Is Aaron Judge's Team USA captaincy a blessing or a curse?
Briefly

Aaron Judge's appointment as captain of Team USA for the World Baseball Classic reflects the growing significance of this international baseball event, which has gained popularity since its inception in 2006. The WBC has transformed into a competitive showcase of talent, illustrated by notable moments such as Japan's recent victory led by Shohei Ohtani. However, teams face a dilemma as participating stars risk injury, complicating the balance between national pride and professional obligations, especially given past incidents like Edwin Diaz's injury during celebrations and Jose Altuve's thumb fracture.
Aaron Judge being named captain of Team USA for next year's World Baseball Classic is a significant moment, balancing the excitement for baseball and the potential risk for players' franchises.
The WBC has evolved into a must-watch event, showcasing intense baseball, but it comes with the ongoing concern of player injuries that could jeopardize their regular seasons.
High stakes in the WBC elevate the intensity of the games to postseason levels, while players aren't yet in mid-season form, increasing the risk of injury for those participating.
The conflict between a player's national pride and their commitment to their professional team creates a challenging dynamic for many stars attempting to participate in the WBC.
Read at Newsday
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