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Yankees' Michael Kay Critiques Patriotism in Baseball Classic

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Michael Kay, a broadcaster for the New York Yankees, expressed discomfort with patriotism in the World Baseball Classic.
He criticized Team USA manager Mark DeRosa for bringing Navy SEAL Robert J. O’Neill to motivate players.
Kay said true representation of the United States comes from military personnel, not athletes.
He argued that equating sports to battle is misguided and international competitions should not be treated as referendums on national superiority.

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Story summary

Michael Kay, a broadcaster for the New York Yankees, expressed discomfort with patriotism in the World Baseball Classic.
He criticized Team USA manager Mark DeRosa for bringing Navy SEAL Robert J. O’Neill to motivate players.
Kay said true representation of the United States comes from military personnel, not athletes.
He argued that equating sports to battle is misguided and international competitions should not be treated as referendums on national superiority.