The Los Angeles Dodgers have been well-represented throughout the 2023 World Baseball Classic, and it extends beyonds players as third base coach Dino Ebel is among those from the organization who are involved as well.
“It’s exciting. When I was told they picked me as third base coach, I was excited,” Ebel told DodgerBlue.com of the opportunity to coach third base for Team USA.
“It’s something I always wanted to do, represent our country and be with which I think is called the Dream Team of baseball.”
The Team USA coaching staff is led by manager Mark DeRosa and includes bench coach Jerry Manuel, pitching coach Andy Pettitte, hitting coach Ken Griffey Jr., first base coach Lou Collier and bullpen coach Dave Righetti in addition to Ebel.
Similar to players being approved by their respective teams, both Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts were on board with Ebel being selected to join the Team USA coaching staff.
“I’m missing the middle of Spring Training, which bothers me because I want to be with a team,” Ebel acknowledged.
“But I’m there in the beginning, doing all the fundamentals, and because it’s at Chase Field, I can actually be at our park in the mornings and get all early work done with our guys, jump in the car and go to Chase Field.
“I was excited when Andrew told me. Pretty good moment.”
Dino Ebel: Mike Trout key to Team USA roster
Looking to repeat as World Baseball Classic champions, the United States roster is filled with perennial All-Stars. That’s a change from previous iterations of the tournament, which Ebel attributed to Mike Trout.
“When he was named a captain, I think some of these guys that haven’t played with Mike, now it’s a chance to play with Mike on the USA team,” said Ebel, who previously coached Trout while with the Los Angeles Angels.
“Just the names on the team, like I said, it’s the Dream Team. And to be a part of it, to work with those guys, start a relationship, be in the same dugout together, same clubhouse, we’re going to get after it. I like it any time somebody committed, Trea Turner, I go to my Instagram and it says, ‘All In.’ And Will Smith. It’s great.
“To be a part of this and be a part of the team that they’re putting together is special.”
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