Despite the on-field excitement of many World Baseball Classic games matching and possibly surpassing Game 7 of the World Series, there are still many in the United States who believe the WBC still doesn’t matter.
WFAN host Sal Licata is at that match and defends it to the extreme.
When a caller called Licata’s 12-5 am shift on the FAN early Wednesday, «Bill» was telling Licata that Major League Baseball was trying to «expand the game globally» with the WBC.
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The trophy stands on the field during the opening ceremony of the Baseball Classic World Championship game between Team USA and Team Japan at LoanDepot Park on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Mary DeCicco/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
After saying that the caller was an «idiot», Licata asked, «Why do I care globally?»
«They’re marketing to people smarter than you, I’m sorry. You don’t get it, you never will…» Bill replied. «It’s about the money, stupid.»
Mike Trout leads his teammates as he carries the American flag before the game against Japan at LoanDepot Park on March 21, 2023 in Miami. (Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/Getty Images)
Licata understood Bill’s point, but then Bill rebutted that Licata didn’t, saying, «You’re not smart enough, I get it.»
That’s when Licata slammed his headphones against his desk and did a slow 360-degree turn in his chair, causing approximately 10 seconds of dead air.
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«I really can’t take it,» Licata finally said.
After calming down, Licata said, «Baseball means the world to me. The World Baseball Classic is worth nothing.»
Earlier this week, Licata shared a graphic on Twitter that read «Useless Baseball Classic.»
Licata is a prominent New York Mets fan and was at his most angry when closer Edwin Diaz tore his patellar tendon while celebrating his Puerto Rican team’s trip to the WBC quarterfinals.
«I told you about this stupid, stupid tournament. Stupid worthless exhibition tournament that everyone loves and goes crazy for,» he said in a tone of voice. self-recorded video shortly after Diaz’s injury. «I’ve been telling you about it. The Mets are paying Edwin Diaz, how much money did they just give him up? And he chose to go play for the WBC? And he gets hurt celebrating. Celebrating a win. Good start to a World Cup Series or year of bankruptcy Thanks to the WBC – thank you [MLB commissioner Rob Manfred] and all who participated in it. I can’t wait to see who wins!»
Puerto Rico pitcher Edwin Diaz is carried off the field after an apparent leg injury during the team’s celebration against the Dominican Republic at LoanDepot Park. (Sam Navarro-USA Today Sports)
Similar sentiments were echoed when the Houston Astros’ José Altuve broke his thumb at the WBC a few days later as part of Team Venezuela, an injury that will keep him out until at least May.
«Terrible news on Altuve. At least he went down representing his country, which means a lot more than the silly MLB team he plays for. I’m sure Astros fans will understand.» tweeted.
José Altuve of Venezuela is helped by a coach after he was struck by a pitch during the fifth inning of a World Baseball Classic game against the USA on March 18, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
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Japan recently defeated the USA in the final, 3-2, when Shohei Ohtani struck out his Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout to clinch the country’s third title in five WBC titles.