The third time was the charm for Great Britain and the World Baseball Classic.
After failing to qualify for the 2013 and 2017 tournament, the British National Team made certain that would not be an issue. They scored a come from behind 10-9 victory in ten innings over Spain on Tuesday to punch their ticket to their first ever berth in the WBC.
Great Britain is IN. #WBCBaseball pic.twitter.com/mrlEZHQGrk
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) September 20, 2022
Great Britain could have several intriguing players in World Baseball Classic
Great Britain had needed a bit of magic to get the clinching win. Blue Jays minor league outfielder Jaden Rudd hit a game tying homer in the bottom of the ninth while Alex Crosby, who has spent the past eight years in the independent leagues, hit a walk-off sacrifice fly.
The British National Team has some intriguing players on the roster already. Mariners prospect Harry Ford made his presence felt with three homers in the Qualifying Round. Pirates prospect Tahnaj Thomas has a plus-plus fastball that can hit triple digits, although he has struggled with his command when throwing that hard.
There are also several former major leaguers that suited up for Great Britain. Vance Worley, Michael Roth, Chris Reed, and Akeel Morris all saw time in the majors, with Worley having the most extensive experience.
Their roster could get even more help for the WBC. Since they can use players from their territories, the likes of Jazz Chisholm and Lucius Fox could end up suiting up for their team once the tournament begins in March. Even if they are going to be a dramatic underdog, their roster could have enough pieces to be a tough matchup.
It took three tries, but Great Britain is heading to the World Baseball Classic. They have an intriguing enough roster to be a tough out.