It is Todd Frazier’s firm belief that he still has what it takes to return to the Major Leagues and provide a deserving club with the kind of thump and feel-good leadership that have defined his 11-year career.
While he hopes to make it to the Olympics, he recognises that this “may be my final hurrah in baseball.” As a member of Team USA, he hopes to enjoy the experience of travelling to Tokyo and, of course, win gold.
T. Frazier Olympic Games Tokyo 2020
The former Mets and Yankees third baseman adds, “It means everything, to be honest,” when reflecting on his 1998 season as a 12-year-old for Toms River, New Jersey. In other words, it would be the pinnacle of my professional life. After making my name for myself by beating Japan in the Little League World Series, I may have a shot at gold if I can do the same thing here.
How many people can say they represented their country on the field of play? Oh god, I’m so pumped up. Honestly. Every day I think about it.
Frazier, who is 35 years old, is one of numerous players on Team USA’s 24-man roster with local ties. David Robertson, a member of the 2009 Yankees squad that won the World Series and the last team to do it in the Bronx, is currently working out of the bullpen.
Not only do they have former Yankee Tyler Austin, but also former Mets prospects Scott Kazmir (on the left side) and Simeon Woods-Richardson (on the right side), who were all part of the Marcus Stroman trade that sent Kazmir and Woods-Richardson to Toronto.
When they face former All-Star Ian Kinsler and the Israeli squad on July 30, former Angels manager Mike Scioscia will be at the helm. In 2000, in Sydney, the United States last won a baseball gold medal in the Olympics.
Veteran free agents like Frazier and Robertson were added to a squad that also has prospects and Americans playing abroad like Austin since MLB players on their 40-man rosters are ineligible to play in the Olympics. Similarly, the roster has been in a constant state of flux. Luke Williams, a promising young player for the Phillies who excelled in qualifying, has been called up to the major league club and will not be participating in any games. On his debut start with the Phillies, he blasted a home run that ended the game.
In addition to veterans like Robertson, “we’ve got a good blend, these young studs who are pretty close to making it to the big leagues,” Frazier says.
When qualifying for the Olympics in June, “Robertson looked lights out,” as Frazier put it. There’s nothing left in the tank for him. The guys would love a shot at the major leagues again, and they’re glad you’re playing for the Olympics. It’s very exciting, and I’m praying that we all find new employment soon. If we work together, I think we can get by.
Last Words
Frazier and Robertson have been keeping their skills sharp by playing with independent league teams since qualification ended. To play for the Frontier League’s Sussex County Miners, Frazier had to travel from his home in Toms River, New Jersey—an hour and a half away—to the city of New Castle. Thanks for reading our article T. Frazier Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
