France always loves its underdog stories. The Czech Republic’s participation in the World Baseball Classic is one of those dream stories. Shaken by Spain during the qualifying tournament, they eventually secured their spot. They will join Italy, Great Britain, and the Netherlands to represent Europe. They arrived in Tokyo and will face Japan, China, South Korea, and Australia one after another. One win and they keep their qualification for the next tournament.
Additionally, the Czech Republic will have the honor of hosting the European Nations Cup at the end of September. Baseball TV France met with the Czech federation and its president: Petr Ditrich.
BTVF: Can you introduce baseball in your country and its federation?
Baseball is a relatively known sport, but we can’t yet say it’s popular. We’d like to change that this autumn when we host the European championship. This could be a turning point.
BTVF: The World Baseball Classic begins its final phase on March 8th. For you, it’s a small country for a big dream. What’s your mindset at the start of this competition?
Everyone is very excited. We’re going to be part of the world’s best baseball. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I know it will be a big challenge as our team has never played in a dome, in front of such a crowd and such a public, and finally, it’s the start of the season.
BTVF: Pool B, in which your country is placed, will face Asian baseball (Japan, China, and South Korea). It’s different from European baseball. How has the team prepared for this particular draw?
We’ve already encountered Asian baseball; we play with Taiwan from time to time, and our national youth teams play a lot against each other. You have to show the best of yourself. Asian baseball develops every year, and we respect their work enormously.
BTVF: Have you strengthened your team for this final phase?
We have a few new names on the list. But the most important thing for us is to enjoy the tournament. We’re not under pressure regarding results, and we’d like to surprise the others. Every match will be decided on the field.
BTVF: The inhabitants of your country will be particularly interested in your results. What media and broadcasting plan have you imagined?
The interest from the media has been truly extraordinary; it’s something we’re not used to in our sport and in Europe. We’re lucky that Czech public television is broadcasting 30 WBC games, including all Czech games and the playoffs.
BTVF: A controversy is brewing about American MLB franchises preventing foreign players from being released, thus favoring the USA. What do you think about this?
I haven’t heard about this; it’s something that can’t influence the Czech team with our limited possibilities. Of course, the WBC is part of the MLB, and it’s a huge business. Everyone would like to have the best team for the tournament.
BTVF: Your prediction for the top three?
It will be an interesting tournament. My personal opinion from the pools of Tokyo and Taiwan is that Japan and South Korea are the ones who will advance. I would be surprised if it was someone else. In the pools of the United States, I would say the United States and the Dominican Republic. I think the USA, Japan, and South Korea will be the top three teams.
BTVF: What can we wish you for this tournament and your federation?
We want to show our best baseball and represent Europe well; we are one of the five European countries. You can wish us a victory, maybe for our first match against China on March 10th.
Photo credit: Czech Republic Federation.
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