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Since its inception in 2006, the World Baseball Classic has been regarded differently across the globe, particularly in Japan and Latin America. Following its inaugural occasion, the first final captured the attention of 60 million viewers in Japan, surpassing any World Series broadcast. For many players, especially from the Dominican Republic, the WBC was viewed as a greater accomplishment than the traditional Major League Baseball (MLB) championship.
Yet, in contrast, American teams have often demonstrated reluctance toward participation. Major League clubs voiced opposition over player injuries during the tournament and discouraged their stars from playing, leading to skepticism about the event's importance in the U.S.