United States vs. Japan Game Highlights 2023 WBC Final REACTION | OFFICE BLOKES REACT!! 

Japan plays great baseball! Super talented dudes. Plus great country and people.

This WBC was terrific. Great, dramatic games all down the stretch. The Mexico vs Japan game in the semis was amazing.

For reference, 11 of the 15 games played in Miami were sold out. Their local team, the Miami Marlins almost never sells out. This year's tournament was the most attended of all. Not only that, but there was greater parity and competition amongst the teams. There were some great upsets and come from behind wins. In my opinion it felt like a true world cup for the first time really.

Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani both play for the Angels, so they’re teammates in the MLB. And yes, Ohtani is both a slugger and a pitcher. He’s considered the first two-way player since Babe Ruth. This was an exciting game! Glad you’re watching the highlights.

The Mexiconvs Japan game was epic and is still worth a watch

What Ohtani is doing at the level he’s doing it is unheard of in Major League Baseball. And Trout is considered the best player the last 10 years and one of best ever!!! It was a matchup we will never ever see again. And then are teammates and very good friends

No exaggeration- The Ohtani vs Trout at bat to end the game will be remembered forever as one of the greatest moments in baseball history. Literally couldn't have been scripted more perfectly. The undisputed two greatest living players who are captains of their national teams and teammates for their club team facing each other 1-on-1 for a world championship. Most Americans are a bit disappointed to have lost, but mostly everybody is just thrilled at what an incredible game and moment it was. This game and tournament at large was so great for the game of baseball. Thanks for checking this out!

The last at bat was something out of a movie. Very exciting.

Ohtani pitching against Trout was a surreal moment. Also I'm a Phillies fan and it was great to see 3 of our players represent the US, including Trea Turner who was absolutely on fire.

I don't even like baseball that much but Ohtani is a generational level of talent.

I could not be mad with US not winning this time. It felt like this whole series was a true celebration of baseball and of course a big congrats to Japan! That game was amazing!

I’ll bet that MLB executives are and were shocked by the quality and purity of this new spectacle of sport. Congratulations to the great team from Japan! America, we will return!

Attendance was pretty good. Obviously not every game sold out but still decent crowds. I went to 3 Mexico games and the games were all packed with fans. When the U.S played Mexico in Arizona, the game sold out and it felt like there were more Mexico fans than USA fans.

Much respect to Japan. They take their baseball very seriously.

This Game was a perfect example of what makes Baseball a great game. It's hard to explain, it's something you have to experience.

This World Baseball classic was historic. Japan wins their third title, beating the defending champs, USA, in the largest WBC ever held. It was reported this morning that 97.5%(!!!) of all TV's in Japan were tuned into this game, making it the most watched baseball game OF ALL TIME. It was electric watching teammates, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani face off with the game on the line. Shohei Ohtani proved this tournament that he is the most talented player that has ever lived, he actually had the hardest hit (114 mph) AND hardest pitched ball (102mph) in the entire 20 team tournament with the best players in the world competing. The US absolutely had the talent to win this game, but our issue the entire time has been our starting pitchers. If we're being honest, the Classic is still a new event, and most American players choose not to compete and risk their health this close to the MLB season. There were massive strides this year with superstars playing, but if we could only get more American pitchers to play, as they're the best in the world as a whole. Also, congrats to Great Britain on their win and automatically qualifying for the next World Baseball Classic in 2026! (Even though they only had 1 player on their roster that's actually from the UK) It's truly a massive accomplishment.

P: 6 was the number of pitches Otani had thrown to that point.

This entire tournament was greater than any Major League game I've seen in the past 20 years.

Ichiro Suzuki is good example of someone who is respected in both Japan and the US.

It was an unprecedentedly amazing scene in the history of baseball. Regardless of the outcome, it's undoubtedly a positive event for the baseball world, and it's the first time I've been so moved. I can only express gratitude to both the Japanese and American teams.

I am Japanese, and the 9th inning showdown between Ohtani and Trout was what baseball fans all over the world had dreamed of, and when the second out came, I was convinced that the baseball gods existed. As a baseball fan, I would be very happy if the world could discover the fun of baseball through this wonderful tournament. I don't know if I am translating this well.

Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani also play for the same team in the MLB, making the last at bat even more interesting.

Not only was the attendance really solid for the tournament, but these were the most watched baseball games in history worldwide.

I wanted México or Japan to be crown champions. I'm so happy for Shohei Ohtani and team Japan 🇯🇵 P.S. Most of the games were sold out.

