Last night, I went to Dodger stadium to cheer on Korea for the World Baseball Classic Championship against their arch rival, Japan. It was a game many Koreans and Japanese people couldn’t miss. The rivalry between these two teams is beyond just sports. It stems from the historical and political relationship between these two countries during and after Japan’s Imperialism in Korea.
It is a rivalry many people outside of the two countries are not familiar with but I hope many people were able to experience at Dodger Stadium or through their TV sets on Monday evening. If you didn’t, you really missed out on a great baseball game. Even though Korea lost to Japan, it was one of the best game I’ve ever been to in my life and it is hard to believe I will experience any better. The fans from both countries pour their hearts out for their country. Even with the bad blood between the two nations, the fans kept it clean and friendly. Throughout the game, fans from both nations were joking and laughing with each other. This is what sports is all about.
Korea fought hard til the very end and gave Japan a challenge. For Korea to get international recognition in baseball is something we all can be proud of. Beating many of the greatest countries in the world of baseball and to be considered second best in baseball, isn’t too bad.
Congratulations to Japan. You still hold the right to claim yourselves the best in baseball but know we’re not very far behind. We’ll see you in four years.
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