Alberta connections abound as Team Canada faces U.S. in World Baseball Classic
Global News
Team Canada's appearance in the playoff round of the World Baseball Classic is giving Alberta fans lots to cheer about — including a starting pitcher who hails from Calgary.
Canada. The United States. A big sporting event with more than just winning a game on the line.
It’s a tale that fans on both sides have seen play out dozens of times before, but usually when it happens, the playing surface is a sheet of ice.
This time, the two nations will be facing off in the quarterfinal round of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) as Canada looks to advance further than they’ve ever gone in the tournament.
In the heart of Southern Alberta’s baseball community, there will be lots to cheer for — including the man taking the ball for Team Canada to start the game, Michael Soroka.
The Calgary native has appeared in 91 games in Major League Baseball (MLB) over his career, but Friday’s game could mark the biggest start of his career.
“I’m just really excited for him,” explained Chris Reitsma, Soroka’s former coach with the Webber Academy Wildcats. “Extremely excited for baseball in our country. It means a lot to see these kids do well.”
It’s already been a historic tournament for the Canadian side, which advanced past pool play in the international tournament for the first time following a 7-2 win over Cuba on Wednesday.
A big part of this year’s success has been on the mound — the team’s Earned Run Average of 2.38 is by far their best mark in their sixth time at the WBC.
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