KSHB 41 News anchor Lindsay Shively offers coverage on a wide variety of topics, including stories of interest to consumers. Reach out to Linsday via email.
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While I was in Arizona in February, I got a chance to stop by Spring Training in Surprise as the Royals get ready for the 2026 season.
This week, several players will leave to play in the World Baseball Classic.
I counted 17 on MLB's list, which includes Bobby Witt Jr. and Michael Wacha playing for the United States; Vinnie Pasquantino and Jack Caglianone playing for Italy; Seth Lugo playing for Puerto Rico; and Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez playing for Venezuela.
Salvy is his team's captain!
I asked him what he is looking forward to about the WBC.
"To win!" he laughed. "Super excited to represent my country. I can't wait."
Pasquantino echoed the same excitement.
"Ah, it's great," he said. "It's one of the best experiences I've ever had playing baseball, so being able to do it again, this time within the United States, will be really special."
He talked about working to grow baseball culture in Italy as well.
"Yeah, 100%. It's kinda why we're doing it, is to get baseball on an international scale in Italy, on the TV, in the news there..." Pasquantino said. "They've already begun trying to help with training, development out there, and this is just an ... easier way for us to do it by just trying to play."
The World Baseball Classic kicks off Wednesday in Tokyo. Team Venezuela starts in Miami. Team Italy and Team USA head to Houston.
You can fill out your own World Baseball Classic bracket on MLB's website.
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