WBC and what it means for Baseball in Mexico

After a heartbreak loss for Mexico against Japan in the WBC, what does this mean for baseball in Mexico? Baseball has been growing over the past decade in Mexico. Baseball is particularly well-liked in the northern region of the nation, especially the states closest to the border with Mexico. According to Baseball Reference, 140 players from Mexico have played in the Big Leagues overall (not including any players in 2022). As a result, there are 1,088 players called up to 26-man rosters in the MLB as of the 2021 season, representing 25 different nations. Mexico made it all the way to the Semi-finals and had such a fantastic team, including Randy Arozarena, Austin Barnes, Joey Meneses, and even Alex Verdugo. 

Mexico was considered an underdog after losing to Columbia in the first round of pool play. After the loss to Columbia, Mexico came back hungry. They ended up beating the United States 11-5. During the game, it felt like a home game for Mexico, with there being so much support for team Mexico. Baseball is a growing sport in the country of Mexico with the help of Randy Arozarena, who was a superstar on the big stage at the WBC.

He makes the game of baseball fun, taking fly balls in left field with a sombrero and cowboy boots, Robbing a home run, and doing his signature pose. In the Semi-finals against Japan, Randy started off the 8th inning with a double, and Alex Verdugo followed it up with a double to score randy to take the lead, but Japan ended up coming through at the bottom of the 9th. Arozarena has the game of his life and will always be a superstar for team Mexico.