2021 Olympics: Baseball’s Future and Past
The Olympics are finally here.
After some questions regarding when, and if, they would return, it is now time to watch baseball and softball in the Olympics once more. Both sports will return for the 2021 Olympics, but not for the 2024 tournament.
So, let’s take some time to enjoy these throwbacks of rosters before they leave.
Ian Kinsler. Adrian Gonzalez. Jose Bautista. No, this is not the American League lineup for the 2012 All-Star Game. Rather, these are just some familiar faces featured in the 2021 Olympics. Kinsler, Gonzalez and Bautista are all representing different countries as they vie for gold in Tokyo. While some might be upset at the rosters of the countries, it is understandably hard to get the best representation when the Major League Baseball season, and the playoff hunt, is still in full swing. So it is no wonder these countries have rosters filled with retired All-Stars. But, that just means more fun nostalgic baseball for the baseball enthusiasts.
Todd Frazier’s affable personality will lead Team USA as they aim for gold in the Tokyo 2021 Games. (Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports)
While Team Israel’s only familiar face is former second baseman Ian Kinsler, the Dominican Republic team offers a diverse roster. Headlining the roster is Julio Rodiguez, the Seattle Mariners’ coveted outfielder. Rodriguez will be taking a break from his duties as an outfielder for the Mariners high A affiliate and will represent the Dominican Republic in the Olympics. This will complete a hectic month for Rodriguez, who just recently played in the MLB Futures Game. Rodriguez continues to shine on the world stage and is a sight for sore eyes to the Mariners organization.
The Olympics may not offer the most elite baseball competition, but any opportunity to see baseball’s brightest new stars is exciting, so be sure to watch Rodriguez during these Olympics.
Aside from prospects though, are the familiar faces that once dominated MLB.
For example, what could be better than watching everyone’s favorite Little League World Series star, Todd Frazier? Frazier is set to represent Team USA, alongside some other familiar faces. Former MLB pitchers, Edwin Jackson and David Robertson will also be pitching in Tokyo. Similar to team Dominican Republic, exciting prospects appear on Team USA’s roster. Keep an eye out for yet another top Tampa Bay Pitcher, with Shane Baz. And, if you want to see the best prospect ranked on the US’s roster, keep an eye on the Red Sox infielder, Triston Casas, who is currently slashing .271/.354/.424 in double-A.
And baseball is not the only sport bringing back some familiar faces.
Cat Osterman will return to the circle and hope to continue her record-setting dominance. Osterman still holds the NCAA record for highest K/7 at 14:34. (ICON Sportswire/Getty Images)
The USA softball roster is also full of former College World Series stars. University of Tennessee’s Monica Abbott will be returning to the Olympics. Additionally, Cat Osterman, one of the most dominant pitchers ever in NCAA Softball, will also be returning to the circle.
For Osterman, this is about redemption. This will be the first time softball has been in the Olympics since the Beijing Olympics in 2008. For women in sports, this is one of a softball player’s only chances for notoriety.
While baseball offers multi-million deals and a fruitful career, after college, softball players are often forgotten about. So be sure to watch both Abbott and Osterman shine on the world stage, likely for the last time.
Whether you are a baseball and softball fan of the past, present, or future, these 2021 Olympics have a bit of everything to keep you entertained. With no fans in the stands at this year’s Olympics, Team USA will be fun to watch from afar.