Perhaps the reason that the 2017 World Baseball Classic doesn't come with the same anticipation as they 2016 Summer Olympics, or other major sporting tournaments, is that American athletes don't seem to have embraced the tournament. The United States, who upon last check invented baseball and house the world's most successful league, has never finished higher than fourth in the three prior tournaments.
It is interesting to see how much playing in this tournament means to players who play in America from February to November, but aren't from America.
Philadelphia Phillies' catcher Carlos Ruiz would seem to fall under that category. Ruiz has caught four no-hitters in the big leagues and the final pitch of a World Series title, but Philly.com's Matt Gelb says that at this advanced stage of his career, Ruiz is temporarily leaving Spring Training to aid his native Panama's attempt to qualify for next year's tournament.
Now, at age 37, Ruiz will savor the chance in March to help Panama qualify for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. His career in its twilight, Ruiz needed no presidential convincing this time.
"It gives me a chance to represent my country," Ruiz said. "Bring them back to the World Baseball Classic. I don't know how much longer I'm going to play. So that's why I want to go."
Ruiz will miss a handful of Grapefruit League games, but the Phillies gave their catcher permission during the winter to head home.
The Phillies would have little incentive to stop Ruiz from leaving to help his native country. This is likely his final season with the team, he's going to platoon with Cameron Rupp for a bad team this year, and as manager Pete Mackanin told Gelb, the Phillies don't have a shortage of catchers in camp.
Ruiz actually should be very incentivized to play in next February's tournament. He's 37-years-old now and in the final guaranteed season of his deal. Playing for Panama, should he help them qualify, could very well be his way of "going out on top" and ending his baseball career. It could also serve as an audition if he's still a free-agent looking to play in 2017.
Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) is the Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com, focusing on news and features
