South Africa left the 2006 World Baseball Classic after being scorched in the frying pan by the United States. In the 2009 Classic, they will jump right into the fire -- against Cuba.
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.
Whether or not South Africa can pull a monumental upset over the United States, it will leave the World Baseball Classic with plenty of stories to tell about playing against men like Roger Clemens.
South Africa gave Canada all it could handle, but came up just short when Canada rallied for four runs in the ninth to pull out an 11-8 win Tuesday night at Scottsdale Stadium in the opening round of Pool B.
