Playing baseball for your nation is an honor and a privilege. Many star players consider it bigger than playing in the MLB. The Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich is one such star who looks back on his Team USA experiences with joy. Most recently, the star outfielder discussed his experience of playing for Team USA with Mookie Betts after missing the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Yelich has struggled with his batting a little to start the season. But the Brewers have been decent thus far. His most recent conversation with Betts shined a light on why MLB stars love representing their nations.
Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich says it’s different to play for Team USA
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Christian Yelich represented Team USA at the 2017 World Baseball Classic. He helped the team win the whole tournament and bring back the title. Most recently, he talked about his experience representing the USA and called it a different experience from playing MLB. Furthermore, he seemed to love the atmosphere and a feeling of not wanting to lose. Yelich and Mookie Betts agreed that playing for their nation was a crazy experience. BR walk-off shared a video of their conversation on Instagram.
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In the conversation, Yelich said, “People get mad when you say that, but it’s a different experience. I went into it being like,” Okay I’m getting out of Spring Training, this’ll be cool to play for Team USA.’ Obviously, you want to win, and it’s pride. And then you show up and the game starts? We can’t lose.”
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Yelich did not represent Team USA at the WBC 2023, but they reached the Finals. Unfortunately for them, they lost to a dominant Team Japan. But although many stars missed the global tournament, Yelich had a particular reason to do so.
Why did Christian Yelich miss the 2023 WBC?
Christian Yelich was one of many stars to miss the 2023 World Baseball Classic. But the Milwaukee Brewers star had a legitimate reason to do so. He wanted to take some time off, clear his head and come back for the 2023 season fresh. Christmas and the period before Spring Training were the best time for him to do that. Yelich has had a tough couple of years since the 2019 season. This year has been rough for the outfielder as well, especially with his batting form.
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What do you think of Christian Yelich reminiscing about his time representing Team USA? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below!