Team USA star Alex Bregman says Navy SEAL's speech gave squad clear perspective: 'Playing for a lot more'

Team USA third baseman Alex Bregman talked about the impact Robert O'Neill's pre-game speech during the World Baseball Classic was for him and his teammates, while discussing the "honor" of playing for the U.S.

It wasn’t the result he wanted in the end, but Alex Bregman loved every moment representing his country while playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) this month. 

The U.S. eventually fell to Venezuela in the WBC final, falling just short as was the result in 2023 after losing to Japan. But while winning it all is the obvious goal on the field, what it meant to wear the red, white and blue and represent the U.S. in the tournament wasn’t lost on players like Bregman, especially after a special pre-game speech. 

Former Navy SEAL Robert O’Neill, who was part of the 2011 raid that killed Usama bin Laden, gave Team USA a pregame speech before their quarterfinal matchup with Canada. It was something that Bregman felt impacted the entire room, and reminded each player and coach who they’re playing for. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Alex Bregman of Team United States runs to first base against Team Canada at Daikin Park on March 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

"None of us knew going in and kinda just getting to hear some stories that he told of what it was like as a SEAL. Just all the details were crazy, and it really put it into perspective for all of us how lucky we are. There’s so many brave men and women out there protecting our freedom every single day," he told Fox News Digital, while also discussing his partnership with Throne SPORT Coffee, joining a group which includes Patrick Mahomes and Breanna Stewart. 

"It was a really impactful speech, and I