Jack Hughes Inspires Team USA Ahead of WBC Quarterfinal Clash with Canada

As Team USA prepares for a crucial quarterfinal matchup against Canada in the World Baseball Classic on Friday, March 13, the team received a boost of motivation from an unlikely source: Olympic hockey hero Jack Hughes.

Hughes Sends Message of Encouragement

New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes, fresh off his gold medal-winning performance with Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, sent a “fire-up message” to the U.S. Baseball team, according to manager Mark DeRosa. ESPN and the New York Post both reported on the gesture.

DeRosa shared the message within the team’s group chat, hoping to capitalize on the momentum from the recent Olympic victory. Hughes recorded a hype video from the Devils’ locker room, requesting it remain private between him and the WBC players.

Olympic Success Fuels Baseball Team

The success of Team USA’s hockey teams – both the men’s and women’s squads won gold at the Winter Olympics – has served as inspiration for the baseball team during the World Baseball Classic. Captain Aaron Judge shared that the team was “fired up” after receiving photos of Hughes celebrating the Olympic win. ClutchPoints detailed Judge’s comments from an early March interview on “The Pat McAfee Show.”

“Now we gain a chance to throw on the red, white and blue and copy what they did,” Judge said. “That was a special run on both sides, men and women.”

Hockey Jerseys to Boost Team Spirit

The motivation may extend beyond just a message. DeRosa indicated that there was discussion of sending hockey jerseys to the players to wear during batting practice or around the clubhouse. On3 reported on DeRosa’s comments regarding the potential jersey delivery.

U.S.-Canada Rivalry Continues

This isn’t the only instance of cross-sport encouragement. Canada is likewise drawing inspiration from its own Olympic hockey victory, with Seattle Mariners player Josh Naylor wearing a Paul Kariya jersey from the 2002 Canadian Olympic team.

Historically, the United States has dominated Canada in the World Baseball Classic, winning four consecutive matchups after a surprise Canadian victory in the inaugural 2006 tournament. Their last two wins, in 2017 and 2023, came by a combined score of 20-1.