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It wasn’t the outcome he wanted in the end, but Alex Bregman loved every moment of 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 of the 2023 result after losing to Japan. But while winning it all is the obvious goal on the field, it wasn’t lost on players like Bregman what it meant to wear the red, white and blue and represent the United States in the tournament, especially after a special pre-game speech.
Former Navy SEAL Robert O’Neill, who was part of the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden, gave Team USA a pregame speech before their quarterfinal matchup with Canada. It was something that Bregman felt affected the entire room, reminding each player and coach who they play for.
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Alex Bregman of Team United States 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 going in and just got to hear some stories that he told about 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 are so many brave men and women out there protecting our freedom every single day,” he told Pakinomist Digital while also discussing his partnership with Throne SPORT and Breanna, which includes MahomesPORT and the Breanna Group.
“It was a really impactful speech and I think the guys definitely realized that we play for a lot more than just winning baseball games. We play for them and we’re grateful for everything they do for our country to keep us safe every single day.”
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Some criticized O’Neill’s speech to Team USA on social media and condemned 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 the perspective of what it means to wear the nation’s colors on a global stage.
Bregman, who is set to enter his 11th season in MLB, his first with the Chicago Cubs after signing a five-year free agent deal with them last offseason, spoke to that point.
“It’s an honor to represent your country,” he said. “I take great pride in being able to wear the Stars and Stripes and I’m proud to be an American. Whenever I get the opportunity to do it, I will.”
While the next WBC will be in March 2030, Bregman even mentioned Team USA wanting “a little bit of redemption” at the 2028 Summer Olympics, where baseball will be played at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Alex Bregman #2 of Team United strikes out 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 play was made,” Bregman said of Team USA discussing the Olympics after their 3-2 loss to Venezuela. “We will drive it back and win.”
STAR-STARTED CAFFEINE BOOST
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 he will be playing many day games as a new member of the Cubs, he knows how much Throne SPORT Coffee will come in handy. And while it has natural caffeine for the boost Bregman needs, the NSF-certified sports drink also has 100% daily value of vitamin B.
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Beverage industry vet Michael Fedele created the COFFEE PLUS+ formula for both the brand’s premium charge lattes and cold brews, which offer 150 mg of natural caffeine as well as 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 has sent Throne SPORT Coffee to him and his teammates to share. 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 a long time and have longevity in this game. It’s a coffee that’s good for you, that’s going to keep you going.”
Alex Bregman joined Throne SPORT Coffee to add to its star-studded group of partners. (Throne SPORT coffee)
“Being able to partner with them is exciting and looking forward to getting the whole team caffeinated for all the games.”
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.
