Aaron Judge is ready to lead Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. But before the games even began, the New York Yankees star found himself trending for a very different reason. Fans on social media called his pre-tournament speech the “worst speech ever” after a video was shared by Major League Baseball. Aaron Judge, a seven-time All-Star and three-time American League MVP, spoke to his teammates before their first workout earlier this week. The tournament runs through March 17, and Team USA opens against Brazil on Friday. As captain, Judge tried to fire up a roster filled with big names. Instead, many fans said the speech felt forced and not inspiring.
In the video, Judge told his teammates, “I think honestly, within this room, you are the hardest-working motherf****** in the game in this room.”
He added, “When we step out on that field, I want that to be our standard. ” The clip quickly went viral, and reactions poured in.
Aaron Judge’s speech draws mixed reaction as Team USA prepares for Brazil opener
The Team USA roster includes Paul Skenes, Bryce Harper, Cal Raleigh, Clayton Kershaw, Logan Webb and Tarik Skubal. Speaking to that group, Judge stressed unity and sacrifice.
“This team we have, lean into each other. Learn. You got questions, ask. Man, I’m an open book,” Judge said. “So sacrifice for your family at home, you’re sacrificing for your country, and you’re sacrificing for the brothers in the trenches with you every single day.”
He also said, “I want to die on that field with you… we’re going to lay it all on the line. And if we do that, we’ll bring the gold home.”
Still, some fans were not impressed. One user wrote, “That was the least inspiring speech I’ve heard to any USA athletic team.” Another posted, “Probably the least motivational, motivational speech I’ve ever watched.”
While the online debate continued, Team USA shifted focus to baseball. Logan Webb is set to start against Brazil. Tarik Skubal is expected to pitch Saturday against Britain. Paul Skenes is lined up to face Mexico on Monday.
After practice, Judge spoke about what wearing “USA” means to him, especially with global tensions in the news.
“A lot of crazy things are happening in the world right now,” Judge said. “I count my blessings every day that I get a chance to come out here, play the game that I love, have my family around me and be around these great guys.”
He added, “I flipped it over and looked at the front where it said USA and for me it just really hit home… there are individuals out there that have sacrificed everything for this country.”
For Judge, this is his first World Baseball Classic. He called being captain one of the biggest honors of his career. Now, the focus turns to the field, where Team USA will try to bring home the gold.
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