The World Baseball Classic was successful in generating interest for the sport and will be welcomed back with open arms in 2009, players union executive director Donald Fehr said. "I think it's a great kickoff to the season," Fehr said on Thursday at Legends Field, where he was visiting the Yankees as part of his annual tour of Spring Training camps. "It has the capacity to give baseball just enormous exposure and create enormous interest in all kinds of places across the world. That's a great thing. I think the fans really enjoy watching it." Fehr, who is on an annual tour of Spring Training clubhouses, said that he has received numerous suggestions from players on how to better optimize the event, but that most are excited by its potential to generate excitement and interest in baseball. The Classic was first held in March 2006, with Japan defeating Cuba at San Diego's PETCO Park to secure the inaugural title. It was the first international tournament to feature players from the Major Leagues.