World Baseball Classic Diary - Sat 11th March - GB v USA

Saturday 11th March

GB 2 USA 6

The crowd had barely settled into their seats when the noise from the crowd began to tell the story of what had happened.

The vast majority of the stadium was hushed but the British contingent were on their feet, waving flags, scarves, whatever was at hand, their eyes following the trajectory of the ball from Trayce Thompson’s bat to the left field fence.

As it sailed over Kyle Tucker’s head the Brits erupted.

It was a shot heard around the world.

Great Britain 1 USA 0

“We knew the US would come back but right then, in that moment, we were on top of the world,” said Ian Blease who was resplendent in his perfectly tailored Union Jack suit and tie.

The star studded US line up was up. Betts flied out to deep left and then Vance Worley struck out Mike Trout.

These were moments that British baseball fans had dreamt about and here they were taking place before their eyes.

In the end the million dollar US line up proved too strong but the GB team proved that we belonged on the world stage.

And what a stage it was.

On the way to the fan meet up, throngs of Mexican and Colombian fans were leaving Chase Field with the rhythms of Latin America filling the air. Some sad, some delirious.

British fans were greeted with smiles and some quizzical looks but the plethora of flags, jerseys, caps, suits gradually persuaded Mexicans, Americans and Colombians we were serious about being here.

As we made our way to the stadium, GB fans just appeared from nowhere, including a Spurs fan, greeting us with smiles and hugs.

It was an experience none of us will forget and despite the final result, the GB team proved we belong.

Everyone home and abroad will remember the Trayce Thompson home run, The animal striking out Trout, the diving catch in the left field by Jaden Rudd and D’Shawn Knowles’ triple and cup of tea celebration.

Now its time for Canada.

#LetsGoGB

Richard Evans