The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is the sport’s biggest tournament for national teams, a kind of baseball World Cup. It gathers the best players in the world, including MLB stars, to represent their countries.
Format and history
The WBC has been played since 2006 and features 20 national teams in the latest editions, competing in group and knockout rounds. Unlike the Olympics, here the true stars show up: it’s the closest thing to seeing each country’s absolute best on the field.
Latin America shines
The Dominican Republic won in 2013 going undefeated, and Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Mexico have all had memorable runs. The 2023 final between Japan and the United States, decided by Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout, is one of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history.
FAQ
How often is it played?
Roughly every four years, though the calendar has shifted at times.
Do the MLB stars take part?
Yes, and that’s what sets it apart from other international events.
