Former Navy SEAL Robert J. O'Neill, part of the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden, delivered a pregame speech to Team USA ahead of their World Baseball Classic quarterfinal against Canada. The U.S. won 5-3, advancing to the semifinals.
The speech drew sharp criticism from some on social media, who condemned its pro-war tone and linkage of military action to American identity. Others defended O'Neill, calling him an American hero and criticizing what they see as growing anti-patriotism.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa supported the message, revealing that Olympic hockey star Jack Hughes also sent motivational words to the team. The U.S. will face the Dominican Republic in Sunday’s semifinal.