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Mexico's WBSC Premier12 hero Matt Clark talks about playing again, anticipating Tokyo Olympics in WBSC Global Game podcast

Mexico's WBSC Premier12 hero Matt Clark talks about playing again, anticipating Tokyo Olympics in WBSC Global Game podcast
19/06/2021
The 34-year slugger tied the Premier12 third-place game with a solo homer and said Mexico would be "super competitive" in the Tokyo Games.

Matt Clark, 34, one of the heroes of the Mexican National Team that earned a spot in the Tokyo Olympics by winning the bronze medal game of the WBSC Premier12 2019, was the baseball guest of the third episode of the WBSC Global Game podcast.

"It's been a crazy year," Clark told host Tyler Maun from Monterrey, where he's playing for the Sultanes of the Mexican Baseball League (LMB). "It's a really fun environment to be in."

Clark has reached the major leagues in the US and has played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He has played in Mexico both in the LMB and in the Winter Pacific League (LMP). "Never in a thousand years I would have thought about travelling so many miles to play," he commented on the podcast, which also features a look back at the WBSC Baseball Americas Qualifier.

After representing the US in the 2011 Baseball World Cup and the Pan Am Games, Clark had a chance to represent Mexico. He was one of the heroes of the bronze medal game of the WBSC Premier12 2019.

"We were just ready to play," said Clark. "We gave everything we had, and we came right on top." He also mentioned what he believes is the most important legacy of the Premier12: "We showed we belonged there."

Clark hit the game-tying home run off US closer Dickson. "I was looking for just one pitch in that at-bat, and I missed it. I thought, there's no way he throws it again. But, he did, and I didn't miss it."

Clark added: "Circling the bases after the home run is one of the top two things I've done in my career."

The home run made Clark the Hublot Man of the Game. Clark commented: "I wore the Hublot watch on my flight home."

When asked about the Tokyo Olympics, Clark said that there would be roster changes.
"We are going to be super competitive. We're going there to win."

Above all, Clark believes he will cherish the 2021 season, whatever the outcome, simply because it will bring the memories of playing again. "It's been the longest break I've ever had in my career."

The Global Game