Part 4/8:
The WBC kicked off in Taiwan with matches that saw fervent support for teams like Cuba and Taiwan, sometimes leading to superstitions that colored performances. Following a disappointing start in the tournament, Cuban players believed they were cursed by a fan's persistent horn-blowing, prompting them to perform rituals that ultimately seemed to turn their fortunes around.
As the tournament progressed, Japan emerged to showcase an impressive roster of talent, widely considered the best in the country's baseball history. With Shohei Ohtani gaining monumental popularity and players like Lars Nootbaar turning from anonymity in MLB to beloved celebrities in Japan, the cultural significance of their participation became immense.