Spring training in Southwest Florida is buzzing with international flair as teams prepare for the World Baseball Classic. Countries like Puerto Rico, Colombia, and the Netherlands are playing exhibition games here, bringing a touch of global excitement to the local baseball scene.
Several players in Southwest Florida for spring training are also gearing up to represent their home countries in the World Baseball Classic. Among them are two players with the Minnesota Twins who will wear the stars and stripes for Team USA.
Byron Buxton, an outfielder for the Twins, recalled the moment he received the call from Team USA.
"I actually just got back from Disney World with the kids," Buxton said. "Chilling at home. Russell called and asked if I was in and no questions asked. I was like yeah. That's like a dream come true. Just being able to put USA across your chest and represent the country, it's something not everybody gets the chance to do."
This marks Buxton's first appearance in the World Baseball Classic. To prepare, he started training a month earlier, offering his three kids a glimpse into a new side of his routine.
"My kids got the chance to workout with me in a way that I haven't trained before," Buxton said. "Obviously playing for the WBC, you train a little bit different. They got the chance to see a different side of training. The hard work, the work ethic is something I can tell they picked up on. I don't have my oldest boy here but I'm gone and I get text messages that he's back home, he's working out in the gym."
Buxton is joined by his teammate, pitcher Joe Ryan, who is also donning the red, white, and blue for the United States.
"We're talking about the best you know United States players, best players being represented and two of our guys are going to be there," said Twins manager Derek Shelton.
"Any time you put on that jersey there's something special about it," Ryan said.
Ryan, who won a silver medal with Team USA in the 2020 Olympics, understands the honor of representing his country on the global stage.
"It's just pure baseball again and we're trying to win," Ryan said. "It's hard to get that really competitive environment that organically."
Buxton shared insights he gained from Ryan's Olympic experience as he prepares mentally for the World Baseball Classic.
"Don't let the moment overshadow the excitement that you're going to have here and the fun that you're going to have," Buxton said. "Just try not to get too overwhelmed and take that moment in and you know play great baseball."
The Twins have eight players in the World Baseball Classic. The Rays also have eight, the Braves have five, and the Red Sox lead the four teams with 15 players participating.
