Roman Anthony, a rising star in the baseball world, is reflecting on his journey to joining Team USA for the World Baseball Classic. Three years ago, he watched the championship game between the USA and Japan in Miami as a fan, dreaming of one day representing his country on the field. Fast forward to the present, and Anthony has already made a name for himself, being drafted by the Red Sox and making his major league debut. But the thought of donning the red, white, and blue just three years later was still a distant dream.
"The last WBC was when I was fresh out of the draft, watching one of the games in Miami after a spring training day," Anthony recalled. "Just watching it as a fan, it's unbelievable." Now, he's getting the opportunity to take the field with some of the guys who have been a part of that experience and has past experience, but the biggest thing is just getting the opportunity to represent this country and go out there and give it our best. "It's something you dream of as a kid to be able to get that phone call," he said. "It was exciting on my end to be able to just get that call."
Despite only having a short stint in the majors during his rookie season, Anthony has quickly ascended the ranks, being named as an injury replacement for Corbin Carroll on Team USA for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. "Just an unbelievable opportunity," he said. "So to even be considered in something like that with the group of guys that are there, it's going to be a blessing for sure that I'm looking forward to."
At just 71 games into his major league career, Anthony understands that this March can be a learning experience, surrounded by the best players the country has to offer. "It's amazing," he said. "Just getting to be around those guys. I think getting that opportunity to be around the game's best and be around so many veteran guys who have done it for such a long time. It'll be a great learning experience for me, but at the same time understanding that there's a goal that we have to try and come out on top."
Anthony will also be taking the field with a former teammate, Alex Bregman, who wasted no time in checking in with the 21-year-old. "He reached out when it happened and we talked over the phone and he wanted to see where I was at and just kind of like check in," Anthony said. "Obviously, it'll be a great opportunity to take the field with him again."
After not playing in the postseason last October due to an oblique injury, playing on the stage that the WBC will provide should provide some valuable big-game experience for Anthony. "I grew up watching these guys on TV and to play against a good bit of them last year was awesome," he said. "But just to play with them and to take the field with them and to gain so much knowledge from everyone's background of the game. So many vets on this team and so many legends. So, just getting to take the field with them and to experience that for a few weeks will be awesome."
But here's where it gets controversial... While Anthony is thrilled to be a part of Team USA, some may argue that he hasn't yet proven himself at the major league level. And this is the part most people miss... While his talent is undeniable, his limited experience may raise questions about his readiness for the World Baseball Classic. So, what do you think? Is Anthony ready for the big stage, or is he still a work in progress? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
