Top plays in World Baseball Classic history
With the 2023 World Baseball Classic inching closer, we're taking a look back at some of the greatest plays and moments from previous editions of the tournament.
Bautista unloads game-saving throw 💪
Jose Bautista earned a reputation as one of the game's best sluggers in the 2010s while with the Toronto Blue Jays. However, he also possessed an underrated throwing arm and showcased it at a crucial moment for the Dominican Republic in 2017.
With the Dominicans tied 3-3 against Colombia in the bottom of the ninth inning, Bautista uncorked a throw from left field to cut down Oscar Mercado at home plate as he attempted to score the game-winning run. Bautista's team went on to win 10-3 in 11 innings, eliminating Colombia.
Baez applies no-look tag 🪄
Javier Baez has earned his nickname "El Mago," which translates to "The Magician" in Spanish, thanks to a dazzling array of highlights at the plate, on the bases, and with the glove.
Baez makes the list for his incredible no-look tag against the Dominican Republic in 2017. He received the throw from catcher Yadier Molina and didn't bother to glance at a stunned Nelson Cruz as he slapped the tag on and celebrated.
Adam Jones goes up to rob Machado 😱
This is arguably the greatest play in the history of the World Baseball Classic. The United States was holding a slim 4-2 lead over the Dominican Republic in a winner-take-all game in the second round of the 2017 tournament.
Manny Machado, Jones' teammate with the Baltimore Orioles at the time, lifted a ball to right-center field in the seventh inning, thinking he had cut the deficit in half with a home run. However, Jones leaped at the wall to bring the ball back, sending the crowd at Petco Park in San Diego into a frenzy. Jones and Machado shared a moment after the incredible grab as they tipped their caps at each other.
The United States would eventually win 6-3 and went on to claim its first World Baseball Classic title.
Nelson Cruz comes up clutch 🔥
Although the Dominican Republic came up short in the quest to defend its 2013 title, slugger Nelson Cruz delivered an unforgettable moment in the 2017 tournament.
With the Dominicans trailing the United States 5-3 in the eighth inning, Cruz stepped up with a pair on and sent an Andrew Miller breaking ball deep into the seats. The Dominican Republic hung on for a 6-5 victory in one of the best games in the tournament's history.
'Captain America' delivers on big stage 🇺🇸
Former New York Mets third baseman David Wright earned a reputation as a clutch player and lived up to it during the 2009 tournament.
The United States entered the ninth inning of an elimination game with Puerto Rico trailing 5-3. The team cut the deficit to one run before Wright stepped up with two on and delivered a game-winning, opposite-field, two-run single to punch the USA's ticket to the semifinals.