Team USA Embraces Military Heritage Ahead of World Baseball Classic Final Against Venezuela as Tensions Mount

Team USA enters Tuesday's World Baseball Classic final against Venezuela carrying the weight of both sporting excellence and national pride, as the American squad has embraced their military connections throughout the tournament amid heightened geopolitical tensions between the two countries.

The championship matchup comes just months after Donald Trump ordered a military operation that captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, followed by the United States launching military action against Iran. Against this backdrop, American players have consistently paid tribute to their country's armed forces throughout the tournament.

The team's commitment to honoring military service reached its pinnacle when they invited Robert J. O'Neill, a former Navy SEAL who claims to have killed Osama bin Laden, to deliver a motivational speech in the locker room. The choice sparked controversy due to O'Neill's previous inflammatory comments, but manager Mark DeRosa defended the decision.

You never want it to get lost why you're doing this, whatever that why is, DeRosa explained. And a lot of people - like Paul Skenes said to me when he signed up for this, 'I want to do this for every serviceman and woman who protects our freedom,' and that's why we wear USA across our chest.

Skenes, who attended the Air Force Academy alongside teammate Griffin Jax, has been particularly vocal about his military-inspired motivation. Following Sunday's semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic, the star pitcher articulated his philosophy clearly.

You know, this is what we do in America, Skenes declared. We fight and we win. And that's our responsibility.

The American approach contrasts sharply with the celebratory atmosphere surrounding other teams in the tournament. While Italy's players took espresso shots and kissed cheeks after home runs, and the Dominican Republic became known for passionate fan support and exuberant celebrations, Team USA has maintained a more reserved demeanor.

This cultural difference became evident during a confrontation between American catcher Cal Raleigh and Mexico's Randy Arozarena, who are normally teammates with the Seattle Mariners. Raleigh refused to give Arozarena a fist bump during their game, prompting the Mexican star to tell him he could go fuck himself after the incident.

US outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong pushed back against perceptions that his team lacks personality, arguing they enjoy the tournament in their own unique way.

You guys would all think it's silly if we shuffled like [Juan] Soto or did [Vladimir Guerrero Jr's] little wiggle, Crow-Armstrong said after Sunday's Dominican Republic victory. That's them and if I had enough swag to do that I would probably do that, too... We have fun in our own way, but we definitely have fun out there.

Venezuela, meanwhile, has embraced their cultural identity throughout the tournament. The team performs traditional dances before each game, a ritual they plan to continue Tuesday night.

That's us. That's our country, Venezuelan manager Omar López explained after Monday's semifinal victory over Italy. That's winter ball. That's how we enjoy our baseball.

The two teams previously met in the 2023 tournament quarterfinals, with the Americans winning 9-7 before eventually losing to Japan in that year's final. The United States seeks their second World Baseball Classic title, while Venezuela pursues their first championship in tournament history.

Tuesday's final promises to showcase not only exceptional baseball talent but also two distinct approaches to international competition, with American military-inspired determination facing Venezuelan cultural celebration.