A Different Kind of March Madness

5 January 2006 | C Whitmer

Major League Baseballs Home Run Derby followed a different format in 2005. For the first time ever, competitors represented not only their teams and respective leagues, but also their countries of origin. The reason? To honor the first ever international baseball event to include professional players from each Major League team: The World Baseball Classic.

In March of 2006, baseball players from around the world compete in the tournament-style championship. Home Run Derby Champ Bobby Abreu is expected to play for his home country of Venezuela. World Series Champ Tadahito Iguchi will represent Japan. Boston Red Sox outfielder Johnny Damon will play for the United States, along side other MLB stars such as Derek Jeter, Roger Clemens and Craig Biggio. Even countries such as Australia, South Africa and Italy will be represented.

In fact, the tournament will feature over 150 major league players, representing a total of 16 different countries.

The 18-day event will be hosted by international venues in Japan and Puerto Rico, as well as several American ballparks in Arizona, Florida and California, with the semi-final and final rounds being decided at San Diegos PETCO Park.

Baseball fans worldwide will take part in cheering on their nations best ball players, and in the process, witness professional baseball history. For the first time ever, one country will earn the distinction of being crowned as international baseball Champs.

And with tickets to the World Baseball Classic already on sale, what better way to prepare for the 2005 Major League Baseball season than by supporting your favorite international players in sunny locals such as Phoenix, Orlando, San Diego, or even Anaheim?

TicketSpecialists.com, a licensed online ticket broker is offering great tickets to the World Baseball Classic and tickets to MLB games so dust off that old mitt and break out the sunscreen, baseball is starting early this season.