Brewers reliever Axford 'ecstatic' to represent Canada in WBC
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Milwaukee Brewers' John Axford gets the win against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Miller Park, Friday, July 9, 2010. Image by Benny Sieu
MILWAUKEE - A star pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers has returned to spring training and he's thrilled to prepare to put on his uniform, but not just the Brewers uniform.
Closer John Axford says he's "really, really excited to pitch for Canada in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
"I'm ecstatic to wear that uniform and be able to play and represent my country," said Axford.
He cited a long wait for the chance to represent his home country of Canada.
"It's going to be the first time in 10 years that I get to put on the Canadian uniform," explained Axford.
"The last time, I was a sophomore, going into my junior year at Notre Dame, the summer I went out to Cape Cod before the summer league out there."
Canada's first-round games will happen in Phoenix, Arizona, the shadow of the Brewers' spring training site of Maryvale.
"I don't have to go too far. It's here in Arizona, and we're going to be in a pool against Italy, Mexico and the U.S. Some tough teams. It's going to be fun."
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