American baseball enthusiasts erupted in outrage, labeling their team a “disgrace” for neglecting to sing the national anthem before their World Baseball Classic final against Venezuela on Tuesday.
During the pre-game ceremonies in Miami, several USA players appeared disconnected, gazing into the distance as the Star-Spangled Banner echoed through loanDepot Park.
In stark contrast, the Venezuelan team energetically joined in on their anthem, intensifying the frustration among American fans.
Many fans took to social media to criticize the silent American players, including stars like Paul Skenes and Aaron Judge, accusing them of lacking passion, a sentiment that was further fueled by the team’s unexpected 3-2 loss.
One fan questioned on X, “Why didn’t USA players sing the national anthem?”
Another user expressed their disappointment, stating, “At #WBC, Venezuelan players proudly sing their national anthem. Only 2 USA players. Disgraceful.”
USA baseball fans have branded their team a ‘disgrace’ for not singing the national anthem
In contrast, Venezuela players were seen belting out their anthem before Tuesday’s WBC final
‘Disappointing to see only a couple of guys from USA singing the National Anthem, unlike like Venezuela. Every single one of them were singing theirs. Wth USA? No emotions or nothing,’ wrote a third.
A fourth concluded: ‘None of the USA players singing the national anthem is embarrassing’.
While a fifth put: ‘I’ll give it to Venezuela for winning the pre-game festivities. At least they sing their national anthem unlike Team USA.’
Not only did they win the pre-game festivities, Venezuela prevailed on the field, too, after a dramatic 3-2 victory over USA earned them their first ever WBC title.
The Americans got off to a dreadful start, falling 2-0 behind while only recording two hits through the first seven innings.
Yet it seemed they had gained momentum at a crucial time when Bryce Harper’s superb home run in the eighth leveled proceedings at 2-2.
That was before another twist in the tale came in the ninth, when Eugenio Suarez initially sent Garrett Whitlock deep into left field after Javier Sanoja was walked and had then stolen second. Sanoja then rounded third and made it home for a 3-2 lead and there was an explosion in the Venezuela dugout.
Moments later, as Roman Anthony struck out for USA, those celebrations reignited once again as the visitors became WBC champions for the very first time.
Venezuela went on to claim their first ever WBC title after a 3-2 victory over USA in Miami
It was a nightmare evening for the Americans, with Aaron Judge wilting on the big stage again
It proved a catastrophic night for America, who boast a team containing some of the sport’s all-time greats. New York Yankees superstar Judge, in particular, wilted on the big stage once again after striking out three times.
For Venezuela, meanwhile, it represents the proudest night in the South American country’s baseball history.
‘It means everything, this is for our country, every one of them. We are going to enjoy this now,’ starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez said through his tears on the field after the game.
No city in the United States has a bigger Venezuelan population than Miami and Tuesday marked the first time the country had ever made it to the final.
It also came just over two months after Donald Trump’s daring January 3 raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife from their heavily-secured compound in the nation’s capital of Caracas.
Minutes after they fought back to beat Italy 4-2 in Monday’s semifinals, Trump took to Truth Social with a message about making Venezuela a US state.
‘Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight, 4-2, in the WBC (Baseball!) Semifinal,’ he wrote late Monday night. ‘They are looking really great.
Donald Trump said Venezuela could be USA’s 51st state after their semifinal win on Monday
‘Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE? President DONALD J. TRUMP.’
Trump has previously underlined his wish for Canada to become the 51st state but it was the first time he has suggested a move for Venezuela in the aftermath of removing Maduro by force.
Baseball fans were even calling on social media for him to not only attend but to throw the first pitch before USA faced Venezuela in a raucous atmosphere, but the president failed to make an appearance.
The United States has only won the competition once before, in 2017, and a White House invitation from Trump would have been in the offing if they beat Venezuela.
Instead, it was the undergos who came out on top on a dramatic night in Miami.
