I <3 Team Netherlands

by ~ March 10th, 2009 at 10:38 pm

Today’s WBC game between the Dutch and Dominican Republic had me more excited than any baseball game in years, and certainly since the Mariners were a playoff team.  When Willy Aybar botched that grounder I was jumping around and screaming like a little kid.  I watched the ballgame from beginning to end and was holding my breath with every pitch it seemed.   I went from hating to loving former Mariner Eugene Kingsale in a matter of minutes.

I’m amazed how much emotion I invested into a team that I have no real connection with.  Obviously I root for Team USA as an America, and Team Canada because I was born there, and even Team Australia because I’m half British (okay, that’s pushing it), but I’ve enjoyed rooting for the Dutch these past three games.  I’m a sucker for the underdog, and these guys fit the bill even more so than Australia and Italy. 

Fun stuff.  It feels great to be moved by a ballgame like that after the last few frustrating seasons of Mariner baseball. 

I love the WBC and wish I had paid more attention to it last time around.  I almost feel like the 162 game season is going to be a letdown compared to this tournament.  I’m sure it will be for the players.

If you’re looking for Mariners content, sorry.. this tourney has me a million miles away.  There is only one thing really newsworthy going on anyway: Brandon Morrow’s forearm isn’t getting any better.  More later.

Also, my string of bad luck with laptops continues, and my personal computer situation is once again up in the air.  Posting may be erratic for the next couple of weeks (as if it wasn’t already) unless I figure something out.  Maybe some of the other BBT writers can pick up some of the slack.

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  • Spiral Out

    Being English I have a rooting interest in both of the European teams but I wasn’t actually expecting them to do anything. I had an enormous grin on my face when I saw ‘in play, run(s)’ come through on gameday :D First the Italians knock out Canada and now this.

    This is only my second full season as a baseball fan so I wasn’t around for the first WBC but on this evidence I can’t believe anyone ever thought it was a bad idea.

  • http://www.section331.com section331

    Jon – what channel are you watching these games on? I’ve been hoping ESPN had them, because that’s the only channel we get, but all that ever seems to be on is freaking basketball. :p

  • http://bleedingblueandteal.com Jon Shields

    MLB Network :/

  • ernier

    I too have gotten into the WBC this time around and it has been exciting. I still don’t like that they have it this time of year because I don’t think you are seeing the MLB guys at thier peak performance. I would prefer if they did it during the season instead of having the All Star game, just shut down baseball for 2 weeks and have the WBC every 3rd year instead of the All Star game.

    I was watching Cuba and Australia last night and Cuba has an absolute stud young pitcher. He is 21 years old and his name is Albertin Chapman and he struck out seven batters in his four innings. The announcers were saying his fastball was hitting 100 mph and his breaking ball was in the mid 70′s. I’m not sure if that’s true, but his fastball was blowing guys away. Don’t know when/if he will get out of Cuba, but he’d look great in an M’s uniform.

  • ppl

    I like the fact that the invitational nature of this tournament assures that no country that is a legitimate contender is left out. And I liked the Netherlands amazing accomplishment a lot. The Netherlands and Italy have long been the best in Europe, and Hollands great victory will no doubt generate not only more interest there and in the Dutch West Indies,
    But could also inspire more interest in baseball all over Europe. Almost every Europeon country participates in the Europeon championships.
    Spain and Belgium have done well and the UK and Germany have been competitive. Baseball is played in many other countries that could develop great players if there was more interest.

  • http://www.section331.com section331

    Jon – crap! haha!
    I’d even watch them online, if I could afford it. Grr!

  • http://www.marinercentral.com Lonnie

    I have a good friend in Germany who has been playing softball/fastpitch softball on his university team for the last few years. He, obviously is high on the success of the Italian and Netherland teams. He doesn’t know if either is enough to garner enough interest in the sport in Germany, but he has his hopes up.

    Wouldn’t it be great if the intense, yet sedate game of baseball one day ousts soccer/football/whatever?

    Lonnie