MODERNERABASEBALL.COM: World Baseball Classic

BEST OF ALL THE REST, JAPAN WAS NO. 1 IN 2009

THE JAPANESE HAD THE RIGHT TO HOLD ONE FINGER TO THE SKY FOLLOWING THEIR SECOND WIN IN 2009

“I really enjoyed your guide and especially enjoyed the section at the end. I agree it would be cool to see a qualifying tournament for the European spots (in the next WBC). Not just those spots but also throw China and South Africa in there as well; also Nicaragua and Colombia. I also like your idea of having a European all-star team compete – that would be very cool. Enjoyed reading it.” – Geoff, Airdrie, Alberta, Canada

“Your work is amazing. Everywhere I go, I always check your website first to see your opinions since I know you've already been there!” – Gil, Spain

“Remember you told me how to get cheap tickets?? I did exactly what you told me and it worked out perfectly. I was checking your website and you have amazing pictures, I like those from Mazatlan.” – Vin, Aguascalientes, Mexico

"Thanks for sending this along. I really enjoyed it. Thanks again." – Josh, Tucson, Arizona USA

“It's great to see that someone has traveled the world to experience baseball and see how different cultures embrace the game.” – Jose

“Great guide! Just browsed through it and it is wonderful.” – Matt, Wadsworth, Illinois

"I've seen your work, and myself being a big Venezuela fan, feel pretty happy about it. I can see you have learned a lot about us." – Tomas, Caracas, Venezuela

The World Baseball Classic is an extraordinary event. No journalist in the world has witnessed baseball in the participating countries like Joe Connor. There’s no better source for everything you need to know about the global growth of baseball than World in a Ballpark: Baseball Goes Global, which is available for purchase at the Buy Joe's Guides page. The Major League Baseball Contributing Writer, who has witnessed baseball on six of the seven continents and in more than 30 countries, has put together a world guide for fans. The more than 275-page guide includes entertaining and informative stories on each of the 16 participants in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, plus dozens of other countries.

Take a journey around the world on http://www.modernerabaseball.com and enjoy great photographs from Joe's travels to Oh Canada! as well as Latin America, including Puerto Rico: Isla De Encanto (The Enchanted Island); La Republica Dominicana; Viva Venezuela; South of the Border, Down Mexico Way; Castro's Cuba: The Forbidden Island; Panama's Passion; Nicaraguan Vulcans; Colombian Iguanas; Costa Rican Balls, and, of course, the annual Series Del Caribe: The annual Caribbean Series. From Latin America, hop a flight toward Asia to join Joe in the Land of the Rising Sun and also don't forget to journey to the Land of Morning Calm, Taiwan: Formosa (Beautiful) Island and China: Land of Mao - And Yao.
Some pasta and brie with your baseball? Then indulge in a European Feast and get in a Baseball Italia state of mind, and don't forget your European baseball desert with some Dutch Treats! Not enough for you? Tackle the Austria Mountaineers; beware The British Are Coming!; also Czech Republic This Out; bring some fine wine to meet the French Connection; Do You Speak German?; have the Luck Of The Irish; see what From Russia, With Love is all about; the Spanish Passport; and Swiss Cheese! We're not done yet, go Down Under, Mate! Then escape to the far side of the world with the Sultans Of Swing: Baseball in Africa & The Middle East, particularly on the South African Plain. Uganda Respondin', too, and Jambo From Kenya!

A SECOND ROUND 2009 WBC VENUE: SAN DIEGO

PETCO PARK IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO OFFERED SCENIC BACKDROPS AND A GREAT ATMOSPHERE

Below's a sample of what the guide looks like when you open it. See the listings on the left hand side (below)? You can click on any team and easily "hop" to that ballpark, instead of having to scroll past endless pages!

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