Team USA's Quest for Gold: Drawing Inspiration from Olympic Greatness
In the lead-up to the World Baseball Classic, Team USA is drawing inspiration from an iconic figure, the 23-time gold medalist Michael Phelps. The legendary swimmer's presence at Team USA's group dinner and his inspiring speech have left a lasting impression on players and coaches alike.
Manager Mark DeRosa described Phelps' speech as intense and impactful, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the pursuit of excellence. He said, 'Second place is not going to get it done. That was kind of his message to the guys. Kind of feeding off each other and coming together as a team.'
Team USA's performance in their first exhibition game against the Giants showcased their potential. With a stacked lineup featuring Bobby Witt Jr., Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber, Alex Bregman, and Cal Raleigh, the team dominated with 19 hits, including a Statcast-projected 437-foot home run by Bregman in the fourth inning.
The game extended to 10 innings, providing more opportunities for pitchers. Despite the lopsided score, every player on the star-studded American team remained engaged until the final out.
DeRosa expressed pride in his team's dedication, stating, 'I just felt like there's something special about putting USA across the chest, but there's something special about creating a team.'
Bregman echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the team's focus and togetherness, saying, 'I feel like this group has already got a great togetherness. We’re focused, and we can’t wait for the tournament.'
Phelps' attendance at the game, accompanied by his children, added to the team's inspiration. Pirates ace Paul Skenes, who pitched three scoreless innings, shared his admiration for Phelps, stating, 'There's nothing better than winning gold for USA. It's pretty much what it centered around, the message yesterday.'
Skenes and fellow right-hander Griffin Jax, both alumni of the U.S. Air Force Academy, found particular significance in representing Team USA. Jax described the experience as 'awesome,' emphasizing the unique feeling of wearing the USA uniform and witnessing Phelps' routine.
Team USA's offense provided a strong foundation for their pitching staff, with Matthew Boyd, David Bednar, Mason Miller, Jax, and Gabe Speier combining for 6 2/3 scoreless innings behind Skenes. Jax praised the team's offensive power, stating, 'They take all the nerves out of it. The top three are some of the best in the game, and the bottom half of the order is relentless.'
As Team USA prepares for their final exhibition game against the Rockies and the start of Pool B play against Brazil, DeRosa reflects on the team's unique dynamics, saying, 'It's got a different feel than '23, and it just does.'
