*This content was translated by AI.
Big League superstar Bryce Harper (34, Philadelphia Phillies) showed the dignity of the loser.
The U.S. national baseball team lost 2-3 to Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) final at Rondipo Park in Miami, Florida on the 18th (Korea time).
This is the first time Venezuela has won a WBC competition. Venezuela's previous best WBC record was in the semifinals. On the other hand, the U.S. sought to win the title for the first time in nine years since the 2017 WBC, but had to be satisfied with second place in two consecutive tournaments.
After the game, Japanese media Full Count noted Harper's actions and reported, "Compliments are pouring into Harper."
Harper almost became a hero of the U.S. national team. The bottom of the eighth inning when the U.S. was dragged behind 0-2. Two outs later, Bobby Witt Jr. walked straight to load the bases.
Harper is the next one to go to the batter's box. Here, Harper hit a 93-mile (149.7km) changeup in the middle of Venezuelan bullpen pitcher Andres Machado and fired a dramatic two-run shot over the middle fence. The distance is 432 feet (about 132 meters). The batting speed was 109.4 miles (about 176 kilometers).
However, the U.S. immediately gave up one run in the top of the ninth inning, and eventually fell to its knees without scoring a goal in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Harper won a silver medal at the medal ceremony. And Harper's side was none other than the Venezuelan team waiting.
According to a video published in the media, Harper approached the Venezuelan players and hugged them one by one, expressing sincere congratulations. He embraced many Venezuelan players, not just a few close to him. Venezuelan players also patted Harper on the back and expressed their comfort. It was a scene where Harper's personality shone.
Regarding the scene, MLB Network reporter John Morosi gave a thumbs-up on his official social networking service (SNS) channel, saying, "It's a very elegant behavior."
Another media outlet, USA Today's Bob Nightingale, posted Harper's comment on his SNS after the game. Harper said: "Everyone wants to have a gold medal around their neck. But the Venezuelan players did it. I would like to pay tribute to them for everything they have achieved. They did their best and played a great game. I express my respect," he said, expressing his respect.
"Harper was one of several players who shed tears after the U.S. lost the game," Nightingale wrote.
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*This content was translated by AI.