Went to both semifinals and the final. I've been to sporting events all of the world-the atmosphere across all three games was absolutely unmatched by anything I've been to (including Prem, Champions League, etc.). And asked about whether games featuring other teams were full or had a good atmosphere, and I can absolutely confirm Mexico vs. Japan was incredible. The ending of that one is worth checking out, too. Japan needed a dramatic victory to even reach the championship. You also asked about rival fans mixing, and for me, that was the coolest part. People from all sorts of backgrounds were all together, having a good time, sharing a love for the game. There were so many instances I saw of like, a man in a luchador mask and a Mexico football shirt stopping Japanese fans dressed as samurai in the concourse after his team had just gotten beaten at the death to take pictures together and say good game. After this championship game, we took pictures with all sorts of Japanese fans and told them well played. American baseball folks respect the hell out of Japan and their baseball program. (They were actually ranked #1 in the world coming into the tournament and if all players from each nation participated I think the US would barely edge them.) The Japanese are a great team who play the game the right way. Told my brother, I'd have rooted for them against anyone else. And not only are their national team and their fans respected that way, you asked about whether Ohtani was revered in Japan. He's revered here. The stuff he does is virtually impossible. He's already the most talented player in history. If he can keep up what he's doing for a few more years, there's a great chance he'll be remembered as the best player the sport has ever seen. And everyone, everywhere loves him. Ohtani versus Trout really was the dream final matchup. Just wish it would have gone differently, but Japan deserved it on the day. Can't wait until WBC 2026!!! (Britain is qualified as well as a result of their performance this year.)

Othani and Mike Trout are teammates with the LA Angels as well!!

I really enjoyed you all piecing together the drama that made that final at-bat so amazing! I don’t think I’ll ever forget this game

The final matchup between Ohtani and Trout was as if the baseball gods had written the script.

Speaking as an American, I'm glad we lost to Japan. They are very worthy adversaries. Congrats Japan! 🥳

the viewership is higher than any mlb finals series in japan alone this was the matchup i wanted as american since i love both teams happy either way happy for japan they had so much support

Blokes, the Japan vs Mexico semi-final game before this was AMAZING! Before that, Puerto Rico vs Dominican Republic was a dream matchups (maybe akin to Argentina vs Brazil in football-soccer). I haven't cared about baseball in quite a while, but this tournament definitely grabbed me.

It was an intense game for fans. Really amazing in its full real time.

All of the knockout games were sold out, the group games were hit or miss. The atmospheres were absolutely incredible throughout

Japanese fans are notoriously respectful.

Ohtani is extremely popular for his outstanding talent and personality, and is obviously much more beloved by the public than the children of the imperial family.

Ohtani is a once in a lifetime player. Two way player (and elite at both batting and pitching). Extremely uncommon in baseball. He's constantly called a "unicorn" because of this. With a few more years in MLB, he'll probably be one of the greatest baseball players ever (and is easily one of the best any of us will ever see). The one great shame about Ohtani (and Trout) is the team they play for isn't very good, so we don't really get to see them in the postseason high pressure situation (this WBC was a nice remedy to that, and the Ohtani vs Trout matchup was great to watch). Team Japan's pitching was amazing, both in this game and throughout the tournament. They held some of the best hitters in the world to a mere 2 runs. Their first four batters are insanely good too, all could play in the big leagues (and will when certain requirements are met). Japanese team is probably one of the best teams of all time. Can't stress enough how good their pitching was. It's amazing what their pitchers can do. Great team defense and excellent fundamentals too. The NPB is a lot more like how baseball used to be 20 years ago (more smallball, great defense and pitching).

This was the first WBC that I've watched. It was awesome! Mexico was my favorite to win it.

This game was great. Mexico vs. Japan was the best game

Japan probably has the best player of all time.

You guys should watch the semi-final game Mexico vs Japan 10/10 game. And the Quarterfinal of USA vs Venezuela two of the best games ever played

Watching Trout vs Ohtani was the equivalent of watching Messi vs Mbappe in the world cup

As an american, heartbreaking, but as an angels fan, absolutely amazing! So lucky to have both those captains on our team, too bad we lack in other positions and cant win any damn games.

WBC was wonderful all the way through and this was the biggest moment of them all!

The ending was perfect! 9th inning, 2 outs, 5 pitches later, 3-2, and the 6th pitch seal the game. Both pitcher and hitter are also teammates for the MLB Angels too. Can't make this up!

Yes, Daz. Ohtani is the pitcher who can also hit very well. Which is super rare in baseball.

I have seen it periodically but this is really not a big event in the US, so I wouldn't have even known it happened if I wasn't watching the reactions here. But this was a super game to watch (via these highlights). While I wanted the US to win, the great Japanese players like Ichiro Suzuki and now Ohtani are beloved stars and in truth, Ohtani is really the current Golden Boy of Major League Baseball. He was the biggest star out there from both the Japanese and American perspectives.

