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DeRosa Defends O’Neill's Invite Amid Backlash, USA Advances

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mark DeRosa, Team USA baseball manager, defended inviting Robert O’Neill before the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal against Canada.
O’Neill is a former Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden.
DeRosa emphasized honoring military service and the reasons for competing for the United States.
The decision drew backlash on social media, but DeRosa stood by the choice as the United States defeated Canada to advance to the finals against Venezuela or Italy.

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Story summary

Mark DeRosa, Team USA baseball manager, defended inviting Robert O’Neill before the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal against Canada.
O’Neill is a former Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden.
DeRosa emphasized honoring military service and the reasons for competing for the United States.
The decision drew backlash on social media, but DeRosa stood by the choice as the United States defeated Canada to advance to the finals against Venezuela or Italy.