Pitchers Pivot Perfectly as Final Game Fights for Title Glory!
MIAMI — Criticized for their cool, American players head into the World Baseball Classic championship also appreciating opponents’ flamboyant flair. U. S.
captain Aaron Judge’s controlled composure has filtered through the clubhouse ahead of the final against Venezuela. That’s not to say the Americans don’t appreciate the theatrics of Latin stars such as Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. “You guys would all think it’s silly if we shuffled like Soto or did Vladdy’s little wiggle,” American outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said after a 2-1 win over the Dominican Republic.
“That’s them and if I had enough swag to do that I would probably do that, too. ... We have fun in our own way, but we definitely have fun out there.
” Judge’s personality has created the clubhouse character, much like it has with the New York Yankees. Players look up to Judge, and not just because he’s 6-foot-7. “It’s been cool to see how he goes about his business,” said star pitcher Paul Skenes, the second-tallest American player at 6-foot-6.
“He’s not faking anything. He’s playing as Aaron Judge, so that’s just his personality in the clubhouse and off the field. Obviously it shows up on the field, too.