Team USA World Baseball Classic manager Mark DeRosa defended his decision to invite Robert J. O’Neill, the Navy SEAL credited with killing Osama bin Laden, to speak to players.
O’Neill addressed the team in Houston ahead of their quarterfinal win over Canada. The move drew criticism on social media.
"That was my decision to bring him in," DeRosa said. "I wanted the guys to remember why we wear 'USA' across our chest - to honor those who protect our freedom."
DeRosa also revealed that Olympic hockey hero Jack Hughes reached out to the team before their semifinal against the Dominican Republic.
The U.S. defeated both Canada and the Dominican Republic, advancing to the World Baseball Classic final.