Mookie Betts Among Dodgers Players Who Very Much Support WBC Tournament

Team USA star knows what the WBC means to his country and every other one participating.

We are in the midst of a very exciting World Baseball Classic and the stage is set for some thriller matches to end it off. Coming into the tournament, baseball fans were beyond ecstatic to get some competitive games right before the season openers roll around.

Among other notable superstars, the Dodger's own right-fielder Mookie Betts announced he would be representing the United States in the WBC and it was later reported that Mike Trout played a key role in his recruitment. Betts was automatically viewed as a huge difference-maker that could lead the U.S. to the championship and has been serving as their leadoff hitter.

However, the 30-year-old has also stepped up and defended everything the WBC has to offer. There's been a ton of recent backlash on the tournament following some unfortunate injuries to players on different countries' teams. Therefore, social media users have been very critical of the WBC taking place before the season and have been labeling it as pointless.

Provided by La Vida Baseball's Jennifer Mercedes, the six-time All-Star revealed that he has loved his time in the WBC and doesn't understand why it's been disrespected lately.

I asked Mookie Betts if he thinks the WBC are just a "meaningless exhibition games" ? pic.twitter.com/KQcX1HVfca

— Jennifer Mercedes (@Chica_Deportes) March 19, 2023

"I'm having the time of my life playing these games," said Betts. "This is very similar to the World Series and when we play, we want to play with passion. It's not that much fun when you're just playing and nobody cares. I think if you ask anybody on the field, we're having some of the most fun we've ever had."

When you are winning, it makes everything a lot more fun and Team USA has been doing a ton of that. They have been dominant en route to a Semifinals matchup on Sunday against Cuba.

Betts has not been the only member of the Dodgers to speak on his support for the WBC as Austin Barnes did so as well with the LA Times.

Austin Barnes: "I think this tournament's a great idea. For baseball worldwide, there's nothing better. Besides the World Series, the atmosphere is like none other. The people saying this is a stupid thing, I don't think they understand how much it means to everybody around here."

(Via LA Times)

Austin Barnes: "I think this tournament's a great idea. For baseball worldwide, there's nothing better. Besides the World Series, the atmosphere is like none other. The people saying this is a stupid thing, I don't think they understand how much it means to everybody around here"

— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) March 18, 2023

It is very enlightening to hear two of our own having such a great time suiting up for their respective countries. They could be on a clashing course and face off in the championship so we'll see how it plays out!