On Wednesday evening, the World Baseball Classic will begin. Team USA will have its star-studded, heavy-hitters out on the field representing the nation. The team will feature New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper, and outfielder Kyle Schwarber, as well as the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching phenom Paul Skenes, among other stars in Major League Baseball.
Team USA is currently the favorite to win the World Baseball Classic (WBC), with Japan a distant second, as they will have their own stars, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, leading the way for their country.
Unlike some of the Winter Olympic participants who represented America on the ice but seemed reluctant to support their country when asked questions, the USA baseball team seems stoked to represent the United States of America and win the WBC.
Here is what some of the stars had to say about the honor of representing their nation.
Pitcher Paul Skenes on why it means so much to him to play for the USA in the WBC:
First and foremost, I care because I'm from America, love America. You know I've seen the WBC's in the past, and there is no bigger stage or greater honor than wearing USA across your chest. I think another is, went to Air Force Academy for two years, wanted to serve, was intending on serving. I ended up transferring out to LSU and won a national championship there, did some cool stuff there, but there was, you know, a big part of me that was fully intent on serving in the military as a career after college. So this is not serving, but it's a pretty close second.
Paul Skenes on playing for Team USA:
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 3, 2026
"There was a big part of me that was fully intent on serving in the military... This isn't serving, but it's a pretty close second." pic.twitter.com/570J1h0mYX
You could tell Skenes' love for the country from that interview. In stark contrast to athletes like Megan Rapinoe, who actively dissed America, and seem proud in doing so, yet never have the nerve to leave. That just speaks volumes as to how exceptional America is: Even her harshest critics can't bring themselves to leave the country that has given them freedom and opportunity above all.
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Another member of Team USA, Bryce Harper, had this to say about representing the country:
At a young age, I learned when we put U.S. on our hats, it's about us. That's why it's only U.S. and not USA. It's about us. ... I'm proud to be American. I'm so happy to be in this clubhouse with all these guys, and there's no greater feeling than going out there, hearing the national anthem blare over the speakers, knowing what you represent.
“I’m proud to be an American…There's no greater feeling than going out there listening to your national anthem blare over the speakers knowing what you represent."
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) March 2, 2026
- Philadelphia Phillies & Team USA OF Bryce Harper
No “mixed emotions”, just 100% proud
pic.twitter.com/kLp6JTfeom
This is what it's all about. Not only playing the sport you grew up learning and loving, but feeling honored to put on the jersey that says USA on it, and feeling proud to represent your nation. It seems like many Americans are excited for the WBC to begin, as most USA jerseys have completely sold out and won't be back in stock until after the tournament is over.
San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb will be on the mound against Brazil. Detroit Tigers star Tarik Skubal will only pitch in one game, against Great Britain, before rejoining the Tigers. Paul Skenes will face Mexico, and New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean will face Italy.
Team USA pool play rotation, per @BNightengale:
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) March 2, 2026
Logan Webb vs. Brazil
Tarik Skubal vs. Great Britain
Paul Skenes vs. Mexico
Nolan McLean vs. Italy pic.twitter.com/EhLSpGtWfl
Team USA's secret weapon, Dodgers' legendary and future Hall of Fame pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, will be featured in the WBC before fully retiring from baseball. He has said he will do whatever the team needs him to, even if it means throwing a thousand pitches, because he does not need to prepare for a full MLB season.
The first game for the United States will be on Friday at 8:00 PM EST against Brazil, broadcast on FOX.
