Rusty Weiss
New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay, the guy who’s supposed to call games for America’s most storied franchise, basically admitted he’s uncomfortable with players who get patriotic representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
While stars like Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, and others were out there preaching national pride during the hard-fought tournament, Kay decided it was the ideal time to lecture everyone about how “wrapping sports in the flag and preaching patriotism” rubs him the wrong way.
He also took issue with manager Mark DeRosa bringing in Navy SEAL legend Robert O’Neill — the man who took Osama bin Laden out during the 2011 raid — to give his team a pep talk in the locker room a couple of days before their quarterfinal win over Canada.
“The thing that makes me a little uneasy … I don’t like wrapping sports in the flag and preaching patriotism and bringing in SEAL Team 6 people. The only uniform that counts to me is the one that’s worn by the men and women of our military,” Kay said Wednesday.
“They decide wins and losses. You don’t represent me because you have USA on the chest. I don’t believe it.”
Yankees Voice Michael Kay Slams ‘Wrapping Sports in the Flag’ and Team USA’s SEAL Pep Talk: ‘You Don’t Represent Me’
Fair point on honoring the troops, but come on, Mike – you’re broadcasting for the Yankees, not some woke seminar. Much like the Olympics, you’re literally trying to win gold for the country you’re representing. Introducing some patriotism into the mix is completely justified. What a tool.
Players are out here putting on the stars and stripes, giving it everything they’ve got against the world, and the voice of the Yankees is out here saying it doesn’t represent him? This is the same sport where fans stand for the anthem, military flyovers happen at every big game, and “God Bless America” still gets played during the seventh-inning stretch at Yankee Stadium.
Yet somehow, when baseball players channel that same energy on the international stage, it’s suddenly forced and uncomfortable. Sounds like Kay’s more at home in the elite media bubble than with the everyday fans who love seeing America win.
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Look, nobody’s saying athletes are the equivalent of the military or that sports replace real service, but there’s nothing wrong with a little red, white, and blue pride when guys are battling for their country on the diamond.
What kind of American broadcaster—or American man, for that matter—can’t stand when sports get a dose of genuine patriotism? Maybe he should stick to calling balls and strikes instead of lecturing fans on why loving your country is a problem.
In the meantime, real Americans will keep cheering for the flag – with or without Kay’s approval.