The World Baseball Classic is a stage where every single player is thrust into the spotlight no matter the role they are in. It’s a place where they can either ride the waves of splendor or be washed away by the crushing tides of defeat. For pitchers, the stakes are even higher. Facing off against seasoned veterans with a presence on the field like no other is no small feat. The pressure to perform can be smothering, especially for young players and rookies. 

Take Mitch Bratt for example. Canada’s pitcher faced some of the most formidable opponents in the game. Despite his best efforts, he gave up six runs in just one-third of an inning before being pulled from the game. It was a tough moment for the team, but even tougher for the young player who must’ve felt like he was drowning in a sea of disappointment. To make matters worse, rival US fans took to social media to thrash the kid. But here’s the silver lining. It might bring some comfort to know that the baseball world rallies behind the young athlete. Even the Red Sox legend Curt Schilling offered words of encouragement.

Curt Schilling has come out in support of the young athlete

It’s tough having the responsibility of your whole team on your shoulders, especially when you’re a young athlete like Mitch Bratt. The pressure was on in the World Baseball Classic as he stood on the mound, facing Hall-of-Fame caliber athletes. And while things didn’t go quite as planned, the young player should be proud of himself, all things considered. 

Fortunately, he’s not alone in his disappointment. Legendary pitcher Curt Schilling has come out in support of Bratt, reminding him that setbacks are just a part of the game. In a tweet, the former baseball phenom encouraged the kid to keep his head up and learn from the experience. 

READ MORE: Los Angeles Dodgers Star Mookie Betts Revealed Some Unfiltered Facts About Himself During a Game of “Fair and Foul”

The moment in question was a tough one. As the pitcher took to the mound and faced off against some serious sluggers, including Mookie Betts and Paul Goldschmidt. The inning quickly got off hand in a span of minutes, with several runs scored before he was pulled from the game. But just as Schilling said, it was a “learning experience” and the Bratt is sure to learn from it! 

The World Baseball Classic is just one chapter in a long and promising career 

Mitch Bratt may have had a tough time in his first World Baseball Classic appearance, but that doesn’t mean he’s down from the count. As the Rangers’ No. 17 overall prospect, the young pitcher has already proven himself as a talented athlete. He was drafted in the fifth round of the MLB draft by the Texas Rangers and had an excellent first season in over 19 games at low-A Down East. 

Sure, his first WBC appearance didn’t go as planned. But that’s just one chapter in a long and promising career. Who knows? Maybe this setback will be a catalyst that propels Bratt to even greater heights. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes! 

WATCH THIS STORY: MLB Legends Who Were Snubbed From The Hall Of Fame