Dodgers World Series Hero 1 Win Away from WBC Title Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith is on the verge of making history with Team USA, as the American squad stands just one victory away from claiming the World Baseball Classic title. The team has not secured a WBC championship since 2017, when they first won the tournament. With two of the three top contenders—Japan and the Dominican Republic—eliminated, Team USA remains the favorite to clinch the title. Smith, the sole representative of the Dodgers in the tournament, is the last remaining player from the team’s roster. Clayton Kershaw, who had initially been part of Team USA, was removed from the squad. Kershaw reflected on his decision to leave the team, stating, “It’s always been a bucket list thing for me to do this and put Team USA across my chest, be able to represent the country.” He emphasized the camaraderie among the players, noting, “You see the group of guys that signed up for it, so I think it’s the same for everybody, just to be able to be in the clubhouse, be able to hang out. Obviously, winning is super important to everybody and the intensity and all that stuff, but for me, just to kind of be a fly on the wall and get to hang out has been, it’s been a blast.” The path to the final has been challenging for Team USA, and they still face significant hurdles to become the second team in WBC history to win multiple titles. The final match is set for Tuesday, but the opponent remains uncertain. Team Italy and Team Venezuela will face off in the semifinals on Monday, with the winner advancing to face the United States. Team USA’s journey has included a loss to Italy in the group stage, and Venezuela, a strong contender, boasts a roster filled with All-Stars and elite talent.#world_baseball_classic #team_usa #los_angeles_dodgers #clayton_kershaw #will_smith
Will Smith vs Cal Raleigh: Who is the Better WBC Catcher? MIAMI, FL — Sunday night, the United States delivered a commanding performance in the World Baseball Classic, overcoming a Dominican Republic team that had dominated the tournament with its offensive firepower. However, the DR’s offensive strength was stifled by the U.S. pitching staff, led by a standout game from Dodgers catcher Will Smith. Despite the DR’s usual offensive prowess, their ability to score was limited to just one run, while the U.S. managed two, showcasing the effectiveness of the pitching rotation and Smith’s leadership behind the plate. Smith’s preparation for the Dominican Republic was evident in his approach to the game. Recognizing the threat posed by sluggers like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado, Smith devised a defensive strategy focused on inducing swings and misses. Over half of the pitches thrown in the game were outside the strike zone, with a significant number coming up and in at the hands of batters. This tactic forced the aggressive DR hitters to chase pitches, resulting in nearly 63% of their strikeouts occurring low and outside against right-handed batters. The strategy proved successful, as the DR’s offensive output was severely curtailed, highlighting Smith’s ability to control the game through his catching decisions. Comparing Smith’s performance to his teammate Cal Raleigh reveals a clear advantage for the veteran catcher. While Smith has only played in three of Team USA’s six games, he has posted a .300 batting average and a .785 OPS. His offensive contributions would have been even more impressive if not for a controversial play in the game against Great Britain, where a spectacular catch by Trayce Thompson robbed him of a potential home run.#dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #mark_derosa #cal_raleigh #will_smith
Louisville’s Will Smith to Start as Catcher for Team USA in WBC Final Will Smith, a native of Louisville, will take center stage in the World Baseball Classic championship game as the starting catcher for Team USA. The 2024 WBC final will see the United States face Venezuela, marking the first time Venezuela has reached the final since the tournament’s inception. The matchup will take place at loanDepot Park in Miami on March 17, with the first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern time. Smith, who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has established himself as one of the premier catchers in Major League Baseball. His role with the Dodgers includes both defensive leadership and offensive contributions, as evidenced by his performance in the 2024 season. The 28-year-old has also been a key player in the Dodgers’ recent World Series victory, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stages. For Louisville fans, Smith’s participation in the WBC final adds a hometown connection to the international competition. Before his professional career, Smith attended Kentucky Country Day School and later played college baseball at the University of Louisville, where he refined his skills and emerged as a top prospect. His journey from local high school to the MLB and now the global baseball stage highlights his dedication and talent. Team USA’s path to the final included a 4-2 victory over Italy in the semifinals, securing their place in the championship. Venezuela, meanwhile, made history by advancing to the final for the first time, overcoming challenges to reach the final. The game promises to be a high-stakes showdown, with both teams aiming to claim the title. Smith’s presence in the final underscores the significance of the WBC as a platform for international competition.#world_baseball_classic #team_usa #los_angeles_dodgers #university_of_louisville #will_smith
