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In the end it wasn’t the result he wanted, but Alex Bregman loved every moment representing his country while playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) this month.
The United States ultimately fell to Venezuela in the WBC final, falling short as it did 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 didn’t go unnoticed by players like Bregman, especially after a special pregame speech.
Former Navy SEAL Robert O’Neill, who was part of the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden, gave the US team a speech before their quarterfinal game against Canada. It was something Bregman felt resonated with the entire room and reminded every player and coach who they are playing for.
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Alex Bregman of Team USA runs to first base during the sixth inning against Team Canada at Daikin Park on March 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
“None of us knew how to go in and listen to some of the stories he told about what it was like to be a SEAL. Just all the details were crazy, and it really put into perspective for all of us how lucky we are. There are so many brave men and women protecting our freedom every day,” he told Pak Gazette Digital, while also discussing his partnership with Throne SPORT Coffee, joining a group that includes Patrick Mahomes and Breanna Stewart.
“It was a really powerful speech, and I think the guys definitely realized that we are playing for a lot more than just winning baseball games. We play for them and we are grateful for everything they do for our country to keep us safe every day.”
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Some criticized O’Neill’s speech to the US team on social media, condemning the pro-war messages as the pep talk went viral. Others, however, praised O’Neill’s heroic story and shared it with the group, ultimately giving players like Bregman that perspective on what it means to wear the nation’s colors on a global stage.
Bregman, who is set to begin his 11th MLB season, his first with the Chicago Cubs after signing a five-year free agent contract with them this past offseason, spoke further to that point.
“It’s an honor to represent your country,” he said. “I’m very proud to be able to wear the Stars and Stripes, and I’m proud to be an American. Any time I get the chance to do it, I’ll do it.”
While the next WBC will be in March 2030, Bregman even mentioned that Team USA wants “a little redemption” at the 2028 Summer Olympics, where baseball will be played at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Alex Bregman #2 of Team USA bats against Team Venezuela during the second inning at LoanDepot Park on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
“We’ve been talking about it since the last out was made,” Bregman said of Team USA talking about the Olympics after their 3-2 loss to Venezuela. “We want to come back and win.”
STAR-FULL CAFFEINE INCREASE
As Bregman prepares for another MLB season, he knows better than most that it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Playing 162 games can be a daunting task, and now that you’ll be playing a lot of daytime games as a new member of the Cubs, you know how useful Throne SPORT coffee will be. And while it has natural caffeine for the boost Bregman needs, the NSF-certified sports drink also has a 100% daily value of vitamin B.
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Beverage industry vet Michael Fedele created the COFFEE PLUS+ formula for the brand’s premium lattes and cold brews, delivering 150 mg of natural caffeine and 10 grams of recovery protein – just what athletes like Bregman need.
The Gold Glove third baseman said he connected with Fedele two years ago while he was still a member of the Houston Astros, and that he has been sending coffee through Throne SPORT for him and his teammates to share with him. That continued when he joined the Boston Red Sox in 2025, and even during the WBC. Bregman is ready to get his Chicago teammates involved now.
“Chicago is a big market for Throne SPORT Coffee, so I feel like it’s only natural that we continue the partnership. I invested in the company because I believe in it. I feel like you have to take ownership of what goes into your body if you want to play for a long time and have longevity in this game. It’s good-for-you coffee that will keep you going.”
Alex Bregman has joined Throne SPORT Coffee to add to their star-studded group of partners. (SPORT Café Throne)
“Being able to partner with them is exciting and I hope the entire team is caffeinated for every game.”
As a black coffee drinker, Bregman loves Throne SPORT Black Cold Brew, but he also dabbles with some flavors like Mint Mocha Cold Brew and Salted Caramel Latte.
