Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (26) held a talk show at ``MLB Cafe FUKUOKA'' on the 21st and looked back on his memories of the WBC.

"Whenever I talk about the WBC, I automatically smile. It was the best thing that ever happened to me."

As if to symbolize his words, he wore a wristwatch on his left wrist that was a gift from Otani during the WBC.

"After the WBC, he said, ``Come over. I have something I want to give you.'' When I went to his room, he said, ``It's the one I wore,'' and handed me this watch. Then he said 'You can't play for a country other than Japan at the next WBC.' I answered, `I have no intention of doing so.' ''

When the host asked him to represent Japan in the next tournament, he enthusiastically said, ``Of course. I have to improve myself towards that goal. I want to continue playing in a way that will get me selected.'' There was applause and cheers.