Mike Trout takes pride in representing USA in the World Baseball Classic: "I'm extremely excited and very humbled to wear that USA across my chest"
Mike Trout will be participating in the World Baseball Classic for the first time in his career. The superstar was named the captain of a loaded Team USA roster. He's looking to help the team repeat, as they were the champions of the last tournament, which was held all the way back in 2017.
Trout takes great pride in representing his home country. In an interview with MLB Network, the superstar couldn't hold back his excitement for the tournament. He cannot wait for this thing to start.
"I'm extremely excited and very humbled to wear that USA across my chest" Mike Trout said.
"I'm extremely excited and very humbled to wear that USA across my chest."
Team USA captain @MikeTrout spoke about getting to represent his country after missing out in 2017 (and the big game on Sunday!)
@Angels | @USABaseball | #WorldBaseballClassic https://t.co/IWr3YNgNmq
This is the first time he'll be able to represent the USA in the sport of baseball. He revealed that he didn't make Team USA's roster when he was in high school. Whoever the coach was who cut Mike Trout must be kicking himself now, seeing the player he has grown into.
Aside from Trout, Team USA is looking good. They're headlined by Trea Turner, Mookie Betts and Nolan Arenado. On the pitching front, they're led by Clayton Kershaw and Lance Lynn. Ryan Pressly and Devin Williams will be two high-leverage arms the team can bring out of the bullpen.
Introducing Team USA for the #WorldBaseballClassic! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/0ALt4DdWHv
Team USA is looking like a real contender to win the World Baseball Classic. They'll have to get through Samurai Japan and Team Dominican Republic, which are always tough teams if they want a shot at repeating.
It won't be easy for Mike Trout and Team USA to repeat as World Baseball Classic champions
If Team USA is able to repeat as tournament champion, the Americans will tie Samurai Japan as the only two teams to have won multiple World Baseball Classic titles. Japan went back-to-back during the first two tournaments in 2006 and 2009.
They'll have their hands full as there's a sea of elite talent spread across all the teams participating. Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani headlines Team Japan. A potential Mike Trout versus Shohei Ohtani matchup could ensue if both teams reach the semifinals.
Other MLB players, including Yu Darvish, Lars Nootbar and Seiya Suzuki, also headline Samurai Japan. They're going to be a team that you can't look past.
If you're a baseball fan, the World Baseball Classic is going to be something that you don't want to miss. The tournament starts with pool play on March 8 and ends on March 21.