Roman Anthony, a 21-year-old rising star with the Red Sox, is experiencing the traditional ‘rookie’ initiation with Team USA. He’s been given the responsibility of providing the stereo equipment for the team bus during the World Baseball Classic.
Anthony’s Team USA Initiation
Anthony’s task involved acquiring a large speaker. Manager Mark DeRosa noted that the music being played included Toby Keith.
“He obviously was forced to go buy a gigantic speaker, and they had Toby Keith blasting,” manager Mark DeRosa said.
The choice of Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” aligns with the tournament’s emphasis on national pride, although it’s unclear who selected the song.
Anthony clarified his role: “I don’t touch the music. I had the duty of getting the speaker, making sure it was there today, and then handing it over to the guys who want to play the music.”
Team Bonding and Camaraderie
Team USA has been training together for about a week. While their shared goal is winning the World Baseball Classic, the players are also focused on enjoying their time together as teammates.
Bus rides seem to be a source of amusement, especially when sing-a-longs occur.
Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies stated, “But it was just more about getting the boys together. It is just something that, since I came up into the big leagues, it brings that kind of camaraderie together.”
Anthony commented on the team’s dynamic: “We have a great group. Since day one, it’s been easy to kind of just blend well with this group and be around this group of guys. It’s been an awesome experience for me. It’s been a huge learning experience. It’s been a blast.”
Potential Truce with Rival Fans
Sellout crowds are expected at Daikin Park for much of pool play. Packed houses are pretty much guaranteed when Team USA plays.
The spectators are expected to come from all over. It’s fair to assume many will be Astros fans who might not be accustomed to rooting for some of the players on Team USA’s roster.
Cal Raleigh acknowledged the “heated rivalry” with the Astros – “they don’t like us, we don’t like them”. He thinks the reception could elicit some alternate reactions when they take their at-bats.
Team USA has been training together, and while winning is the shared goal, the players are determined to enjoy their time together as teammates.