While possible, it’s highly unlikely the conclusion of the 2026 World Baseball Classic can rival the finish of 2023’s installment.
Team Japan (the home team) led Team USA, 3-2, with two outs and the bases empty in the top of the ninth inning when American Mike Trout strode to the plate.
On the mound for Japan was none other than Trout’s then-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim teammate Shohei Ohtani.
What ensued came directly from central casting.
- Pitch 1 – 88 mph slider for a ball
- Pitch 2 – 100 mph fastball for a swinging strike
- Pitch 3 – 100 mph fastball for a ball
- Pitch 4 – 100 mph fastball for a swinging strike
- Pitch 5 – 100 mph fastball in the dirt for a ball
- Pitch 6 – 87 mph slider for a swinging strike
Ball game! Tournament! Teammates again tomorrow!
Just to review, The Fan Teaser was the creation of former Ann Arbor News Sports Editor Geoff Larcom. Longtime friend and fellow Ann Arbor News alum, Pat Schutte, took it to heights previously unknown. We aim to keep it alive here at The Sports Fan Project. The cropped photo and the accompanying clue give you an idea as to who or what the image is of. We invite you to use the Comment option to take a crack at solving the Teaser and, if you’re so inclined, participate in some good-spirited banter with your fellow sports fans. The Fan Teaser will appear each Friday morning with the reveal coming to you Sunday.