World Baseball Classic Diary - Mon 13th March - GB v Colombia

Monday 13th March

GB 7 Colombia 5

Yes it really happened. GB Baseball beat 11th ranked Colombia 7-5 at the World Baseball Classic.

It was a historic night with British fans back home tuning in and living every at bat, every pitch and every play.

It is rumoured there was a power surge in the UK yesterday evening as the millions of Brits put the kettle on before first pitch and then again during the 7th inning stretch.

The comeback win personified everything that is great about this team.

The coaching team, led by Drew Spencer, deserves massive praise for the way they have prepared this talented group of athletes as well as those behind the scenes who keep the kettle boiling on this, the biggest of world stages.

You can now sit back with your tea and crumpets and relive the win via MLB.com

As the final pitch from Ian Gibaut beat the Colombian swing and cracked into Harry Ford’s catchers mitt, the assembled British fans erupted with tears and cheers.

There was a rush to hug anyone who had a Union Jack, a scarf, a team shirt, cap or jersey which advertised who they were supporting.

Phones were out taking pictures and videos, messages were sent to family and friends back home. It was the most beautiful chaos.

During the game, some fans were gathered together with the players’ parents behind the GB dugout while others took the opportunity to roam Chase Field choosing to watch the game from near the GB dugout.

GB were trailing 3-0 at the top of the fourth and then the comeback began. You could cut the tension with a butter knife.

There were doubles, RBIs, steals, great fielding and of course the solid pitching you always need.

As the fightback began, fans got superstitious and started to stay where they were, some under strict instructions not to move.

Then the top of the ninth and despite a late scare, Ian Gibaut wrapped it up and the hugs began.

Fans poured out into the streets, hugging anything that had GB attached to them before taking up residence in the local tea shop around the corner for some afternoon refreshment.

We also have to pay tribute to the Colombian fans who were generous in their praise for the team.

The tea shop was on the route to the stadium and as fans supped their chosen brew, Canadian and US fans paused to give high fives as they made their way in.

GB Baseball has made its mark on the world baseball stage and has the opportunity to make another one tonight.

Chase Field is rumoured to be sold out. Its capacity is 48,519. Just for clarification Mexican fans outnumbered USA fans the other night.

#Lets Go GB

Richard Evans