HOUSTON – The camaraderie within Team USA is already palpable as they prepare for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, a tournament that blends national pride with fierce competition. While the goal is clear – to win it all – the players are equally focused on building bonds and enjoying the unique experience of representing their country together. For newcomers like Roman Anthony, that means navigating the traditional “rookie” initiation, a rite of passage that quickly integrates them into the team dynamic.
That initiation, as recounted by manager Mark DeRosa, involved a rather specific request: procuring a large speaker and blasting Toby Keith’s patriotic anthem, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” “He obviously was forced to go buy a gigantic speaker, and they had Toby Keith blasting,” DeRosa said, according to reporting from MLB.com. While the selection of the song remains a bit of a mystery, Anthony readily accepted his assignment. “I don’t touch the music,” Anthony explained. “I had the duty of getting the speaker, making sure it was there today, and then handing it over to the guys who want to play the music.”
This playful tradition is emblematic of the atmosphere Team USA is cultivating as they train in Houston. The team has been together for about a week, and beyond the drills and practices, it’s the shared moments – the bus rides, the sing-alongs – that are forging a strong connection between players who often find themselves on opposing sides during the Major League Baseball season. The focus on team building is a deliberate effort to create a cohesive unit ready to compete on the international stage.
Building Bonds on and Off the Field
The importance of camaraderie isn’t lost on veteran players either. Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber emphasized the role these shared experiences play in fostering a strong team environment. “I do not sing,” Schwarber clarified, “But it was just more about getting the boys together. It is just something that, since I came up into the big leagues, it brings that kind of camaraderie together.” This sentiment is echoed by Anthony, who described the experience as “awesome” and a “huge learning experience.” “We have a great group,” he said. “Since day one, it’s been easy to kind of just blend well with this group and be around this group of guys. It’s been a blast.”
The team’s efforts to connect extend beyond musical selections and bus ride entertainment. As they prepare to face Brazil on Friday, players are acknowledging the unique dynamic of playing alongside rivals, and the potential for a temporary truce in club allegiances.
A Houston Crowd and a Potential Rivalry Pause
Daikin Park in Houston is expected to be packed for Team USA’s pool play games, drawing fans from across the country, including a significant contingent of Astros supporters. This presents an interesting scenario, as some of those fans regularly cheer against players now representing their nation. Cal Raleigh, Team USA’s catcher and a star for the Seattle Mariners, acknowledged the “heated rivalry” with the Astros – “they don’t like us, we don’t like them” – but expressed optimism that fans would set aside club loyalties for the sake of national pride. “But I think wearing ‘USA,’ I think for a little bit of time, they will cheer for us,” Raleigh said. “That is how baseball is. You want those kinds of things happening. You want to have those kinds of rivalries and those tough games. It’s usually what you receive here. But … I think they will put that aside for country pride.”
Aaron Judge, accustomed to strong reactions from opposing fans during his time with the Latest York Yankees, including in Houston, anticipates a welcoming atmosphere at Daikin Park. “Had some tough memories here, had some decent memories here,” Judge said. “It’s part of it. Now, getting a chance to wear the red, white and blue – going to have a lot of great memories in here, I think.”
Kershaw’s Role and Pitching Strategy
Beyond the on-field dynamics, Team USA is also carefully managing the health and workload of its pitchers. Pitching coach Andy Pettitte highlighted the importance of having a reliable option available in case of emergencies, and he’s placing a lot of trust in veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw. “That’s why we told him, ‘Hey, you’re the fireman, dude,’” Pettitte said. “[In an] emergency, you be ready.’ He said, ‘I’ll be ready when you need me.’” Kershaw’s willingness to step in when needed provides a sense of security for the coaching staff, a stark contrast to the anxieties they experienced during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Pettitte explained, “Just to know you have someone out there that can do that, it frees you up. It helps you sleep at night, where we did not sleep much the last WBC. We were so nervous about each day with the pitching and how we were going to make it work.”
While Kershaw’s performance in a recent pre-WBC matchup with the Rockies wasn’t ideal, the team is prioritizing health and pitch counts during the early stages of the tournament. His experience and willingness to contribute make him a valuable asset, particularly in high-pressure situations.
As Team USA prepares to face Brazil, the focus remains on both winning games and fostering a strong team environment. The blend of veteran leadership and youthful enthusiasm, coupled with a shared sense of national pride, positions them as a strong contender in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The team will continue training in Houston, with their next confirmed game scheduled against Brazil on Friday, March 7th.
What do you think of Team USA’s chances in the World Baseball Classic? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow baseball fans!
