He is the Manager of the French National Team for the World Baseball Classic Qualifier. A new challenge awaits him: coaching a national team after excelling in Major League Baseball. A three-time World Series winner as Manager of the San Francisco Giants, the Landes de Bussac native will lead Les Bleus in their quest to qualify for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Bruce Bochy opens up to Baseball TV France ahead of the competition. The event kicks off in Germany on September 16th.
BTVF : Beyond being born in France, what does this old European country mean to you?
B.B : France has always been a friend and ally of the United States. France stood by us during the American War of Independence, and we returned the favor, notably during World War II, when two of my uncles were deployed in Normandy. I believe we share fundamental values and a history that brings us closer, and I am happy to be part of this bridge between our countries.
BTVF : Third time’s the charm. Has this delay brought you new ideas on how to approach the competition with the French team?
B.B : I don’t think we’ve changed our approach; it’s just given us more time to work on the team and prepare.
BTVF : Coaching a team like France and coaching in MLB is a real big difference, yet it’s the same sport. How do you tackle this challenge?
B.B : International competitions are indeed very different; every match counts from the start, and there’s no time to ease into it. I’ve faced tough situations during my MLB coaching career, especially during the playoffs, so I’m ready, and I thank the Federation for giving me this opportunity.
BTVF : In March 2020, you assessed the French players; some won’t be there anymore, and new ones will join. What specific aspect do you think you should focus on to help the players improve?
B.B : It’s a whole new tournament. Two years have passed, players have changed, everything has evolved, so the goal is to create chemistry with this new group to help the players meet our expectations.
BTVF : Will the results of next September be decisive in your decision to work with this French team in the medium and long term?
B.B : I’ve committed to helping French baseball, and coaching is one way to do that. It’s still too early to say what we’ll do in the future; we’re tackling challenges one by one.
BTVF : What do you think your family approach (son and brother) brings to managing the entire team and the rest of the staff?
B.B : Having the opportunity to be with my brother and son is something I’ve been looking forward to; it brings something special for me personally, but it doesn’t change how I manage the coaches and players.
BTVF : France’s opponents (Germany, Spain, South Africa, Czech Republic, and Great Britain) will bring in high-potential players who aren’t nationals but are eligible. What do you envision doing the same?
B.B : All teams use eligibility rules to try to be more competitive and succeed in qualifying for the World Baseball Classic. The Federation does the same but with a long-term strategy, using a specific passport system available with the French state to bring high-caliber players to France so they can settle with their families, play in the French championship, share their knowledge with local players and coaches, and help develop the game at the national level. I think it benefits everyone.
BTVF : You’ll be coaching young French players who dream of playing in the United States. What would be your first piece of advice to them?
B.B : Train hard and commit. I recommend the book « Outliers » to everyone; it talks about what it takes to be really good at any sport.
BTVF : For the first time, wearing the French team jersey, you’ll hear the national anthem, La Marseillaise. Do you think a particular emotion might overcome you?
B.B : When I stand before the flag, I’ll think of our bond dating back to our independence and my father when he was stationed in France.
BTVF : What can we wish you?
B.B : Winning games and qualifying for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Interview by Didier CANNIOUX
Photo credits: Glenn Gervot
Illustration credits: Fabrice Tribes
