Jaden Agassi’s start with the German baseballers was not according to plan. Now the Graf son has one last opportunity to qualify with the German national team for the 2026 World Cup in Japan, Puerto Rico and the USA.
Jaden Agassi actually had very good conditions to become a passable tennis player. As the son of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, one might think that tennis rackets and ball have already been put into his cradle. But only recently he explained in an interview to the sports show why he preferred to hold baseball bats and ball in his hand and did not become a tennis player. When it came to his nomination for the German Baseball national team, Agassi said: “I can’t wait to make Germany proud.” After his first two missions, it can be said: He has not yet succeeded.
Weak debut against Brazil
Jaden Agassi was not yet used in the first World Cup qualification game of the national team in Tucson, America. A 12: 2 victory against China meant a good start for the German baseballers. In the second game it was finally time: Jaden Agassi made his debut for the German baseball national team. A special moment for him and his parents in the stands, even if he didn’t get a good day.
A little earlier than expected, the 23-year-old was already in the fourth inning, i.e. in the fourth section of the game, for regular “pitcher” Tommy Sommer. As a “pitcher”, Agassi throws the balls on the striking team, with the aim of throwing the balls so that they are as difficult as possible. He didn’t really succeed against Brazil. With sometimes weak throws, it enabled the Brazilians four points. The result: Agassi was replaced again and Germany could no longer recover from the 0: 4 deficit.
“Jaden Agassi is a boy with a lot of potential”, said national coach Jendrick Speer after the 7: 9 defeat against Brazil. Unfortunately, his commitment did not run that way “As he and we hoped for it”.
Clear defeat against Colombia
In the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, Agassi and his team had the chance to do better. But opponents Colombia was far too strong for the German team and won clearly 10: 0.
The 23-year-old Agassi was also used in this game, but he couldn’t really convince again. As a pitcher, his throws were not demanding enough. They enabled Colombia two “runs”, i.e. two points.
Decision to progress again against Brazil
While Colombia as the first group is qualified for the World Cup next year, the German baseballers only take third place in the qualification table. As the third, they are now fighting for the last World Cup ticket in a decision game against the second. Since the Brazilian national team completes the group in second place, the game is now again a game between Germany and Brazil (Friday, 2:00 a.m. CET).
So Jaden Agassi has not yet managed to make Germany proud. The 23-year-old consciously decided on the German national team, although he could theoretically have played for his father’s country, the United States. “He is very happy for me”said Jaden recently in the sports show interview about his father. Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf would certainly be very happy if son Jaden would get a chance again in the meeting with Brazil. Maybe it will work with the qualification for the baseball World Cup 2026.