Michael Kay’s Thoughts on Patriotism in Sports

Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay has expressed discomfort with the idea of incorporating military speakers and emphasizing “patriotism” in sports contexts.

This discussion surfaced during the recent World Baseball Classic, where U.S. team manager Mark DeRosa invited Robert O’Neill, the former Navy SEAL who was involved in the operation to kill Osama bin Laden, to speak to the team before their matchup against Canada. Players Paul Skeens and Bryce Harper shared their sentiments about the pride they feel in representing the United States.

Kay voiced his feelings, saying that the situation made him “uneasy.”

“What makes me a little nervous is the idea of intertwining sports with flags and patriotism, especially bringing in Navy SEALs. The only uniform that matters to me is the one worn by our military personnel,” he mentioned during a segment on ESPN New York Radio. “Those individuals are the ones who truly determine outcomes. Just because you wear USA on your jersey doesn’t mean you embody my representation. I really don’t believe that.”

DeRosa clarified his choice to invite O’Neill.

“It was my decision to bring him in,” DeRosa said. “He actually came to Houston for a few days, but it wasn’t directly before the Canada game. For me, I feel there has to be a solid reason behind what we’re doing, something we shouldn’t overlook. As Paul Skeens mentioned when he decided to join, many feel they’re doing this for the military personnel who safeguard our freedoms. That’s why we represent the USA.”

“I thought it was crucial to pivot a bit and help them understand that while it’s a fantastic opportunity to be a part of such an event, there’s a deeper reason for their participation, tied to those who protect our freedoms. I wanted to show respect for that.”

For Kay, military members are the true representatives of the nation.

“There are individuals who genuinely represent America, and those are the men and women of our armed forces,” he remarked. “In the grand scheme, that’s what counts. They embody the essence of what makes this country great, with their courage and willingness to fight for our freedoms. Sure, the U.S. winning against Canada is thrilling, but it’s not a declaration of my nation’s worth.”

“Somewhere along the line, we’ve turned this into a competition of which country is better. It’s getting a bit ridiculous with this philanthropic angle, in my opinion. I appreciate that DeRosa invited a Navy SEAL involved in such a crucial mission, but I just don’t think a baseball game equates to that.”