Sunday’s gold medal men’s hockey game between Team USA and Team Canada was a seminal moment for a much larger population than just hockey fans.
In winning its first men’s gold medal since 1980, Team USA not only inspired American sports fans from all walks of life but also American athletes in other sports. Gunnar Henderson, the excellent shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, proved to be a prime example.
Henderson, who is preparing to represent Team USA at next month’s World Baseball Classic, said Monday that he would very much like to be among the first group of Major League Baseball players to participate in the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
“That would be super special, being able to get into the Olympics and compete for the gold medal at that point,” Henderson said, per Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun. “After watching that hockey game, that’s definitely something that’s a top priority.”
To be clear, MLB players have not yet expressly been cleared to participate in LA 2028. But commissioner Rob Manfred said earlier this month that he’s optimistic it will happen. The league would have to create an extended midseason break so players could leave their clubs and focus on playing for their national teams.
Henderson is in good standing to win a spot on the Team USA roster if and when the best players in the world are given the green light to participate, given that he’s well-established as one of the best shortstops in the sport and is only 24 years old.
First things first, though: Henderson and Team USA have some revenge to exact on the field for the WBC next month, and especially defending champion Team Japan, after a runner-up finish in 2023.
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