they defeated the United States and Canada in convincing fashion. The Italians – the underdog of Pool D – were able to join the United States in advancing to the second round of the tournament.
“It was a lot of fun. Just high-intensity games. It’s baseball, that’s what it is,” said Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo. “Our emotions were high there on the team and we were all pulling for each other. That’s what winning baseball is.”
“It was awesome. Playing in the WBC is like playing World Series caliber baseball early in the season,” Grilli added. “It’s a different intensity and it’s a lot of fun. I enjoy it every time .”
When Grilli says every time, he means it.
Literally.
Since the inaugural tournament, Grilli has had the opportunity to represent his country each time. To put it in perspective, Grilli’s Manager this past tournament, Mike Piazza, served as his teammate the first time around.
“It’s pretty cool, man. Piazza has had one hell of a career. He definitely knows the game,” Grilli said. “I think that’s what happens. The evolution of this game is sometimes you want to get far away from it, but then you see guys like him who are Hall of Fame players that still want to be around it and surround themselves with it.”
While Grilli was enjoying the experience of playing for Piazza, Rizzo was one of the guys he enjoyed playing with – and watching – the most.
“He’s an up-and-coming player. I think you’re going to see a lot out of Anthony. It was fun to play with him,” said Grilli with a smile. “We even teased each other and said, ‘Yeah, I’ll see you in the batters box the first series here.’ I’m hoping to get the best of him here.”
Rizzo, the second youngest play on team Italy, said having the chance to play with Grilli was an exciting one.
“Grilli was awesome. He was a great guy in the clubhouse. He was our closer and the guy we wanted on the mound late in the game,” said Rizzo. “Just to get to know him and play with him was a lot of fun. It’s something I’ll be able to look at down the road and have a great memory of it.”
Leroux and Grilli said they both plan on playing in the WBC in 2017 (Grilli said it will be his last), but team Canada can count on one of the Pirates’ prospects to be representing the Great White North for quite some time.
“The last game when Taillon had to go up against the United States and we had them 3-2 in the 8th, it was the most intense game ever. It was unfortunate we didn’t pull it out in the end,” said Leroux.
Leroux said that even after working with Taillon in spring training, he was overly impressed with his performance in the WBC.
“That’s the best lineup he’s ever going to face ever, regardless if he’s in an All-Star game or not. I think he looked great,” Leroux stated. “Can he repeat that every time out? I think that’s why he’s in Double-A right now. He’s still young and new. As soon as he figures out how to do that every five days, he’ll be in the big leagues for a long time. I was proud of him and I’m excited to see what he can do this year.”
While the tournament is a competition and all teams want to win, it’s one that is filled with athletes playing for the pride of their nation.
“I think it’s a little bit different with the WBC that your last name on the back of your jersey gives a significance to why you can wear the name on the front,” Grilli explained. “I’m proud to be an Italian-American – as we all were – and we embrace that uniform. It’s pretty special.”
Photo Credits: Deadspin
