Controversy over WBC preferential treatment → 'Villain America' was pointed out! Harper smiled and said, "Should I dance like Tatis?"

*This content was translated by AI.

Controversy over the schedule and preferential treatment in favor of the U.S. and Japan, which had been endless since the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), eventually came up as a question at the official press conference. However, Bryce Harper (34, Philadelphia Phillies), the center and key infielder of the U.S. national team, was not embarrassed. Rather, it quenched the sharp atmosphere on the spot with the relaxation of mentioning star players from rival countries.

On the morning of the 16th (Korea Standard Time), Ron Depot Park is located in Miami, Florida. 2026 WBC press conference ahead of the fateful semifinals between the United States and the Dominican Republic. On this day, sharp questions were raised about the situation in which the U.S. national team is seen as a "villain" to fans in other countries regarding the so-called "privile controversy" that the match table was designed in favor of the U.S. and Japan for the success.

In fact, the 2026 WBC has been criticized for being "designed for a specific country" as the "clue clause" that is fixed for the U.S. and Japan to play at specific dates and venues regardless of the group stage ranking was known. The tournament was also organized so that the U.S. and Japan would face each other only in the final.

In response, Harper said, "I can't believe it's a villain role, none of us has ever thought that way." "The story line that distinguishes American-style baseball and Dominican-style baseball is interesting, but in the end, there is Asian baseball, and it is the real value of baseball that various cultures such as Latin America and the United States come together," he stressed.

In particular, Harper turned the scene into a sea of laughter, mentioning Latin America's unique exciting baseball style. "Actually, I can't dance like Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres), but I'm also enjoying the game in my own way," he said, conveying the message that recognizing and enjoying cultural differences in each country is a priority instead of the frame of "village."

Captain Aaron Judge (New York Yankees), who was also present, also said, "We put each player's pride outside the door and united only for a uniform with the word 'USA' on it," adding, "In any atmosphere, we will play the baseball we dreamed of."

As the game is held in Miami, where there are many Dominican immigrants, the U.S. national team is determined to enjoy its disadvantage as an away team while fans of the Dominican Republic are expected to cheer unilaterally.

Harper, who accepted the heavy topic of preferential treatment with wit comparing it to his rival's "dance." Baseball fans around the world are paying attention to whether his overwhelming leisure, as well as his skills, will lead the U.S. national team to the top once again.

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*This content was translated by AI.