WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL B - CZECH REPUBLIC VS CHINA

March 8, 2023

Pavel Chadim

Tokyo Dome

Team Czechia

Workout Day Press Conference

Q. Finally you will have the opening game tomorrow. What is in your mind right now?

PAVEL CHADIM: It's a very joyful and also playing Tokyo Dome is also big fun. We are very pleased. And the first time in my whole career playing at the Tokyo Dome. It's such an honor.

Q. You clenched the qualifying first time ever and finally the Czech Republic has a new history. How do you feel about it?

PAVEL CHADIM: The journey was not easy and the journey is not easy. The journey will never be easy. We have a lot of strong opponents so the road is going to be tough as well.

Q. You arrived here in Japan a couple of weeks ago. How is the team's condition? Is your team well prepared?

PAVEL CHADIM: Our team's condition is very good and I personally trust in my team, who have opening game against China in two days. And the whole competition level is so high. It is difficult for us to adjust early in March to be 100 percent condition.

Q. Talking about China, what is your general impression for Team China? Do you have a specific strategy to play against China?

PAVEL CHADIM: When we are thinking about China, China has the record of -- longer history than us. So it's going to be a tough game as well.

Q. What's the good point, strong point for Czech Republic's baseball team? Can you describe a little, please?

PAVEL CHADIM: We are one team. We are a bonded team. We have a strong will. And we have a good, solid balance both offense and defense.

Q. Once again, you will have the opening game for tomorrow -- the tournament starts tomorrow. And how exciting is it? Can you tell us about your feeling?

PAVEL CHADIM: Very exciting. I am so interested -- I can't wait to have the opening game as well, not only the domestic Czech, but also the entire European region. We wish that baseball is expanding, especially for the younger generation.

And the meaning of representing a European country, it means a lot.

Q. Looking back at the 2006 WBC tournament, you were watching, playing -- Japan team playing, Ichiro playing your favorite players. This year you'll have an opportunity playing against Japan. How do you feel about that?

PAVEL CHADIM: I can't still believe that. Looking back at 2006, I was just one of the audience. I was just watching the game, and I can't believe that we are representing and playing at the tournament. Dreams came true.

Q. Most of this team, it's like you see other teams, they are people who are -- they play for Britain but they grew up in America, they're Americans. This team is basically home-grown. Does that give you a different sense of pride in wearing the uniform, knowing that this team isn't just representing the Czech Republic, they are the Czech Republic?

PAVEL CHADIM: The team, I believe that we can be here like European team. And I believe that world baseball needs European baseball. Like, we need Asian and American baseball. The same, I believe that world baseball, the whole world need European baseball. And we are here like European team.

I don't know if we are just one alone, but we hope we're in front of these European teams.

Q. What has Eric Sogard brought to this team? And I heard that he has updated the uniforms for you guys a little bit. How did that come about?

PAVEL CHADIM: It's three days ago. It's the first time in history, in Czech nation, uniform was Major League player. How to explain it?

And second important point is that Eric is a special guy. He's a great guy. And if you have a combination between so many experience from MLB and so good guy, like, man, that's great to see for other players. He's one of the leaders of our team now.