How Italy Became the Darlings (and Contenders, Too) of the World Baseball Classic

How Italy became the darlings (and contenders, too) of the World Baseball Classic

With espresso shots, kisses on the cheek and Andrea Bocelli singalongs, Team Italy has charmed the baseball world. But their mission is more ambitious: Turn Italy into a bona fide baseball factory.

How Italy became the darlings (and contenders, too) of the World Baseball Classic - TPR: The Public's Radio

With espresso shots, kisses on the cheek and Andrea Bocelli singalongs, Team Italy has charmed the baseball world. But their mission is more ambitious: Turn Italy into a bona fide baseball factory. The post How Italy became the darlings (and contenders, too) of the World Baseball Classic appeared first on TPR: The Public's Radio.

America's Pastime Goes Global: Why the World Baseball Classic Matters - DNVR Sports

“Baseball is our game: the American game: I connect it with our national character.”– Walt Whitman We’ll leave debates and conversations about our national character for another day, but Walt wasn’t always walking in the woods, writing Leaves of Grass, or O Captain, My Captain. He could oftentimes be found around a much better-groomed bit of grass, and though I can’t prove it, I hope with a hot dog in his hand. While the game itself has been aro…

World Baseball Classic Power Rankings: Quarterfinals Edition

Twenty teams began in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Only eight clubs remain. The ‘26 WBC quarterfinals will take place in Miami and Houston on Friday and Saturday and there will be some compelling matchups. On Friday night, the Dominican Republic will face Korea (6:30 p.m. ET, FS2), while Team

World Baseball Classic Power Rankings: All 8 Quarterfinalists Ranked

It's not surprising to see Japan and the Dominican Republic emerge from World Baseball Classic pool play undefeated. The third unbeaten squad, though? It's not who anyone would've expected. The 20-team field is down to eight, and while pool play didn't go the way Team USA would've envisioned, the dream team survived thanks to Italy's extraordinary 4-0 run through Pool B. Now, the top four favorites from our initial World Baseball Classic power r…