“To have the world’s best in the family…” Why Realmuto aspires to win the WBC

He expressed his desire to win the World Baseball Classic (WBC) national team catcher JT Realmuto (Philadelphia Phillies). 메이저놀이터

MLB.com told Realmuto on the 22nd (Korean time) that he desperately needed to wear a national team uniform and win a gold medal. The media reports that Real Muto’s uncle is John Smith, a gold medalist in wrestling at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and 1992 Barcelona Olympics. said there is 

It was a special experience for Realmuto. He said, “(At the Olympics), my parents were caught on camera cheering for my uncle in the stands. I often replay the video. There were times when I couldn’t believe that there was a world-class athlete in my family. wanted,” he explained. 

Realmuto failed to qualify for the WBC national team in 2017. He was in his third year in the big leagues and his skills were recognized, but he was pushed back by Buster Posey and Jonathan Luke. He was looking for a third catcher, but the team chose AJ Ellis, a veteran with a lot of experience. 

Realmuto’s wish came true after six years. In this WBC, Realmuto was named to the 2023 WBC USA team along with Will Smith (LA Dodgers) and Kyle Hisashioka (New York Yankees). 

In the power rankings by position for the 2023 season recently announced through US sports media, Realmuto monopolizes the top spot in the catcher category. He is a player with both offensive and defensive abilities. In the 2022 season, he also joined the 20-20 club with 22 home runs-21 stolen bases. Realmuto is likely to be the main catcher for the U.S. team in this WBC. 

Realmuto said, “It was heartbreaking not to be able to play in the 2017 tournament. I am happy to wear the desired (national team) uniform.” It is a situation where he can be placed in the lower batting order with outstanding players, but he was rather happy. 

MLB.com also reported an interview with Realmuto’s uncle, wrestling gold medalist Smith. Smith donated his gold medal to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Oklahoma. “It’s enough to talk about (about the events where I won medals),” said Smith. “And if my nephew (Realmuto) wins this event, he will be able to try on his uniform (as if he were wearing a gold medal around his neck).” told