Olympic Hero Jack Hughes Rallies Team USA Ahead of WBC Quarterfinal

New Jersey Devils center delivers motivational message to baseball squad before matchup with Canada.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ahead of Team USA's World Baseball Classic quarterfinal matchup against Canada, 2026 Olympic hockey gold medalist Jack Hughes provided a motivational pep talk to the baseball squad. Manager Mark DeRosa revealed Hughes "sent the boys a nice little fire-up message" to help rally the team following their disappointing loss to Italy earlier in the tournament. The connection between the U.S. hockey and baseball teams has grown stronger, with players potentially wearing hockey jerseys during batting practice as a show of unity.

Why it matters

Team USA baseball is looking to bounce back after nearly being eliminated from the World Baseball Classic early on. The Americans could use a boost of morale and inspiration heading into their quarterfinal matchup against rival Canada, and having Olympic hero Jack Hughes provide a motivational message is seen as a valuable rallying cry.

The details

Following Team USA's loss to Italy on Tuesday, manager Mark DeRosa revealed that Jack Hughes, the New Jersey Devils center who scored the game-winning goal for the U.S. hockey team in the 2026 Olympic gold medal game against Canada, delivered a motivational message to the baseball squad. DeRosa said Hughes "sent the boys a nice little fire-up message" to help get them ready for the upcoming quarterfinal matchup. There is also talk of the baseball players wearing USA Hockey jerseys during batting practice on game day as a show of unity between the two national teams.

  • Team USA suffered a disappointing loss to Italy on Tuesday, March 12, 2026.
  • The quarterfinal matchup between Team USA and Canada is scheduled for Friday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Jack Hughes

A center for the New Jersey Devils who recently won a gold medal for the U.S. hockey team at the 2026 Olympics, scoring the game-winning goal against Canada in the gold medal game.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of the U.S. baseball team competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Aaron Judge

A slugger for the New York Yankees who is part of the U.S. baseball team competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Bobby Witt

The shortstop for the U.S. baseball team competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I know there's talk of some hockey jerseys being sent in tomorrow for the guys to wear during [batting practice] or around the clubhouse.”

— Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager

“We were so fired up after Jack Hughes clinched the gold-medal win for Team USA.”

— Aaron Judge

“The amount of gold medals won by the country gave Team USA baseball more motivation to do the same.”

— Bobby Witt, Shortstop

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.