Gunnar Henderson Dominates for Team USA in World Baseball Classic
SARASOTA, Fla. – A later start to spring training for the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday morning proved beneficial, as several players stayed up late Saturday night to witness teammate Gunnar Henderson’s impressive showing for the United States in the World Baseball Classic against Great Britain. After sitting out Team USA’s opening game against Brazil, Henderson made a significant impact, going 4-for-5 with a double and two RBIs in the Americans’ 9-1 victory, improving their record to 2-0.
Both runs he drove in came during a pivotal five-run fifth inning for the U.S. team. Fellow Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg quickly shared his excitement on Instagram, posting a photo of Henderson in action with the caption: “Keep that man in the lineup.”
Teammates Praise Henderson’s Competitive Spirit
Westburg wasn’t surprised by Henderson’s performance at Daikin Park in Houston. Having come up through the Baltimore Minor League system together and now as MLB teammates since 2023, he knows Henderson’s drive all too well. “I was thinking that last night, actually, as I’m watching the game, I’m like, ‘Dude, this guy loves to win like nobody I know.’ He’s the most competitive person at anything that he does,” Westburg explained. “We’re just playing games at the [Spring Training] house, and he hates losing.”
Westburg believes Henderson was motivated after not playing in the first game. “I know how much that probably pissed him off that he didn’t get in that first game, and for him to get in that second game, I just figured that was kind of how it was going to go. He was going to come play with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder and do what he does best.”
Rising Star on the World Stage
Gunnar Henderson has quickly established himself as one of MLB’s brightest young stars. His breakout season in 2024 saw him hit .281 with 31 doubles, seven triples, 37 home runs, 92 RBIs, and an impressive .893 OPS over 159 games, earning him an All-Star selection and a fourth-place finish in American League MVP Award voting. Even a relatively “down” 2025 season, where he still batted .274 with 34 doubles, five triples, 17 home runs, and 68 RBIs, solidified his place as a key player.
Catcher Adley Rutschman wasn’t surprised by Henderson’s success. “The guy is elite,” Rutschman said. “Not surprised one bit when he goes out and gets four hits.”
Excitement and Passion for the Game
Before joining Team USA, Henderson expressed his excitement about participating in his first World Baseball Classic. Outfielder Colton Cowser revealed that Henderson’s response to being asked if he was excited was a simple, “Yeah,” but Cowser and others understood the significance of the opportunity for him.
“It’s the uncertainty of never having done it before mixed with the excitement of what he’s heard,” Rutschman said. “I know he’s definitely excited.” Westburg added, “He loves his country. He loves representing something bigger than himself. So for him to put the USA on his chest and play with some of the world’s best baseball players, I think any one of us would be excited. But for him, I think it meant a little bit more.”
Henderson’s passion was evident on his two-run single in the fifth, where he flexed and yelled towards the USA dugout after reaching second base on an error. Manager Craig Albernaz, new to the Orioles, was immediately impressed. “I was fired up watching it. It was so cool. So cool for Gunnar and also the rest of the fans to see what Gunnar can do on a big stage and the impact player we all know he is,” Albernaz stated. “That just shows how he plays the game.”
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