Mark DeRosa, manager of the United States national baseball team at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, addressed his decision to invite Robert J. O'Neill to speak to the players during pool play in Houston.[1][2]

O'Neill, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, is credited with firing the fatal shots that killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden during the 2011 raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.[3][4]

Speaking to reporters before the March 15, 2026, semifinal against the Dominican Republic at loanDepot park in Miami, DeRosa said the visit occurred a couple of days earlier in Houston and was not timed before the quarterfinal matchup against Canada. "That was my decision to bring him in," DeRosa said.[1][2]

DeRosa explained the purpose was to remind players of the significance of representing the USA and honoring military service members. He referenced pitcher Paul Skenes, who told him: "I want to do this for every service man and woman that protects our freedom. That’s why we wear USA across our chest."[1][2]

"I just thought it would be like a time to kind of redirect and get those guys to understand that, although this is an unbelievable event and you get a chance to share a locker room with the game’s greats, there’s a reason why you’re doing it and a reason why people protect our freedom at night," DeRosa added.[1][2]

The invitation drew criticism on social media.[1] DeRosa also noted that U.S. hockey player Jack Hughes contacted the baseball team ahead of the Dominican Republic game.[1]

The 2026 World Baseball Classic features 20 teams competing March 6-21 across four pool sites, with semifinals and the final at loanDepot park in Miami.[5][6]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital
   Team USA World Baseball Classic manager Mark DeRosa shared the reason why Robert J. O’Neill was invited to speak
   March 16, 2026
   https://www.foxnews.com/sports/team-usa-wbc-manager-mark-derosa-explains-navy-seal-invitation
2. Defector
   Mark DeRosa on inviting Robert O'Neill to Team USA locker room
   March 16, 2026
   https://defector.com/2026-world-baseball-classic-mark-derosa-robert-oneill
3. Wikipedia
   Robert J. O'Neill
   Accessed October 2024
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_J._O%27Neill
4. Official publisher, The Operator by Robert O'Neill
   Book description and author bio
   Accessed October 2024
   https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Operator/Robert-ONeill/9781501145044
5. World Baseball Classic official site
   2026 Schedule and venues
   November 15, 2024
   https://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/schedule/2026/