Paul Goldschmidt explains what Yankees stars can gain from playing the World Baseball Classic

TAMPA — Paul Goldschmidt won’t just be the oldest player in Team USA’s clubhouse next week, though, yes, he is in fact six months older than Clayton Kershaw, who is briefly coming out of retirement to put a few more innings on his left shoulder.

But the 38-year-old Yankees first baseman also will be the most experienced World Baseball Classic participant in the room, not to mention the history of USA Baseball, as he plays in the event for the third time in his career.

So as he leaves Yankees spring training on Saturday to head to Arizona for Team USA camp then to Houston for pool play, his words carry some extra weight when he speaks about the WBC.

“It’s maybe the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball,” Goldschmidt said this week. “You’re playing with some of the best players on the planet and against the best players on the planet. So it’s like an All-Star Game every game. And then really getting to just build those relationships with guys that are on your team that you’re normally competing against, I’ve made some lifelong friends and great memories. And of course representing your country is the ultimate honor.