Classic mismatch

The primary (though not sole) reason I'm in Phoenix is to attend a game of the inaugural World Baseball Classic. It's a pilgrimage of sorts. And oh how it lived up to its mythic possibilities. It was a mismatch to be sure, but it was unequivocally entertaining.

On the one hand, I came all this way for just five innings of (US-dominant) baseball (there's a run-rule in the WBC, can you believe it?). On the other hand, I got to see Clemens...



Jeter...



Rodriguez...



Damon...



...and Griffey...



...all play in ONE game. I even got to see Barry Bonds walking around, getting booed by the crowd (didn't get my camera ready before he ducked into the dugout). And lastly, there was Willie Mays to throw out the first pitch.



I certainly would like to have seen South Africa put up more of a fight, but I'll not be complaining beyond the brief thought.