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Yankees Broadcaster Critiques Patriotism in Sports

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay expressed discomfort with the intertwining of sports and patriotism during the World Baseball Classic.
He criticized Team USA manager Mark DeRosa for inviting former 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 international sports should not measure national superiority and should focus on the games.

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Story summary

New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay expressed discomfort with the intertwining of sports and patriotism during the World Baseball Classic.
He criticized Team USA manager Mark DeRosa for inviting former 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 international sports should not measure national superiority and should focus on the games.