I've read that over 1 million people attended all games throughout the tournament; the game between Japan and korea, garnered close to half of the japan watched, more than any event in the 2021 Toyoko Olympics , as did half the people of Puerto Rico in its game vs Dominican Republic. Overwhelming success...look forward to 2026

What a game. Congrats Japan

The movement on that last pitch was awesome.

Ichiro Suzuki grew up playing baseball right handed, then one day he realized if he batted left handed, he’d be three feet closer to first base.

American here. I'm actually happy Japan won. I think it's good for baseball to become more popular worldwide

Great game. Incredible ending. Japan has now won 3 of the 5 WBC championships. The Dominican republic and USA are the other two to win one.

As s an American and a lifelong Detroit Tigers baseball fan, I am truly impressed at how quickly all of you blokes have caught on to baseball. If you don't understand something, don't worry- even longtime BB Fans are often puzzled by the nuances of the game!

The last Ohtani vs Trout was like Mbappe vs Messi in the World Cup final, since usually their on the same team, two top tier goats.

The "P" is the number of pitches that particular pitcher has thrown since he has been in the game. In this case Ohtani had thrown six pitches since coming into the game.

As an American, married to a beautiful Japanese woman, Living in the family home in Japan. 7 people under one roof. This game was conflicting. I’m an American football guy. I don’t care about baseball but everyone in this house decided to be huge baseball fans as I just continued to watch my RU-vid videos.

The P:6 means 6 pitches. It's a pitch count. Usually starters go 5-8 innings or 100 pitches or less, depending if they're doing well. But they can be subbed any time

The World Baseball Classic: For baseball fans, this was a dream series, it was intense, it had great games and outcomes, and there were major stars on nearly all the teams (sorry Great Britian, maybe not all the teams ;) ). But that ending was unbelievable. Ohtani is a free agent after this year and he's due to get to the richest contract in MLB history and probably one of the richest in all of sports. They are talking as high as $600 M USD. Rivalries: You were pretty spot on with the MLB Rivalries, Yankees / Red Sox one of the tops. But for my money, the best is actually out west, Dodgers vs Giants (LA v San Francisco) it started in New York in the 1800's when both teams played in the area, the Dodgers were in Brooklyn (Jackie Robinson lore) and the New York Giants were the uptown Manhattan team. Then in 1958 they both moved to the west coast in the same year. What people don't know is there is a significant rivalry and almost hatred between Northern California and Southern California. NorCal (as its called) was made up of a lot of Catholic, blue collar, port workers, laborers, etc. SoCal was predominantly protestant, white collar jobs, and then the glitz and glam of Hollywood. The two areas populaces despised each other and the baseball teams fomented that hatred. Its changed a lot since then, obviously those demo's are no longer really the case, but the rivalry is still just as historic. And to answer your question Dave, people have literally DIED due to fights from fans over the years, its tragic and not a good scene, but yes, the rivalries are intense. I used to love going to Dodger / Giants games in the late 90's and early 2000's and it was a fight (multiple fights) every night in the stands. Dodger Stadium holds 56,000 people, its one of the larger ones, and folks would go nuts!

2:26. I believe, at some stadiums, you can get an app for your phone which will synchronize lights on everyone's phone at the same time. A fan participation thing.

Maybe the greatest game ever played.

Daz, Yes, Otahni is the dual trheat as a pitcher and hitter.

今回のWBCをきっかけにもっと野球が普及することを願っています!! 日本もアメリカもナイスゲーム🇯🇵🇺🇸

Did Ohtani just throw a 3-2 cutter??? WOW!

there is never any shame in losing to Japan in baseball! Such a fun game to watch

TBH Ithis is the first year I have heard of the WBC. I think this is great for the game! Gongrats to Japan!

The two arrows, red one means top or bottom of the inning. The three diamonds, red means a baserunning. The 2 circles. Red is one out. Bottom right P means pitches, number is how many pitches pitcher has pitched

Ohtani’s last pitch was ridiculous. An 87-mph slider, coming in on the same plane as those 100-mph fastballs down the middle, and then swerving outside at the last minute. Trout had to swing at it, but no one could have hit that.

I hate that team USA lost, but I'm glad it was to the very best pitcher in the world in a beautiful sequence. I'm sad, but I appreciate Japan's joy.

I'm normally gonna watch even golf before baseball, but man, we are lucky to be able to watch Shohei Ohtani.

The crowds at American sports are generally friendly, though you might get heckled or something like that from the opposing side. But I've been at college football games sitting next to fans of the opposing team, and we literally had friendly conversation during the game. It's not like European football fans who are much more tribal about their teams.

Shohei and Trout are/will likely both top 10 EVER to play the sport and this game ends with them facing off! Crazy!

