Winners and Losers of the 2017 World Baseball Classic
By Keaton Moore
Eric Gagne – Winner
Eric Gagne entered the World Baseball Classic set on making a major league comeback, a goal many believe to be unachievable. Yet after nearly 10 years away from baseball, the 41-year-old reliever converted many unbelievers with his short but promising appearance for Team Canada.
Following his debut in 1999, Gagne pitched a decade in the major leagues, eight of which he spent with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2003, he became the ninth reliever to win the Cy Young Award after posting 55 saves with a 1.20 ERA. However, by the time he made his final appearance 2008 with the Milwaukee Brewers, Gagne retired neck-deep in steroid allegations.
Fast forward to 2017. Gagne impressed in Canada’s exhibition game against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 7. While touching 93 mph, he allowed just one hit and one walk in an inning of work.
Even as the stage increased in intensity, he truly cemented the potential of his comeback with his showing against Colombia on March 11.
Despite coming into a messy inning, Gagne kept the damage to one run with a bases-loaded walk. From there, he pitched a three-up, three-down inning with two strikeouts while maintaining velocity in the mid-90s.
"“Coming in the with the bases loaded was hard, but I loved it,” Gagne said (per mlbdailydish.com). “Great challenge and a good way to get right back at it.”"