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It wasn’t the outcome he was ultimately hoping for, but Alex Bregman loved every moment representing his country while playing for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) this month.
The United States ultimately fell to Venezuela in the WBC Finals, just falling short as it did in 2023 after losing to Japan. But even though winning it all is the obvious goal on the field, what it meant to wear the red, white and blue and represent the United States in the tournament was not lost on 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, delivered a pre-match speech for Team USA ahead of their quarterfinal match against Canada. It was something that Bregman said had an impact on the entire room and reminded every player and coach who they were playing for.
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Alex Bregman of Team USA goes to first base against Team Canada at Daikin Park on March 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
“None of us knew it going in and I just heard a few stories that he told about what it was like as a SEAL. 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 who protect our freedom every day,” he told PK Press Club Digital, while also discussing his partnership with Throne SPORT Coffee, joining a group that includes Patrick Mahomes and Breanna Stewart.
“It was a really impactful speech, and I think the guys definitely realized that we’re playing for more than just winning baseball games. We’re playing for them and we’re 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 Team USA 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, which ultimately gave players like Bregman perspective on what it means to wear the nation’s colors on the world stage.
Bregman, who is about to enter his 11th MLB season, his first with the Chicago Cubs after signing a five-year free agent deal with them last offseason, addressed that point in more detail.
“It’s an honor to represent your country,” he said. “I’m very proud to be able to fly the American flag and I’m proud to be an American. Any chance I get, I will.”
While the next WBC will take place 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 bats against Team Venezuela at LoanDepot Park on March 17, 2026, in Miami, Florida. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
“We’ve been talking about it since the last takedown,” Bregman said of the U.S. team discussing the Olympics after its 3-2 loss to Venezuela. “We want to go back and win.”
A STAR CAFFEINE BOOST
As Bregman prepares for another MLB season, he knows better than anyone that it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Playing 162 games can be a daunting task, and now that he’ll be playing many daily games as a new member of the Cubs, he knows how much Throne SPORT coffee will serve him. And, while it contains natural caffeine to meet Bregman’s needs, the NSF-certified sports drink also contains 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, which delivers 150 mg of natural caffeine plus 10 grams of protein for recovery – 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 sent Throne SPORT coffee for him and his teammates to share. This 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 an important 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 a long time and have longevity in this game. It’s a good-for-you coffee that will keep you going.”
Alex Bregman has joined Throne SPORT Coffee to add to its star-studded group of partners. (Café Thrône SPORT)
“Being able to collaborate with them is exciting and I can’t wait to caffeinate the whole team for all the games.”
As a black coffee drinker, Bregman loves Throne SPORT Black Cold Brew, but he also tries some flavors like Mint Mocha Cold Brew and Salted Caramel Latte.
