USA Baseball Team Criticized For ‘Disgraceful’ Gesture During Anthem Before WBC Final [VIDEO]

Fans question Team USA’s energy after tense WBC final loss.

American baseball fans were upset with their own team on Tuesday night, not just because of the loss but also because of what happened before the game. Many fans criticized Team USA players for staying quiet during the national anthem before the World Baseball Classic final against Venezuela in Miami.

Some players, including Aaron Judge and Paul Skenes, did not seem to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Fans noticed this and compared it to the Venezuelan team, where players sang their anthem with strong emotion.

The reaction grew stronger after the United States lost 3-2 to Venezuela. The loss, combined with the pregame moment, raised questions about the team’s energy and pride, especially in such an important game as the World Baseball Classic.

Fans Call Out Anthem Moment

; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (Photo By Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
Fans flooded social media with frustrated takes during and after the game.

One user wrote, “Why didn’t USA players sing national anthem?”

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Another added, “At #WBC Venezuelan players proudly sing their national anthem. Only 2 USA players. Disgraceful.”

Others echoed the same feeling. “Disappointing to see only a couple of guys from USA singing the National Anthem,” one fan posted.


Venezuela showed that same energy on the field. The team won 3-2 and claimed its first World Baseball Classic title. They took an early lead and were up 2-0 for most of the game. The United States came back in the eighth inning when Bryce Harper hit a home run to tie it.

Venezuela responded in the ninth inning. Eugenio Suarez hit a key double that brought in the winning run. The team celebrated as they closed out the game moments later.

It was a tough night for Team USA. Aaron Judge struggled and struck out three times. Fans pointed to both the performance and the pregame moment as signs that the team lacked energy.

After the game, Venezuela pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez summed up the emotion. “It means everything, this is for our country,” he said.

The result gave Venezuela its first WBC crown and left Team USA facing criticism from its own supporters.