Trout and Ohtani are actually teammates on their MLB team (the Angels). That fact lends even more drama to the final out of this game. (Edit): Looks like they did mention that they are teammmates😂

regarding attendance, it certainly is growing. the previous tournaments hovered around 18-20k per game average. this tournament jumped up to 27k+ average. they found the perfect number of teams/well advertised/perfect time of year and now the tournament just feels 'right'. i think it will continue to grow going to 2026!

The "P" is the pitch count for the current pitcher. Not often a useful stat for a relief/closing pitcher but useful for a starting pitcher so you know about how many pitches he has left before he gets pulled out to prevent over-use.

Whenever the Dodgers come to Miami I drive down from Cocoa and attend all games. This my most favorite Indoor stadium.... The visitor fans always outnumber the home crowd by a LOT. There is great Latin American population there in South Florida and very LOUD. I think it only holds about 37,000, but it's very comfortable. On nice days they open up the roof.

One of the best pitchers in the world against one of the best hitters for the final out was god damn entertaining. The whole tournament was damn entertaining. EDIT: It's really stupid baseball is not an Olympic sport anymore.

97.4% of TV in Japan were tuned-into that final out.

You guys should watch the USA vs Venezuela highlights. We advanced on a grand slam to take the lead. Awesome game

Such a great reaction boys!

Ohtani is also basically worshipped in America as well. Hes a bad ass in baseball. Doesn’t matter where you are from. If you are great at baseball then baseball fans will love you.

Yeah, Japan deserved that, good for them. Beautiful last pitch, that's the moment you live for

40 people of the entire country of Japan watched this live and this one game had more viewers than any world series ever.

The World baseball Classic is only every few years. It's sort of like the world cup.

You start out with ONE challenge, and you can keep using that one challenge until you lose a challenge.

Wow, great game.

I was waiting for this

Y’all should watch the USA vs Venezuela Quarterfinal

To anyone who watches international baseball this game wasn't a surprise. Japan have been top of the food chain for years.

I love how American fans are graciously accepting the loss to Japan. But then again, it’s Ohtani. Quite easy to accept losing to him, I guess. You’re right about “being worshipped.” Japan has a word of the year every new year and 2022’s word was “Sho-time.” (Sho for Shohei - his first name, with a pun on “show time.” 😂)

What a Show!!! Keep going!!! Its good for the Baseball!!!

This WBC victory was a historic day in which the Japanese "YAKYU" Baseball won over the American-style “Baseball”. Japanese YAKYU was derived uniquely from American-style baseball and took more than 100 years to achieve. The fact is that on this same planet, there is another baseball that exists in a different spirit than the US style. Of course, the roots of baseball are USA, but baseball that was exported to other countries from US and took root there developed in a different way. This would be a fact. The reason “why Japanese baseball is strong in international tournaments" is not because they have strong members and excellent coaches. It is because they are “not players who grew up learning baseball in the United States". They were “educated in Japan's unique system of baseball education” when they were in high school. Americans don’t realize the importance of "the unique baseball education system" of Japanese baseball. Ohtani is undeniably a great athlete, but if he had been born and raised in the United States, with the same DNA would not have grown into the Ohtani of today. He was born and raised in Japan and received a Japanese baseball education from childhood, which is why he is the player "he is today". Not only the physical aspect, but also the way he thinks about baseball, his stoicism, and his gentle behavior are the result of his baseball education from his childhood to high school in Japan. And it is Japan's unique baseball education that produced"the monster" Otani. He is not a unicorn, but merely an honor student of Japanese high school baseball education.

Guys, LONGtime fan. Thanks for covering the game - watching baseball w/o growing up w/ the sport must be tough. I don't know if I'd have the patience to watch highlights of a test match or cricket world cup btwn say England and India. Cheers!

The immigrant populations in the US represent well. Plenty of Mexicans and other Latin American's represent at the games. The chances of the game ending with Trout vs. Ohtani is 1 in 9. Chances that Trout faced Ohtani at all in the final inning are exponentially higher.

The great thing about this was the finish with two TEAMMATES from the Los Angeles Angels (Otahni and Trout) facing each other on the last at bat. Congrats to Japan. We may start seeing mroe Japanese players coming to MLB as a result.

Pitching wins games. Our pitcher was 41yo and we thought we were gonna win 😭

Despite the USA loss I loved the outcome of the tournament. The impact of it on a global scale can’t be understated. It probably inspired a whole new crop of Japanese kids and kids across Latin America to get into baseball.

The Attendance was crazy good this year. Games were played in Taiwan, Japan, and 2 sites in the US (Phoenix and Miami). Most games have been full or near full.

You should react to more games I highly recommend Mexico vs Japan it was a great story to watch

SF Giants and LA Dodgers -- massive rivalry

Shohei Othani may be the best baseball player in the entire history of the sport.