Orioles react to Gunnar Henderson's home run in 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinal Baltimore Orioles players and coaches have expressed strong support for Gunnar Henderson’s performance in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, with many urging the U.S. team to include the 24-year-old in the championship game against Venezuela. Despite the U.S. roster featuring top-tier talent, teammates emphasized Henderson’s value and the Orioles’ deep understanding of his abilities. Henderson, who has emerged as one of Major League Baseball’s premier players in recent years, showcased his elite skills during the tournament. In pool play, he went 4-for-5 with a double and two RBIs in a 9-1 victory over Great Britain on March 7. He followed with a home run in an 8-6 loss to Italy, then hit a game-tying homer in the fourth inning of the U.S. semifinal win against the Dominican Republic. His 400-foot solo shot, projected by Statcast, proved pivotal in securing the victory. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa cited Henderson’s past success against Dominican Republic starter Luis Severino as a key factor in his lineup placement. Henderson, 7-for-9 with a double, a home run, and four RBIs against Severino in MLB games, was slotted at No. 5 in the order. His performance in the semifinal reinforced his readiness for the championship. Orioles players like second baseman Jackson Holliday and infielder Coby Mayo praised Henderson’s adaptability to the tournament’s demanding role. Holliday noted Henderson’s ability to thrive despite limited playing time, while Mayo highlighted his energy and clutch performance. Holliday even shared a lighthearted moment when his mother predicted a home run, only for Henderson to ground out initially before delivering the game-tying shot.#world_baseball_classic #mark_derosa #baltimore_orioles #gunnar_henderson #luis_severino
Will Smith vs Cal Raleigh: Who is the Better WBC Catcher? MIAMI, FL — Sunday night, the United States delivered a commanding performance in the World Baseball Classic, overcoming a Dominican Republic team that had dominated the tournament with its offensive firepower. However, the DR’s offensive strength was stifled by the U.S. pitching staff, led by a standout game from Dodgers catcher Will Smith. Despite the DR’s usual offensive prowess, their ability to score was limited to just one run, while the U.S. managed two, showcasing the effectiveness of the pitching rotation and Smith’s leadership behind the plate. Smith’s preparation for the Dominican Republic was evident in his approach to the game. Recognizing the threat posed by sluggers like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado, Smith devised a defensive strategy focused on inducing swings and misses. Over half of the pitches thrown in the game were outside the strike zone, with a significant number coming up and in at the hands of batters. This tactic forced the aggressive DR hitters to chase pitches, resulting in nearly 63% of their strikeouts occurring low and outside against right-handed batters. The strategy proved successful, as the DR’s offensive output was severely curtailed, highlighting Smith’s ability to control the game through his catching decisions. Comparing Smith’s performance to his teammate Cal Raleigh reveals a clear advantage for the veteran catcher. While Smith has only played in three of Team USA’s six games, he has posted a .300 batting average and a .785 OPS. His offensive contributions would have been even more impressive if not for a controversial play in the game against Great Britain, where a spectacular catch by Trayce Thompson robbed him of a potential home run.#dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #mark_derosa #cal_raleigh #will_smith
Yankees’ Aaron Judge delivers strong message on eve of WBC: ‘I love this country’ Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ star outfielder, emphasized his deep patriotism and commitment to representing the United States as he prepares to compete in the World Baseball Classic. The 2026 tournament marks his first appearance in the event, and Judge has expressed his excitement about the opportunity to showcase American baseball on a global stage. Judge, who has been a key figure for the Yankees, is taking a three-week break from spring training to join Team USA in Arizona. He will don the Team USA jersey, a role he described as one of the greatest honors of his career. “I’m going into this to win it, but it’s not just that,” Judge said at Steinbrenner Field. “I’m representing the U.S. I love this country. It’s the greatest country in the world.” The 32-year-old player, known for his measured responses during the regular season, spoke candidly about his pride in American values. “I think about the men and women who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedom and our way of life,” he said. “That’s what the jersey means to me. I’ll wear it to honor those who’ve given their lives so I can play this kid’s game. So I can have a beautiful family and live free.” Judge’s patriotism has been a defining trait since his early days. As a teenager, he developed an interest in U.S. history, particularly its role in World War II. His father, Wayne, was a varsity basketball coach at Linden High School in California, where Judge first encountered the national anthem. Today, he leads his Yankees teammates in singing God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch at the Stadium. Alongside Gerrit Cole, Anthony Volpe, and Aaron Boone, he enforces a tradition of singing the anthem in front of the dugout as a sign of respect for veterans.#world_baseball_classic #team_usa #aaron_judge #yankees #mark_derosa
