With the aid of Major League Baseball, China started from scratch before the 2006 Classic with an eye toward at least being competitive last summer when Beijing hosted the Olympics. Heading into the '09 Classic, the program has made great strides
Eight international umpires from five countries are honing their skills at the MLB Urban Youth Academy in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.
World Baseball Classic schedule by venue
Most were not sure what to expect at the outset of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, but at the end of the tournament, even the most hardcore skeptics had to admit its overwhelming success.
Changes are being made to the 2009 World Baseball Classic from its '06 debut. One of the biggest is the format of the first round, which will feature a double-elimination format, as opposed to a round robin. The semifinals and finals will be held at Dodger Stadium.
Now is your chance to buy some gear that includes the familiar logo of the World Baseball Classic before the tournament begins in March.
One way of looking at China's participation in the World Baseball Classic would be to call it a good idea gone horribly bad. But don't go there. Sunday's 12-2 loss to rival Chinese Taipei before 4,577 put the finishing touches on Team China's rough week in Tokyo.
The numbers don't look good for Team China heading into its World Baseball Classic finale Sunday against Chinese Taipei. Nonetheless, China manager Jim Lefebvre is optimistic heading into the Taipei game.
China finally skipped the meltdown, but Korean Seung-Yeop Lee's two-home run, five-RBI performance was more than enough to send China to a to a 10-1 loss in World Baseball Classic action Saturday.
