MESA, Ariz. — John Axford feels he’s in good shape for his upcoming stint with Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic.
Nothing could have prepared the A’s reliever for his last WBC experience in 2013.
Axford was warming up in the bullpen at Chase Field when a huge brawl broke out in the late innings of a first-round game between Canada and Mexico. Tensions escalated after a Canadian hitter dropped down a bunt single in the top of the ninth with Canada already leading 9-3.
When Mexico pitcher Arnold Leon, then an A’s minor leaguer, retaliated by hitting Rene Tosoni in the back with a pitch, both benches emptied and multiple fights broke out.