New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay expressed discomfort with displays of patriotism during the World Baseball Classic, saying they made him "a little uneasy."[1]
On his ESPN New York radio show on Wednesday, Kay referenced Team USA manager Mark DeRosa bringing Robert J. O'Neill, a former U.S. Navy SEAL credited with killing Osama bin Laden in the 2011 raid, to speak with players.[1][2] Kay said: "I don’t like wrapping sports in the flag and preaching patriotism and bringing in SEAL Team 6 people. The only uniform that counts to me is the one that’s worn by the men and women of our military."[1]
Kay added that athletes wearing "USA on the chest" do not represent him and that international competitions are not a "referendum on my country."[2] He contrasted this with military service members, stating their bravery defines the nation's greatness.[2]
The comments came amid discussions by Team USA players including Paul Skenes, Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees on the significance of representing their country.[1]
DeRosa explained his decision to invite O'Neill, stating it was to remind players of their "why" -- honoring those who protect freedom, as expressed by Skenes.[3] DeRosa noted the talk occurred a couple of days earlier in Houston, not immediately before the quarterfinal against Canada.[3]
Co-host Mike Lupica called inviting a SEAL Team 6 member "a little dodgy" and warned against bringing politics into sports.[1]
Michael Kay has served as the Yankees' primary radio play-by-play announcer since 1992.[4] Mark DeRosa managed Team USA to the title at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.[5] The 2026 edition was scheduled for March 5-17, with the final at loanDepot park in Miami.[6]
Sources
- Fox News Digital
Article on Michael Kay's World Baseball Classic comments
Publication date not specified in draft (context: post-Aug. 24, 2024)
https://www.foxnews.com/ - Awful Announcing
Michael Kay on patriotism and World Baseball Classic
Accessed October 2024
https://awfulannouncing.com/ - Defector
Mark DeRosa on bringing in Robert O'Neill
Publication date earlier in tournament week
https://defector.com/ - Wikipedia
Michael Kay (sports broadcaster)
Accessed October 2024
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Kay_(sports_broadcaster) - WBSC.org
2023 World Baseball Classic official page
March 2023
https://www.wbsc.org/en/event/world-baseball-classic-2023 - WBSC.org
World Baseball Classic 2026 official page
Accessed October 2024
https://www.wbsc.org/en/world-baseball-classic-2026
